The Past Life

It didn't take long for us to realize that no amount of talking was going to convince Master than meeting with the Princess was a bad idea. In fact, each time they met, he became more and more convinced that there was no danger in such as action.

“It's been six months, Kunzite, and nothing has gone horribly wrong. Will you learn to relax?”

“Are you saying that something will have to go horribly wrong before you will listen?”

Master and Kunzite could often be heard arguing, loudly, in the halls of the palace. Both so engrossed in their 'discussion' that they were unaware of any other sets of ears that may be listening. The servants were always looking for a new piece of gossip.

What was worse was that Master Endymion and Princess Serenity's visits were not limited to when Master decided to visit the moon. The Princess herself had started to come to Earth as well. She was expected here that day.

“If someone were going to attack the palace, it would have happened already.”

“These people are not amateurs, Master. They will take several months to plan an attack.”

I sighed, my finger tips resting on my forehead. We were gathered in the courtyard where the Princess and her entourage were expected to appear at any time. I only hoped that the Master and Kunzite would not be screaming at each other when this happened. She may be from the moon, and her presence may be far from welcome, but there are protocols that should be followed, regardless. I was not going to get my wish that day.

There was a shimmer of light in the centre of the courtyard, followed soon after by the appearance of our guests.

“Master, she is not welcome here!”

“Kunzite!”

Upon hearing my voice, Kunzite realized that we were no longer alone. After giving our Master one last stare, he turned in a huff and stormed back inside the palace. History had shown that he would not be seen until after the Princess had left.

I took my place beside Master and automatically assumed Kunzite's roll. “I am sorry you had to hear that. Welcome to Earth.” I bowed my head ever so slightly as a show of respect.

“Thank you, Zoisite,” the leader of the Senshi acknowledged, her voice matching mine. It spoke all the required lines, but was completely void of any feeling. “As always, her majesty, Queen Serenity, conveys that you are welcome on the moon at any time.”

Master Endymion stepped forward before I could continue with my next line. “Come now, you know I hate such formality.” He offered his arm to the Princess who happily accepted it. The two then content to find some privacy away from the group of seven guardians.

The girls immediately took off to find a corner of the courtyard where they could converse among themselves. Settling on a circular stone table with four bench style seats. We returned to stand near the entrance to the palace, Nephrite and I content to lean against the wall. Jadeite continued to stand, his attention more focused on the four Senshi than on his own Master.

I sometimes forgot how young Jadeite was. He was not much older than the girls themselves. Under different circumstances, he would have loved the opportunity to talk to someone his own age. Nephrite too noticed that Jadeite's attention had wondered. “Jadeite, this is not the time to be making friends.”

Jadeite shot him a look of annoyance, “I just don't see why it would hurt to talk to them.”

“We would have nothing to talk about.”

Several hours pasted, mostly in silence. The four Senshi were becoming restless, obviously wanting to return to the moon as soon as possible. Jadeite had found seating for himself, finally tiring from standing for so long. Nephrite continued to lean back on the wall, but would occasionally sigh in frustration.

I continued to watch my Master, stopping only to check on my companions. My gaze was fixed so intently that even when Kunzite returned to the courtyard and stood beside me, it took me several minutes to notice.

I raised my eyebrows in question when I finally did make eye contact. The look on his face was one of apology. Knowing how awkward this was for him, I nodded and then quickly returned my attention to our Master.

Kunzite had been present for less than half an hour when one of the attendants from the front gate of the palace entered the courtyard seeking him out. “Sir, there is a traveller at the gate who wishes to speak with Prince Endymion,” he reported.

“You told him that the Prince was not taking visitors?”

“Of course, sir. However, he was insistent. Perhaps you would speak with him?”

By this point Jadeite had returned, curiosity drawing him in. Any kind of distraction was nice right about now I supposed. Kunzite motioned at both him and Nephrite. “You two will remain here, and make sure our Master does as well. Zoisite and I will go to the main gate.”

Nephrite and Jadeite agreed and Kunzite and I left the courtyard. A quick look at my Master told me that he too had noticed the commotion, but I was gone before I could see if he was going to investigate as well.

We arrived at the gate a few minutes later. A carriage was visible and the driver was still in his seat. Another man was standing nearby. “That's them,” the guard told us. “The one standing has been doing all the talking.”

“We'll take it from here,” Kunzite said.

“Yes sir.”

Kunzite walked up to the waiting man while I decided to stay back and observe for the time being. One of the first things I noticed was that the carriage looked like it had been rented. The driver was keeping himself distant from the young man, and remained in his seat. They did not know each other.

“What can I help you with, gentlemen?” Kunzite asked both men. The younger man stepped forward. He looked to be in his early twenties. He had black hair that fell just past his shoulders and was just slightly taller than I was. He was dressed well, which struck me as odd after being told we were dealing with vagabonds. He also wore a short cloak which fell just past his waist. Another oddity, as it wasn't particularly cold that day.

“We are on a long journey,” the young man began. “We came somewhat out of our way to see the palace, and hoped that we would be able to lay eyes on our beloved Prince.” He was using the word 'we' yet seemed to be all on his own. This situation was bothering me more by the second.

“I am sorry for your trouble, but Prince Endymion is not taking visitors today.”

“Please, it would not be for long, just to see him for a moment would be enough.”

“I'm sorry.”

The man's face fell, but there was something else as well. He was hurriedly trying to think of anything else he could say to change Kunzite's mind. Lucky for him, he wouldn't have to.

“Kunzite. I do have time to meet quickly with a traveller. Especially one that went so far out of his way on an already long journey.”

Master made his way from the palace to the main gate. Jadeite and Nephrite had followed behind him, gesturing to Kunzite and myself that they had tried their best to stop him.

“Master...” Kunzite said warily, but he was ignored.

“What is your name?” Master asked the traveller, stopping about five metres short of the gate where the man and Kunzite stood. I myself was not far from my Master's side, but I kept my eye on the stranger. Something felt wrong.

“My name?” he asked, though his voice had none of the nervousness one would normally have when speaking to royalty for the first time, especially royalty you admired and respected. In fact, his voice sounded almost cold. “My name is not important.”

My eyes narrowed as he reached inside his cloak. I started to walk slowly towards my Master while continuing to watch the young man. He had grasped something in his hand and then pulled his hand back out from the cloak. I saw the gleam of a steel blade and darted for my Master at the same time that the stranger did as well. Being closer, I reached him first and stood protectively in front of him. The attacker reached us fractions of a second afterwards.

I suspect that most people would feel pain, and/or fear. I felt neither of those when the blade pieced my abdomen. Instead, I felt nothing but relief.