Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Shitennou ❯ The Plot Thickens ( Chapter 6 )

Chapter 5: The Plot Thickens

AN: I do not own the characters or stories of Naoko Takeuchi. They are hers. I'm just borrowing them for a story.

"I turned around too late to see the fallen star
I fell asleep and never saw the sun go down
I took your love for granted
Thought luck was always on my side
I turned around too late and you were gone."

-- Madonna, One More Chance

Rei and Jadeite had divided up the remaining group. They had paired a senshi with a shitennou since the senshi knew their way around the grounds. Rei and Jadeite sat in the temple. Rei sat before a great fire and began to meditate. As she closed her eyes and concentrated, Jadeite stole a look at her. She was so beautiful concentrating in front of the fire. Rei, clueless as to what was going on outside of the fire, saw many strange visions before the fire died out. Nephrite, Zoisite, Mercury, and Jupiter made their way back to the shrine.

Rei opened her eyes and began to speak, "The Palace is not safe. We will need to stay here for the remainder of our time here. There is a great evil around. I have placed spells around the entrances to the shrine so that we may be protected. Whatever the evil was responsible for the damage is not completely gone. I saw that the Outers had been transported back to their respective planets, but they have no idea how they got there. And no one knows where Queen Selenity is."

Venus walked into the room, having heard the last of what Rei had seen, "Do you know where the rest of the Lunarians have gone?"

Rei sighed, "They fled to the Sea of Serenity. We should send someone to let them know it is okay to return."

Mina turned to Jupiter, her toughest and most physical senshi, "Jupiter, could you make the trip?"

Jupiter nodded. Nephrite spoke up, "You're letting a girl go by herself across the moon? She's not going alone. I'm going with her."

Venus rolled her eyes, "Nephrite, I guarantee "a girl" is more than capable of this task. But times being what they are, please escort Jupiter. I expect you to leave at once. Please report to me as soon as you have found our people." Jupiter looked at Nephrite, rolled her eyes and left the room. Nephrite, trying to keep his dignity together, raced after the Jovian senshi.

Venus then looked at Mercury, "Do you and Zoisite have anything to report?"

Mercury nodded, "Whatever the entity was, there are traces of it left everywhere. It somehow converted the energy spent by ourselves and the Outers into energy for itself. It is a very advanced life form not from our universe."

Zoisite spoke up, "This is just the calm before the storm Mina. Other readings we found indicate that this same unknown dark energy source is amassing somewhere on this planet."

Rei interjected solemnly, "It is searching for something. Something it can't find. I sense that it will stop at nothing to get what it wants."

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The next day…

Kunzite had checked in on the Prince and Princess who were safe, watched over by two of his most trusted sentries. Kunzite, needing to clear his mind, began to walk. Lost in thought he found himself in the courtyard where he and Venus had shared that memorable evening. >>Damn<< He just couldn't seem to get her out of his head. Had he treated her too harshly? No, better this way. The last thing he needed right now was a distraction. He sighed and leaned against "their wall."

Mina, on the moon, made her way to the transporter. Closing her eyes, she was surprised that the first image that came to mind of earth was the courtyard where she and Kunzite had danced her first evening at the Palace. As the smoke cleared, she realized she wasn't alone. And what was worse, a very familiar figure was leaning against the wall, well that…she blushed.

"What are you doing here?" Kunzite asked.

"I--I-transported," said a flustered Mina.

"And this is the first place you thought of?" inquired Kunzite.

"Yes, no…where is the Princess?" demanded Mina.

"I asked you first. This is the first place you thought of?" Kunzite said, smug smile on his face.

"I didn't mean to. Maybe the transporter is broken." Mina stuttered.

"Yeah…" Kunzite was temporarily whisked back to that night at this spot.

"Earth to Kunzite? The Princess? Has she managed to stay out of sight? She is quite…inquisitive."

"Must be difficult having a bundle of curiosity for a Princess."

Mina blushed.

Kunzite began, "Listen Venus…I'm sorry. I had no right to yell at you the other night. I was hoping we could start over."

"Fine."

"I'd to think we're friends…?"

"Don't press your luck buddy. We're…co-workers. Now how is Serenity doing?"

The senshi and the general walked off in the direction of Endymion's quarters…her heels clicking on the pavement, his cape flapping in the wind, "She and the Prince have become quite fond of each other."

They quickly arrived in the Prince's quarters. Without bothering to knock Mina strode into the room.

Kunzite called after her, "I wouldn't do…"

Serenity and the Prince were by the window and they weren't just looking at the stars. Mina was just as surprised Endymion and Serenity were. Endymion was the first to recover, "Well, hello Mina. How are things on the Moon?"

Mina shook her head. What was is about this planet that made everyone fall in love? "Serenity? A word?" The diminutive Princess ran over to Venus. Venus pulled her out of the room and into an adjoining parlor, slamming the door behind her, "What is going on here?!!"

"Nothing."

"That didn't look like `nothing.'"

"Well, he has been looking after me and the food on this planet Mina…"

Mina sighed. Just what I need now, a lovesick Princess. "I just want you to be careful. These are very dangerous times." Then Mina opened the door back up, "What I have to tell you I should share with the Prince and General as well."

"How are things on the Moon?" asked Kunzite.

"We have discovered where the population was hiding and brought them back to the Palace. They are helping in the rebuilding effort. Mercury and Zoisite are getting closer in pinpointing exactly where the evil is amassing. Mars has been going though each room trying to cleanse the entire Palace. Things are safe enough for you to return Princess. The people have been asking for you," Mina ended softly. Serenity was beloved by the entire planet.

Serenity sighed softly and stole a glance at Endymion.

Endymion spoke up, "I have spoken with my parents - the King and Queen. They think it would be best if the generals and myself remained on the Moon and strengthened our ties with our newly discovered allies, the Moon Kingdom."

Now it was Mina's turn to sigh. I have to see that creep on my own planet for who knows how long?! "Well, let's get ready. There's still a lot to do."

Serenity clapped her hands, "A ball. We shall throw a ball honoring our new allies!"

Add it to my list of things to do…