Part V

Beryl closed the door behind her, trying to be sure no one saw her enter the room or hear any sound. She looked ahead of her down a long and narrow stone bridge leading to a large rock platform. She slowly made her way to the platform, stopping just before it. ~What am I doing? ~ She looked back at the door and then back at the platform. Catching a breath, she continued to the center of the platform and fell to her knees. ~Nephrite always tells me; dreams are a glimpse into the future. ~ She looked up to a hideous mass of vines and rock, which took no real shape. She began to gather a small amount of her own energy as she cleared her mind.

"Great divinity, awaken!" She shouted as she flung her energy at the mass before her. Her energy was absorbed and the vines and rock began to stir, taking the shape of a cage. The energy sacrificed by Beryl was centered within it, but it was surrounded by a purple, maybe pinkish, energy that was not her own.

" . . . More . . ." Came a weak, hoarse sounding voice.

"As you wish my master." Beryl said, now in a respectful kneeling position.

Zoisite shot up and began shaking. He loudly whispered Kunzite's name, but wasn't answered. He slid out of bed and onto the floor huddling against the bed, feeling a strange energy run through the castle. It was very weak, but seemed incredibly familiar. He vanished, making sure the sakura peddles, that seemed to follow him everywhere, did not appear. Zoisite materialized outside Jadeite's door and knocked to make sure he wasn't with a youma or worse. ~ No answer, he must be asleep. ~

"Jadeite I need to ask," Zoisite opened the door and nearly fainted when he saw Nephrite standing before him holding a sheet up to cover himself. Zoisite quickly grabbed onto the wall for support and tried to look past Nephrite.

"Don't be so melodramatic! You knew very well Jadeite and I were together!" Nephrite snorted.

"What? I knew of no such thing!" Zoisite defended.

"You mean to tell me you and Kunzite did not discuss what happened yesterday at all?"

"We do have lives Nephrite. Our days and conversations do not revolve around you and your arrogance!" Zoisite covered his mouth in shock at what he had said. Yes the two did have their fights, but they were over petty things like who sits where or who can run faster. They never go as far as insulting one another.

"I find it hard to believe a nosey little prick like yourself would not bring it up." Zoisite took a step towards Nephrite but Jadeite quickly barricaded the two by standing between them, neither looked too pleased.

"You wish to speak with me?" He said relaxing when he realized Nephrite walked away.

"I felt a familiar energy. It was weak, but I could have sworn it was Metalia's." Zoisite answered as he eyed Nephrite who was glaring back.

"I think you're over tired. Why don't you go back to your chambers and try to rest." Jadeite said putting a friendly arm around Zoisite and leading him out the door. Zoisite turned to face Jadeite.

"You can easily sense new energy, just as well as I can, so I am asking for a second opinion here."

"Alright, I will check it out in the morning." He replied, not really sure if he was going to keep his promise or not. Zoisite smiled slightly and left. Jadeite turned to Nephrite who stood, arms crossed, with a scowl on his face.

"I'll be on the couch if you need me." He snorted and went without another word. Jadeite stood, not sure what to make of the situation. ~ Perhaps Metalia has released some energy. ~

Part VI

"Is that all you've got Zoisite? You are just as pathetic as you look!" Nephrite shouted as he easily dodged Zoisite's punches. After a few throws, he finally landed a hard kick to the side of the auburn haired man's face, knocking him to the ground. Zoisite stood over him, materializing an ice crystal to end the long since stopped sparing. He thrust the crystal towards Nephrite, planting it millimeters from his flesh.

"I recommend you not let your conceit consume your better judgment." He said, turning to leave. Nephrite pounced on Zoisite like a lion, taking him to the ground harshly.

"And I recommend you take your own advice!" They rolled for a few seconds before Nephrite pinned Zoisite indefinitely. He squirmed and pushed with as much force as his body would allow, but the other was too heavy.

"I'm sorry, do you want me to get off?" Nephrite said mocking. Zoisite noticed the rack of weapons and reached for a dagger when Nephrite's attention was diverted by Jadeite and Kunzite's entrance. He took advantage of this and kicked him off, pinning him to the ground with the dagger at his throat.

"I'm sorry, do you want me to get off?" Zoisite teased as he traced the blade along Nephrite's neck.

"Zoisite that is enough!" Kunzite ordered.

"Very well." Zoisite sighed, reluctant to get off Nephrite. He offered the other a hand, but Nephrite swatted it away and groaned as he picked himself up.

" They become more violent every time." Jadeite said quietly to Kunzite.

"I know." Replied Kunzite, slightly smiling at Zoisite who gave him a seductive glance.

"Yesterday Zoisite gave a youma a dirty look, but Nephrite thought it was meant for him."

"So that's why they were at each other yesterday?" Kunzite chuckled.

"They seem to have become more apathetic, and even sadistic towards each other." Kunzite continued, looking at Zoisite and then smiled to himself.

"You've changed too." Jadeite said meekly. Kunzite shot a look to the smaller general.

"And you Jadeite my friend, have become soft." Zoisite interrupted walking up to Kunzite.

"Why don't we leave and you can help me clean up?" Kunzite placed a hand on Zoisite's waist and pulled him close, gently lifting his chin with the other.

"Sounds tempting." he answered, kissing him softly. Nephrite walked passed them, not giving either a glance. He stopped and looked over his shoulder at Jadeite.

"Are you coming?" he asked impatiently.

"You are sadly mistaking if you think I'm going to help you clean. You have feasible limbs."

"I was not asking for assistance in hygiene, I was asking if you are coming with me." Nephrite retorted bitterly. Jadeite crossed his arms and eyed the other suspiciously.

"You have not desired my company in over two weeks, why now?"

"Don't be so obstinate, I only want to speak with you. " Jadeite sighed and walked with Nephrite, leaving the others.

Beryl knelt before the mass of energy with an offering.

"My master, I have human energy for you." The mass gargled and twitched in her hands before Metalia accepted it.

"Very good Beryl, but I still need more before my powers can full return to me." She hissed. Beryl bowed her head in agreement and quickly left. As she walked through the corridors, she stopped in front of a mirror and looked closely at her shoulder. She brushed her hand lightly over a small bump forming there and sighed.

~ It's too late to turn back .~

Part VII

Jadeite leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. He paid little attention to his superior who paced in front of him.

"Why exactly did you wish to see me?" Jadeite asked in a cool tone.

Nephrite continued to pace before him, occasionally stopping to glance at Jadeite.

"If you are not going to speak, then I shall leave you to your newly found hobby." He said as he launched himself away from the wall and headed for his study.

"No, wait, I do need to speak with you." Nephrite said blocking the door.

"Well then, speak." Nephrite sighed and motioned for Jadeite to sit.

"You know as well as I know Metalia has been released. We began changing from the moment it happened and now she's becoming stronger. By the time she reaches her full power I fear Zoisite and I will become greater adversaries."

"How does this concern me?" Jadeite queried.

"He will consider you as my greatest weakness." He continued to pace.

"I can defend myself against him, you know that!" Nephrite stopped and knelt in front of the smaller general, taking his hands in his own.

"Zoisite is an ambitious young man who will viciously stop at nothing to succeed in whatever task is at hand. You may be able to beat him in the practice arena, but even I have trouble beating him in the battlefield."

"What do you suggest we do?" Nephrite looked away for a moment before answering.

"Act as if we too are becoming enemies."

"Pardon?"

"If Zoisite thinks you and I are at odds, you'll be safe."

"Why does this seem like it's going to fail some how?"

Nephrite smiled slightly and stood, bringing Jadeite with him.

"We'll stage a heated argument if we must, just act as if you hate me. You have no feeling for me as I have no feeling for you." Jadeite slipped his arms around Nephrite and rested his head on the other's chest; sighing as the Nephrite wrapped his arms around him just enough to keep him comfortably warm.

"Do you really expect us to sneak around for the rest of our lives?"

"It makes it all the more romantic, don't you think?" Nephrite came back in a soft tone.

Jadeite ducked to the floor as Nephrite hurled a plate at him. Zoisite sat bemused at what he was viewing. He looked across the room to find Kunzite entering the dinning hall.

~ They're in for it now . . .~ Zoisite thought, watching Kunzite jump to his left as a knife flew past him and into the wall.

"ENOUGH!" He shouted and the two feuding generals stopped to look at him.

"What is going on in here?" Kunzite demanded walking towards them. Jadeite shot a glare at Nephrite who returned the favor.

"I asked a question and I want an answer!" He looked at Zoisite who only shrugged.

"Zoisite, what did you see?"

"I walked in and they were already going at it."

"What did you see?" Kunzite fumed.

"They were arguing in the dinner line, Nephrite shoved Jadeite and they began to fight." Zoisite answered meekly. Kunzite turned back to the others and snorted.

"Very well, if you must act like children then I shall punish you like children. Clean the dinning hall and report to me in one hour for inspection."

"What?" Jadeite exclaimed.

"Kunzite, this'll take hours!" Nephrite nearly shouted.

"Then I suggest you hurry up." Kunzite said walking away.

"One more thing General, I am your superior and expect to be addressed as one."

"Yes Lord General Kunzite." Nephrite said with a bitterness that came from him, not Metalia. Zoisite walked up to Jadeite and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Do you need any help?" He shook his head and gave a weary smile in return.

"We don't need you getting in trouble as well."

"What do you mean we?" Nephrite snapped.

"How do you know I was referring to you specifically?" Jadeite retorted. Zoisite stepped back and looked on with mild amusement before Nephrite turned his aggression on him.

"You, I don't need the likes of you involved in my business!" Zoisite cocked his neck at the sudden comment.

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"It's your kind that is causing all the wrongs in the Kingdom!"

"My kind?" Zoisite's eyes widened, he did not like where this was leading.

"Yes your kind," Nephrite continued, "haven't you ever heard the saying 'homosexuals brought upon the fall of Greece'?"

"What are you talking about?" Zoisite asked in shock.

"I should thank you in a way, I now realize I cannot save the kingdom by loving a man. Besides, why anyone would want another who has what he already has is beyond my knowledge. So thank you Zoisite." Jadeite's jaw dropped at what he heard.

"What does that have to do with me?" Zoisite asked, not really sure what to say.

"What I am saying is, you were the first among us. Then Kunzite, then myself, and then Jadeite. You are a disease Zoisite, and now I am the cure for that disease." Jadeite couldn't listen to Nephrite anymore.

"You're insane!" he shouted and the other two stared at him.

"What you're talking about is nothing more than foolishness! Zoisite is not the cause of any of this. How could he? Besides, he is not the one who turned Kunzite, you or me. In all actuality, Kunzite was the one who convinced Zoisite of who he was."

"Stay out of this Jadeite!" Nephrite ordered.

"Your original fight was with me, remember?" Jadeite snapped back.

"How dare you defend Zoisite!"

"He has every right to defend me if he wishes!" Zoisite interrupted.

"Stay out of this!" Nephrite shouted.

"Oh, so if I'm to stay out of this, and so is Jadeite, then who are you arguing with?" retorted Zoisite smugly.

"Or is it you cannot take on both of us?" added Jadeite just as smug.

Nephrite materialized an ice sword and took his stance.

"Let's find out, shall we?" he challenged.

Zoisite accepted by materializing an ice sword as well and then charged at Nephrite.

Nephrite barely moved out of the way, pushing Zoisite into the wall. He swung his blade at the smaller man, but instead impaled it into the wall when the other dropped to the floor. Zoisite caught Nephrite off guard when he turned by spearing him into a column. He screamed in pain as the smaller man's bony shoulder was forced against his abdomen.

Nephrite sank to the floor coughing and spitting blood as Zoisite rolled away, grasping his shoulder. Jadeite picked up Zoisite's ice sword and stood over Nephrite, holding the tip of the sword at his superior's throat. Nephrite looked up at Jadeite baffled but then scowled.

"You're not man enough to do it." Mocked Nephrite. He could see Jadeite was trembling, but was surprised when he raised the sword to strike.

"I told you to clean the mess, not add to it!" Kunzite roared as he materialized behind Jadeite, swiping the sword from him.

"Lord General Kunzite!"

"Obviously I can't leave you alone with neither Jadeite or Zoisite."

"I-I can explain!" Nephrite stumbled, but was silently told to keep quiet from the look Kunzite gave him.

"Zoisite, you have no reason to even be here, return to your duties." Zoisite eased himself off the ground, still clutching his shoulder, and stood next to Jadeite.

"Nephrite verbally attacks me, then draws his sword on me, and I have no right to be here? I'd say I have just as much right!" Zoisite didn't care how daring he was being by challenging Kunzite's authority, but stopped when Kunzite turned his body to him.

"I will deal with you later." His eyes were narrow and glowing from rage. Zoisite swallowed hard and took a step back.

"Yes sir." He said just before vanishing into his fury of sakura petals. Kunzite returned his attention to Nephrite.

"Explain to me why you insist on fighting with your comrades."

Nephrite looked up at Kunzite from the floor with an expression of 'I don't know what you mean' but quickly began to speak when Kunzite grabbed his uniform and lifted him to his feet.

"Metalia's turning Zoisite and I into enemies, there's nothing I can do about that!"

"And Jadeite?" Kunzite growled, still holding on to Nephrite's uniform.

"We've grown apart, probably Metalia as well!" Kunzite shoved him away and looked at Jadeite.

"What is your excuse?"

"The same, Lord General." Kunzite spun on his heals and walked towards the door.

"I expect you to clean this time. I will send a youma to keep an eye on you both."

Jadeite looked at Nephrite in disgust.

"You didn't stick to the plan."

"No, I did my job, unlike you."

"The point was not to persecute him!"

"And you were not to align yourself with him!"

"You went too far."

Nephrite snorted at the comment and began to pick up the mess.

Beryl drummed her fingers on the arm or her throne as she waited impatiently for the arrival of Kunzite. It was a few moments before he materialized before her, bowing his head respectfully.

"I apologize my queen, there was a small mishap in the dinning hall between-"

"I don't care who it involved." She hissed, causing Kunzite to look up. He held his composure as best he could when he saw the queen. He had not seen her in months and had not known Metalia's transformation would happen so fast. Her body had become too lean to be healthy, and her skin a ghostly color. Her hair had had grown to the floor and was now blood red. The scars on her shoulders were now replaced with spikes and her eyes, they were Beryl's, but they had an evil to them. He bowed his head again, not wanting to insult the queen.

"We are going to attack earth." Kunzite tried not to give a reaction, but couldn't help the question that arose in his mind.

"May I ask why?"

"Earth has the largest human population in the universe. Metalia will be able to thrive on their energy and we will then have the power to restore the kingdom."

"May I also ask why you decided to release Metalia?" Beryl smiled before answering.

"She came to me in a dream. The kingdom was healed, all was right again because I released her." She looked down at Kunzite blankly.

"I want you to plan the attack, but we need more energy first. Send Jadeite, the new atmosphere could do him some good. You are dismissed."

Kunzite bowed and left as quickly as possible, leaving the queen to her court.

Zoisite curled up on his bed and buried his head in the pillows as he sulked. He fidgeted a few times before pulling the covers over him. He tried not to think about what Nephrite said, but couldn't ignore it.

~What if he's right? I don't deserve to be here if he is. ~

A soft knock came from his door and he groaned, not wanting to be bothered. They knocked again, a little louder this time.

"Go away!" Zoisite shouted as he threw a glass at the door for more emphasis.

"Let me in, love." Zoisite lowered his personal wards and unlocked the door, then flopped back on his bed, covering himself with blankets. Kunzite entered the room and made himself comfortable in a chair a few feet from the bed.

"Jadeite told me everything. Are you alright?" he asked somberly.

Zoisite rolled over to face his guest.

"I'll give you three guesses, and good is not one of them." Kunzite picked up a book on the small table next to him and started to thumb through it.

"I'd appreciate if you only used that tone with me in private." He said calmly.

"Yes sir." Zoisite huddled under the covers, exposing only a few copper colored curls.

"Why are you doing that?" Kunzite asked, barely looking up from his book.

"Because I'm cold and tired and wish to be alone."

"Does this mean you'll be staying in your chambers tonight?"

"Yes."

"Alone?"

"That's the idea."

Kunzite took off his shoes and cape, placing them in a neat pile near Zoisite's boots. He then walked around to the far side of the bed and climbed in next to the smaller man, wrapping his arms around him to bring his body close to his.

"What are you doing?"

"I'll keep you warm while you sleep. Once night falls I'll leave." They lay there for a few minutes in silence before Zoisite began to whimper.

"He really did hit a nerve, eh?" Zoisite nodded and allowed Kunzite to comfort him.

"I don't trust myself alone tonight." He said so inaudible that Kunzite almost asked him to repeat what was said.