Well, it's been over a year since I've started writing this story, but
it's finally done (it's amazing what a little encouragement will do ^_~).
Keep in mind that this is the first draft, and is still subject to
change... Still, I'm pleased that I finished it at all; I've never
completed a story this long or this serious in nature before...
*****
A Black Moon fanfic
"The Taking of Crystal Tokyo"
by aviatrix88@yahoo.com
"And now," said Prince Diamond, steepling his fingers as he sat upon his
throne, "there is the matter of Crystal Tokyo."
He said it as if it was little consequence, or so Sapphire thought; as if
one mounted an invasion upon another planet every day. But that, he knew,
was just his brother's way.
Prince Diamond's gaze fell upon his younger brother, who bowed. "Sapphire,
you know I have approved the final battle plans."
"Yes, your Highness. However, I believe we still require someone to lead
the attack." Diamond raised a eyebrow.
"Very well. Any suggestions?"
"Rubius and the Four Sisters," Sapphire replied promptly. "Or perhaps
Emerald." He actually didn't care for either, but both could be very
effective if they chose to be. Besides, the prestige of leading such an
important attack would lend extra initiative to either commander.
Prince Diamond looked thoughtful. "Hmmm... Very well. I believe--"
The Prince was cut off as another figure materialized in the throne room.
Wiseman appeared, seeming to rise from the ground like a ghost.
"Might I make a suggestion, my Prince?" whispered Wiseman in his shadowy
tones.
"Of course, Wiseman," replied Diamond, as Sapphire tried vainly not to
clench a fist in annoyance.
Wiseman gestured at the crystal ball before him. "I have foreseen who will
lead the attack on Crystal Tokyo, and it is neither Rubius or Emerald."
"Then who might it be?" asked Sapphire rather testily. The hooded gaze
rested upon his.
"It is... The Commander of the Elite Guard."
"What?" gasped Sapphire, not able to contain his shock. He turned to his
brother. "Your Highness, the Elite Guard's job is to protect the Royal
Family, not go on some assault mission!"
Prince Diamond turned to Wiseman. "You are absolutely certain of this?"
"Yes, your Highness. Besides..." Wiseman returned his gaze to Sapphire.
"Did you not see to the training of the Elite Guard yourself, Sapphire?"
"Yes..." he replied cautiously.
"And you only allow the best warriors into the Guard. So, wouldn't it be
logical," said Wiseman, turning back to Diamond, "to send them on such an
important mission, where success is vital?"
Prince Diamond seemed to mull this over. "A most persuasive argument,
Wiseman. Very well." He stood up. "The Elite Guard shall lead the attack
on Crystal Tokyo." He looked at Sapphire. "I trust you shall inform them,
brother?"
"Of course, Prince Diamond." He bowed, but stiffly. Then he dematerialized,
but not before casting a hateful look at Wiseman.
Then Wiseman sank into the ground, chuckling to himself. "Yes, send the
Elite Guard," he said quietly. "For I see nothing in the future for
them..."
When both had completely disappeared, Diamond pressed a secret panel on
his throne. On the podium before him, a hologram of Neo-Queen Serenity
flickered into being. He held out a hand, as if to touch it longingly.
"Soon, my dear..." he said softly, the glow of the hologram reflecting the
hunger in his eyes. "Soon, you shall be all mine..."
*****
Part One: The Duties of War
*****
Sapphire sat silently in the office of his chambers, decorated in the same
trademark blue of his name; the only sound in the room came from his chair,
as he swiveled it impatiently about. On top of the desk before him was some
paperwork and a glowing computer terminal, both of which he ignored. His
hard gaze seemed to rest across from where he sat, upon the door.
Finally he sighed, and stood up. Turning his back on the door, he said
quietly, "Alexandra."
A woman with scarlet hair materialized in his office, from her post
outside. She was dressed simply, or at least, far more simply than the
other female warriors of the Black Moon, in red and deep violet; the only
jewelry she wore, apart from the familiar dark crystal earrings, was a
chain belt of round metal plates, with a reverse crescent in the middle.
The Commander of the Elite Guard bowed to Sapphire.
"Yes, Lord Sapphire?"
He paused, not knowing where to begin. "I'm sure... You're aware about the
impending attack on Earth?"
"Of course, my lord."
"And that we are assembling a task force for the mission."
"Yes?"
"Well... Congratulations." He turned around, his ironic, blue-eyed gaze
meeting her red-violet eyes. "You and the Elite Guard have been chosen to
lead the attack." Alexandra raised her eyebrows, but did nothing else to
indicate her surprise.
"Thank you, Lord Sapphire," she said, bowing again. "It is an honour."
"Yes, I suppose it is, at that," replied Sapphire, sighing. He managed to
compose himself, and continued. "I shall brief you and your men in the War
Room at 1400 hours; the attack itself will take place tomorrow. I know this
is sudden, but I'm afraid time is of the essence. Is that understood?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Very well. I'll see you at the briefing; inform your men, and feel free
to make your preparations until then. You are dismissed." He turned as
Alexandra quietly left the room. He paced for a bit, then sat down, as he
considered his Commander of the Elite Guard.
Alexandra was one of the few military officers he did trust, possibly
because she was under his direct command. But he actually respected her,
too; she was both loyal and honourable, unusual traits on the treacherous
Nemesis. However, he would expect nothing less from the Commander of the
Elite Guard, the leader of those who served to protect his brother...
Although, even Sapphire had to admit, Prince Diamond could probably take
care of himself.
The Elite Guard was, in effect, a royal bodyguard of sorts. The job
might've seemed unnecessary on Nemesis, where the dark energy from the
Black Crystal amplified the powers of those who lived on the planet,
especially its ruling Prince. However, Sapphire had seen otherwise; he
made sure that the Guard was composed of some of the finest and most loyal
warriors on Nemesis, overseeing their training himself.
"I can't believe I let Wiseman trick me into sending them to Earth,"
muttered Sapphire to himself irritably. Although control of the Guard
technically fell to the ruler, Prince Diamond had allowed it to fall to
him, perhaps realizing his younger brother's need to protect his older
sibling.
"Still... If there's anyone who could accomplish this mission, they could."
He had seen to it himself, hadn't he?
In two minds of it all, but realizing he could do nothing about it,
Sapphire turned back to his work.
***
"We've been chosen? Us?"
It was Peridot who had spoken out; as the youngest and most impetuous
member of Elite Guard, his immediate reaction to their commanding officer's
news was not surprising. However, Alexandra fixed him with a stern gaze.
"Yes, we have been selected to lead the attack on Crystal Tokyo." She arced
an eyebrow. "Do you have a problem with that, Peridot?" The green-haired
boy flushed.
"No, Commander," he replied, subdued.
Alexandra had entered the private training room of the Elite Guard, to
inform them about their latest orders. The four members of her team had
stood around in various states of repose, as their personalities dictated,
but all had listened attentively.
"I'm sorry for speaking out of turn, Commander," continued Peridot,
attempting to make amends. "But I'm actually looking forward to this
mission."
"Yeah. It'll be nice to finally see some action." This was from Garnet, who
was casually leaning against the wall. His brown eyes gleamed hungrily.
"Really, Garnet. You're so bloodthirsty," commented Topaz, tossing his
long, golden braid over one shoulder. "Still," he mused, "it has been
rather quiet around here, lately..." His voice trailed off, at a sharp
look from Alexandra.
"I don't suppose I could finish speaking now," she said archly. The three
subsided, somewhat rebuked.
Alexandra felt somewhat guilty for reprimanding them, for she could
understand their feelings. Because of the Prince's supernatural powers,
the Elite Guard spent most of their time training rather than in combat,
although all of them had experienced it at one time or another.
Even now, Alexandra could sense the restlessness in her men; despite their
casual demeanour, their muscles were tensed, as if already poised for
battle. Still, such enthusiasm for combat didn't excuse them from talking
back to their commanding officer.
Her gaze unconsciously turned towards Aquamarine, her second-in-command. He
was the only member of the Elite Guard who had remained silent thus far.
However, his cool, blue-green eyes took in everything; he seemed to absorb
all that was said, as if noting every nuance of the conversation. Noticing
that the commander was looking at him, he gave her an imperceptible nod.
Satisfied, she turned back to the rest of her men.
Alexandra began to give them the information that Sapphire had given her,
as well as instructions of her own. As she did this, she silently
considered each member of the Elite Guard in turn.
Peridot, with his light green hair and leaf-green eyes, was the junior
member of the group, having being with the Guard for just over a year.
But despite his apparent inexperience, he was an excellent warrior; he was
one of those types who 'lived for the fight'. His dark olive uniform seemed
to echo this, with its vague overtones of armour.
Leather-clad Garnet, of the dark red hair and blazing brown eyes, was
indeed, as Topaz had pointed out, a bit on predatory side. But he had
never, in Alexandra's experience, let this more primal side of his nature
get in the way of his work; indeed, it seemed to enhance his powers.
Golden-haired and golden-eyed, elegant Topaz was the nobility of the group.
Despite his seeming refinement, he himself was a fine warrior, as well,
fighting with the absolute precision of the well-trained. His rich taste
was reflected in the uniform he wore, and in the golden cords strung
across the front of his jacket.
And finally, there was Aquamarine, he of the light blue hair and cool,
aqua eyes. He was the analytical one of the four, one of the reasons that
Alexandra had made him her second, and also fought with the same cold,
calculating accuracy. His uniform, like that of the others, was of the
same style as of that of the ruling prince and his brother, with its
decorated, high-collared jacket; his was light blue, with a white design
that resembled stylized waves. On a length of cord around his neck, he wore
the reversed crescent of the Black Moon, with a blue-green teardrop mounted
upon it.
After she had finished relaying her instructions, she dismissed her men.
They promptly left to complete the tasks they had been given, except for
Aquamarine, who lingered behind. He raised an inquisitive eyebrow at his
commanding officer, who waved him away.
"It's okay, Aquamarine," she told him. "I don't feel like talking at the
moment... I just want to be alone with my thoughts." He nodded in reply,
and quietly left the room. Alexandra now stood by herself in the training
room. Absentmindedly, she pulled out one of the stools and sat down,
thinking.
She had sensed Sapphire's apprehension when he had told her about the Elite
Guard's latest mission. She had to admit, even she had been surprised when
he told her that they had been selected to lead the attack on Earth,
despite the fact that they were, technically, military operatives, and
could have been chosen. However, Sapphire's concern worried her; he was
usually so confident in the Guard's abilities. In fact, the only thing that
could disturb him like this was...
"Wiseman," she muttered to herself. Sapphire's dislike of the soothsayer
was well-known, even to those outside the inner circles of court life.
"Wiseman must've suggested us for the mission; that's probably why he was
so unnerved," she continued, murmuring to herself. Add to that the fact
that it was those who were assigned to protect his brother that were to be
sent to Earth... Alexandra sighed.
She had spent enough time working with Sapphire to know what he was like.
Over the years, she had come to realize that his older brother's welfare
was the central, most important thing in his life; that was why he made
sure the Elite Guard worked diligently at their job. In fact, he had gone
so far as to enhance their natural powers...
Alexandra found herself thinking back to that day; it had been about a
year ago, and she had been summoned to his office.
***
"You sent for me, Lord Sapphire?"
He had been standing in front of his desk with his back to her, but had
turned around and smiled. "Yes, Alexandra, I did. Come, there is something
I'd like to show you." He gestured to his desk, upon which she noticed
there were four objects. She approached tentatively, as this was most
unlike Sapphire, but her curiousity had been piqued.
As she came closer, she realized the objects on his desk were weapons, each
inscribed with the symbol of the Black Moon. She stopped in front of the
desk and examined them with interest.
The first was a trident, which appeared to be made out pale blue glass; the
next, a cat'o'nine tails made of reddish-black leather. Another was a
sickle, its crescent-shaped blade a light shade of green; and finally,
there was a long coil of golden wire. As she looked at them in wonder,
Sapphire watched her reaction intently.
"What do you think?" he asked.
"They're lovely," Alexandra replied, admiring the craftmanship. She
gestured to one. "May I?"
"Be my guest."
She picked up the trident, and turned it over in her hands. It was probably
not made out of glass as she first thought, as it radiated a coldness to
her touch. She put it down carefully.
"They're very well-made," she continued. Noticing his attention, she asked,
"Did you make these, Sapphire?" He nodded.
Alexandra was impressed. She had thought Sapphire's crafting abilities had
only applied to crystal structures; she would've never thought he could
create weaponry, as well. She ran a finger over the blade of the sickle.
"Amazing. One of these days, you'll be able to create life," she joked
lightly. She turned away from the weapons, somewhat reluctantly. "Well,
I'm sure whoever these are intended for will appreciate them," she
commented.
"I'm glad you think so," Sapphire replied. "Because they're for the Elite
Guard." Alexandra looked at him in surprise, then glanced back at the
weapons.
"This is most generous of you, Sapphire. The effort it must've taken..."
He waved a hand dismissively.
"Think nothing of it. I just thought I should let you look them over,
before I gave them to your men."
"Thank you... Thank you very much. I'm sure they'll use them well; I'll
go inform the Guard right away..." She turned to go, but was stopped by a
hand on her shoulder.
"Wait," said Sapphire. As she turned around, he pulled something off his
desk, a small box of the type that carried jewelry. He handed it to her.
Alexandra stared at it in astonishment.
"Take it," he said quietly. "It's for you."
She looked up into his steady, blue-eyed gaze. As if mesmerized, she took
the box from his hands and slowly opened it. Inside, lay two earrings made
of a dark crystal. As she stood there dazed, Sapphire's voice filtered
through.
"You think I would arm the rest of the guard without equipping their
commanding officer as well?" he asked, almost sounding amused.
It was then Alexandra recognized the earrings as the type worn by the
favoured servants of the Black Crystal. She also recalled that she had
never seen Sapphire wear a pair himself, although his brother did. She
then realized the full implications of his gift.
"I can't accept this," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "These
were--" She was about to say, 'given to you by Wiseman', but tactfully
changed it to, "not meant for me." Sapphire's cool gaze fell on her.
"Those were given to me to be used as I saw fit," he said sternly. "They
would serve you far better than they would me. Besides..." His tone
softened a bit, and he sighed. "They are far more powerful than anything I
could create."
Alexandra raised her eyebrows at Sapphire's admission, and the implication
that he might actually be less powerful than Wiseman. She glanced down at
the earrings to mask her surprise.
"Still... Are you absolutely certain about this, Sapphire?"
"Of course."
She sighed. "Very well, then." She took one of the earrings from the box
and held it up to the light. "How do I use them?" she asked curiously.
Sapphire looked thoughtful.
"Well, from what I know, those were supposed to amplify my powers over dark
matter... However, they should adjust to whoever uses them." Alexandra
carefully replaced the earring in the case and shut it. She then looked up
at him and smiled.
"Thank you, Sapphire. This is a very kind gift." She bowed slightly. "I'm
sure it will serve me well in my duties to the Prince." Sapphire smiled
back at her, knowing that she understood.
"It is nothing. I know you will use them well." Alexandra bowed once more,
more formally this time, and left the room.
When she had returned to her quarters, she tried out the earrings. She had
been uncertain what would happen after she exerted her will over them, but
Alexandra had been quite shocked as they both lengthened into a sword and
dagger, the clasps reforming into hilts. When she had picked up the sword,
she had been both amazed and gratified to find it had the finest balance
she had ever found in a weapon in her life; it almost felt like an
extension of her arm. Its edge seemed infinitely sharp, and she thought
could almost feel the power of the Black Crystal throbbing within it.
"Yes, a very kind gift indeed," murmured Alexandra to herself, returning
to the present. Her hand flew inadvertantly to the one of the earrings she
wore, brushing it. She smiled quietly to herself, but realizing she was
doing so, it quickly disappeared from her face. She sighed.
"Well, enough of dwelling in the past," she said, steeling herself. There
was much to do before the mission briefing. She stood up and began her own
preparations for the upcoming battle.
***
Alexandra materialized in the War Room just before 1400 hours to find that
both Sapphire and the rest of the Elite Guard were already there, standing
around the low, crystal podium that served as a map display. The former
nodded to her as she entered.
"Ah, there you are, Commander. We've been waiting for you; I was just about
to get the meeting underway." Alexandra inclined her head apologetically.
Her men parted respectfully as she took a position around the map, where
she could get a good view.
Meanwhile, Sapphire had waved a hand over the display, and a hologram of
Crystal Tokyo appeared. He began to speak.
"As you know, you have been all chosen to lead the attack on Crystal Tokyo.
I will now relay to you the details of your mission." He waved his hand
over the map, and five glowing red dots appeared; one centred at the
Crystal Palace, and the other four equidistant from it.
"At noon tomorrow, huge pulses of energy from the Black Crystal will be
aimed towards these five points, effectively weakening the defenses of
Crystal Tokyo. However, that is not all... Every one of you will also be
teleported to each of the five points, hidden within the energy." He
lifted an eyebrow. "Being of Nemesis, you will, naturally, be able
withstand the power of the Black Crystal, but the effect it will have on
the people of Earth will be devastating."
Sapphire held up a pair of dark crystal earrings. "Each of you be given a
pair of these, which have been provided by Wiseman." His mouth twisted
distastefully at the name, but he continued. "With these, you will be able
to harness the energy of the Black Crystal; your Commander, already having
a pair, will not need these, of course." Alexandra inclined her head to him
in acknowledgment. He looked at her.
"Alexandra, you will take centre-point; the rest of you will take the other
points around Crystal Tokyo."
He gestured once more with his hand, and five crystal statuettes appeared
above him. Alexandra found herself distracted from the briefing, if only
for a moment; with Sapphire's usual attention to detail, the statuettes
were precise likenesses of the Elite Guard, done in the jewels of their
namesakes.
"I will keep track of your progress with these crystal counters, each of
which are keyed to your respective energy signatures." The statuettes
hovered above the map for a moment, then touched down at the five marked
points. "Use the earrings to channel the power of the Black Crystal to each
spot. Once you've all finished planting the dark energy, you may then begin
the second phase of the mission."
"And that might be...?" inquired Aquamarine blandly. Sapphire's cool, blue
gaze met his own.
"To lure the Sailor Soldiers away from the Crystal Palace... And to
eliminate them." Aquamarine raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing.
"The buildup of dark power at the points is sure to attract the attention
of the Sailor Soldiers, and lead them out into the open," Sapphire
continued, his voice returning to normal. He turned back to Alexandra.
"Commander, since you have centre-point, you are to make sure that once the
Sailor Soldiers leave the palace, no one else follows them. Is that
understood?"
"Yes, Lord Sapphire," she replied, bowing her head.
"Good. You will also provide back-up to whomever needs it... However, I
hardly think any of you will require it," he commented, his mouth twisting
into an ironic smile. He composed himself.
"Once you have all completed your missions, you may use the earrings to
teleport back to Nemesis. Then, our dark crystal probes will be sent in to
begin the assault on the Crystal Palace."
Sapphire paused. "That's all for now... Are there any questions?" There was
silence. "Excellent. Now--"
He was interrupted as a pull of energy drew all of their attention.
Everybody in the room turned, as Prince Diamond materialized in the room.
Sapphire's eyes widened. "Brother?" he gasped in surprise. The Prince's
violet gaze fell upon him.
"Sapphire." Diamond nodded to him in reply. He looked at the members of
the Elite Guard, who immediately bowed. "Have you finished briefing the
task force on their mission?"
"I just finished doing so, your Highness. However--"
"Excellent." Prince Diamond unconsciously cut him off. The violet eyes
turned to Alexandra, who stiffened. "I would like to have word with you
in private, Commander."
Hearing this, the rest of the Elite Guard took the hint, and quietly left
the room. The Prince was about to speak to Alexandra, when his gaze fell
upon someone else.
"Perhaps I didn't make myself clear, brother." Sapphire looked taken aback.
"But I thought--" He bit off the rest of the sentence, at Diamond's cold
stare.
"Yes, your Highness," said Sapphire, relenting. He bowed and walked out
the door, but not without casting a pained glance at his brother. When he
was gone, Prince Diamond turned back to Alexandra, who was standing at
attention somewhat uneasily.
Alexandra had never been completely comfortable under the direct attention
of her Prince, even though she had spent a lot of time in his presence
while guarding him. Personally, she found that there was something
untouchable, even implacable about his Highness. Perhaps it was simply
because he was her ruler; she had always felt that the Prince should be
venerated, no matter how overly traditional it might seem.
Still, Alexandra did find Prince Diamond beautiful, all brilliant, cold
fire like the jewel he was named for. And he had the same intense gaze
that both he and his younger brother shared; that gaze was focused on
her now.
"Sapphire has told all the details of the attack, I believe." Alexandra
nodded briefly. "Good." He walked over to the map of Crystal Tokyo,
looking it over.
"I am aware that you are taking point guard at the Crystal Palace,
tomorrow."
"Yes, your Highness."
"I would just like to make a slight change in your orders," he continued
smoothly.
Alexandra paled slightly. "Sire?"
Diamond walked back to her, and held her in his magnetic, violet eyes. "I
have a very important mission for you, Commander. I trust you will carry
out my orders to the best of your abilities." It was a statement, not a
question.
She bowed. "Your Highness, I live only to serve," she answered truthfully.
"Excellent. Then listen carefully." He took a step closer to her, looking
deep into her eyes until Alexandra felt as if she was trapped by his
hypnotic gaze.
"During the attack tomorrow, I want you to enter the Crystal Palace,"
said Prince Diamond, quietly. "And then, Alexandra, I want you to find
King Endymion... And kill him."
TO BE CONTINUED...
*****
Copyright Cherryne Edejer, 2000-01. Sailor Moon and all related characters
are property of Naoko Takeuchi, and are used without permission. Alexandra,
Aquamarine, Peridot, Topaz and Garnet are characters created by me,
however, and may not be used without my permission.
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