The "~  ~  ~" is a switch in scenario within the same time flow.

This the first part of Chapter 6.  The second part will come out 
soon after this.

This chapter is Rated G.

======================
The Legend of Serenity
======================
by: Spatula Gurl

-- Chapter Six; PART 1


	"And upon the morning light
	 Did dwell the smile unknown
	 A change that faded
	 As quickly as it came
	 Yet in the back of my mind I bore
	 The unforgettable memory
	 That changed my vision of you..."


Silverwood, April 1, XA0029

	Keiko, a young maid in the palace of Prince Saitou, stood 
before one of the bedroom doors of the female guests.  She has been 
assigned by His Majesty to see to tidying up their rooms and making 
them more comfortable during their stay.  She was also to be the 
personal maid of one of them--Lady Minako Aino, she remembered--
assisting that lady with her necessities.
	She heaved a nervous sigh as she smoothed her brown mane, 
making sure she looked presentable, and straightened the pleats in 
her skirt.  She was always nervous whenever she was to be a personal 
maid of one of the guests in the palace.  Her not-so-great experience 
with past guests--ladies whom she had to assist--were not so 
pleasant, after all.  Her mistresses never did like her, or at least 
seemed to be irritated with her.  Whenever she brushed their hair, 
they would complain that she was too rough.  When she assisted them 
into their layers of clothing, they'd say she was careless and might 
tear the precious silk material.  Whatever she did, no matter how 
much effort she put in her duties, they would always see something 
wrong.  It was a wonder they hadn't complained to His Majesty about 
her 'inefficiency'.  She was thankful that she was still working in 
the Silverwood palace, a place she had come to love since she began 
working in it about a year ago.
	Now she reached for the doorknob.  Quietly, she pushed open 
the heavy door and stepped into the room.
	The bedchamber was not very messy if she were to exclude the 
very large bed, which had two occupants.  With the faint sunlight 
coming in through the curtains, she could see that the two occupants 
were two young women, probably not much older than herself.  They 
were beautiful too; one with long, golden hair like a goddess, and 
the other, with soft, wavy, chestnut tresses that spread out on her 
fluffy pillow.
	She wondered if they really were the brides of the infamous 
generals.  That was what she heard in kitchen gossip. They were, 
probably, having faces of such angels like that to match those 
generals' good looks.  And they did arrive with them--the generals, 
that is--and shouldn't that mean something?
	Now that she was thinking about it, she recalled that the 
Lady Glynis has been pining for one of Prince Endymion's generals 
for a long time now.  What would she think of 'her' general's bride?
	After cleaning up the bureau and dusting the oak tables, she 
walked towards the curtains.  She flung it open, then reached for the 
silken cords that would bind each end.  When she was finished with 
the task, she heard a groan, then a loud yawn coming from behind.  
Immediately, she turned around and saw the blonde-haired girl 
stretching her arms and the other one rubbing her eyes.  Keiko bowed 
her head and mumbled a quiet "Good morning, m'lady" to both of them.
	"Good morning," the blond-haired girl returned with a smile, 
if a little sleepily.  Her companion blinked a few times, looked 
outside the window as if to see the sunlight herself.  Then she 
turned to look at Keiko, returning the young maid's earlier greeting 
with a warm smile of her own.
	Keiko was thrown off guard by their smiles and greetings. In 
an attempt to collect her scattered wits, she stammered, "B-breakfast 
is being s-served at the d-dining hall." She inhaled deeply as she 
paused, then continued, "Perhaps m'ladies would like to join the 
generals and His Majesty, Prince Saitou?  I shall call for Sari right 
away, and we shall assist with m'ladies' clothing."
	The blonde-haired girl then turned to look at her friend, her 
eyes quite wide.  "Did you hear that, Mako-chan?  They're already 
having their breakfast!"  She turned to Keiko again.  "What about 
Ami-chan and Rei-chan?  Are they up yet?"
	The maid stuttered in reply, "I-if m'lady m-means Lady Mizuno 
and Lady Hino, I d-do not think they have awakened yet--m-m'lady." 
As she finished speaking, the two girls climbed quickly out of bed, 
and for the first time, Keiko noticed their unusual clothes.  But she 
did not have time to think as she quickly excused herself, saying 
that she was going to call the other maid, Sari, so that they could 
assist them in dressing right away.  The two girls did not notice her 
as soon as they were out of the bed anyway, so she left to do just 
that.


	"Hold still, dear," Kimiko told the seemingly restless child,
as she continued to brush the girl's curly blonde mane.  But the 
young girl did not seem to mind her elder, having her attentions 
centered on something or someone else.  Kimiko frowned slightly, and 
as she was seated behind the curtains--whereas the child, Akira, was 
peeking at the uncovered part of the wall--she couldn't see what or 
who it was that had the girl so anxious, twisting here and there to 
get a better view of whatever or whoever it was.
	"What is the matter with you, child!?" Kimiko was finally led 
to ask in exasperation, as the little girl squirmed from her place 
yet again, slightly mussing the hair she was brushing.
	The little girl, Akira, now turned to look at Kimiko, biting 
her lip in her usual shy manner, the look of hesitation apparent in 
her brown eyes.
	"Well?"  The elder looked at the child expectantly, one hand 
on her hip, the other one holding the silver hairbrush like a weapon.
	Akira squirmed uncomfortably.  "Nainai," she said softly, 
referring to the woman in front of her.  It was the name she had been 
calling Kimiko, ever since the day she had learned to utter her first 
few syllables.  "Who are they?" she questioned, pointing a little 
finger towards the direction of the dining hall.
	"Ah, you mean the generals?  You've met them before, haven't 
you?"  Kimiko looked at the child curiously, tinged with a bit of 
amusement.  "One of them caught your eye, eh?"
	"No!  No!"  The child shook her head vehemently.  Then in a 
lower, almost inaudible voice, that the woman had to lean closer to 
hear, she said, "I meant those pretty women...are they here to 
marry oniichan?"
	Kimiko was startled at the little girl's words.  Marry?
Saitou?  Was he coming to his senses after all?  She had hopes of him 
noticing--and soon after that, marrying--the young Glynis.  But as 
long as he was married *and* happy, then everything was fine.
	She was about to smile at the thought, but then she froze., 
remembering no particular guests in the castle, except for 
Prince Endymion's generals and...  
	Women?
	Could it be that Akira was talking about those women who 
arrived with the generals?
	Well, that must be it.  She heard they were the generals' 
fiancees.  She sighed.  Oh well, so much for high hopes.  She chided 
herself for assuming too much.
	But she just couldn't help it.  Prince Saitou's inevitable 
marriage should be given more thought, now that he was a few years 
past twenty.  It was beginning to be a source of frustration on her 
part, that all of Saitou's attention was centered on running the 
whole of Silverwood Kingdom.  He was particularly disinterested in 
the topic of marriage.  Why, practically every noblewoman from each 
of the neighboring kingdoms have been brought to his attention for 
possible engagement.  And he, being gifted with his exceptional 
physical appearance, had no trouble attracting even more women 
in Silverwood--much to his annoyance.  All of these females have 
tried to catch his attention whenever they get the chance, but their 
efforts were all in vain.  The prince constantly brushed them off--
politely, of course--and went right back to his work.  With those 
thoughts in mind, Kimiko sighed again.
	"Nainai?" Akira called out softly.
	For a moment, Kimiko stared blankly at the little girl.  It 
took her a few seconds to realize where she had left off, before  
wondering about Saitou's future.  "Oh!" she finally said, laughing 
at her woolgathering.  "They're having breakfast right now with 
Saitou, eh?  Well honey," she pulled the little girl into her arms 
before saying, "They're not here to marry your brother.  They're just 
staying for awhile to take care of grown-up matters."  That said, she 
stood up, smiling as she held Akira's tiny hand in hers.  Then she 
walked, quiet as a mouse, towards the tiny opening of the curtain, 
lifting it only slightly so that she, too, could take a peek at the 
breakfast table.  Akira huddled close by her side.
	She looked.  Then suppressed the small gasp that in-
-voluntarily came out of her mouth.
	"They're very beautiful, aren't they?" she whispered.  Akira 
slowly nodded her agreement.  Truly, she rarely see women as such.  
"A shame," the former sighed, thinking that the women were already 
spoken for, having heard the whispered gossips in the kitchen.  Then 
with a shake of her head and a pat on the child's, she said, "Go play 
outside with Yokio, okay?"  Then with a frown, she added, "Where is 
that troublesome brother of yours?  Have you seen him?"  When Akira 
shook her head no, the elder went to look for the boy.
	Akira stared at Kimiko's retreating back, before finally 
returning her attention back to the dining hall.


	"Do not worry about it," Prince Saitou told Makoto reassur-
-ingly.  "Glynis hasn't made use of her services for weeks now, so 
Madame Saeki will surely love the work.  I shall send for her 
immediately, so you can have your fitting this afternoon."
	Makoto nodded and smiled weakly.  "Thank you, Your Highness," 
she managed to choke out.  Then she kept her head bowed slightly, 
her eyes fixed on her plate as she tried to hide her blush.
	The prince noticed this, but could not understand why she was 
being so.
	That morning, when the maids were helping Minako and Makoto 
with their clothes, they had spent a long time trying to find a 
suitable morning gown that would fit Makoto.  While Makoto kept her 
bosom bound in the breast-wrapper she usually wore, her tallness was 
still a problem, for none of the ladies in the castle (who had a few 
dresses to spare) reached such height.  Finally, she came up with 
a riding habit made of rich, hunter-green material--the one she and 
Minako purchased while they were in Tokyo.  It was no gown, but it 
was the only clothing they had that fit.  When they began walking 
downstairs to the dining hall, Minako slyly reminded her tall friend 
the conversation they had back inside the inn at Tokyo--that she, 
Makoto, would have to wear a dress sooner or later.  At which point, 
the brunette snapped that she was expecting to stay at another inn, 
not a castle.
	The prince was kind enough to send for a modiste.  Makoto was 
grateful indeed, but was a bit uncomfortable at discussing it, 
especially at the breakfast table.  She felt so...gigantic...
	Saitou turned to look at the other women and told them that 
they could have their fittings for as many dresses as they want as 
well.  The others nodded, as they smiled and uttered their 
appreciation.  But Makoto still kept her gaze away, and continued to 
eat her food.
	The men continued to talk about certain matters concerning 
their kingdoms, while keeping light chatter with the rest of them.  
Minako and Ami did most of the talking.  Rei would comment on some-
-thing every now and then, as did Makoto, albeit distractedly.  The 
latter's thoughts were simply not in the discussion at the breakfast 
table, and she soon had her gaze wandering boredly about in the room.
And so her eyes chanced upon a tiny figure peeking meekly behind the 
curtained part of the dining room.  She tilted her head then, looking 
at the figure hiding behind the curtain flap questioningly.  When she 
realized that the tiny figure was that of a young girl, she smiled.
	Saitou had just noticed that one of his female guests, Lady 
Kino, was being particularly quiet.  And then he realized, she was 
looking at something behind him.  He turned around his chair to 
follow her gaze, and saw that his little sister, Akira, was peeking 
from behind a curtain.  He smiled as he realized that his little 
sister must have been the one that had caught the lady's attention.
"Akira," he called out, smiling fondly at his sister.  "Come here!"
	The child jumped slightly from where she was standing, 
surprised that she had been caught.  She still did not come out from 
the curtains.  Her eyes darted warily from each person at the table 
to another, before she hesitantly stepped out from her hiding place.
Saitou nodded his head, as if motioning her gently to come forward.  
Twisting a lock of her hair in her finger, and biting her lip, she 
soon did so.  By this time, all eyes were on her, and Makoto could 
see that she grew all the more hesitant.  She offered a friendly 
smile.
	"Good morning, Akira-chan," Jadeite greeted the little girl 
with a smile.
	"Akira-chan," started Zoicite, with a teasing grin on his 
lips, "Is that really you?  You've grown prettier than the last time 
I saw you.  Tell me, have you been breaking hearts already?"  He 
winked.
	At this, the little girl blushed.  Saitou chuckled as he saw 
his sister's pink cheeks.  Then he turned to the women at the table, 
smiling widely as he introduced them to his sister.
	"Hello!"  The women warmly greeted the little girl in chorus.
The child nodded shyly in acknowledgment, before she began tugging at 
her brother's sleeve.
	"Can I go now?" she asked.
	"But you haven't had your breakfast yet," the elder reminded 
her.
	"I already have," she replied.  "I ate with Nainai in the 
kitchen."
	Saitou looked doubtful for a moment, before he finally shook 
his head and sighed.  "Alright, then, what about Yokio?  He has not 
joined us at the table yet."
	"He went off to play, and I'm looking for him," the little 
girl answered.
	"Well, okay then, you go and look for him.  Make sure to 
remind him of his breakfast."  Saitou looked at everyone meaningfully 
at the table as he stood up.  "It is best we move on as well.  I just 
have a couple of matters to attend to, but I promise to meet with 
you all in the drawing room at one o'clock."
	"Agreed," Kunzite replied, standing up as well.  Turning 
to the ladies and the rest of his fellow generals, he said, "We'll 
start on right ahead in the drawing room in two hours then."
	"For the meantime, we'll attend to the necessary 
preparations," said Ami.  "We barely had the time last night, and 
I apologize for that."
	"No need, Lady Ami," Zoicite cut in gently.  "We understand."
	At that point, Minako stirred from her place and approached 
the prince.  "Your Highness, may I speak to you in private?" she 
asked.
	Saitou frowned slightly, wondering what it was about.  "Of 
course," he answered.  "What is it?"


				~	~	~	


	"Glynis!"  Kimiko ran forward to greet this beautiful girl 
who was like a granddaughter to her.
	"Obachan," Glynis returned the greeting just as warmly, her 
deep blue eyes sparkling.  She met her elder halfway, and locked her 
in an exuberant embrace.
	Kimiko smoothed the girl's ebony locks as she gave her a 
puzzled look, saying, "You're home early.  I thought you weren't 
coming home until tomorrow."
	"Never mind that," Glynis replied vaguely, and the expression 
on her face indicated that her mind was set on something else.  "Is 
it true, Obachan?"
	"What is?" Kimiko asked her, confused.
	The girl sighed impatiently.  "Well I heard the maids mention 
something about the generals being here while they were attending to 
my trunks.  Are they?"
	Kimiko shook her head.  "Oh dear, not you too..."
	Glynis froze in her tracks.  "What do you mean?  He's here, 
isn't he?"
	"I'm getting tired of your riddles, young lady," Kimiko 
admonished with great exasperation.  "Who are you talking about?!?"
	"General Nephrite, of course!  He's here, isn't he?"  She 
pressed on impatiently, unable to supress her growing excitement.
	"All of Prince Endymion's generals have come to stay for a 
while, so yes, I suppose he's here--where are you going?"  Kimiko 
called out to the girl who dashed past her in a flurry of rustling 
silk and flowing hair.  "But dear--"
	Glynis paused in the middle of her tracks and turned to look
at her elder.  Patting her hair, she asked her, "How do I look?"
	"You look tired--"
	"Then I'll just have to refreshen up a bit," Glynis said, 
giving Kimiko a bright smile as she continued on her way.  
	"But dear--" Kimiko tried again.
	"See you later!" the girl called out, waving her hand as she 
disappeared in the hallway.
	"Oh my..." Kimiko whispered to herself in the now empty 
room.  She shook her head sadly, thinking that when her girl finds 
out who else was in the castle, she'd be nursing herself a big 
heartache...


				~	~	~


	"Where are you going?"
	Minako jumped in surprise as she heard the familiar deep 
voice ask the question.  She turned around and almost smacked right  
into none other than Kunzite.
	"You startled me," Minako said, breathless, as she managed 
a weak smile.
	There was silence for a moment before he spoke again.  "You 
still haven't answered my question," he told her.
	'Geez.  What is wrong with him?'  Slightly annoyed, she 
answered, "I am going to town to look for someone."  She tried to get 
past him as she finished.
	He blocked her way and cocked a brow.  "Oh?  You aren't 
thinking of going alone now, are you?"
	Minako cringed inwardly.  'Uh-oh...  He got me there.' "Well, 
I...uh...  Prince Saitou has already called for guards to escort me."
	"Is that why you're sneaking off on your own?  You'll never 
get past the palace guards, you know."
	Minako finally conceded.  She lifted her chin defiantly.  "I 
have my ways."
	At that, his gray eyes narrowed slightly, and she felt a 
little flutter in her stomach which suspicously indicated her 
uneasiness.  "Lady, we have our terms and conditions.  And while 
we're under these circumstances, you are specifically under my 
charge.  I am responisble for your safety.  You," he continued, 
ennunciating the word, "know that quite well.  You agreed to our 
terms, and we agreed to yours."  His eyes pierced her own blue ones 
as they stood there face to face.  After a moment, Minako lowered 
her eyes.
	"So you have," she finally admitted sheepishly.  Carefully, 
she continued, "You are right.  I apologize for my behavior then, 
General."  'It's just that I'm not used to being hounded,' she 
thought to herself.  Aloud, she went on, "Let us go now, since we 
have to hurry and be back by noon."  With that, she walked past 
him--he let her this time--knowing that he would follow right behind 
her.  And he did, of course.


	"Who are you looking for?"
	Makoto whirled around to see Nephrite behind her.  She 
narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously, as she demanded, "What now?  
Are you spying on me?"
	Nehprite merely gave her a slight negative shake of the head
and an innocent look, raising his eyebrows so as he said to her, 
"You're in a fine mood, this morning."  Then, putting on a thoughtful 
expression as Makoto rolled her eyes at him, he continued, "I don't 
suppose it's because you couldn't find a gown to wear?"
	"Don't you start," she told him, but with not much heat.  He 
noticed, and thought that she must be getting used to him.  She 
noticed as well, and with a small frown, came upon a similar 
conclusion.
	"You must be getting used to me," he remarked aloud with a 
laugh.
	Surprised by the sound of his laughter, she gave him a 
sidelong glance.  'Well he's certainly in a good mood,' she thought.  
Then she grimaced mockingly, and agreed with him, "I must be," after 
which she smiled herself.
	He walked beside her now, down the marble steps and towards 
the vine-covered gates that lead to one of the rose gardens in the 
palace.  She looked around and saw no one in sight as of yet, so she 
walked further, Nephrite going along with her.  Having him near 
without their usual bickering felt awkward, yet strangely pleasant.  
On the journey, what usually replaced their squabbles was either a 
stony silence or a tired one.  This was the first time they've been 
together at peace, but Makoto was doubtful it would last.
	Makoto surveyed her surroundings with delight.  The rose 
garden was very beautiful.  The delicately clipped bushes and the 
elegantly cascading trellises set a very romantic milieu, so much so 
that she suddenly blushed at finding herself there with him.  How 
ironic, to be with this particular man in a garden as such...him, of 
all people!  She almost laughed in spite of herself.
	"Don't worry yourself about it," Nephrite suddenly said, 
his words breaking through her thoughts.
	"About...uh, what?" she queried, looking at him with 
surprise, and wondering nervously if he had read her thoughts.
	"About the dresses.  Madame Saeki is a fast worker, and 
she'll soon have some of the dresses delivered to you tomorrow."  He 
glanced at her briefly, before returning his gaze back to the path 
they were walking.
	"Oh...that."  She was relieved he was talking about the 
dresses; nevertheless, she still felt uncomfortable about the 
subject and was thinking of some way to direct the conversation to 
other topics.
	Unfortunately for her, Nephrite found the current subject 
rather interesting.  It was just that he was used to noblewomen who 
were all too prim and proper, and titleborn ladies who would never 
even think of wearing men's apparel or breeches.  Her friends, even 
though their choice of clothing was quite unexpected as well, were 
still donned in feminine versions of armor and fighting robes.  But 
not Makoto.  Even though her tailored clothing was of the finest 
quality, as anyone of nobility would have, they were still...male 
garments.  Actually, it was a very refreshing quality (of course he 
wouldn't mention that to her), but now he was led to wonder what 
Makoto would look like in feminine attire...
	"How would you look like in a dress?" he suddenly said aloud, 
surprising Makoto as well as himself.
	*Now* she was blushing.  But as she looked at him, about to 
make a scathing remark, she saw that his expression was of mild 
curiousity.  Due to his incomprehensible good mood, he wasn't really 
meaning to embarrass her, as he told her afterwards.
	"Ah," he said, after noting her scarlet cheeks.  "I really 
should stop baiting you like that," he teased.  "But I apologize. 
It was not my intention to embarrass you, however it may seem 
otherwise."
	'Apologize?  Him?'  She couldn't believe what she was 
hearing, and was rendered speechless because she didn't quite know 
what to think of it.  What happened to the General Nephrite she knew?
	Her thoughts broke off once again as she and Nephrite neared 
another clearing in the garden.  They soon found out that it led to 
an area with even more of the elegant ambiance.  There were ornately
carved marble stones to be used for seats, plushed with a myriad of 
red roses trailing along the back and the sides.  And in the heart
of all these was a breathtaking fountain, with a marble sculpture of 
a cherub in its center, holding an ewer, from which water was coming 
out of.  Her emerald eyes widened as it took in the captivating 
details of her surroundings, and a sheen of mist clouded over them as 
she soon realized that it was all too familiar...this scenery.  The 
flowers, the fountain...everything.  For the first time since they 
set foot on Earth, she missed her Lunarian home.  Not Jupiter, her 
planet, but the Lunar Kingdom.  Her memories of Jupiter was far too 
strong and impressionable to miss, but that was not the reason why 
she suddenly felt homesickness for her Lunarian home instead of her 
planet...
	Serenity.  Her friends.  And her only family.  The moments 
they all shared with each other on the Silver Moon brought out the 
best in her.  But now they can't go back to the way it was.  Not 
until they find Serenity again.
	Such depressing thoughts produced a well-worn sigh out of 
her, and it was all that took Nephrite to throw a puzzled glance at 
her direction.  But seeing her forlorn expression made him think 
twice in asking her about it.  Would he?
	He decided not to.  He was not in the position to ask about 
what was obviously a personal matter, and he barely knew her after 
all.
	He took a seat in one of the marble stones and watched her
walk towards the fountain and sit by its side.  "So," he began, 
"who were you looking for earlier?"
	"Huh?"  She turned to look at him with a blank expression on 
her face, obviously still deep in her reverie.  It was only after a 
few seconds did she remember what he was talking about.  "Oh that! 
Well, I was trying to follow the little princess, Akira-chan."  But 
it was obvious she also forgot about the girl momentarily until he 
brought up the subject.  "Do you know where she went?"
	He shook her head.  "Did you want to talk to her?"
	"Well...sort of."  She looked down at her lap.  "But she 
seemed like a shy little girl."
	"She is..."
	"I love children very much, and I was hoping to be her 
company during our stay."
	He cocked an eyebrow.  "You love children?  I wouldn't have 
thought that of a grouch like you," he told her frankly--too frankly 
perhaps.
	"Oh, shut up!"  She scowled, her cheeks smarting with color.  
"What do you know, anyway?"
	He merely gave her a sardonic half-smile that was all too 
familiar to her.  The old Nephrite was coming back, she thought.  But 
his words that followed surprised her so much.
	"You know, you should smile more often," he remarked 
casually.
	Makoto was halted briefly with that comment coming from 
him...that is, until he added, "All that frowning you usually do gives 
you wrinkles."
	She retorted hotly, "I would, if you'd just stop 
it with those irritating remarks of yours.  Better yet, stop opening 
your mouth altogether!"
	He laughed, shaking his head as he did so.  "You are amusing, 
if nothing else, Lady."
	She narrowed her eyes at him, which only made him laugh 
harder.  "You'd find anything amusing, probably even your own funeral.  
Which reminds me," she told him with a pointed look, "I'd be happy to 
assist you--with your funeral, I mean--if you keep provoking me like 
this."  Finally, she stood up, dusting her habit.  "Well, I should go 
back inside now, since Akira-chan's not here anyway."  Then she 
walked away, leaving without him in all intent and purposes.
	Chuckling to himself now, Nephrite quickly stood up to follow 
after her.  "Just like that?" he said to her, putting on a feigned 
look of surprise and hurt.  "No 'thank you' for my pleasant company?"
	"For a minute back there, I actually thought you were," she 
heatedly shot back.
	Now she would've stomped off to her exit, grandly, without 
giving the infuriating general another glance.  But fate was a cruel 
joker, and as her luck would have it, she never even got to the 
stomping part.  The moment she finished her statement, she tripped on 
one of the thickly corded rose stems that trailed from the gate, 
where it clung, to the ground.  And of course, the icing to the cake, 
she happened to fall directly to her side, facing Nephrite, yelping 
as she fell.
	Now she lay in a heap on the ground, groaning inwardly at her 
demise.  Why, of why does this always have to happen when he was 
around?
	Nephrite, now fully recovered from his initial surprise as 
Makoto vainly tried to catch her balance by grabbing him, knelt on 
the ground to help her up.  But he couldn't stop himself from 
grinning, especially as he told her, "Falling at my feet?  I'm 
flattered, really I am.  What's next?"  Grabbing her firmly, and 
placing her arms on his shoulders for support, he hefted her up.  
When she was finally standing up, but not noticing the fact that her 
face was only inches away from his right then, she glared at him and 
said in an accusing voice, "You...you're bad luck, you know that?  
And I really mean bad..."
	For a moment, both of them just stood there facing each 
other, unmoving from their position.  Then Nephrite opened his 
mouth, about to say something, when suddenly...
	"Nephrite-sama!"


	Rei gently slid her fingers across the smooth, ivory keys of 
the beautiful piano.  She wondered where everyone was.  She knew 
Minako had gone outside to the city with General Kunzite.  But she 
had no idea where Ami-chan and Mako-chan went.
	Glancing at the antique clock standing grandly in one corner
of the room, she realized that there was still much time to spare.  
Two hours, General Kunzite said.  Two hours before they all meet in 
the drawing room.
	Now she placed both of her hands on the ivory keys, pressing 
random notes gently, clearly.  Finally, she gave in to the urge, as 
an old melody flowed from her mind to her nimble fingers.  She played 
the tune, drowning herself in its sad familiarity.  And as always 
whenever she absorbed herself in her music, she became oblivious of 
everything else.  Especially when she was playing this song.
	This song...  She composed it herself, but had never given 
it a title.  The song was like a reflection of herself.  And it 
seemed to her that it was endless, forever unfinished.  She started 
working on it when she was barely twelve years old, her mother 
helping her with it before she passed away a year later.  As she grew 
up, she kept adding parts whenever she was feeling extreme emotions--
when she was sad, overjoyed or frustrated.  And it showed.  She 
already knew the piece--her piece--by heart, from the very first note 
down to the last one.  She had played it so many times before.  She 
still played it, although not as often, only on occassion.  And the 
last time she had added a part to it was three years ago.  It has 
been a long time since.
	Her fingers moved slower as they pressed on the final notes 
of her piece.  When the sounds died moments later, she was surprised 
to hear clapping from behind her.  She had not realized that someone 
had come inside the room and heard her play.  When she turned around 
on her seat to find out who it was, she discovered that it was 
General Jadeite.
	The handsome general gave her a warm smile as he approached 
her, saying, "That was wonderful.  I had no idea you were so talented 
with the piano, Lady Hino."
	"Rei," he heard her correct him.  "And thank you.  I've 
been playing since I was four."
	He was standing beside her now, watching her as she brought 
her right hand down on the keys and started to play a soft melody.
"No wonder.  You're one of the best I have ever heard."
	"You flatter me too much, Gen--Jadeite."
	"I am speaking the truth."  And he was.  There was something 
different when she played.  He could not pinpoint what it was 
exactly, but it was something very noticeable.
	"What brings you here?" she asked, not looking up from the 
keyboard.
	He shrugged.  "I heard your playing while I was passing by 
and thought to take a look."
	"Oh."  She continued playing.  "Don't you have something to 
do?"
	Jadeite blinked.  And then laughed good-naturedly.  "I take 
it that was a hint?  If you want to be alone, I'll go."
	She looked up at him in surprise.  "No, that wasn't what I 
meant at all," she told him.  "It's just that everyone seemed to 
have gone off somewhere doing heaven knows what, and you're right 
here, listening to me play."
	"Well, I  just finished unpacking my things and checking on 
the rest of the soldiers, so I've got nothing to do for now.  I was 
heading to the drawing room, but I figured no one would probably be 
there right now and I'd most likely fall asleep of boredom."
	"You're right.  That's why I came here myself."
	"Got nothing to do?"
	She shook her head in reply.  Then she started playing another 
piece again, unaware that Jadeite was watching her closely.  This 
was much different from the one that she had played earlier.  The 
piece was still played quite well, but it was lacking a certain 
element that the first one had.  And somehow, he felt she was playing 
differently now than the first time he heard her.  But he mentally 
dismissed this thought, telling himself that the change in her 
playing may have been due to his presence.  He has heard that some 
musicians performed better without an audience they felt obligated to 
please.  Perhaps Rei was the same.
	He waited until she was finished before he asked her, "What was 
that other song you were playing?"
	"Hmm?"  She looked up at him questioningly, meeting his eyes.  
Lord help him, how she could easily distract him with those deep, 
violet orbs.  They were too extraordinary.  But fortunately, he was 
able to catch himself, before he could do anything stupid, like stare 
as if he were a smitten schoolboy.
	"That first song you were playing, the one I listened to when I 
came in.  It's a very interesting piece.  What is it?"
	She smiled briefly, as she was won't to do, and answered, 
"Well, I don't know yet."  When he gave her a puzzled look, she 
explained further.  "I started composing it a long time ago, adding 
each new part every now and then, although the last one was a few 
years ago.  Even then, I have never given it a title.  I think..."  
Her voice trailed off, as if she remembered something she was not 
supposed to tell.
	"You think what?" he prodded gently.
	"I think it's because I haven't finished it yet.  I feel that 
it still hasn't reached its end, and it doesn't seem appropriate to 
give it a title without seeing how it is fully formed."  She was 
surprised to have shared with him her thoughts, but didn't know what 
to make of it.  Then she glanced at him and frowned, before she 
continued, "I'm not making much sense, am I?"
	"No, I think I understand," he assured her.  "So you made this 
piece.  I see your talent doesn't just end with playing the piano.  
I think I'm starting to feel envious."
	"You shouldn't," she told him in a matter-of-fact tone of 
voice.  
	But Jadeite just laughed, making her look up again.  He 
explained, "No, it's just that a few years back then, I tried my hand 
at composing, too, but it just wasn't my calling."  He scratched his 
head as he admitted, "You should've heard the songs I created.  Zoi 
complained that they made his ears bleed, and said that it sounded 
like a catfight.  Nephrite's definition wasn't too far from that one, 
either--he claimed that it sounded like a dog being kicked."
	"Truly?"  Rei asked, as both sable brows shot upward.  Then it 
happened--she couldn't help it; she laughed, much to the surprise of 
Jadeite, who never saw her as such.  He hadn't thought it possible, 
but she looked even more beautiful when she was laughing, instead of 
those serene and reserved smiles which, during his moments with her, 
were also rare.  He smiled himself, and soon joined her in the 
laughter.


	"Lady, what exactly are we looking for now?" Kunzite muttered 
irritably.  First she wouldn't tell her who the deuce they were 
looking for, and now...
	"Ah, gommene, Kunzite," Minako offered sheepishly.  "I thought 
it would be easy looking for the inn, but I hadn't counted on this 
many inns on this part of the city..."
	"Don't you at least know the name of this inn?"  he asked her, 
frowning.
	"Umm, that's it, you see.  He wasn't clear with his in-
structions--no wait, he didn't give much instructions, that foolish 
man.  All I know is, he's staying at Casa-something..."
	"Then we'll just have make do," he said, his frown getting 
darker.  "Is there anything else?"
	"Well, he's got to have money, since he's also here to deliver 
us some, so he's probably staying at an expensive inn or something."  
Minako sighed as she looked around her.  "You know, we probably 
should have gone here on horseback.  Then it would be much easier to 
locate him, especially if he's outside, and its much less tiring 
that way."  But then she noticed a couple of people staring at her 
and Kunzite.  They must have recognized the general, judging by the 
way they were looking at him, although they seemed a little unsure.  
Probably because there wasn't any royalty grandeur, complete with 
gold and velvet swathed horses, plus a handful of imperial guards 
flocking by them.  She sighed for the second time, saying in a small 
voice, "Then again, maybe not..."
	Kunzite looked around him as well and saw what she meant.  
"Pay them no mind, Minako.  Concentrate on the road."
	A few minutes later, they were now in the town square, set on 
reaching the other side of the city area to look for more inns.  The 
colorful banners and cheery little flags surrounding the square 
caught Minako's eye, and she decided to question Kunzite about it.  
	"I think they're preparing for the annual April festival," he 
answered her.
	"How nice.  And when would that be?"
	"I don't know," came the short reply.  "But I do know it's a 
three-day, three-night celebration."
	Minako turned her gaze back to the people who were busy setting 
up banners and the necessary woodworks.  She could see that the 
children watching nearby in the area were excited as well, as they 
animate with their hands and voices their expectations of the up-
coming event.  Several restriction signs were already lined up in 
certain areas where major performances would be held.  She looked 
on enviously at the people around her who all seemed so happy and 
content, not a worry in mind.  Of course, she shrugged mentally, 
that's just the way it is.
	"Are you planning on going to the festival?" she heard him ask 
her, knocking her out of her reverie.
	She shook her head in response, a rueful smile forming on her 
lips.  "I would if I could.  Maybe if I get some spare time.  But 
you know we have to work hard, so it would be doubtful to get any.  I 
won't even get my hopes up."
	There was something wistful in the way she had said it, that 
Kunzite found himself looking at her for a moment before finally 
turning away.  But even before he could think about it further, he 
felt Minako's energetic pull to his arm.
	"I think I just saw him!" Minako exclaimed, grabbing the arm of 
the unsuspecting general to bring herself to his attention.  She 
craned her neck as she tried to get a better view above the people's 
heads, grumbling something about her mother being too short--or was 
she talking about herself?
	"Damn it," she muttered, as she tried going past the throng of 
people that stood in her way.  "I know I saw him by that snack 
stand.  With those hair and clothes, he'd stand out like a sore 
thumb anywhere in this part of the city.  Oh, excuse me!"  She 
offered an apologetic smile to the woman she accidentally bumped into 
and continued on her way.
	"Slow down, Minako!"
	She barely heard him as she finally caught sight of that 
familiar head of platinum-blonde hair.  "There he is!" she said, 
smiling brightly.  She ran forward happily to greet the person, with 
arms extended wide as she shouted, "Artemis!"
	The man finally turned around in surprise as he heard someone 
belt out his name.  He was still in the process of swallowing the 
sweet bean curd he just bought from the snack vendor when he was 
suddenly greeted by an overly joyous Venusian princess...


	Upon hearing the familiar high-pitched voice, Nephrite 
suddenly stiffened.  Makoto noticed this before she turned around to 
look at who it was.
	Slowly, Nephrite did the same.  He was not surprised to be 
greeted by the sight of an obviously delighted Lady Glynis, hurrying 
across the lawn to meet him.  But before he could utter anything to 
the newcomer, he felt an insistent tap on his shoulder.  He now 
turned to look at Makoto, cocking an eyebrow questioningly.
	"You can let go of me now."
	To Makoto's annoyance, this was did with such a surprised force 
that she almost fell backward this time.  But since he seemed 
occupied with the sight of this beautiful petite girl running towards 
him, she let it go.  But imagine her reaction when the girl launched 
herself at him, holding tight the handsome general, and looking as if 
she never wanted to let go.  Suddenly, Makoto felt oddly out of 
place, as she stood by the side, watching the ecstatic girl tell the 
general--who was looking quite uneasy--how much she had missed him.  
So she remarked dryly, "I guess the two of you know each other quite 
well."
	Both gazes flew to her as she spoke; one which was strained, 
and the other downright disdainful.  There was a hint of anger in the 
girl's blue eyes, which at first, Makoto could not understand.  She 
was even more surprised when she heard her ask rudely, "And who is 
this?"
	Makoto's eyes flared at the girl's obnoxious tone.  But even 
before she could defend herself, Nephrite put the girl in her place 
himself.  In a curt voice, indicating his temper rising up, he told 
her, "She is my charge, Lady Kino Makoto.  And you would do well to 
show her the respect she deserves.  Do not let me hear you addressing 
her in a less than respectful tone again, Lady Glynis."
	To give her credit, the Lady Glynis flushed crimson, and 
actually looked contrite.  "I'm sorry, Lady Kino, Nephrite-sama," the 
girl said, but not looking at Makoto.  "It seems I left my mind 
elsewhere in my hurry to see you," she ended with an apologetic smile 
as she looked up at him.  She still did not detract herself from the 
general's arm--to the growing irritation of the emerald-eyed lady, who 
thought the picture before her was becoming less and less amusing.
	"Consider it forgotten, Lady Glynis," she stated frostily, 
her eyes darting back and forth from the two in such a way, before 
finally meeting his darkening brown eyes.
	He could not miss the insinuating look she gave the both of 
them, so he gritted out, "It's not what it looks like, Makoto."  That 
made Glynis frown, knowing what the words implied, and hearing him 
call this giant of a woman by her first name.
	But Makoto ignored him as if he hadn't spoken at all, and 
excused herself, saying, "I'll be going ahead now, if you don't 
mind."  Then her eyes dropped meaningfully to the young girl, and 
their entwined arms, before returning to him, her lips twitching into 
a smirk.  "You look like you've got your hands full, anyway."
	She stalked off before anyone could say anything.  And this 
time, she made sure not to trip on anything.


	"La--Ami, so you're already here?"
	Ami looked up from the book she was reading and locked gazes 
with a pair of lime-green eyes that could only belong to General 
Zoicite.  She smiled warmly, as she greeted him.  "You're early, too.  
I wasn't expecting anyone to enter the room until at least a 
half-hour later."
	Zoicite shrugged as he settled down on a seat.  "I had nothing 
better to do anyway, so I thought maybe I should drop by a little 
early to start on something useful while waiting for them." He began 
tapping his fingers restlessly on the desk.  "But now I realize we 
have to wait for them after all before we can really do anything."
	"Why don't you get yourself a book and read with me?" the 
blue-eyed girl suggested, as Zoicite rose up from his seat and 
wandered off to the shelves.
	"I'd rather not," he replied, grinning.  "I think I've been 
reading too much nowadays, that even the usually indifferent Kunzite 
is commenting about my so-called loss of social life."
	Ami could not help but laugh at his statement.  Shaking her 
head, she watched as he picked up a pen and paper instead, and 
resumed his seat.  Smiling, she resumed her own reading.
	Moments later, she got up from the sofa to return the book 
back on the shelf from where she got it.  She noticed that the 
handsome general had a serious look on his face, looking quite 
absorbed in what he was doing.  Curious, she peeked over his shoulder 
to see what it was, before passing him on her way.
	Whatever else she had expected--calculations, map equations, 
or anything that would match the thoroughly engrossed expression on 
his face--was not it.  Her mouth dropped open in surprise as she saw 
that on the sheet of paper were caricatures--or at least attempts of 
some--of his fellow generals.  She looked them over; she recognized 
one of them as Jadeite, having the short cropped hair.  There was a 
halo above his head, and his hands were planted on his hips as if 
beaming.  And he had on a smile so big, looking like he was very 
proud of himself.  She guessed the other character to be Nephrite, 
the one which had long, wavy hair.  His eyes were drawn as slanted 
half circles, looking quite malicious--and that pointed pitchfork he 
was holding, plus the tiny horns on top of his head, weren't making 
him look less evil, either.  The last character he had drawn could 
only be Kunzite.  His arms were crossed, and he had his back turned 
to the other two.  His eyes were closed, looking cold and 
indifferent.  Perhaps that was why Zoicite had drawn him sitting on 
top of something which looked very much like an ice cube.
	Ami had covered her mouth earlier to stifle the laughter she 
could feel about to burst out, but she could not help it.  Her 
shoulders shook as she finally did let it out, making Zoicite look up 
at her with a sheepish expression on his face as he realized that she 
had seen his handiwork.
	"I guess you're already bored," Ami commented, wiping away 
the tears that had appeared from laughing so much.  "I think I have 
an idea," she said, looking about the room until her eyes lit up at 
something behind a glass-cased cabinet.  Sliding open the thick glass 
cover, she gingerly lifted a medium-sized chessboard and placed it 
on top of the table.  She dusted her hands as she sat down on a chair 
across him, and smiled.  "Let's play."
	"Chess!  One of my favorite games," he said, grinning back at 
her.  "I feel I must warn you, though.  I'm very good at this."
	"Do not worry, Zoicite-kun.  I am not so bad myself," she 
smiled, and Zoicite realized that this was the closest thing the shy 
girl had ever come to admitting her own remarkable abilties.
	And so they played, each one to each other's satisfaction.  
Zoicite could not help but comment, "You are as you've said, Lady 
Ami.  Consider me quite impressed."  He moved his white queen 
farther left, blocking a possible assault from her black bishop.  
	That brought a slight frown on her delicate features as she 
concentrated on her next move.  "You're doing well yourself, General.  
I see you were very modest."
	He laughed.  Seeing that she was taking her time, he started 
relaxing, propping his elbows on the table.  He watched as her eyes 
moved back and forth in a calculating manner, her lips twitching 
every now and then as she dived deeper into thought...and damn if 
that wasn't the most distracting view.  She looked so beautiful, 
absorbed in her thoughts like that.
	She moved one of her knights forward, taking his rook in the 
process, and waited for him to do his move.
	'Clever,' he mused.  By assuming the position where his rook 
once stood, she could gain more access in his base with just a few 
moves, now that his queen has moved from its earlier position.  Now 
he had to think of a way to keep her from getting his king.  After 
thinking for a full minute, he moved his bishop back.
	"I must say, General," Ami said, not taking her gaze away 
from the board.  "You really are quite good.  Perhaps I should give 
up now, ne?"  She looked up at him, her sapphire eyes twinkling and 
her lips curving into another heart-stopping smile as she teased him.
	"Now look who's being modest!  I'm the one who's suddenly 
turned on the defensive here."  Shaking his head, he knew he was 
right.  Not only was she a good player, she was a beautiful-looking 
opponent.  In a game that required full concentration, women like 
Lady Ami should be prohibited within ten meters of the playing area.  
Well, at least that's the way it should be when he's playing to win.  
He almost laughed in spite of himself.
	Ami bit her lip as she thought of ways to get through his 
barricade of knights and pawns.  For the time being, she was quite 
unaware of the effect she was having on the handsome general.  He 
was noticing every bit of her mannerisms; from the lip-biting, down 
to the delicate combing of her fingers through her bangs.  She was 
driving him crazy to distraction, and she wasn't even doing it on 
purpose.
	If Jadeite or Nephrite could see him now, he was sure they 
would've laughed at his loss of suaveness.  Among the four of them, 
he was always the one who knew his way around the women who fawn over 
him.  He had the charming, mesmirizing smile and the silver-tongue; 
whereas the rest of his fellow generals were either cold, indifferent, 
oblivious, or plain blunt to the women who tried too hard to catch 
their attention.
	But Lady Ami was different, he knew that even from the start.  
And because of this, he was at a loss with her.  He was attracted, 
not only to her incredible beauty and gentleness, but her way of 
thinking.  He had never met anyone quite as interesting as her, and 
whenever they conversed, he found himself immersed deeply with each 
topic and debate.  She voiced out her beliefs, and supported them 
strongly in every matter excellently, that he could not help but 
admire her.  Yes, she was different, alright.
	"Zoicite?"
	Zoicite blinked in surprise as the question was asked.  Ami 
gave him a puzzled look as she reminded him, smilingly, "It's your 
turn."
	"Uh, that's right.  Sorry about that."  He smiled 
apologetically in return.  He stared at the chessboard for a while, 
as if he were seeing it for the first time, before he finally lifted 
one of his knights forward.
	Ami was surprised at his move, but did not show it.  'He must 
have been thinking of something really serious just a while ago,' she 
thought to herself, as she realized that he just overlooked an 
opening.  'What could be bothering him?'
	She moved her bishop further up.  "Check!"
	Now he laughed, shaking his head.  "You got me good, Ami."  
	She blushed, hearing that.  But she told him truthfully, "Have 
I really?  You lost focus, that's all."
	'How very astute,' he thought to himself.  But he just smiled 
and moved his queen backward to protect his king.  "Perhaps," he 
said, "We could make this game more interesting."
	She gave him an inquiring look.  "And how would you propose 
that?"
	"Let's strike a deal of sorts," he said, grinning.
	"Do you mean...a wager?"
	"Exactly."
	She bit her lip, and thought of it for a while.  Then her lips 
curved slowly into a brilliant smile, as she answered him, "Alright.  
It does seem more interesting and..."
	"...Fun?" he finished for her with a satisfied smile.  "Okay 
then, there's no turning back now.  How about this: the winner gets 
to do whatever he or she wants with the loser.  Nothing extreme, of 
course."
	She thought about it carefully.  "But for all I know, your 
idea of extreme may be completely different with mine, Zoicite."
	"Good point.  But I assure you, if I win, I wouldn't choose 
anything humiliating and degrading."
	"Hmmm...  Perhaps."  Then she laughed, her voice sounding like 
the delicate tinkle of melodious bells.  "The only way I can be sure 
is to beat you."
	"Of course," he said, grinning widely.  "Then, shall we go on 
with the match?  It's your turn."
	Play they did.  A couple more minutes passed.  Ami was 
surprised by the way Zoicite returned his focus on the game with a 
vengeance.  Soon enough, to her chagrin, she found herself on the 
defensive.  
	She looked up at him as she finished her turn, and was 
surprised to find him staring at her.  "Is there something wrong, 
Zoicite-kun?" she asked concernedly.
	"Uh, no," he said with a slight frown.  Then to reassure her, 
he told her, "I was just thinking..."
	She looked at him expectantly.
	"Uh...what my wager would be.  If I win, that is."  He looked 
at her inquiringly as he saw her flush with color.  "I'm sorry, did I 
say something?"
	"Oh no, no...  It's just that..." she trailed off as she 
looked at him again.
	He was about to say something when the door suddenly swung 
open, making them both jump in surprise.  Makoto strode in, not 
noticing the expression on both of their faces at first, but when 
she did, she stopped abruptly.  "Am I interrupting anything?"
	Her words made Ami's face bloom with deeper color.  "N-no, we 
were just playing chess."
	"Oh..  Well, I can see the others aren't here yet."  She shook 
her head tiredly.  "Shouldn't we be starting already?"
	At that moment,  the door swung open again.  Both Rei and 
Jadeite entered the room, apparently in the middle of a discussion.  
This ended when they were inside the room; Rei took a seat beside 
Makoto on the sofa, and Jadeite approached the table where Ami and 
Zoicite were playing.
	"Playing chess, eh?" Jadeite said, his eyes hovering upon the 
chessboard.  A look of surprise was written all over his face, and 
he spoke again, "It looks like Zoicite has met his match."  He 
gave Ami an admiring gaze, and turned to Zoicite, grinning.  "I knew 
the time would come."
	Zoicite snorted at that.  Turning to Ami, he said to her, 
"We'll continue this another time, when this thorn is out of sight."
	Meanwhile, Jadeite took notice of a piece of paper on the 
table, with something scribbled on it.  "What's this?"  He reached 
to pick it up and take a closer look.  But Zoicite snatched it out 
from his grasp, shredding it to pieces, and then crumbling it.  Ami 
hid a smile.
	Jadeite frowned.  "Hey, what was that all about?"
	"None of your business," he replied, before tossing it into 
the trash can.
	Makoto stood up.  "Almost all of us are here, but where is 
Minako-chan and Kunzite?"
	"Or Nephrite, for that matter," Jadeite quipped in.
	"Never mind him; he's on his way here," she replied, waving a 
dismissive hand.  "But--"
	The door swung open again.  'And in came the devil himself,' 
Makoto thought, as she saw Nephrite enter the room and approach her 
with a glowering look, seemingly oblivous of everyone else.
	"That was not what it looked like," Nephrite said through 
gritted teeth, standing before her now.
	But she refused to be intimidated, and told him with a 
deceptively innocent look, "Whatever you say...Nephrite-sama."  She 
added the last part while batting her eyelashes.
	Both Ami and Rei whirled their heads in surprise at hearing 
their friend address the general that way.  And to actually see her 
batting her eyelashes...
	But Zoicite caught the meaning quite clear, and howled with 
laughter.  "I see--Lady Makoto met Lady Glynis, hasn't she?"
	The auburn-haired general snapped his mouth shut and scowled.  
"Shut up, Zoicite."
	But that only made him laugh harder, and now Jadeite was 
hooting, too.  Ami sensed that the latter was going to say something 
to irritate Nephrite more, so she quickly stood up and said, "Don't 
you think we should start already?  I'm certain General Kunzite and 
Minako-chan will be arriving shortly, so let's not waste time."
	Rei stood up as well, throwing Ami a knowing look, and hid a 
smile.  "Ami-chan is right.  We can get started with the research at 
least, since the nijizuishou is with Minako."
	Makoto's expression was neutral as she nodded and approached 
Ami.  "I'll start with the maps," she offered.
	Nephrite cut in.  "I'll help with that as well."
	Makoto whirled around to give him a look.  "Fine," she said 
bitingly.  He just stared at her, so she glared back at him 
challengingly.  For a while, the two had forgotten that there were 
other people inside the room, and they just stood there glaring at 
each other.
	Zoicite, trying hard to hide his amused grin, broke the silence 
when he said, "Well, let's get to work then."
	That made the two move, but when Jadeite handed them the maps, 
they kept snatching it from each other, that they started snapping 
again.
	Ami could only sigh.


=====================================================================
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.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:
---------------
Isn't it ironic that almost the whole chapter happened within two 
hours, and it's the longest chapter yet?  I think I just wrote two 
chapters worth of space, and I'm still not finished with it...  ^^;

Okay, this one's not too important, but I just thought to say it 
anyway...  ^^;  Originally, I wanted to use the anime version of 
the generals' eyes, where all of them--except for Zoicite--are 
blue-eyed.  But then, I just realized that it would be much better 
if I just used the manga colors, where Jadeite's are blue; Zoicite's 
are still green; Nephrite's are brown; and Kunzite's are silver-gray.  
^_^  So the changes I made in the other chapters are just those.  ^^; 
Big apologies go to Lady Mars (Generals' Love) and Andrea Hui (ASMR),
who keep up with uploading all these chapters...  Thank you so much 
for everything.