Sailor Moon 1.02T3 The Trenchcoat Mask episodes cut from the N.A.
dub

Since legal disclaimers offer no protection whatsoever I shall
just skip them.

Chapter 3,  "The Gift"

Part 1: (The name is Bond...)

     In Japan, there is no room for you stuff.  If you live
anywhere near the city, space is a precious, expensive commodity
bought with blood.  (This little rabbit hutch costs me an
outrageous amount.  In Atlanta, I could buy a house for what I'm
paying.)  My little one room apartment has barely enough area for
the folding table I have covered with the computer equipment I've
been using for experiments on those Dark Kingdom computer parts. 
At night, I'm forced to sleep half under the table on my futon.
     I used to think that the Japanese were a very aesthetic,
nonmaterialistic people, but it's not that at all; they just
don't have any place to keep anything.  In fact, when I was in
the navy we had a thing called "Gomer Piles."  On trash days a
lot of the sailors and marines would take a quick patrol around
the dumpsters near the base because the Japanese who lived nearby
would throw away piles of perfectly good electronics since they
didn't have the space to keep them when they bought something
else.  The Gomers: us, looked like real bumpkins hauling away
their refuse.  Sure I lost a little dignity while dumpster
diving, but I also got a Nakamichi Dragon tape deck.
     The sacrifice in living space has been worth it, though.  My
experiments on those chips I recovered from the cram school are
starting to bear fruit.  The circuits were part of a scheme to
extract energy from students attending the school.  The program
given to the class would activate the special components of the
hardware which gathered the energy and stored it like a battery. 
At the end of the day the youma would just soak up the energy and
return it to Beryl; no messy personal draining involved.  Just
neat, mechanized life force sucking.  The really clever part was
giving the students their own personal program.  Since each one
had a copy, it kept track of their schedule and prevented them
from being drained too much at one time.  This systematic
draining over time would prevent the scheme from being uncovered. 
Most kids would think it was just overwork and exhaustion.  (I
shudder to think of the Dark Kingdom putting these things in
other home electronics like T.V.'s and computers.  Imagine,
millions of people just sitting in front of some video screen
getting the life drained out of em', incapable of doing anything
else but sit there.)
     I've been running some experiments using myself as a guinea
pig and have learned how the chips work.  The next step is seeing
if I can rig a means of detecting that sort of activity.  If I
can, I can sense the Dark Kingdom's moves and arrive in time to
do some good.  (Maybe I'll even be able to use it to find the
prince.)  To make a detector I need an occillioscope and
filaments of various elements.  Using them, I can find out what
materials react to the energy drain.  There is an O-scope at the
school science lab where I can also get the materials I need for
my wires.  (Fortunately one of my previous incarnations worked
for Thomas Edison as he was trying to find a good material for
the light bulb.  If it's one thing I know, it's how to make
filaments.  (Edison was a workaholic that drove his staff crazy
with his constant activity and who chugged coffee by the pot. 
It's no wonder he invented so much, the man never slept.))  I'll
have to be careful though, because I'll be operating at a public
place.  There's no telling who could be an agent of Beryl's.
     Fortunately for the students, the whole draining scheme was
discovered by the Sailor Senshi and stopped.  The victims
reported being saved from a demon by two angels.  After asking
the right questions, however, I figured out that it was Sailor
Moon and Mercury who crashed the Dark Kingdom's party.  Mars
apparently had the night off as there was no fire damage.
     This brought a question to my mind, "How did they find out
this was going on?"  If they had a means of detecting this sort
of activity, they would have found it right away.  Thirty
machines operating twice a night for two and a half weeks, (so
school records show) has got to produce some kind of sensor
signature.  If there were some detection spell or device this
activity should have shown up.  Therefore, they either knew about
it and did nothing for a while or accidentally stumbled across
it.  I doubt they would have just stood by while eighty teenagers
a night were drained of their energy so the latter must be the
case.  Ergo: the senshi must know somebody at the school.  Find
that link, and I'll find the senshi without revealing myself.
     Damn, I wish I could find Endymion and ask him why he is
being so secretive.  Until I do, I've got to act in the same
mysterious fashion he is.  I've even adopted the moniker,
"Trenchcoat-Mask", until I can be more open about who I really
am.  The absurdity of that identity is rivaled only by my
cousins: "Tuxedo-Mask".  I'll bet it took him five minutes and a
mirror to think that name up.  ("Hmmm, tuxedo... mask... Hey,
Tuxedo-Mask!")  I can't even be sure it was safe to use my
Guardian title, Ferrite.  Revealing myself to Nephrite a few
nights ago to try and shock him out of that spell he's under was,
really, really stupid.  But, I owed him a life debt and had to
try.  Well, even if told her I don't think it will make much
difference.
     Looking up at the clock, I see that it is almost half past
nine.  In about thirty minutes, the OSA P. Jewelry store will be
open for business this fine Saturday.  I scheduled this morning
to go down and check it out.  Police records show that there is a
pattern of weird activity going on around that little store.  I
don't think it was an accident that Nephrite came by there three
nights ago either.  When Mercury and I confronted him, he had
some library books; one of them was about famous jewelry.  I
wonder what he wants with jewelry?  The Dark Kingdom is
interested in gathering energy, not material wealth.  Ah well,
that's something  else for me to investigate.
     I get dressed up a bit for my little excursion.  My best
polo shirt, good casual slacks, my best dress shoes.  Throw on
that gold chain I practically never wear and I look like the
quintessential yuppie.  I look in the mirror, and examine myself. 
Black hair, blue eyes slightly over six feet, this incarnation
looks a lot like Ferrite did.  Bob Davis seems to be a little
taller, though.

     An electronic chime goes off when I step into OSA P. Jewelry
store and Ms. Osaka looks up from the counter.  I'm immediately
struck by the deep green of her eyes.  I never noticed they were
so... green when I looked at her through the telescope.  She has
some large jade earrings that serve to highlight her eyes.  To
round it out she's wearing a flattering purple blouse and yellow
skirt.  Hmmm, maybe Nephrite's interest in this place was her.
     Ms. Osaka is behind the counter showing off a diamond to a
young couple.  She gives a slight bow in my direction and I nod
acknowledging her.  Casually, I start looking through the cases
at the various gems and pieces of jewelry.  My cover story is,
I'm looking for some diamond studs for my tuxedo.  (Something
nice, but not too expensive.)  Inwardly I gawk at the prices of
everything.  That's another thing about Japan, everything is so
expensive.  It's a good thing my current job at the cram school
pays in yen, the dollar is really taking a hammering right now.
     "CannI help ya'?" a voice asks in very oddly accented
Japanese.  I look up at the young girl behind the counter.  Naru
Osaka looks very professional in a proper, dark blue business
dress.  "I'm Naru and I'll be assitin' ya today."  Apparently her
mother is teaching her the business this morning.  "Yes, I was
looking for some diamond studs," I say, "Possibly some cufflinks
as well."  "We godda' very nice set ova' hea'" she says leading
me over to one of the cases and pointing out a set of small
diamonds set in white gold.
     The mailman enters the store and hands a few envelopes to
Ms. Osaka with a tip of his cap.  As I peer indecisively over the
sets, the couple leaves and Ms. Osaka comes over to help Naru. 
When she does, I notice a peculiar crest on one of the envelopes
in her hand.  It's a mark indicating official correspondence from
the Dia Kingdom.  (A little principality on the border of Spain
and France.  One of my previous incarnations, a Spaniard, lived
near there.)  I read in the news that there was to be an official
state function at the embassy here in Tokyo.  There is to be an
unveiling of the royal family treasure, something that hasn't
been shown to the public ever.  Just a coincidence that Nephrite
was stealing library books about european royalty and jewelry?  I
don't think so.  Well, well, well... maybe this is the true
reason Nephrite has an interest in the Osakas.  I've got to find
out more; Between Naru and her, Ms. Osaka is more likely to open
up to me.  What to do?  I think I'll ask her out to find out what
she knows about my former colleague.
     "May I take a look at those," I say pointing out a set of
studs in the display.  Myuko stashes the envelopes under the
counter and unlocks the case for Naru.  She takes out the set of
diamonds and removes them from the box for me.  Ms. Osaka offers
me an ocular and I examine the gems.  One of my past lives was a
jewel merchant in France during the fifteenth century so I let
that personality come to the fore while I look over their wares. 
This particular set is small but of good quality except for the
third diamond in the set.  It sparkles yellow, indicative of
impurities.  The setting also holds the stone so that it hides
some flaws but if you have a trained eye you can spot it.  "I
like the set," I say, "but one of them is inferior to the rest." 
"Oh," she says looking at it, "I'll be happy to replace that
one."  I give her a winning smile as she picks one from another
set.  She smiles back almost bashfully.
  "You know quite a lot about gems,"  She compliments me.

  "Yes, I have an uncle who runs a little family store like yours
back in Atlanta.  I helped out there during summers in college. 
We carried gemstones of various types.  That's where I picked up
my knowledge of the classes of stones."  I set the diamonds aside
and peruse the items in some of the cases and notice a trend in
her line.  "Do you like jade?  There are two kinds, called
jadeite and nephrite.  *Jadeite* comes in various colors. 
*Nephrite* is a stone of deep green.  This pink spodumene stone
is *Kunzite*.  Isn't it a beautiful color?  And that pale purple
stone is tanzanite, also called blue *Zoisite*."  I throw around
the titles of my erstwhile Guardian friends to see if they cause
a reaction in Myuko or Naru.  They just blink a little at my
speech.  Nope, nothing...    Well, I really didn't expect
Nephrite to use his title.  I put my finger before my lips and
say  "Oh, I'm sorry. I've been rambling on."
  "No," Myuko says, "it's nice to find someone knowledgeable
about the business.  Are you a jeweler?"
  "No, I'm a teacher at a computer cram school.  I'm working here
in Japan to broaden my horizons.  I'm a programmer by profession,
though."
  "Oh," she says a little disappointed.
  Looks like she is looking for someone with similar interests as
her. ( "Hmmm... maybe its time to turn on the charm," the
frenchman suggests, "say something sympathetic." )  "It must be
difficult for you and your daughter to run the store by
yourselves," I say.
     "Yes it's..." She pauses in mid sentence.  I'll bet she's
wondering how would I know this.  I don't think it would be a
wise idea to tell her I've been spying on her while looking for
Nephrite.  Oops, overcalculated there, we're moving a little too
fast,   Thinking quickly I say, "I... couldn't help but notice
you weren't wearing a wedding ring."
     "You pick up on details like that?"
     Hmm bit of a leading statement there.  "Well... it's an
American thing.  You see a pretty woman and you look to see if
she's spoken for."
     She's pleased with the attention and the compliment but
doesn't want to admit it.  "Are you always this flattering to
women you've just met?"  Myuko asks.
     "Only ones I'm attracted to," I answer smoothly, "do you
have plans for lunch?"
     "You certainly come on strong"
     "You're certainly worth the effort."  ( "Bravo," the
Frenchman whispers, "flattering, just a touch of cockiness.")
     She smiles at my audacity but hesitates and says,  "I don't
know..."
     I notice that Naru, is champing at the bit... wanting to
tell her mother to go for it but will say nothing in front of me. 
It'd be best if I backed off and gave her a bit more space.
     "Tell you what," I say, "there's a coffee shop about two
blocks up the road, I'll be there in a corner table in two hours. 
If you'd like to meet me there, that'll be fine.  If not, I'll
just drown my sorrow in espresso and toss and turn all night." 
(Now would be a good time to do something to cement the deal the
frenchman hints.)  "I'll take the studs what ever you decide."
     "Very good sir," she says formally but with a touch of
warmth.
     I pay by credit card, she's been flustered by my advances
however and can't seem to swipe it through the card reader
properly.  Finally, Naru does it and hands me back my card.  (I'm
sure to flash several gold cards in the wallet. Got to show them
you are financially secure.)  They place my purchase in a little
box that I casually put in my pocket.  I wink cheerfully at Myuko
as I leave.  Both of them are holding their breaths about to bust
wanting to discuss me after I'm out the door.
     Outside, I think about what I just did.  Diamond studs? 
Stupid Frenchman!  I never go anywhere formal.  Maxed out my
credit card for a coffee house date!  Damn!  What was I thinking? 
That's the last time I let one of these previous life
personalities drive.  Maybe I should have been a bit more honest
and just asked about Nephrite.  This James Bond type seducing
women type stuff is just way too expensive.

     Taking a break, I read the paper in a nearby park to kill
time and do a little background research.  Yep, the "Happenings
around the town" section has a full write-up of the party at the
Dia embassy.  Though it is a small kingdom this is supposed to be
a rather big affair.  There's a picture of the king of that
principality: a balding, distinguished looking gent with a
mustache.  His daughter: Rosalinda, nicknamed "Princess Diamond"
by the press, is to present some family treasure in a ceremony to
kick off a goodwill tour.  (I'm a cynical type though.  Why do
this in Japan?  After all, europe is rather far away from here. A
quick glance in the business section, however, reveals that said
kingdom is angling Matshushta for an electronics plant.)  I guess
goodwill is good for business.
     After a while, I make my way to the cafe.  "Cat's Eye coffee
shop," reads the sign out front.  (An odd name for an eatery.) 
When I step inside, I struck by the fact that the whole place is
spotlessly clean.  No doubt it's kept so by the large, bald
fellow behind the counter.  I take a corner table and ponder what
I'm doing.  (And find myself, strangely, really hoping that Myuko
will show...)  It is no accident that Nephrite is hanging around
the Jewelry store, and his sudden interest in gemstones and
royalty is too convenient.  What would he want with Ms. Osaka? 
Sure, she's pretty but she hardly seems his type.  (I remember he
liked something a little more athletic in the thunderbolt hurling
line.)
     I am lost in thought, when Myuko comes in and spots me. 
She's nervous and a little anxious, but I quickly put her at
ease.  (I let the frenchman drive again; he is a lot smoother
than many of my other incarnations.  Besides, how big a bill can
he run up in a coffee shop?)  We hit it off as we chat about this
and that.  Knowing parents love to talk about their children, I
ask about Naru.  When she talks, with pride about her daughter, I
tell her similar stories about some of my students.  We go back
and forth like this for some time.
     When she is comfortable I decide to try and see if she'll
talk about the weird going's on around her shop that I read about
in the police reports.  Gradually I transition from my students
to the school and the weird circumstances that brought me there. 
I tell about the students reporting a fight between a demon and
two angels at the cram school and how the owners had to go
overseas to find teachers.  When I ask her if she's heard of
anything so strange she suddenly clams up and looks more than a
little anxious.  Damn!  Too fast, she doesn't want to talk about
it.  I struggle to think up something else to say.
     During this lapse in the conversation, the big fellow is
refilling our cups when he suddenly freezes up staring out the
window.  I glance outside and notice, Naru and another girl with
long blond hair done up in an odd, dual ponytail style peeking
above the hedges at us.  It's Ami's friend, Usagi.  They are not
what the waiter is staring at, but Usagi's cat, Luna.  My coffee
cup, which he is in the midst of refilling starts to overflow.  I
grip his wrist and that snaps him out of it.  With an apology, he
wipes up the spill and retreats into the back room.  I think a
distraction might open her up again.
  "Why don't you invite your daughter and her friend in for a
pastry?"
  "Hm?" she asks absently; she had been staring off into space,
lost in thought .  "Oh!  Naru..." she says in exasperation when I
point out her daughter outside.
  "Oh... It's sweet that she worries about you." I say. 
(Perfect, sensitive but not too soft.)
  "Well..."  She hesitates.
  "Come on, call her in.  Show her your new beau."
   She blinks at my last comment and hesitates before she motions
to Naru and Usagi.  They first try to hide but then sheepishly
come inside.
     "Davis-san how are you today?" Usagi asks surprised when she
recognizes me.  "Fine, Usagi.  Would you and Naru care for a
pastry or a piece of pie?"  I smile scooting around in the booth
to make room for them.  Ms. Osaka does likewise and we are
crowded quite close.  To make room, I lean back and lay my arm on
the top of the booth, around her shoulders but only the lightest
of contact.  (The frenchman chuckles and concedes me a point.)  A
slight flush of embarrassment rises to Myuko's cheeks.
       "Thanks!"  Usagi says plopping down enthusiastically and
picking up a menu.  "Ya' know im'?" Naru asks Usagi indicating
me.  "Yeah, he teaches Ami at the cram school; she introduced him
to me."  Usagi answers engrossed in scanning the selection of
sweets.  "My, what a small woild," Naru says.  ("Small world
indeed."  The cynical part of me starts calculating the odds of
Usagi knowing both Naru and Ami.  Coincidentally, both the cram
school and OSA P. experience Dark Kingdom activity.  I keep my
face neutral as I eye Usagi speculatively.  Toward the last,
Beryl managed to corrupt men who were totally loyal.  Might she
do the same to this innocent?  Or is she just seeming innocent? 
Looks like I have another avenue of investigation now. )
     We wait quietly for a moment as Usagi looks impatiently at
the kitchen for the waiter.  The shop is uncharacteristically
quiet and I notice other patrons standing by the cash register
waiting to pay.  Something brushes my leg, and I glance under the
table to see Usagi's cat.  It looks up at me and blinks its
golden eyes with a look that exhibit marked intelligence.  Again
I note the odd mark on its forehead.  "Usagi," I say and she
tears her eyes away from the kitchen door.  "I think the waiter
has a fear of cats; Luna is going to have to leave if you want
that slice of pie."  "Uh, sorry Luna," she apologies to the cat
and walks it to the door, "go home."  She opens the door and the
cat walks out, nose upturned and tail high as though she were
offended.  Quite curious indeed.
     After that, waiter comes out and busily tops off cups and
fills orders as though he were just busy in the back.  Naru and
Usagi have rather healthy appetites for girls their size,
especially Usagi.  I look at her and wonder if such a typical
looking girl could mask an agent of Beryl.  Between bites, Usagi
keeps a running chatter of trivialities about shopping and
clothes.  When she switches subjects to video games, however, I
find myself drawn in.  Now here's a subject I can relate to.  The
girls and I go back and forth about game strategy for a while,
but they look a little lost when I talk about "Space Invaders."

     When their plates are empty, Naru drags Usagi away before
she can order seconds and I am left alone with Myuko again.  I
notice that she doesn't move away from me after the girls leave. 
There is an awkward silence for a moment where I consider if it
is wise to start asking about weird activity again when Myuko
says, "You're really good with kids." I give her a half smile and
answer, "Well, I've had a little practice.  Naru's a nice young
lady, she has your personality."  My little twist on the old "I
can see where your daughter gets her good looks," line causes her
to snicker.
  "Ahem!  Say," she says with forced casualness, "are you busy
thursday evening?"
  "No, I've got that night off.  What did you have in mind?"
  "There's a formal reception at the Dia embassy.  I've been
invited because I'm a jeweler and they're unveiling some family
treasure.  I know you like jewelry and... Would you mind being my
escort?"
  Jackpot!  "I'd be delighted to go,"  I say sincerely. 
(Sincerely?  "More flattery," says the Frenchman.)  "The sad
thing is," I continue, "you'll so out shine those studs I bought,
they'll look like glass."
  "Flattery will get you nowhere," she laughs, "but keep it
coming anyway."
  "Ah," I say shaking my head in embarrassment, "I didn't realize
I was being so transparent."
  "You were just trying to be nice.  Why don't you come by the
shop at seven, we'll use my car."
  "Great, it's a date."
  "Well, I've got to get back to the store now.  See you then."
      We slide out of the booth and I give her hand an
affectionate squeeze when I help her up.  She really surprises me
when she leans forward and gives me a small kiss on the cheek.  A
little embarrassed by her forwardness she quickly excuses herself
but she walks away with a little bounce in her step and lilt in
her voice.  I give a little wave when she glances back through
the window at me.  An ominous shadow looms over me and the waiter
seizes that moment to present the check to me rather forcefully. 
I gasp as I look at the total at the bottom of the bill.  Did I
mention how expensive everything is in Japan?

     Thursday comes quickly enough, however, and as I walk to the
Osaka's house I'm reminded about another party I attended ten
thousand years ago... 

Part 2: (The gift)
     
     A hubbub arises from the crowd of citizens gathered to greet
the king and queen of the moon as the gangplank is secured. 
Other royalty have arrived for the festival before them but this
is the topper.  Since they hold the chairmanship of the Grand
Council of Eleven, the Lunar throne is the most politically
powerful in the whole solar system.  As befitting our influential
neighbors, they make an entrance in grand style.  The Moon
Dragon, the imperial lunar barge, is a huge, ornate vessel used
solely for their transport.  Carvings of celestial dragons cover
the massive white-oak hull, and her billowing, pearly, silk sails
look like a bank clouds.  Colorful tassels, pennants and
windsocks festoon the masts and spars; they look like a fireworks
display as they flutter in the breeze.  The colorful red and
green pagoda style foacsle seems to be the home of some god in
the clouds. On the topmost mast flies the lunar flag, a plain
white field with a yellow crescent moon in it.  Indeed, the ship
is a reminder of the power of the lofty position of our
neighbors.  (She is also, however, a reminder of the wealth of
Earth since she was a gift to the royal couple on the birth of
their daughter Serena.)
     A cheer goes up from the assembled throng when they sight
the royal family.  They stand for a moment at the top of the
gangway and wave to the multitude and then descend with a slow,
regal grace.  Probably another reason the crowd is here is that
the Lunar court is so beautiful and glamorous.  I am somewhat
tall for a Terran, but the moon people have a few inches on me. 
(Everything grows tall in the lower gravity.)  Serenity and
Halcyon look like two sides to the same coin.  Both are blond
haired blue eyed, tall and unbelievably willowy.  Her hair is
tied up in two knots that hang from the sides of her head in two
ponytails that almost brush the ground.  His is held back into
one long flowing mane that flutters majestically in the morning
breeze.  They are the perfect match both physically and mentally. 
Halcyon keeps a low profile running most of the day to day
affairs of state while Serenity concentrates on diplomacy and
foreign affairs.  She is the one who makes most decisions
regarding Earth.  
     Accompanying them are the five inner senshi, their body
guard.  Thankfully they are wearing long capes in their
respective colors over their fukus.  Still, more than a few
whistles of appreciation go up from some of the rowdier male
members of the crowd.  A snarl from my sergeant shuts them up
quickly, though.  I'm somewhat surprised to see that the younger
Jupiter  has already taken over for her older sister.  ( But,
then again, she was an early bloomer.)  The rest are the elder
senshi from their respective planets.  Mercury, Queen Sagacity's
sister, recognizes me and smiles.  Since the meteor strike two
years ago, I've got a lot of friends on that planet. 
     At my command, the honor guard of Royal Earth Marines snaps
to attention and the trumpeters play the Lunar anthem as they
stride to the bottom of the gangway.  I bow low and say, "Welcome
to Earth, your majesties.  I am Ferrite, one of the Guardians. 
I've been assigned to be your escort back to the palace."  Such
duties usually fall to me because of two reasons.  First, the
others are actual princes of their particular kingdoms heir to
large estates and hence are above such menial tasks.  Second, I'm
the only one with enough brains, with perhaps the exception of
Nephrite, to act properly servile while paying attention to the
slightest expression or utterance.  Such things can give vital
clues in the game of diplomacy.  "King Arturo sends his apologies
for not being here to personally greet your august selves, but
some last minute business needed his attention.  Your carriages
await to take you to the palace."  "Thank you, Ferrite," Serenity
looks me in the eye and smiles graciously.  Her gaze, though
gentle, is very calculating and exact; not much will slip by her.
     A quick arm movement draws my attention to their daughter,
Serena, a half step behind them.  She's tripped on her long gown
as she was stepping off the gangway and is starting to fall.  The
senshi, scanning the crowd for danger, do not see this.  In an
eye-blink, thanks to my enhanced speed, I catch her hand and
steady her before she fully loses her balance.  Shifting my
position to a low bow, I turn a clumsy catch into a courtly
gesture and help her off the gangplank.  The princess blushes
with embarrassment at her own awkwardness.  Trying to spare her
the mortification of almost falling on her face in front of her
friends a crowd of people I say a bit loudly, "The change in
gravity can really throw off your sense of balance, your
highness.  You'd best take small steps until you are used to it." 
"Er... yes.  Thank you, Ferrite." she says with formality
befitting a princess addressing an underling.  I stand up take
two steps back facing them before I turn to lead them to their
carriage.  For an instant, Serenity's eyes meet mine and there is
a warmth in them that was not there before.  Score one for
interplanetary manners and good reflexes.
     I lead the Lunar First family down the gold trimmed, red
carpet to their carriage.  At the top step, however they stop and
face the assembled multitude.  "I would like to thank you, people
of Earth," Serenity says with a magically magnified voice, "for
your warm and gracious welcome."  The crowd goes wild.  Serenity
is certainly living up to her reputation as a consummate
diplomat, I observe.  The senshi split up into the other two
carriages.  Mars and Jupiter to the lead and Mercury and Venus to
the rear.  After seating the royals in the middle carriage I
mount my horse trot him around to check on my guests.  As I reach
the carriages carrying the senshi, I give a friendly, greeting to
my counterparts.
     The elder Mars is icily formal to the point of being
insulting.  Though her beautiful dark brown hair and hazel eyes
give her a warm look, she couldn't be colder.  Her planet is very
resentful of Earth and always seems to be at odds with us about
some matter or another.  The theocracy that rules there is
intolerant of other religious views and Earth is the prime origin
of many competing ethos.  The only true way to talk to god, the
Martians say, is through the Eternal Sacred Fire that burns in
the temple of the Ancients.  I don't know much about religion,
but Mars is definitely not one of my favorite shore leave
planets.
    The younger Jupiter, however, (Juno is her given name) is
very friendly.  I met her about a year ago when the Nemesis led a
relief convoy to her planet.  Strange winds from the depths of
the gas giant swept across the floating islands causing a
horrendous crop failure.  Millions would have starved were it not
for king Arturo virtually emptying the Earth treasury to supply
aid.  Endymion was instrumental in getting the other kingdoms of
Earth to go along with his father's decision too; it was his
personal visits and impassioned speeches that swayed many kings
and queens of Earth to lend their support.  (I also saw him
unwittingly capture the hearts of more than one Earth princess on
that tour as well.  I lost count of the number of love letters
pressed into my hand to be passed on to the prince.)
     The elder Venus gives a disinterested hello and turns her
deep green eyes, glazed over with boredom, back to staring out
the window.  Presented with a view of the back of her head I
press my lips together in annoyance.  Humph, typical.  Venusians
are a very sensuous (some say decadent)  people, thanks in large
part to the favorable climate.  (Somehow the Ancients keep the
surface pressure tolerable to humans and the temperature a
pleasant eighty two degrees planet wide.)  A people of leisure
they are great at sports but not at serious pursuits.  If it is
not fun, chances are a Venusian won't do it.
     The elder Mercury is genuinely pleased to see me.  Being the
twin sister of Queen Sagacity, she looks just like a younger
version her.  Her long, blue-black hair is stunning.  I inquire
about Cognistance and she tells me that Segacity's daughter will
be taking over her duties in a few years.  (Though she is
Segacity's sister she looks to be barely out of her teens.  One
of the effects of the transformation magic that make them into
Senshi and us into guardians, is to fix our age for as long as we
hold the post.)  The planet Mercury is solidly in the pro-Earth
camp, grateful for our support and protection.  A fleet base
there deiters the pirates that used to raid Mercury for the
ancient devices.  More than a few have had their pirate careers
cut short by terran guns.  Happy to share their knowledge, the
University of Mercury has almost one quarter student body from
Earth.
     After checking my guests, I prance my horse to the lead of
the column and start us in motion.  As we ride off for the
palace, the king and queen wave to the adoring throng.  A cheer
goes up for the Queen Serenity and King Halcyon of the moon. 
Good, a warmer welcome couldn't have been better scripted. 
People just love the spectacle of royalty.

     With the marines and myself as escort, we all ride to the
royal palace at the heart of the capital of Mu.  Ton-lo is the
seat of power for the entire Earth.  There are other cites,
larger, richer or more central, but it has one thing no other
does: The Great Portal of the Ancients.  It and the other wonders
were made by beings that inhabited the solar system long before
humans came on the scene.  Using it you could go anywhere in the
universe.  (Though we only know how to get to the other planets
right now.)  Through this gateway humans first discovered the
library of Mercury, the Spire of Jupiter, the Time Gate of Pluto
and the other wonders.  (Plus the other devices that allow us to
sail the spaceways were found.)  Using it, humans colonized the
planets.
     Passing through The Great Portal is not without cost though;
Most people just become nauseous, a few become ill, very rarely,
a person just steps in and don't step out.  That risk makes it
unsuitable for frequent use.  Because of this, most of the
interplanetary travel occurs by ships like the Moon Dragon and
her kin.
     Since Earth is the only planet that has decent trees, we
dominate the solar system in that respect.  (Like someone could
build a decent ship out of Venusian tanglewood, Martian cactus,
or Lunar wisp wood.  Pah!)  You can go anywhere in the solar
system and you will find our merchantmen and traders.  Sure, the
others make a go at competing with us but just you try and get a
load of tannafruit from Venus to Mercury using a Martian stone
barge before it spoils.  Better yet, move something in system
using a Uranian ice ship.  You'd find yourself standing on
nothing pretty quick.  (Plus you'd leave a tail that would
attract every pirate from the asteroid belt to you.)
     We have a saying, here on Terra: "The planets revolve around
the sun but their kingdoms revolve around the Earth."  Which is,
in a sense, true; many of the planets need to trade with us for
their very survival.  None of them can match the output of our
farms, forests and factories.  That and our great numbers make us
strong; half the population of the solar system live on Earth. 
Few take the situation in good stride like the Mercurians,
though.  A lot envy us and the Martians down-right resent us. 
(We gift them a shipload of sandlewood every year, like
clock-work, to feed to their sacred fire but do they appreciate
it?  Noooo. )
     One curious situation in planetary politics is our dearth of
really powerful mages or exceptionally strong mystics.  It's
probably because the Earth is divided into so many kingdoms, if
they were united we could probably best any of the other planets. 
The college of Astrology turns out some decent thaumaturgests and
a good sized kingdom can vest a champion with a lot of energy
(Like the Guardians) but nothing on the order of a Sailor-Senshi. 
The other planets tend to look down on us, because of this which
I find curious considering our economic power and the might of
our navy.  Mars especially vies with us for preeminence, though
the Moon is the real master.
      And this is the political situation which my young cousin
is being thrust into.  He is the sole prince of the Kingdom of
Mu: the largest kingdom and political head of the kingdoms of
Earth.  When he sits upon the Emerald throne, vast power will
become his.  Having spent long hours as his escort and confidant,
I know he will be a just king using his power for good and peace. 
(His work on the Jupiter relief mission showed that.)  Still,
there is a lot of leeway in the term "good".  Any kingdom lucky
enough to place a queen at his side could have a lot of "good"
for themselves.  Endymion is, therefore, the most eligible
bachelor in the solar system.  His birthday on friday marks the
beginning of the hunt for his affections.  And may the best
planet... er, girl win.  

     The celebration of the prince's coming of age is the
grandest gala in history.  King Arturo declared a week of
festivities ending with a holiday.  To make sure that the royal
houses of the solar system would make the effort, Arturo also
scheduled trade and diplomatic talks with the other planets.  The
royalty of all ten planets, the Moon, asteroids and lesser moons
are here.  Even the exiled royal family of the planet Nemesis
makes an appearance.  In addition to the planets, royalty from
all the major kingdoms of Earth are here: Atlantis, Cibolita,
Hyboria, Avalon, El Dorado, and Lemuria just to name a few, are
in attendance.
     The King has spared no expense in this celebration.  A feast
fit for a god was spread before his guests.  Delicacies from all
the planets were mixed and matched in flavors to exotic to
describe.  Even my well travelled eye sees foods I do not
recognize.  But, to name just a few there are, gargantuan
truffles from Mercury,  Silver eel from the mighty rivers of
Venus, exotic fruits from all over Earth,  desert sand worms from
Mars (deadly poisonous if prepared wrong), Jovian air shark,
pistol seeds from the asteroids (you need a sledgehammer to crack
em' but they have a sweet, nutty flavor unlike anything), Uranian
crystal swarmers (you have to eat them while they are cold or
they sublimate), Neptunian ghost squid (or at least a small
section of the tentacle from one of the three-mile-long
monsters), and Plutonian ... well it's hard to tell exactly what
that was but it sure made a great fondue.
     For that week a feast for the other senses is also laid out
before Arturo's guests too.  Specially imported works of art from
Pluto are up in improvised galleries across the city.  The
Martian tabernacle choir gives performances in praise of the
sacred fire in the amphitheater.  Mercurian poets, Uranian and
Neptunian musicians, perform to hundreds of small gatherings
throughout the city.  The Venusians are going to put on a track
and field meet that is bound to be popular.  (Especially since
they compete in the nude.)  Skater's from the Moon are going to
perform a ballet on ice.  The grand fleet will stage a mock
battle commemorating humanity's victory over the Slavers and the
founding of the Silver Millennium.  (I get to command the H.M.S.
Nemesis as we maneuver and fire our empty cannons over the city.) 
An army of entertainers from across the solar system have been
engaged to perform spontaneous shows in the streets.  Even the
"Black Moon Circus", a troupe of performers formed by the exiles
from planet ten, is set up outside of town and is holding
continuous shows for king and commoner alike.
     The most important event though, is the grand ball where the
prince will be presented to the assembled royalty and formally
recognized as the heir to the emerald throne of Earth.  When
Arturo retires, Endymion will receive the title of High King of
the twenty and three great houses of Earth.  Eventually my skinny
little cousin will be the lord and master of Earth sitting upon
the highest seat of power in the entire solar system.  (
Hopefully my years of loyal service will be recognized and I can
snag a cabinet position.  Minister of the Navy would be nice.)

     Before the ball, King Arturo called me into a private
conference with him in his study.  The room is windowless and
covered floor to ceiling in dark oak panels about a yard square. 
It is lit by rare glow globes from Mercury that cast their light
on the few pictures that adorn the wall.  An ornate writing desk
and a few chairs are the only furniture in the room. There is a
heavy smell of cigar smoke in the room.  The king greatly enjoys
his brandy and cigars, though he does not indulge himself often
and never to excess.  When I come in, he is seated behind the
desk.  King Arturo is a bear of a man, short and powerfully
built.  Endymion takes more after his mother.  The hair on his
balding head he keeps severely short to match his closely cropped
beard.  He wears a dark, blue-black uniform trimmed in gold,
symbolic of his position of commander of all Earth forces.  He's
the kind of man you would follow to hell and back.
     The top of the desk, I note, is bereft of the important
papers and documents that normally cover it.  There will be no
distractions to our discussion.  When he motions that I pour us a
snifter of brandy each, I know he is going to be speaking serious
business.  My hand shakes a little as I pour the brandy.  What I
say here could affect my world for centuries.
     Though I am officially a Guardian, my duties extended into
many levels of staff and diplomacy.  I've also done a little
espionage along with my naval responsibilities.  (To be blunt, I
am a spy.)  Being family, if not immediate family, I'm a bit more
trustworthy than most ministers.  After all, my fortunes are
directly tied to Endymion's and I have created some powerful
enemies that leave me in peace only because of my position.

     "Ferrite," the king says launching straight into
conversation as he is wont to do, "I cannot stress the importance
of tonight's proceedings.  Before now, my son has shown little
interest in finding a bride and settling down.  But it is vital
that he start thinking along those lines.  Tonight he will have
many possibilities laid before him.  He must find the right match
that will assure Earth's position and peace in the solar system. 
We cannot afford to be to insular.  Do you remember the trouble I
had getting the other nobles of Earth to go along with me in
aiding Jupiter?  "It's their problem," they said, "why should we
beggar ourselves for them?  We have our own crises to deal with." 
Pah!  Didn't the fools realize the Jovians would have become
desperate and tried to take what they needed by force?  It would
have meant war!"

     "Aye, Sire," I agree emphatically taking a sip of brandy.  I
feel it warm me a bit as I say, "While their needle ships are
short range, the Jovians could have wreaked havoc on our merchant
shipping.  The Grand Fleet would have eventually beaten them, but
at great cost.  Now we have a grateful ally rather than a bitter,
beaten foe."

     "That is why I am convinced the prince must find a bride
outside of Earth.  Our gaze must be focused outward or I can see
war within ten years;  most likely it will be with those
querelous Martians.  Though we have a score of princesses from
across Earth's kingdoms, we must steer him to an offworlder. 
Tonight the seeds of romance need to be planted on alien soil."

     "Have you tried talking to him about his *ahem* duties?"  I
ask.

     "Yes," the king answers taking a swallow of brandy himself,
"but he is a headstrong youth.  He feels he must marry for love
or else he will not be true to his principles.  Ahhh!  I blame
myself for allowing him that liberal education.  He may be
brought around to our thinking should the need arise, but it
would be better if a match could be introduced subtly.  If he
finds her likeable, maybe the right union could occur without the
weight of interplanetary politics forcing it.  Lord knows,
marriage is hard enough without that to complicate things.  What
are the interplanetary situation princess-wise?"

     "Well sire, by dint of luck, all the planets have princesses
of marriageable age.  All, save Pluto who is a year older than
he, are younger than the prince by several years.  If he should
marry, I think he would probably be the dominant partner in any
such union.  That would be to Earth's advantage, however, there
are many factors that make most of the contenders less than
ideal.  All of the candidates are slated to hold the Senshi post
for their respective planet for a while, but their brief term of
service should have a negligible effect on the marriage."

     "Very well, lets start from Mercury and work outward.  I
know you are very familiar with the Mercurians, what is their
princess like?"

     "Princess Cognstance, her aunt told me today that she will
be taking over as the Senshi in a year and a half, is shy,
demure, and quite the intellectual.  She would be a gentle and
kind queen.  The sciences would benefit from someone of her
nature.  However, I don't think she would be the best match for
the prince.  She is so caught up in her scientific pursuits, I
fear Endymion would become bored or feel neglected.  Secondly,
while the prince is intelligent, he is not as cerebral and driven
as her.  She may come to be the controlling partner in a
marriage.  I would suggest a woman less focused than Mercury."

     "Venus?"

     "Though I've never seen Aphrodite personally, I understand
she is at the opposite end of the scale: she lacks any focus at
all.  She is an extreme example of her people, if it is not
amusing she loses interest rather quickly.  Agents from our
embassy say she is very personable and stimulating: a delight in
social situations.  I believe that many friendships and
connections would be forged with the other planets.  However, you
yourself know how dull affairs of state can be sometimes.  All
the weight of ruling would rest on Endymion's shoulders.  While
this might not be a bad thing for Earth's power, I don't think it
would make for a good marriage."

     "The Moon?"

     "Serena...  Sources say she is a rather sweet young lady.   
I think she would be a devoted to whomever she marries.  An only
child, she's somewhat used to being the center of attention and
is prone to tears when things don't go her way.  She is trying to
live up to her parent's expectations, though.  Recently, she has
adopted a strange affectation in her speech: she doesn't use
contractions.  I think she believes that makes her appear more
regal and intelligent.  Given proper guidance and incentive she
could overcome the indolence her parents have allowed her and
become an effective ruler.  She's somewhat clumsy but I feel that
will pass when she matures.  Of all the ones, she is probably the
best match."

     "Mars?"

     "I have heard that Rei has quite a temper and is very...
opinionated.  Endymion is just as strong willed and any
difference of opinion that would normally cause a slight
disagreement between them could easily escalate into a serious
argument.  No, a union of those two would be an unhappy one
filled with friction.  Though I do not doubt they would both
honor their commitments unto death, it would be a strained
marriage at best."

     "One of the asteroid princesses?"

     I blink and pause for just a moment.  "Sire, they are so...
bazaar, I hadn't considered them."

     "He gives a short barking laugh and then says, "Jupiter?"

     "Juno?  Too impulsive, too... physical.  She is prone to act
rather than think.  If we needed a warrior queen, she would be
the one I would choose.  She knows how to wage war, but in times
of peace she would be more likely to start a fight than prevent
one.  But no, for the much the same reasons as Mars."

     "Saturn?"

     "Sweet girl but too physically sickly.  I really feel for
her father who worries over her illness.  No, an heir is too
important to the crown."

     "Uranus?"

     "Sadly sire, the rumors turned out to be true."

     "Neptune?"

     "For the exact same reason."

     "Pluto?"

     "Setsuna is older and very mature, closer to the prince's
age, beautiful thoughtful woman with a very long view of events
as only the Plutonians have.  She would be my first
recommendation but... she is slated to be the next guardian of
the Time Gate of the Ancients.  Even should she leave the post
after a few years in real time, such duty changes them forever. 
Once you have seen time from the outside, everything else seems
trivial.  For that reason the Plutonian royalty is a bit distant
and distracted from everyday affairs.  No the Earth and Endymion
needs the attention of his queen."

     "Nemesis?"

     I pause again as I consider the princess from planet ten. 
Now he knows the political situation makes her completely
unacceptable.  I think he just asked me that to confirm his own
thinking.  "Perhaps a recap of the situation would clarify
things," I say.

     "Go on," he grunts in agreement.

     "Five years ago, the usurpers on Nemesis defeated loyalist
forces and the remaining royal family fled to Earth capping the
stream of refugees that had begun two years before that.  The
archmage leader of the usurpers is killed trying to seize the
surviving Nemesean royalty from the patrol frigate, H.M.S.
Valiant, where they had been granted asylum.  In that incident
the Queen of Nemesis was also killed leaving her daughter,
Patience, the sole heir to the Nemesian throne," I say as
succinctly as I can.  (I gloss over entirely my role in the
"Valiant" incident.)
     "She is also heir to the position of Sailor senshi of
Nemesis, though the transformation wands were given over to the
Moon kingdom to placate Mars' objections.  The expatriate
Nemesean have been given a land grant in vacant lands no other
kingdoms claimed where they have remained in a rather insular
society, vowing to remain apart until the day return to their
home.  Since then, the usurper government on planet Nemesis looks
upon Earth with the utmost hatred and do not have event the
slightest commerce with us.  They hesitate to declare war on us
though, given our armed might.  But because of the political
situation we cannot oust them.

  "And what is their princess like?"

  "Obviously, you mean Patience, the princess in exile, not
the... pretender," I say using the nicest word I can think of,
"that sits upon the throne of the dark star.  I feel patience
would be a good match too.  Caring and devoted, she would be
supportive to Endymion when all else are against him.  Right or
wrong she will stand by her husband.  She is someone he could
lean on when the crown weighs heavily on him.  Of them all, she
would give herself totally to the marriage.  I must admit some
bias when I say it but, loyalty is her strongest suit.
     That said however, the political consequences to such a
match would be devastating.  The Martian theocracy would see it
as an attempt to extend our rule to the outer planets and install
a puppet government on Nemesis.  You remember how the Nemesean
usurpers reacted when you made me a Guardian and rechristened the
"Dreadnought" as the "Nemesis?"  Well, they would instantly
declare war the moment the vows were spoken.  Though they could
do little but annoy us, it might precipitate a war with Mars. 
Added to those headaches, the inner planets would feel slighted
that we chose our "pet" princess above theirs.  Since Patience
lives here on the palace grounds for her own protection, the
other planets act as though we keep them imprisoned.  They do
this even though none of them offered the exiles a place to live. 
Why last year three assassins were intercepted trying to get to
her."

     "True..." He agrees, "Besides, though she is the rightful
heir to the throne of Nemesis, the transformation wands are still
in possession of the Moon Kingdom.  "For safe keeping, of
course," they say but also to prevent Earth from having a
Sailor-Senshi under our control.  This situation cannot be
allowed to continue otherwise we will be stuck with this problem
forever.  Here is something I want you to do...  During the ball
tonight, you are to approach Serenity with a proposition I will
draft to have Patience become part of the Lunar court.  We'll say
to train her in the way of royalty that she is not getting here. 
I'm sure I can get Patience's regent to agree to it.  Initially
have her become, say, a lady in waiting to Serena.  They will
probably do it if just to get her out of our hands.  While
Patience is in their court she will be a constant reminder of the
situation of her people.  Eventually, it might occur to Serenity
to restore the wands to the Nemesians so that she might serve as
part of the guard.  From there we might..."  He trails off but I
catch his line of reasoning.

     He sat there for a moment and stroked his beard thoughtfully
before asking, "Serena, you say?"

     "Aye, she is the best choice," I reiterate, "I really 
believe he will be happiest with her."

     "Hm.  I hope so, I really don't want to force him into an
arranged marriage.   That was the situation with me and his
mother and we were perfectly happy.  Something tells me, though,
that he would resist one even though every consideration would be
made to his feelings."

     "Serena is the best for him and the best for Earth," I
repeat, "With the Earth and the Moon solidly united, the inner
planets will fall in line.  Even those cantankerous Martians
respect the power of the Ginshousu.  When that has settled, we
can gather our forces and wrest Nemesis away from the usurpers. 
Then, Earth's position will be secure.  We'll even put those
insular Nemesian exiles on Earth back in the oort cloud where
they belong."

     "Fine," he agrees, "since you greeted the Lunar family, it
is quite appropriate you introduce him to them.  Try and steer
Endymion a little, get him to ask Serena to be the first dance.

     An idea occurs to me, "I know just the thing to say, I'll
tell Endymion that Serena is not used to the gravity yet and if
he would be so kind as to acclimate her.  So she doesn't feel
self-conscious, of course."

     "Hah! Of course!  He laughs conspiratorially, I knew when I
promoted you as a rebuke to those usurper Nemeseans, I was making
a wise choice.  You are a good lieutenant."

     I smile at the praise from my king, "Why thank you, sire. 
As you said when you gave me my title.  "Iron makes the best
tools.""

     He eyes me appraisingly and I meet his gaze.  A grin splits
our faces as we toast the upcoming night.  It's so good to know
exactly where you stand.


     Later that night after delivering the king's proposal, I
join the party and look upon the assembled nobles.  Endymion is
standing to one side with the other Guardians flanking him in the
greeting line.  Stretching out into the hall is a line of
nobility eager to meet the man who will be king.  Endymion is
dressed simply in his dark blue uniform with a plain red sash.  A
cape of the same color with a red liner drapes from his shoulders
heightening his slim form.  Kunzite, Nephrite, Jadeite and
Zoicite are in their grey guardian uniforms nearby forming a
setting for the jewel of Earth's nobility.  Nearby, the greeter
announces the royalty as they enter.  Behind Endymion, the
protocol officer whispers details about each particular guest.  I
join them in my blue naval uniform with a grey sash denoting my
guardian status.  The prince has been standing here for about an
hour now, greeting his guests but is holding up well.  From the
look of the line, he has about another thirty minutes to go.
     I tap Nephrite and Jadeite on the shoulder and motion them
to join me.  Though Nephrite is superior to me in rank, the other
Guardians defer to me on matters of state.  We need to make a
patrol of the ballroom so I leave the most senior and most junior
of the Guardians with Endymion.  They both breathe a slight sigh
of relief as they step away with me.  "I think I'd rather fight
an assassin than stand there greeting more princesses from places
I've never even heard of before," says Jadeite.  "How many of
them pressed a note in your hand to pass secretly to Endymion?" 
Nephrite asks.  "Three," Jadeite answers.  "Hah, four!"  Nephrite
exclaims, "you owe me fifty."  Jadeite just sighs.  I take the
notes and put them in my pouch.  I'm the connection to the
administrative staff and will have to pass these on to Endymion's
personal secretary so that a proper reply can be drafted to them.
     We make a quiet circuit of the hall greeting friends,
acquaintances and courtiers of all sorts.  Though we exchange
pleasantries, we scan the room for anything out of place or
people who don't look like they belong.  As we walk about, we
encounter the younger Jupiter.
     "Juno, how are you?  How goes the harvest this year?"  I
ask, pleased to see her.
  "Oh, very well, thank you," She answers me with a warm smile,"
it was tough there for a while, but the rice crop is in and
things are getting better."
  I turn to my fellows and say, "Juno is the younger
Sailor-Senshi from Jupiter.  Probably the youngest to ever hold
the position, if I'm not mistaken.  She's also cooks the very
best air-shark soup you ever tasted.  Juno, I'd like to introduce
you to my fellow Guardians.  , Jadeite..."
  "Good evening," Jadeite says with a bow and click of his heels.
  She smiles and curtsies to him.
  "... and Nephrite."
  Nephrite, in an outlandish display of courtly manners bows low,
takes her hand and kisses it.  "I don't think I've ever met a
senshi quite so charming."
  Young Jupiter blushes and lowers her gaze bashfully.
  I stifle a snicker and Jadeite barely keeps from laughing out
loud.  Nephrite is using his "God's gift to women" voice;
Nephrite's voice is usually a deep and husky, one might say
raspy, but now it's smooth and slightly higher.  He's so
engrossed with Jupiter that he doesn't see me smirk and Jadeite
look at me with a raised eyebrow.  I shake my head in mock
disgust.  The man is soooo... transparent.  The thing that really
gets me about it is that "the voice" usually works.  I give a
slight sigh and say,  "Nephrite, why don't you go about the hall
with Jupiter.  Point out the exits and guard rooms.  It would
make her task of guarding the princess easier and might make you
look at our security from a different perspective." 
  "An excellent suggestion," Nephrite fairly leaps on my
proposition, "I'd be happy to show this enchanting creature
around."
  Jupiter giggles at the blatant flattery.
  "Meet us back at the prince when you see the line shorten to
less than ten," I say as Jadeite and I walk away from the two.  I
glance back to see him smoothly take her arm and guide her around
the room.  "Disgustin', just disgustin'," I say with a smile.
  "Did you see the look in his eye?"  Jadeite asks, "He's got it
bad, neh?"
  "Yea verily, I agree.  The man is smitten," We chuckle and
resume our patrol.

     At last, the final guest is greeted and the ball can begin. 
The other Guardians take up positions about the room, as do their
Lunar counterparts, the Senshi.  Conveniently, Nephrite and
Jupiter's positions are rather close.  We are all to mingle with
the guests but at the same time keep a sharp eye out for trouble. 
None is expected though, the entire palace is heavily spelled and
warded to dissipate offensive magics.  Nothing save a direct
physical attack is open to an assassin and he, or she would have
us to deal with.  All weapons are forbidden and none are exempt
from this rule, I feel naked without my sword or pistol.  Unarmed
as I am, my job is to stay with the prince and stand between him
and any trouble until help arrives.  The good thing is, I get to
share a little of the attention with the prince and steer him
toward Serena.  The bad thing is, I'll be collecting love letters
to him all night.
     Finery from all the over the solar system is on display here
tonight.  And the women!  Beautiful women from as far away as
Pluto are here.  The asteroid princesses are striking in their
bazaar dress and hairstyles.  The Martians in their aesthetically
severe red and white kimonos cluster together forming islands of
solids in the sea of patterns.  The Mercurians are a little dowdy
in their blues and blacks but the Venusians have gone way
overboard with their outrageous blends of colors.  The range of
the Earth princesses are dramatic, some are as severe as the
martians and others as colorful as the Venusians.  (Kunzite's
twin sister is very striking in her long grey gown.  Her full,
white hair flows over her shoulders and down her back like snow.
)  The Jovians have adopted a strange, almost rough frontier look
with greens and browns.  The Saturnians are dressed in stark
blacks and whites, that somehow seem the most alien.  Its really
hard to tell the Uranians apart from the Neptunians as they are
dressed diametrically opposite in green and gold.  The
Plutonians, the fewest in number, have an odd silver motif. 
Finally, the exiled Nemiseans are dressed all in black with fine
gold jewelry as highlights.  The crowning jewels, however, are
the Moon people.  Their elegant whites seem to be enhanced by the
swirl of color around them and Serena, delicate and etherial in
her flowing white gown is the pearl.  Endymion stands there for a
moment, dazed by her innocent beauty.  
     Seizing the moment, I lean close to Endymion and whisper,
"You wouldn't think to look at her, but Serena is very self
conscious.  The change in gravity makes her feel so clumsy and
awkward.  She could use a little help in this difficult time. 
Perhaps a waltz or two until she is acclimated?"  "Really?"  The
prince whispers back, "I guess I should gallantly go over and
rescue her.  Then we could fall in love and get married just like
father wants."  He looks sideways at me slyly; he's nobody's
fool.  Damn, I'm busted!  "Well, it would be a nice gesture," I
mutter.  "All right," he laughs, "one dance.  Besides, she's
cute."
     Never one to let an opportunity pass I quickly start
escorting the prince through the crowd toward her.  Expectantly
she looks at him and he looks back at her.  Her eyes, large and
blue, shimmer as she gets swept up in the romantic moment. They
seem to be drawn to each other as if held together by an
invisible thread.  All eyes gravitate towards her... that is,
until Beryl makes her entrance.
     The Queen of Arcadia, the second largest kingdom of Earth,
is sleek and sultry in a lavender gown that barely conceals her
voluptuous figure.  Her flame red tresses cascading down her bare
back are kept out of her eyes by a gold and onyx tiara that draws
attention to her sparkling amber eyes.  She is unescorted and
stands confidently apart from her retinue which keeps to the
background.  She moves like a panther through the crowd, stalking
her prey.  Her eyes lock with Prince Endymion's and he stops
there hypnotised by her feral beauty.  I look closely at my
cousin and notice him swallow nervously.  Uh oh, this could mean
trouble.
     Is she using disguise magic to enhance her charms?  I flick
my head to the side and look at her through the corners of my
eyes.  It is sometimes possible to see through disguise magic if
you look at it indirectly or know the one disguised.  She looks
just as alluring from a sideways view as directly.  Damn, she's
headed right this way.  Beryl is tall for a woman and looks
Endymion straight in they eye when she stops in front of him. 
"On behalf of the Kingdom of Arcadia, I wish fortune shine down
upon your majesty on this, his birthday,"  Beryl proclaims loudly
to the prince.  I'm surprised that she manages a curtsy seeing as
her dress is so tight.  She gets down okay but appears to have
trouble rising so Endymion gallantly takes her hand and helps her
up.  Her hand lingers in his a little longer than is proper
before she releases it.
     "I wish to present your majesty with a gift," she says
smoothly and snaps her fingers.  What the...?  How dare she
breech protocol so!  Any presents are to be given in a ceremony
tomorrow.  I'm about to intervene when Endymion absently holds
his arm out silencing me.  "Now, be polite Ferrite," he says
looking at Beryl who turns to her retinue.  An attendant of hers
appears at her elbow before I can think of a way to object anyway
and hands her an exquisitely carved black wood case engraved with
runes highlighted in gold leaf.  How did they sneak that in here? 
I swear to heaven above, when I find out who let that by
security, heads will roll.  She holds it out to the prince like
an offering before an altar.  Entranced by the beautiful woman
and her present, he lifts the lid and beholds her gift.
     Inside is a flawless sword of the highest quality.  Those
nearby let out a gasp when they realize what it is made of: steel
of the ancients and honed to a razor sharpness.  The hilt is
plain and unadorned gold but that only highlights the aesthetic
beauty of the weapon.  Such steel is impossible to cut without
the aid of powerful magic or years of work by an army of master
swordsmiths.  It is unlikely that the like of this sword exists
anywhere in all the solar system.  Endymion is left speechless by
the degree of this gift.  He lifts the sword from its case and
holds it out before him; he does so with little effort.  The
blade must be very light for my slight cousin to wield it so.  It
is perfect for him.
     One of Beryl's attendants claps very enthusiastically and
the rest of the crowd joins in.  Endymion's eyes sparkle as he
looks into Beryl's upturned face and says, "Thank you.  Words
cannot describe it."  "I only wish to please my prince," she
purrs huskily.  Another snap of her fingers and a belt and
scabbard is thrust into her hands.  "May I?"  She asks hold the
belt out as if to personally put it around his waist.  I open my
mouth to object at the liberties she is taking with his royal
personage but the prince says, "certainly, I have no objections,"
and raises his arms a bit.  She wraps the belt around his waist
and cinches it.  Her hand rests suggestively on the buckle and
she says, "now my prince is fully armed."  He smiles at her
comment.  Either he got it and is amused, which is bad, or he is
so enraptured he didn't get it, which is bad.
     ARGH!  Things are going to hell in a handbasket.  Should the
prince ask her to be his first dance she'll really get her hooks
into him.  If something isn't done this instant, Beryl will
likely be the next queen of Earth.  Think, think, think... What
can I do to kill the moment?  Spill wine on her?  No, she would
just brush it aside and her gown would cover it.  Trip on her? 
No, I'd have to break her leg to stop her.  Spill some of that
nauseous Neptunian stir-fry on her?  No, I don't have any handy. 
That leaves me only one thing to do to totally drive a stake
through the heart of the romantic moment: throw up on her.
     Covering my left hand under my handkerchief wielded in my
right, I stick my finger down my throat.  It's not easy to make
such an action appear spontaneous but my indulgence earlier in
the evening aids me.  In a feat of acting the god of thespians
must have smiled upon I add voice to the expulsion in a green
faced, heaving, "BLUUUARGH!"  Beryl is covered by the bilious,
yellow, stinking mess that I put all my heart and soul into.
     Cross eyed, I stagger back a step and murmur a sick
sounding, incoherent apology.  The prince is looking at me in
surprise beyond description when the smell now emanating from
Beryl assaults his nostrils.  "Oh, Beryl.  I'm so sorry," he says
to the mortified Queen of Arcadia.   Involuntarily, however, he
and the rest of the crowd that gathered during her performance
step back a little from the now odorous queen.
     Beryl's eyes flash in unimaginable rage at me as her teeth
clench and grind.  By the look in her eyes I know I haven't
fooled her.  Her hands tighten into fist so tight the knuckles
crack.  No doubt she's imaging me in their grip.  In that instant
of fury I, and I alone, feel the whisper of a chilling force
directed at me.  Death Magic!  I would not recognize it save I've
had experience with it before.  It immediately vanishes as she
contains her wrath, and regains control of herself.
     Could I have been mistaken?  Was it just nausea caused by my
vomiting?  No, there is nothing in the world like what I just
felt.  It was just like that day on the Valiant, seven years ago. 
That feeling could not be caused by white or natural magic.  That
was death magic: the blackest and most evil, no doubt about it. 
I pretend to be further ill and hurriedly leave the room. 
There's a lot more to Beryl than meets the eye.
     Ducking into the water closet I quickly wash up. 
Fortunately my uniform was unsoiled in my performance but I check
my boots just to be sure.  I splash water on my face and try to
decide what to do.  Accusing Beryl, the second most powerful
monarch on Earth of being a demon worshipper without proof is
suicide.  Guardians can be removed from their office if a
majority of the Terran kingdoms vote against him.  Beryl has many
friends and Arturo is unpopular at the moment because of the
expenses from aiding Jupiter.  If I loose my position with the
enemies I have now, and I'm dead.  More than that, It could
undermine the King's support amongst the other Earth kingdoms or,
worst of all, it might make the prince come to her defense.  When
he sets his mind to a course of action, Endymion will not deviate
from it.  Right now, Beryl is an object of sympathy; being
wrongly accused will make the conniving witch look like a damsel
in distress.  One thing the prince cannot resist is riding to the
rescue.
     I have to gather proof, but how?  I also need to act now,
without informing others lest Beryl be put on guard.  She must
have spies within the palace, there is no other way she would
have gotten her gift into the ball room.  I'm so caught up in
thought that give a yelp of alarm and jump in surprise when a
hand is placed on my shoulder.
  "I said, are you all right?" Nephrite asks.
  "Uh, yeah," I answer, "I think the eels disagreed with me."
  "At an inopportune time, too.  Beryl was certainly humiliated,
she stormed out right after you left vowing to return. 
Presumably she went to her apartments to change.  Now tell me,
old friend, what was that all about?  And this time, no lies
about the eels."
  "Uh...." I hesitate.  The king spoke to me in confidence so I
can say nothing about my motives.  I need to know what happened
after I left so I say, "First, tell me who the prince asked to
the first dance."
  "The Moon princess," he says, "I suppose next to Beryl, she
looked all clean and white.  She is quite pretty, actually."
  Good, though he can never say so openly, the King will be
pleased at this turn of events.  "As to what is going on," I say
in answer to his question, "let's just say that Beryl turns my
stomach."
  Nephrite gives a little chuckle and says, "You are now the hero
of the day to all the ladies who have designs on our dear prince. 
I must say, though, Kunzite was quite sympathetic to Beryl's
plight."
  My mind churns and something he said sticks in it.  "So Beryl
said she was coming right back?"  I ask to make sure I heard
right.
  "Aye, that she did," he answers.
     That means she'll be in and out of her room leaving her
clothes behind.  Black magic typically works though a focus of
some sort, like an amulet, wand or fetish.  She'd be in such a
hurry to return and might leave it behind if it had any vomit on
it.  (A likely case considering the volume.)  I don't think she'd
try to seduce the prince carrying something that smelled like
that.  She also wouldn't leave an item like that with an
underling.  So, let's see... ditch her clothes, quickly wash and
dress, give her about thirty minutes for that...
  "Nephrite," I say aloud, "Is it possible for you to cast that
night vision spell of yours on me?"  I remember him telling me
about some of the simple spells he knew from his days in the
University of Astrology.  One allowed him to see the faintest
stars at night.
  "Why, yes," he answered, "why do you want me to do that?"
  "I'm going out for a walk to clear my head and check the
sentries while I'm at it."
  "You're lying again," he says to me in a chiding tone.
  "Yeah, and I'll probably keep on lying to you," I admit
  "Why?"
  "Because I'm about to do something foolhardy and a bit
criminal.  If they question you afterwards I want you to be able
to truthfully say you knew nothing about it.  Just know that
everything I do, I do for the good of the realm.  Now are you
gonna' cast that spell on me or not?"
  "As you wish," he says dubiously.  He chants his creed to focus
his mind and then recites the spell in a language I don't
understand.  He gently touches my eyes with his thumbs and the
room seems as brightly lit as if it were daylight, even though
there are only a few candles lit.  "Ferrite," he says, "what ever
it is you are planning, be careful."
  "Thank you, my friend."

     I step out the hallway and make my way to the roof.  Being
part of the palace security team, I know where everyone is
quartered.  Beryl is in  a suite of rooms on the fifth floor. 
Her retainers and bodyguard is always close at hand.  Wards have
been placed throughout the palace to block teleportation and gate
spells both for the security of visitors and of the royal family. 
The only way in, is for me to scale the outside wall.  An
impossible task for a normal human, but I am far from that.  All
the guardians of Endymion are vested with magical energy that
makes us tougher and stronger than a normal man.  We can make
fantastic leaps and move with astounding quickness.  Some of us
possess additional power depending on the size of our home
kingdoms.  Kunzite, for instance, is from the third largest
kingdom on Earth: Atlantis.  The ruler of the kindom may draw
upon the strength and will of his people to bolster his magical
strength.  (Prince Endymion will be quite formidable when he
comes into his complete inheritance.)  I have none of that since
I am the third son from my little dot of a barony and achieved my
position as guardian more for political reasons than anything
else.  Still, the extra strength comes in handy when you are
about to do what I am going to do.
     I need to search Beryl's room but I can't allow myself to be
seen by any guards or staff.  The halls are swarming with
activity and while I'm not famous, I am well known.  Spying on
any of the Earth nobles constitutes high treason the punishment
is death.  The only way to get inside a room, therefore is from
the outside.  I step out an attic window onto the roof but pause
to take off my boots and leave them behind.  I'll be a lot
quieter and have a surer footing while barefoot.  Moving over to
the edge of the slate roof, I look down to the windows below. 
The night vision spell serves men in good stead because all
appears is a clear as day.  Beryl's is the third window over from
the right on the fifth floor.  The palace is eight stories tall,
so I will have to make my way down three floors.  The walls are
slick with evening dew and the plaster on the outside makes for a
picturesque building, but one that is impossible to climb.  Since
I am acting on such short notice there is no time to acquire rope
or climbing equipment.  One slip and I fall hard.
     I swing down over the edge of the gutter and hang there for
a moment.  The first one will be the hardest, I must swing in and
down to land on the sill of the first window.  Good thing most
everyone is at the ball, I would look like a real pervert looking
in some lady's window.  With a gentle swing, I bring my feet in
and release my hold on the edge of the roof.  For an instant, I
fall through space before my feet contact the sill.  Reacting
with my enhanced reflexes I bend my knees and absorb the shock of
the fall.  My fingers bite into the window frame and I am
securely on the seventh floor.  As luck would have it, the next
window down is open, so I just hang from the window sill and drop
down to the room above Beryl's.  I stand there and listen for a
few moments listening to the ruckus Beryl is making.  She is
screeching orders to her maids, demanding hot water and towels. 
Momentarily kicks them out of the room and I hear her plunge into
the water.  After some vigorous splashing, she calls them back
in.  All the while, my name cursed and the species of my
parentage questioned.  I've certainly made a bitter enemy
tonight.
     Following some thrashing around for a time, I hear Beryl
sweep out of her room again as fast as she can.  After the door
bangs shut, all is silent in the rooms below.  Good, she's taken
off again.  I look down at her window, and see that it is ajar. 
I push it open with my foot while hanging from the one above and
drop down into her room.  The room is still brightly lit with
candles, and it looks like my night vision spell was unnecessary
here.  A bath tub surrounded by puddles of water is off to one
side of the room.  An open wardrobe next to the huge bed is open,
its contents strewn over the chairs and table.  My nose easily
leads me to the gown soaking in a tub of water.  I search it but
find nothing.  Maybe she has something incriminating somewhere
else in the room.  I start to go through her trunks as quietly as
possible.  While finding some very interesting items among
Beryl's personal effects, none of it is incriminating.  I'm only
at my search for ten minutes or so when I hear the doors crash
open to the outer room and angry footsteps stomping toward this
suite.  Unable to get out the window, I hide under the bed.
     "Damn that Ferrite to the bottom of hell forever!"  Beryl
screeches as she storms into the room, "May maggots eat his bones
from within!"  Her maids are right on her heels trying to calm
her and vainly trying to arrange her gown.   " Oh, and...
that.... that... that Endymion!"  She snarls, "How dare he make
eyes with that pasty-faced, flat-chested, little stick of a Moon
princess!  I'm gone for ten minutes and he..."  She gives out a
little sob that turns into a growl.  "GET OUT!" She rages at her
servants, "Get out NOW!"  I see their feet scurry to the door and
it closes after them with a slam.  The train of Beryl's gown
slithers across the floor as she goes about the room snuffing the
candles one, by one until at last there is only a single, feeble
flame illuminating the room.  Creeping forward quietly, I peer
out from under the covers at her.  The night vision spell makes
her movements as plain as day.
     Going to one of the trunks, she opens a secret compartment
and removes a small, flat brazier, a block of incense, and a
dagger.  Unfurling a small prayer rug she sets the brazer in the
center of it.  She sets the block of incense in the center of the

brazier and carefully arranges so the corners point to the
cardinal points and lights it.  It gives off an odd, pungent
odor, reminiscent of rotting flowers.  She faces away from me,
standing between my hiding place and the brazier. I blink in
surprise and shock as she slips out of gown and chemise to stand
unclothed with her back to me.  Not that she is nude but that her
lower back and flanks are covered with tatoos depicting writhing
demonic figures.
     She raises her hands high over her head, the dagger in one. 
With a sudden expulsion of breath, she brings the dagger quickly
across her forearm drawing blood.  Holding her arm over the
brazier, she allows the blood to drip onto the smoldering
incense.  As the drops hit, they pop and hiss and steam.  She
begins a chant in a language that is old and dark and dead.  The
only word I can pick out of the mantra she repeats is "Metallia."
     The hairs rise up on the back of my neck as I feel a
presence come into the room.  The shadows seem to gather darker
in the corners as if it were water puddling in the low areas. 
Tiny whispers of voices from unworldly throats echo from the
corners, everywhere there is a right angle come the voices. 
Lastly, a light like none I've ever seen before emanates from the
brazier.  Thankfully I have no direct view of it but when I look
at it in the mirror dressing mirror across the room, I see
nothing but the brazier and it's block of incense.
     A gravelly voice, as if the grave itself were speaking,
coalesces from the whispers, "What wishes thee, Beryl?  Speak
quickly for the wards here do chafe me."
     "Grant me what I long for, Queen Metallia.  Give me my
heart's desire and make the prince Endymion love me as I love
him.  Show me how I may capture his heart."
     "And what do you offer in return?"
     "After he is mine, I will feed you the souls of a hundred
and one strong warriors.  Starting with the soul of the Guardian,
Ferrite."
     "Very well," the demon queen chuckles, "extend thy hand into
the flame so I may bind thee."
     Beryl does so and her flesh sizzles as it touches the hot
coal of burning herbs.  My skin crawls as I observe the tatoos on
her back writhe and grow to cover more of her skin.  I wonder
what she bargained for, how much of her soul did she sell, to
cover her flesh so much before now.  The dagger in Beryl's hand
begins to glow as if it were heated on a blacksmith's forge. 
Beryl's hand burns while the dagger heats up under the demonic
magic, but she keeps it in her grasp.  The outline of the blade
shifts and lengthens as it reshapes itself.  When the
transmutation is complete, the light dies; now the dagger is a
match to the sword Beryl gave to Endymion.  Oddly, her flesh,
which I smelled burning, is now unmarred.
     "Tis done," the demon whispers, "present the prince with the
dagger as a present tomorrow.  It is alive, unlike its
counterpart, and will prick the prince's flesh as he doth take
it.  When it does so, he will accept you into his heart as he
accepts your gift."
     "Thank you, spirit," Beryl says, her voice choked with
gratitude, "all that I have will be yours."
     "All in good time," the demon twitters, "all in good
time..."
     With that, the presence fades from the room and the shadows
in the corners are just shadows once again.  Not a moment too
soon too for there comes an urgent knock on the door.
     Queen Beryl?  It is I, Kunzite, Prince of Atlantis.  You
were in great distress when you left.  May I come in?
     Her mouth opens as if to send him away, but then I see a sly
smile spread across her lips.  No doubt she has some scheme in
mind for Kunzite.  Perhaps a few poison words about me?  "Wait a
moment," she calls out as she opens the window.  Beryl, hastily
scoops up the brazier and drops it into the tub, dousing the
incense.  With a sudden sweep of her foot, she kicks the prayer
rug under the bed hitting me squarely in the face.  I push it
aside in time to see her throw a thick robe over herself and
synch it tightly.  She primps in the mirror for am moment to fix
her hair and she goes out to greet her unexpected visitor.  Using
this golden opportunity, I slither out from under the bed and out
the window.  A plan has formed in my mind.  Tomorrow, Beryl, I
will expose you for what you are.

     Bright and early the next morning, I find myself outside the
northern cottages that house our Nemesian guests.  Anxiously I
knock on the door.  Since the ceremony where gifts are to be
presented to prince Endymion is in a few hours, everyone is up
already.  A page opens the door and upon recognizing me
immediately flings it wide and beckons me inside to the sitting
room.  When I ask to speak to the regent and princess Patience,
I'm asked to wait.  After ten minutes or so, the deposed princess
of Nemesis and her regent enter the room.  I snap to attention
and salute Admiral Vreen, former commander of the Nemesian Navy
and savior of their crown.  He is an old man with short grey hair
and grey eyes.  He walks slowly with a precision honed by years
of discipline.  Though he has no ships to command, his family is
still respected for its service in the Slaver war.  Patience is
not very tall, but she has grown quite a bit since I first met
her aboard the Valiant seven years ago.  The most striking
feature about her is her big, trusting blue eyes.  She has a
rather plain, freckled face with shoulder length wavy brown hair. 
I think she's beautiful.
       "Greetin's, Capn' Ferrite," Patience welcomes me warmly in
her heavily accented Terrain, "to what do we owe the honor of ya'
visit?  Is it nooz' about Serenity takin' me inta' her court?" 
Her mood is high at the prospect of being part the glamorous
Lunar court.
  "No, princess, it is not that.  Though I received a generally
positive reaction when the proposition was delivered.  I have
come to ask a favor of you."
     "What can I have to offer you?  We are not as rich or
powerful people as we used to be."  She asks quizzically.
     "Your highness, I need to borrow an amulet you have in your
possession.  Your mother gave it to you just before...  That day
on the Valiant.  Do you know what I am talking about?"
     "I do..." she answers quietly.
     "Why do you need such a thing?"  Vreen asks.  He doesn't
know exactly what I'm talking about but it has obviously placed
the princess in distress.
     "I can't explain.  Given what might happen today, it's
better that you not know.  Even being seen with me could
implicate you.  I wouldn't do it, save the fate of the entire
solar system rests on it."
     "It's the last thing she gave me, you know?"  The princess
asks rhetorically.
     I know too well, I saw her mother press it into her hand in
her final moments.  It tears at my heart but I say, "Yes, but I
would not ask for it were my need not dire."
     "All right."  She answers quietly.
     "Thank you," I breathe a sigh of relief, "the Earth is in
your debt."
     Not another word does she speak but she draws a silver chain
from around her neck and hands it to me.  Hanging from the chain
is a simple iron amulet.  It is a rectangular strip the ends
joined in a half twist: a mobius strip.  Inscribed upon it are
mage script symbols that I cannot read but I know to be about
life preservation.  It sheltered the Nemisean monarchy years ago,
and hopefully it will protect my life today.  I thank them once
again and take my leave.
 
     The grand audience hall in the capital city of Mu is built
to humble those who come before its king.  It is massive vaulted
ceiling rises high overhead to almost disappear in the shadows. 
Flags and tapestries from the united kingdoms of Earth hang on
the walls in a show of solidarity.  At the end of the hall, high
upon an elaborately engraved dias, is the emerald throne.  Carved
from a single massive emerald and lit from within by magic, it
makes the one resting in it's confines truly awesome to behold. 
But that is not the function of the hall today and the throne is
covered with a black velvet cloth.  Instead, a low dias and ramp
leading up to it is set up before the steps.  On the dias stands
Endymion with us Guardians standing in a row behind him.  We are
arranged senior to junior, Kunzite, Nephrite, myself, Jadeite and
Zoicite.
     The routine is, each planetary representative comes forward
presents their gift to the prince and gives a little speech. 
Endymion then gives a few words of appreciation and usually
throws in a platitude or two.  Though they vary in value,
Endymion shows genuine appreciation of each and every gift.  Some
items are large and flashy, others small and understated.  All
are unusual and reflect the personalities of the givers.  For
instance, Mercury gives the prince a set of books on natural
history.  As they cover the entire solar system, they are quite
valuable and unique.
     Serena steps forward with two attendants carrying a big box
behind her.  The Moon Kingdom is renowned for their precision
time pieces so it's easy to guess what it might be.  Since I'm on
the security detail, I know that within the box is an exquisite
clockwork miniature of the palace here.  Little birds sing in the
trees and tiny people walk through the rose garden.  Truly, it is
an engaging and amusing example of their artisans best handiwork. 
Serena launches into her prepared speech about the timelessness
of the relationship between the Earth and the Moon.  How the
intricate alliance between the two is as measured and regular as
time itself.  (Gah, I think, this is terrible.  Serenity ought to
have her speech-writer beheaded on the spot.)  The princess is
really trying to put some feeling into it, but the clumsy, dull
metaphors just put everyone in a trance.
     "... and as a token of our esteem," Serena says mercifully
wrapping it up, "I would like to present to you..."  She
hesitates, then stops her attendants who are coming forward with
the clock.  Instead of opening the box displaying the ornate
timepiece as she was supposed to do, she reaches behind her neck
and releases a clasp from a chain around her neck.  Drawing the
chain up from the front of her gown, she takes out a plain, gold
locket in the shape of a blunt star.  With a slight quaver in her
voice she says, "As a token of my est... feelings, I would like
to give you this."  The hall is completely silent as Endymion
takes the locket and holds it gently in the palm of his hand. 
With one of her delicate fingers, Serena flips open the top and a
simple little tune begins to play.  For a moment all that can be
heard is the music as Serena and Endymion watch the crescent moon
rotate within the locket.  "I'll treasure it always," the prince
whispers.  Their eyes meet and even from across the room I can
see magic.
     Though it is a breach of protocol to show favor for one
gift, it is her expression of true feeling that I slowly,
methodically applaud.  The Guardians join in and eventually the
whole room claps in respect.  The princess blushes at all the
fuss and retreats to the safety of her family but not before the
prince gives her hand a kiss.  The two attendants just shrug and
cart the clock off to one side.
     Not to be outdone, Beryl steps forward to the prince with a
case like the one she had yesterday.  She spares a glance at me
that is quite frosty, making sure I'm far away.   Standing to the
left side of the dias, I'm a good twenty feet from her so I guess
she feels safe enough.  "On behalf of the people of Arcaida I
would like to present you with a token of our esteem."  She
removes the cover from the case and within a dagger, the match of
the sword she gave him last night.  "May our kingdoms be of like
mind like the sword and dagger that I give to you."  
     Endymion is again delighted with the beautiful weapon and
about to pick it up when I make my move.  Leaping forward, I
snatch up the dagger from its place in the velvet cushion.  I
shove the prince back away from her knock Beryl down with my
shoulder.  Both fall back on the dias.  As I do so, the dagger
twists in my grasp as it tries to nick me.  I've taken
precautions, though, and it skitters across the chainmail
gauntlets I'm wearing.  Endymion and the others just stare at me
in shock and surprise, stunned that I would do such a thing. 
"You'll not ensnare the prince with your magic, you demon
worshipper!" I declare.  Raising the dagger high over my head I
plunge it down toward Beryl.  She screams and cowers as the blade
descends.
     The dagger is razor sharp and I feel no resistance as I
slash through her dress.  Snatching the rent clothing away from
her I shout theatrically, "Behold the demon marks upon her
flesh!"
     Ferrite have you gone mad?"  Kunzite roars as he plucks the
dagger from my grasp and pins my arms.
  "Look at her you fools," I cry, "don't you see?  Don't you see
the demon tattoos?"
  A sobbing Beryl holds the remnants of her dress in front of her
to cover herself but her skin, much of which is visible, is
creamy smooth and unblemished.  I gape in disbelief.
  "Why? Ferrite why?"  She wails, "why do you persecute me?  Why
do you seek to slander me so?  I would never harm the prince,
I... I... I love him."
  Endymion springs to his feet and covers her with his cape.  He
looks at her, his eyes softly filled with compassion as comes to
her rescue.  She is the picture of beauty and vulnerability.
  "Get away from her!  She's dangerous!" I cry, "Jadeite,
Nephrite, Zoicite, get the prince to safety."  The whole thing is
unraveling before my eyes.
  "That's enough, Ferrite!"  Endymion snaps in a voice that
brooks no compromise.  "Get him out of here.  We'll deal with
this later."  He turns back to Beryl and croons soothingly, "are
you all right?" 
  "No!  It's a trick!"  I shout when I realize why the tattoos
aren't there, "She's using disguise magic!  Let me go!"  Vainly,
I struggle with Kunzite and Jadeite as they start to drag me
away.
  "Protect me," Beryl implores Endymion, embracing him.  Am I the
only one that sees the smile of triumph that curves her lips?
     Suddenly, Nephrite's voice which had been a murmur rises to
a crescendo as he completes his spell, "...E Saho Visoth Na!" 
I've heard it before, it's a spell of true seeing.  "Look!" 
Nephrite exclaims as he points at Beryl.  Her leg, which appeared
to be silky and white before, is now revealed to be covered with
the devil markings I spoke of.  Gasps of disbelief and horror
come from the assembled nobles.
     Beryl looks into Endymion's eyes as the realization of what
she is dawns on him.  "Endymion, please..." she entreats holding
his shoulders.  Seeking to draw him to her she says, "I love you. 
I did it because you spoke to us and I... I loved you.  They will
never love you as I do...  Please?"  It is a sight terrible to
see: the glow of compassion that was in Endymion's eyes dies. 
Tears roll from her eyes as he draws away from her.  She sobs and
collapses to the floor a heap of misery as all her dreams are
crushed.
     With an intake of breath that turns into a growl of rage she
snaps her head up and glares at me.  Eyes glowing red she snarls,
"You!  Because of you!"  A demon wind rises through the hall and
the guests scream in panic at the display of unearthly magic. 
The source of it must be tremendously powerful to overcome the
wards on the palace.  I shake free of my fellow Guardians and
shout to them over the hurricane winds.  "Get the prince to
safety while she concentrates on me."  They obey along with the
senshi and try to hustle their charges out of the hall.
     "Come on, Beryl!  I'm the one you want!  Come and get me!" 
With a shout of defiance, I back away from her towards the table
of gifts.  I saw a mace amongst them, if I can arm myself against
her, I might stand a chance.  Before I can, A wall of wind
springs up trapping me inside a ring with Beryl at its center. 
The winds swirl into a mighty vortex that sweeps up the contents
of the room and fling them against the wall.  The ornate Lunar
clock is smashed to flinders when it strikes a pillar.  With
Beryl in the eye, the hurricane of force smashes everything save
myself away from her.  Beryl's visage starts to transform as she
invites Metallia into her heart and soul; her delicate ears
elongate like a wolf, her pearl-like teeth sharpen into fangs, at
her smooth, white shoulders horns sprout and grow, her pale pink
skin whitens and takes a bluish cast like a corpse, finally her
beautiful hands grow into claws.  I do my best to quell my
terror, and clutch at the amulet I begged from princess Patience
this morning.
     The tattoos glow violet as they now fully cover her floating
form.   Purple energy forms a nimbus around her as she draws the
power of the demon queen to her bosom.  "Die Ferrite! Die!"  She
screams as she unleashes a tsunami of death magic upon me.  The
protective wards of the palace shatter like glass and I scream in
agony.  The magic tries to rip my soul from my body as a
hurricane tears a ship from its moorings.  Almost... almost does
the demon magic succeed but for Patience's amulet of life which
anchors my soul.  Frustrated, the ravening force snaps back into
Beryl and she snarls, "Arh!  I'll tear you limb from limb
myself."  Drawing upon more demon force, she expands her form
until she is eighteen feet tall.  Weakened by the attack, I can
only kneel as she approaches to kill me.  She scoops me up in one
of her mishappen hands and grasps my arm with the other.  Meaning
to dismember me, she starts to slowly pull my arm from the
socket.
     "Orion the hunter, come forth!"  Nephrite shouts from the
dias.  While Beryl was engaged with me, he had been quietly
summoning an astrological avatar.  The blue skinned manifestation
of the constellation forms next to Beryl.  Though a yard shorter
than her, Orion appears as a magnificently muscled man that is
broader and armed with a club.  It whips the club around with
bone crushing force into Beryl's side.  Crunch!  Snap!  Ribs
crack like snapping spars and Beryl drops me as she is staggered
from the assault.  Howling her rage and pain, she decapitates the
avatar with a single, lightning-fast slash of her long, clawed
hand.  As the manifestation dissipates she turns her attention
back to me.  I struggle to my feet, but all I can do is glare
defiance at her.
     Suddenly, a swirl of cherry blossoms appears next to me and
coalesces into Zoicite.  "Zoi!"  He shouts and unleashes a blast
of energy, personified by a spray of petals, into the monster
Queen's face.  Beryl hesitates for a moment, blinded by the
attack.  Wrapping his arm about my waist Zoicite teleports us to
the far end of the hall just as Beryl's blind swipe gouges a deep
hole in the marble floor.  "Looks like we're even, now," he
observes when we materialize safely in the midst of our fellow
guardians.  Kunzite has erected a force wall and for the moment,
we are in an island of calm.
  "Stop this Beryl," Kunzite entreats, "you can't win.  Give up."
  In answer, her huge form thunders down the hall and slams into
his wall of force.  The whole room shudders from the impact, but
the shield holds strong.  He voice dissolves into animal growls
as she proceeds to bash at the wall with her mighty fists.
  "Stop it, Beryl," Endymion commands from the doorway where the
Guardians placed him, "Stop it now and you can leave in peace."
  "Never!"  Beryl calls, "Never!  I swear, I shall have you for
my own, Endymion, and destroy all who stand in my way."
  "That would be us witch!"  A voice snarls from behind me. 
Venus and the other senshi!  They stand shoulder to shoulder with
us the guardians.  "Here," Mercury hands me my sword and pistol,
"Robervall told me to give you these."  Drawing my weapons I
ready myself for the final fight.  "Kunzite," I shout over the
howl of the wind, "prepare to drop the wall."  I nod at Venus and
we all gather our strength for a combined attack.  Together we
are an unbeatable force.
     Seeing that the tide has turned against her, Beryl
withdraws.  "I will be back," she vows and the vortex swirls
tighter and tighter around her contracting her energy.  "And you,
Ferrite, I curse you as you have cursed me, you shall be alone
forever!"  Her eyes glow maliciously from the heart of the
maelstrom.  I shudder as I feel a wave of magic strike me; it is
deep and dark and full of malice.  Finally she shouts, "you are
my enemy forever!"  A retort dies on my lips as I feel her curse
take root.  Like a fog in the morning sun, Beryl vanishes.

Aye, that was a memorable party...


Part 3: (The Dance)

     I step up to the OSA P. jewelry store thursday night dressed
to the nines in my rented tuxedo.  I had considered using
disguise magic but eventually decided against it.  If Nephrite is
looking for me, an active search by him might see through it. 
You have to know the person and be consciously trying to defeat
disguise magic to see around it.  Myuko or Naru wouldn't
accidentally do that, you have to be trying.  Though it's costing
me plenty, I feel better about attending in a suit rather than a
ratty t-shirt and jeans.  (Even if everyone else thinks you are
in a tuxedo.)  Still, I am getting inside the Dia embassy without
having to sneak in.  When Myuko opens the door I'm pleasantly
surprised too.
     She's dressed in a basic black, form fitting evening gown. 
A large diamond chain with accompanying earrings she's wearing
look like stars in the night sky.  She looks so sophisticated and
elegant that I'm seized with the notion to call her countess. 
Naru has this poofy little green thing on that makes her look
like a cute little dress up doll.  "Shall we go?" Myuko says
coquettishly.  "Certainly." I say, and find myself forgetting
that my reason for being here is to hunt down a traitorous
ex-friend.
     We go out back and she hands me the keys.  Uh-oh.  Dilemma,
be a nineties' guy and let her drive or be a courtly type and
take the helm?  Hmph, better play it safe and let her drive.  I
open the left hand side so she can drive.  Apparently I made the
right decision because she smiles and slides into the passenger
seat.  AH!  That's right, Japan... the steering wheel is on the
other side of the car.  Well... I guess I'm going to be testing
my international license for the first time.
     We get to the embassy without incident and a valet takes
parks the car.  She takes my arm as we walk down a red carpet to
the gorgeous marble entrance to the embassy.  The Robert Davis
portion of me feels somewhat self conscious about all the fuss
but Ferrite feels right at home.  Busily, I start scanning the
crowd for any sign of Nephrite and I am surprised to spot Ami and
her friend... er whatsername... shinto holy roller.... Rats,
forgot!  They are smartly dressed and are among the onlookers
outside hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the big shots.
     Ms. Osaka presents the protocol officer with our invitation
and we are ushered inside.  Inside I receive a second surprise
when we check our coats, we are presented with masks.  Lovely my
quarry will also be disguised... Still, I don't think a mask will
mask Nephrite very much.  The usher takes us to our table and
points out the punch bowl and bar.  Probably the best way to case
the joint is to take a turn or two around the floor.  "Myuko,
would you care to waltz?"  She turns to Naru to see if she will
be all right and takes my hand when she nods.  Leaving Naru at
the table, we dance about the room.  The masks and the music
serve to remind me of the final night of the Silver Millennium. 
But that was then and this is now, there were other times more
pleasant and Myuko is good company.
     I keep glancing at the guests using the corners of my eyes. 
If Nephrite is here, I might be able to see through his disguise. 
Is something in your eye?"  Myuko asks noticing my strange
behavior.  "Ah, just an eyelash," I say, but then something
catches my attention.  A young lady, dressed in a white gown
trimmed with red roses appears to change slightly when I catch
her through the corners of my eyes.  The white dress switches to
a plain school girl's uniform and the makeup fades to reveal...
Usagi!  What a coincidence, Nephrite is interested in the Dia
kingdom and she shows up covered by a disguise spell.  So there's
the connection: Usagi.  She knows Ami and Naru and Dark Kingdom
activity starts to follow her.  Now I really am anxious.  I
wonder if Nephrite or a youma of his are about.  Then, I spot him
too!  I see his head amongst the other dancers on the ball room
floor.  For a second I'm afraid he'll know who I am but then I
remember that he's only seen me in my transformed state.  Unless
he's seen me change, he probably won't recognize me.  Good, I can
observe him for a moment.  Hmph!  Cheeky devil, he's not even
bothering with disguise magic.  Wait a minute, who's he dancing
with.  Damn, it's Naru!  Oh... he's stepping outside with her. 
If he harms her I'll... I'll... I'll have to think of something. 
As tied up as he is, I should be able to sneak up on him and let
him have it.  Let's see what have I got in my pockets from that
hardware store... ah know just the thing.  Mr. Nephrite get ready
to say hello to Mr. Crowbar.  Fine, plan 'A', transform, sneak
and bash.  That sounds like a good plan.
     Just to make sure I know where all the players are, I look
around for Nephrite's little pawn: Usagi.  Looking around the
room, I spot her over by the stairs.  Who's that she's dancing
with?  Some slender fellow with dark hair dressed in a... GAH! 
It's the prince!  And he's in the arms of that little viper!  He
might as well be in Beryl's embrace.  It's like the prince's
birthday party all over again, everything is happening at once. 
Can't panic... keep calm.  Got to plan this out.  Plan 'B':
First, excuse myself and transform.  Second, return and
surreptitiously dance over to them.  Third, boot Usagi in the
head.  Fourth, grab Endymion and wing it from there.  Simple,
direct plan.  I like it.  "Excuse me for a moment, Myuko.  I've
got to step away for a moment."  "Oh," she says disappointed we
only danced a few tunes, "well, hurry back."  I seat her at the
table and break for the hallway.
     All I need is a few moments alone.  Blast! The hallway is
full of people.  Men's room.  Crowded.  Damn!  Ah!  Elevator. 
Double Damn!  Security camera.  Finally, I just step out onto the
balcony and hope none of the couples outside notice me in the
darkness.
     It takes but a flicker of time for the change to occur.  I
hold my hand before my eyes and my fedora appears in it.  When I
place it smartly upon my head, I feel my trenchcoat materialize
around me and flap against my legs in a breeze that wasn't there
before.  When I turn around, the black mask is over my face and
the umbrella is hanging from my arm.  Now I am Trenchcoat-Mask.
     I look about me for Nephrite, since he's closest but he's
nowhere to be seen.  Damn!  I've wasted too much time trying to
preserve an identity when I was already wearing a mask.  Ferrite
you idiot! I can be so stupid sometimes.  I hope Naru is okay,
the only thing I can do now is get back inside to find her or
Endymion.  Fear of what could happen to either of my charges
causes me to sweat.  If something happens to Naru, what will I
say to Myuko?
     I step back inside and look around for Endymion but he and
Usagi are both gone.  Now I've really blown it.  Where could they
be?  Think, man!  Think!  Nephrite didn't come here to attack
Naru, he could have done that any time since he knows where she
lives.  No, he and Usagi are up to something here.  She's
disguised as a little princess at a ball where Princess Diamond
is going to... that's it!  He and Usagi are here to steal the Dia
family treasure!  I'll bet she's upstairs now.  I make for the
stairway but before I've taken more than a few steps, the alarm
goes off.
     Now what?  I charge up the stairs taking them four at a time
as I dash for the top floor.  A high pitched scream of fear cuts
the air.  That was Usagi?!  What's going on?  It's followed by
another yell from Endymion, "Grab my hand!"  Faster I go, leaping
from landing to landing until I reach the top.  The door crashes
down into the room as I burst through.  At that moment Princess
Diamond grabs Endymion's legs and starts to flip him over the
balcony.  Diamond's skin has a deep purplish cast indicating
she's possessed.
     I leap over the heads of the crowd between me and the
balcony and hurl a yellow rose in mid-flight to try and stop her. 
I'm too late!  The rose creases the princess' shoulder and imbeds
itself in the marble guard rail but not before Endymion and Usagi
give a cry of terror as hey begin to fall.  "Catch the umbrella!" 
A small, black cat with a frilly white umbrella in its paw throws
it over the balcony.  It's the Lunar Guardian from the mirror
shop.  I haven't an instant to ponder what the meaning of that is
all bout but I recognize what she is trying to do.  I land
between Diamond and the cat, spare the princess a quick side-kick
and throw my umbrella too.  In the second it takes me to line up
the throw, I catch the prince's eye.  "CATCH THIS!"  I yell and
throw my own umbrella to him.
     The throw is perfect and the reception equally so.  The
hooked umbrella handle catches firmly in his hand.  Usagi has
opened her own little lace parasol but it slows them not a bit. 
Like a living thing, my umbrella in Endymion's hand springs open. 
Then I reach out and call forth the magic.  With my mind, I will
the umbrella to get larger and stronger.  It expands until it is
as large as a parachute.  Endymion keeps his hold on both Usagi
and the umbrella, which lowers them slowly to land softly on the
grass outside.  (Two magic items are bestowed upon me by the
transformation magic: my coat with the bottomless pockets and the
magic umbrella.)  I sag against the railing and breathe a sigh of
relief.  Before I can call out to the prince, he drops the
umbrella which snaps back to normal and he starts running away...
he's after Nephrite!  Mercury and Mars are on the grass outside
and stop Endymion for a moment and exchange words with him.  He
pauses only a moment before he's after his quarry again.  Damn! 
Nephrite's getting away.  The Prince is getting away!  Usagi
is... somewhere.  I get ready to leap over the balcony to a ledge
on the second floor.  From there I could safely get to the lawn
and I might still catch him.
     I'm brought up short by a collective groan from the crowd
behind me.  Diamond has recovered from my kick and is draining
the energy from them.  "Yaaaaahh!  Your energy is mine,"  She
exclaims and black waves of light emanate from her outstretched
hand.  Everyone in the room slumps to the floor unconscious. 
Diamond, still in her trance, starts to turn toward me.  I
produce the crowbar from my pocket and go into a crouch.  Wait
for the shot, roll under it and pop the princess a little harder
upside the head.  I've got to do it carefully, she's possessed
human not a youma.  I don't want to accidentally cave in her
skull.
     "Naru?  Robert?"  Myuko calls out as she and steps in the
door right next to Diamond.  She's searching for her daughter and
her date and found a monster.  Reflexively, the princes' arm
whips around to the new threat and a nimbus of black energy
gathers around her white gloved hand.  In that instant, Myuko's
eyes grow wide with fear and her mouth drops open in terror at
the sight of the possessed girl.  Her open mouth emits no sound
as she is so scared her very voice is paralyzed.  No!  She's too
close.  A drain like the one Diamond used on the crowd will kill
her.  "Myuko, run!"  I yell.  Naru's mother just stands there
frozen in fear as the youma-possessed girl draws closer. 
Diamond's hand is mere inches from  Myuko.  If I tackle Diamond
or hit her, I'll knock her into Myuko causing her to sap Myuko's
life force.
     With no other choice, I grab Diamond's hand and take the
drain myself.  I just hope... and blackness claims me.

     Fortunately, Ferrite's enhanced constitution can handle it
and I'm only knocked unconscious.  On some strange level I know
I'm just unconscious and not dead.  (I've been dead before and
this ain't it.)  Come on... fight!  Wake up!

     ...Woah!  I shake off the energy drain and rise to my knees. 
I'm the first to awaken and I look about the room. Myuko is on
the floor next to me and twitches a little as her energy is
restored.  It appears that some time has passed.  I guess the
youma must have been destroyed.  I check her pulse just to be
sure; it's strong.   She must have caught the edge of the effect
when I grabbed Diamond's hand.  The knot of anxiety in my stomach 
relaxes as I realize she's going to be all right.  Diamond,
however, is nowhere to be seen.  I heave myself to my feet and
stagger over to the balcony to look below.  Princess Diamond is
sprawled upon the lawn below surrounded by the sailor senshi.  I
notice that Sailor Moon is now here along with her Lunar
guardian.  Diamond says something and starts to fumble with her
glasses.  I wonder what's going on down there and pull my
telescope out of my pocket to see.  When I zoom in on the scene,
I hear the cat say something to  her and the princess freaks. 
The cat is small and black with a little mark on its forehead. 
Where have I seen that before?  I can't think clearly, the energy
drain has muddled my thoughts.
     The people are starting to come around now, so I think it's
prudent to change back into my Robert Davis incarnation. 
Retrieving my crowbar, I put it back in my pocket along with the
telescope and dismiss the magic.  I glance back down on the lawn,
my umbrella has vanished too, like my coat.  Good, it would have
been awkward to try and retrieve it.
     "Myuko," I say concerned as I help her to her feet, "are you
all right?"  "Oh, Robert," she sobs and embraces me desperately,
"I stepped in here and... I... this thing... It was just like the
time... something came to my shop..."  I hold her close as she
chokes on her tears.  "It's okay, Myuko.  It's gone now. 
Everything is going to be all right."  Naru steps out of one of
the rooms down the hall and spots us.  "Naru," I call to her,
"Let's go.  We're taking your mother home now."  "Wahappen?" She
asks dazedly.  Her eyes are somewhat glassy.  I guess she got
drained sometime during the night too.  I'll have to wait until I
get Naru alone, though, before I can grill her about Nephrite.
     I calm Myuko down and she and Naru go to the ladies room for
a while.  When they come out, Myuko is calmer but still pale. 
Naru seems a bit more anxious, I guess she is worried about her
mother.  I offer my right arm to Myuko and she takes it
gratefully.  I offer my left to Naru and she takes it too.  They
both are leaning a bit heavily on me as we descend the stairs.
      When we arrive in the grand ballroom at the bottom, people
have been ushered back from the main doors by the security men. 
Trying to put a good face on the night, the King rushes the
unveiling ceremony a bit.  We pause on our way out to the car. 
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to present my daughter, princess
Diamond."  "This is our family treasure the Imperial Crystal,"
she says opening a case and placing a diamond covered statue on a
pedestal," It's a diamond encrusted statue with over two thousand
carats."  What could the Dark Kingdom possibly want with that? 
Wait a minute... Imperial Crystal?  The Ginszouzu was also called
the Imperium Silver Crystal in some solar system languages.  Is
it possible the Dark Kingdom thought this might be it?  If they
do, they'll be chasing their tail; I shattered it personally.  I
file that knowledge away for future reference.
     As I drive Naru and Myuko back to their house, I gamely try
to make conversation about anything else but the sour turn of
events.  Eventually I lapse into silence as both seem to be lost
in thought.  When we arrive back at their apartment/shop and I
hand Myuko the keys, she hesitates before opening the door.  She
peers pensively through the windows, looking for moment inside. 
Her hand is shaking as she starts to put the key in the lock. 
"Would you like for me to come inside for a while?" I ask.  "Oh,
would you?" she asks with a look of relief on her face.  "It'd be
a pleasure," I answer not untruthfully.  Opening the door, I
reach in and flick on the lights.  Nothing is amiss.  As we go
inside, she turns on every light we come to.  Soon the whole
place is blazing bright.
     At last we're standing in her living room and I'm about to
thank her for a wonderful evening when she says quickly, "Have a
seat I'll make some coffee."  Apparently she doesn't want me to
leave her quite so soon so I oblige. "Naru," Myuko calls from the
kitchen, "get ready for bed. It's a school day tomorrow."  "Awl 
right mom," she says, "Good night Davis-San."  She says.  "Good
night, Naru," I answer.  I sit down on the small couch.  Quickly
Naru goes about her nightly routine as Myuko bustles about in the
kitchen.  Naru finally calls good night again before she closes
her door.  Myuko comes out of hiding in the kitchen and sits down
nervously.  Her eyes are red from crying; I guess she didn't want
to alarm Naru.
     Myuko is on the edge of her seat next to me and looks about
the room as if some monster is going to jump out of the shadows. 
She's trembling when I take her hand and say simply, "tell me
about it."  Like a bottle uncorked it all comes out in a rush. 
The time several months ago when something not human invaded her
store and locked her in the vault.  The hours of fearing for
Naru's safety and for her own life.  The sound of the youma as it
used her voice and her looks to dupe her customers.  More than
anything else it was her fear of the unknown.  Why her?  What
could this thing possibly want?  Why?  Why?  Why?  Tonight's
brush with the unknown leaves her shaking like a leaf as it
stirred up these memories.
     Naru peeps out from a crack in her door, and I nod
reassuringly to her that everything will be all right.  Mostly,
though, I just sit there and hold Myuko until she cries it all
out.  I remember Ferrite's first time he came face to face with a
youma.  I had the superhuman speed and strength of a Guardian of
Earth, in my right hand was a sabre, in my left a pistol full of
magic bullets.  Backing me up was a whole platoon of royal
marines in heavy armor armed with muskets.  I was still scared
shit-less.  I can imagine the terror a normal person would feel.
     I want to tell her everything will be all right; that the
things are gone and won't be back but I know differently. 
Nephrite has some interest in Naru, what I don't know.  I doubt
even Naru knows.  He'll be back, though.  One thing about him in
the past that I admired was his tenacity.  With him will come the
youma and Beryl in their wake.  He intends to use Naru in some
scheme somehow.  Nephrite is evil now, twisted by Beryl he'll use
Naru to further some dark end, I just know it.
     My conscious suddenly pipes up and asks "Am I much better?" 
I saw Myuko as a means to get into the embassy and find out
Nephrite's plans.  I look at her resting her head against my
lapel as she sniffles from her bout of crying.  I clench my jaw
and look away.  Like it or not I'm a user just like Nephrite. 
For a moment I'm about to tell her everything.  What these things
are that torment her, who Nephrite is, and what I am.  "I'm
sorry," she says suddenly straightening up and putting a proper
distance between herself and a man she hardly knows, "I didn't
mean to dump all my problems on you.  It's just these past few
months have been so strange."
     "Do you want me to stay over tonight?"  I ask.  She
hesitates as she processes the implications of my question.  "Out
here on the couch," I clarify, "You'd sleep better knowing
someone was out here."  "It's late and I don't want to impose on
you," she says but her eyes say differently: the look of relief
and gratitude touches my heart.  I look down at my hands, the
motives for my advances make me ashamed.  "It's the least I could
do," I say, "You've had a rough night."
     She gets me some blankets and pillows to try and make me
comfortable on the little couch.  After many assurances from me
that I'll be all right, she retires.  I try to rest, but my
conscious won't let me.  "Tell her" it urges me.  "If I do I'll
endanger myself and the prince," I argue back.  "It's better she
know nothing, if she's taken by them they might let her go if
they think she's an innocent bystander."  "Hah!" My conscious
sneers, "Beryl's damn near exterminated the solar system to get
what she wants, she'd crush Myuko like a bug."  Myuko... it's a
lot nastier when the faceless innocent bystander isn't faceless
anymore, eh?  She deserves better than to be treated like a pawn.
     My thoughts are interrupted by something... a feeling.  The
house is being watched by someone.  I turn in the direction I
feel the scrutiny coming from and stare.  Magic can be resisted
by anyone; after all, it's really just an enhancement of a
person's willpower.  Even those untrained in the arts, such as
myself, can sometimes overcome it.  Using my glare like a lance, I
fling all my anger, all my hatred at the watcher.  "Not tonight
you don't," I mutter determinedly.  After a moment, the feeling
withdraws.  There will be no more disturbances this evening. 
With a sigh, I go and wash my face.  I look in the mirror... the
face is familiar but not the one I used to see.  For a moment I
wonder who I really am.
 
 

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