Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ The Hope of Revenge ❯ Behind the Scenes ( Chapter 4 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

I wandered to the balcony, hoping to discover some comfort in the glow of the stars. Time was slipping by so laboriously, yet it seemed like there was never enough of it to do everything. Poor Usagi...it had already been three weeks since Darien disappeared, and there were still no traces of him. No letters, no messengers, no threats; nothing. There was nothing that we could do, really, to alleviate her melancholy mood. I had tried doing some research on depression, but even I could glean only so much information in the time I had. Time, that was the issue once more. I was sure Setsuna would have a hay day with me if we ever started debating the issue of time.


I leaned on the railing of the small balcony and gazed up at the Earth. King Paris and Queen Helen were taking things in stride. They were obviously upset by the events, but had a very realistic approach to the situation.


Poor Usagi though, she was taking it the worst. Every time Darien was mentioned her eyes would fill with tears, though she didn't let them go on most occasions.


I heard the door shut inside the room. A small smile touched the corners of my lips.


"Ami?" came the voice from within. I was always relieved to hear Zoisite's voice when he came in at night. He would find me, he always did. "Ahh, there you are," he purred as I heard his footsteps approaching me. Almost within an instant his arms were around me, his chin resting on my shoulder.


I smiled. "You're back early," I mentioned, turning my head to get a glance of him.


I felt his lips plant themselves firmly on my cheek before he pulled his head back a little. "Everyone wanted to go to bed a little early tonight so we worked really hard the last couple of hours."


I nodded in understanding. Training was rough and battle was rougher. Fortunately at the moment there was no massive battle going on, but in some ways the anticipation was worse, wondering when the next strike would be, whom it would be directed at, and how much force would be behind it. Since Darien's abduction, though, there was more work to do, to ensure Queen Beryl couldn't get someone so easily again.

I could feel Zoisite slowly kissing my neck and I couldn't help but sigh. He knew all my weak spots, my entire body actually, better than I did, and he used that knowledge to his full advantage. I suppose I was rubbing off on him a little, causing him to study, examine, and learn.


The thought of him studying me naked immediately brought a light blush to my cheeks. No matter how many times I had been nude around him, the very thought of it still made the blood rise to my cheeks. He loved it, it gave him something to laugh about and tease me with. Not a mean teasing, but just lighthearted teasing. I had lost count of how many times he had strolled into our bedroom naked from the bathroom just to see me squirm.


"So, dear princess," he murmured as he began nibbling at my ear. "Did you already have any plans for tonight or are you free?"


I giggled. "I was planning on reading some more of that book I took from the library today and--mmmffffttt!" My words were interrupted when Zoisite suddenly turned me around and planted his lips firmly on mine, his tongue immediately brushing against my lips and demanding entry. I clung to his shoulders, surprised by the sudden move. Had he been an opponent for me to battle I would have seen the move coming a mile away, but because I trusted him, he still managed to surprise me.


The next thing I knew I was in his arms and he was carrying me inside in the direction of the bed, making his intentions very clear by the way he was looking at me; there would be no reading for me. I ran my hands up his arms the moment I was laying down, enjoying the feel of his skin beneath my fingertips. He was so gentle with me, so good, which was why I loved him. He always kept me on my toes, always eager to see what he had in store next. I gazed up at him, loving the way strands of his golden hair curled around his face.


For a while, I could let my thoughts of Usagi and Darien drift from my mind.


"So how long until you leave to go to Earth?" I asked as I stared at Jaedite across the table from me. It was late and no one was in the dining hall; we were completely alone, a rare treat. I had made us each a cup of tea and now we were sitting next to one of the windows with only one candle on our table to illuminate the dark chamber.


"Malachite asked me to accompany him in two days. Zoisite and Nephrite are going to stay here for a few more days before they have to go to Jupiter for about a week. King Jupiter has some new strategies he wants to lay out so we'll see how that goes."


I nodded slowly as he spoke. "Do you know when you're coming back?" I hated seeing him leave and not being able to accompany him, but I had to stay with Usagi.


"I don't think we should be gone more than a couple of weeks," he told me, leaning forward in his seat so he could rest his elbows on the table.


My heart skipped a beat as he laid his hand over top of mine. It was strange, when he was around I always felt so calm and peaceful, as if I had no worries at all.


"Isn't your father supposed to come to the Moon in a few weeks?" he asked.


I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I tossed my dark hair over my shoulder. "Yes, and I can already imagine his visit with me. 'Rei, make sure you're training properly. I don't want you to miss out on anything. Don't forget to use Fire and strengthen your powers there. Rei, you're not spending all your time with that Jaedite, are you? Rei, do this, Rei! Rei!'" I shook my head in exasperation. "It's always the same."


Jaedite laughed. "At least he wants what's best for you," he pointed out, causing me to once again roll my eyes.


"He can be so irritating at times though," I replied, but smiled nonetheless. I knew he loved me, he had adored me since my mother had died. I felt a little constrained when he was around though. I was glad that I was under the service of Usagi, since it meant I could be away from home for long periods of time, but that would change as soon as the war was over. All of us, her Senshi, would return to our home planets. We would come to visit her, and protect her if there was a large scale threat against her again, but otherwise we would be free to lead our own lives once again. After all, we were the heirs to our respective planets and had only been trained as Senshi because of Queen Beryl and her mother, the Dark Queen Aminiha.


"Well I think it's good he's coming. I haven’t had the chance to speak with him in over three months."


"You should be thankful for that," I retorted, glancing out the window.


"Not everyone dreads him like you do."


"Most people are intimidated by him," I pointed out, bringing my gaze back to him.


"I'm not," he replied, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Besides, if I'm going to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage, I'd better not feel intimidated."


All my muscles froze, my eyes grew as wide as saucers, and my heart skipped a couple of beats. He was going to do what?


"That is, of course," he continued, "if she wants me to."


I think I woke up half the palace as I shrieked and jumped out of my seat. I flung myself across the table and wrapped my arms around his neck, half falling into his lap in the process.


"I-I'll take that as I yes," he stuttered as he tried to regain his balance.


I nodded and then pulled back. "Are you sure you want to do this?" I asked.


Jaedite nodded. "Absolutely."


The thought of him going to see my father flashed through my head. "What kind of flowers would you like on your grave?" I asked teasingly, quite enjoying the way he paled before smiling and giving me a peck on the lips.


The hallway was quiet and dark, still and lifeless. It was late, and all of the residents were already asleep by now probably, save for a few night owls and lovers. My feet carried me toward the west wing library, since the balcony attached to it was my favorite spot in the whole palace. The view from it was magnificent and gave one of the best views of the Earth and starry sky.

The door to the room opened silently and I slipped in, closing it behind me quickly. My feet made no sound on the padded carpet as I made my way across the room to the curtained french doors. The hinges of these also gave no sound as I swung the door open.


The cool night air hit my face, causing me to shiver a little. I breathed it in though, savoring the freshness and clarity.


That's when I saw him; his silver hair lay motionless down his back, his posture rigid and strait. The clear light sent down by the stars reelected off his hair, giving him a silver aura and heavenly glow. I felt my breath hitch in my throat as I stared at him, my god, my idol, my passion.


The door clicked closed behind me without me even noticing it had been shutting. General Malachite spun around, reaching for his sword. I heard the metal just barely move in its sheath before his eyes fell upon me and he stopped his arm from drawing the blade. I could swear my knees had just turned to jelly.


"I-I'm sorry, I didn't know you were out here," I stammered, finally remembering to breath.


He relaxed visibly and allowed his arm to drop away from the hilt of the sword. "No apologies are necessary," he replied. "I was just about to leave."


"You don't have to leave," I blurted out.


His face remained emotionless. "What are you doing out so late?" he asked, his words lined with a sharp edge that caused me to wince.


"I came out here to think for a while," I replied. "I always come here to think."


"It could be dangerous for you to be out here alone," was his answer.


"It could be dangerous for you to be out here all alone too," I retorted, biting my tongue for the words. They weren't sharp, they were meant to be teasing, but his stern features gave no indication that he had found my statement funny or amusing in the least.

"Perhaps you're right. Neither one of us should be out here alone," he finally answered. My heart skipped a beat as he motioned for me to join him. I did. We stood side by side just starring up at the stars, lost each in our own thoughts. Gods, how I wished I knew what he was thinking. He seldom spoke to me on a friendly level, and even more seldom did he show any feelings or emotions. Why was I drawn to him like a fly to honey then? He was more like that proverbial vinegar, but even so, I found him irresistible.


"You're leaving for Earth in a few days, with Jaedite, aren't you?" I asked.


"Yes," he replied. I hadn't expected him to say more.


"Do you know how long you'll be gone?"


"Two weeks, unless King Paris wishes us to stay a little longer or if there is an emergency that requires us to leave sooner."


"I'll bet Jaedite isn't too excited about going," I said with a smile.


"Jaedite is more than happy to follow his King's orders and requirements," Malachite retorted sternly, causing me to wince. Of course I hadn't meant it in that way, I simply meant he would miss Rei.


"Of course, General," I replied a little sullenly, glancing down at my clasped hands.


There was a moment of silence. "He'll be back soon enough to keep Princess Rei happy," he said suddenly, causing me to blink in surprise. "He requested that we return before Lord Mars arrives here."


I stared at him. "Why does he want to be back before then?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.


A corner of Malachites mouth rose ever so slightly, threatening to create one of his rare smiles. "I do believe that Jaedite wishes to discuss certain issues with Lord Mars pertaining to Lady Rei," he replied.


A smile broke out on my face. "No! He's finally going to do it?"


"As far as I am aware, his intentions are very clear," he told me as that smile finally appeared.


"That's amazing! Rei will be thrilled."


Malachites smile faded as he returned his gaze to the starry heavens. I couldn't tear the smile from my own lips as I leaned against the railing once more and also returned to star gazing, lost completely in my thoughts of love. I shivered a little as a cool breeze swept by us, and suddenly I felt an unexpected weight being put onto my shoulders.


"Besides," I heard Malachite say as he dropped his cape on my shoulders and returned to his rigid position, "I do not wish to be gone from the Moon too long either."


A blush crept across my cheeks as I pulled the cape tight around my shoulders.


"Thank you," I murmured, staring at him with adoration and gratitude.


He gave a curt nod, not once shifting his gaze from the stars. I smiled a little to myself and leaned my head on his arm, worrying a little when his arm stiffened, nearly crying out in joy when it relaxed.


I did mention before that this was my favorite spot in the whole palace, didn't I?


"How did she look?" I asked as Naru walked into the room.


"Not too good, Lita. She almost didn’t touch the food," she replied. We all sighed.


The four of us were sitting in one of the small libraries in the east wing of the palace. Motoki was sitting next to me while Naru and Nephrite shared a small sofa. Naru had gone to take Usagi's dinner platter away and we all had hoped that she would be at least a little better, but we were wrong.


"I honestly don't know what to do anymore," Motoki said with a hint of frustration in his voice. "She needs to eat, she needs to sleep, but she won't do either."


"The Princess is a very emotional creature," Nephrite said with a sigh. "It's going to be difficult to convince her to put her emotions aside for the time being and focus on something besides her sorrow."


I nodded. "Yeah, I just feel so bad for her. Darien's been gone so long and there hasn't been any news of him yet. It would be nice if Queen Beryl sent some sort of message."


"Usagi would feel better if at least she knew for sure that he was alive," Motoki pointed out. We all nodded and were silent for a few moments.


Naru yawned. "It's late, we should all get some sleep," she said as she stood from the sofa and stretched her arms out behind her.


"I'll walk you to your room," Nephrite said and stood up quickly.


Naru smiled and nodded. "Sure, thank you. Are you two coming as well?"


I glanced at Motoki. "I think I'm going to stay here a while longer," I said, bringing my gaze over to the fire.


"I'll go in a bit too," Motoki added.


"All right. See you two in the morning," Naru chirped before walking out the door with Nephrite in tow. The door shut behind them and I let out a sigh. It had been a long day and in all honesty I was looking forward to falling into bed, but I didn't want to leave yet.


"You look tired," I heard Motoki say.


I looked at him and nodded. "I am a little, but not too much."


"It's been a long day," Motoki agreed, stretching his arms above his head, " and it's probably going to be a longer day tomorrow."


"Most likely," I agreed. There was a pause before I spoke again. "So, are the spices I brought back for you the right ones?"


Motoki nodded. "Yes, they're wonderful, thank you. I've been experimenting with them a little, you'll have to try a few things I've created."


"I'd love to," I told him with a nod. Motoki's cooking was wonderful, better than my own, and I loved trying out new dishes he made. He was limited during the war of course, but what he could make with the little he had was still amazing.


He leaned back on the sofa and placed his arm on the back, behind my shoulders. I felt a blush light up my cheeks as I tried to pretend I hadn't noticed the move, despite the fact my stomach was doing flip flops.


"You'll have to drop by the kitchen soon then," Motoki said and I could swear I heard him swallow hard.


I nodded. "I will," I replied, finally daring to look at him.


"Wonderful," he said in a cheerful tone. He suddenly had a confused look on his face when he noticed me staring at him. Summoning all of my strength and willpower, I resolved that now was the time. I leaned forward ever so slightly, keeping my eyes fixed on his.


He arched his eyebrows.


I jumped a foot into the air when the door opened suddenly.


We both turned in our seats sharply to see who had come, and both of us where amazed to see Usagi standing in the doorway.

"Usagi!" Motoki exclaimed. "Is everything all right?"


Usagi gave us a weak smile. "Actually, I'm kind of hungry," she said quietly.


"Oh thank goodness," I breathed out as I stood from my seat and walked over to her. "Let's go to the kitchens then."


Motoki stood as well and joined us, a huge smile plastered to his face. "What shall it be, my Lady? Bread baked today smeared with golden yellow butter from Earth's finest cows, or perhaps some cold sausages with rolls and tea?"


Usagi smiled. "Both sound pretty good actually," she said.


She was back. What had happened in her mind we would ask later. Motoki winked at me over top of Usagi's head as we walked out of the library to the kitchen, obviously pleased with her new found hunger. I could tell he had questions for her as well, but that would have to wait. For the time being, she was hungry, and that was enough.


A/N: No, this was not just a filler chapter, it does actually get important later on. Plus, I thought it would be nice to include some other characters in the story. Hopefully you liked this, and I'll be back soon with the next chapter. Anja.