Mamoru
During my entire lavish, protected life, my frustration over being watched over and constantly taken care of had steadily grown. Gods, I was lucky if I managed to get rid of the guards long enough to be able to visit the privy alone. All this time, naturally, the Shitennou had seemed to me like a mystical, frightening and exciting secret, a grand adventure like those I used to dream of.

The day I turned ten, I would finally meet them. My nagging notwithstanding, I had been allowed no previous contact with them whatsoever, but today they would participate in the ceremonies. As I entered the chamber in which they waited along with my mother, I could barely conceal my excitement.

A dusk-skinned boy with silvery white hair was apparently dressed and finished. He had the disproportionally long limbs of a youngster, yet it was with lazy grace he rose from the chair and offered a slight bow in our direction.

Another one, a smaller blond boy with friendly smile, gave us a shy glance before bowing as well, considerably deeper than Kunzite had.

The third one impatiently tugged himself loose from the assistants struggling to get his hair on order and watched us with undisguised curiosity. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought he was a girl.

And from beyond a mirror stepped the last Tennou, his auburn head bent in contemplation over the rose sigil embrodied on his tunic. Obviously unaware of our presence, he said in the crisp silence, "A red rose. This is fucking embarrassing."

The silence was deafening, and I felt myself blush hotly. Then Nephrite looked our way, and his cheeks developed a pink stain as well. Though I must admit that he regained his composure with remarkable speed, giving the lowest bow of the four. "Relisiana-ojoosama, Mamoru-ojisama. Your presence honors me."

Mother nodded graciously to them, then bent and kissed my face in a most embarrassing fashion. "I'll see you later, Mamoru."

"Darkness," Nephrite muttered when she'd left. "I really do need to learn when to shut up."

That was when I discovered that Zoisite's face, despite its flawless sweetness, could show expressions as teasing as any other. "Remind me again whom of us it is that never thinks before speak - "

He was interrupted by a heavily built woman who had pushed her furious way through the mass of servants and stopped in front of Nephrite, her dark eyes burning.

It was remarkable how fast Zoisite turned from Nephrite's opponent to his ally - I couldn't be entirely certain, of course, but I sorely doubted that the "bitch" he muttered under his breath was meant for his comrade.

Then the woman hastily put on a glow covered in magical signs and gave the auburn haired Tennou a sound slap, its force pushing his face to the side, the sound of it echoing through the chamber.

I Had the distinct feeling that I ought to do something, but I didn't know what, and a moment later I forgot all about it, transfixed by Nephrite's storming aura. He didn't look angry, but his magic told another story, blazing around him like a star. It was personal energies the likes of which I'd never seen, hadn't even thought possible, and suddenly my knees felt very weak.

Then, a sorcerous power of similar strength snapped into active mood as well. I was past the point of surprise, had accepted that this could only end in disaster.

"Jadeite, Zoisite, get the prince away. Shield him." The words left Kunzite's mouth in rapid procession, but his voice was calm and measured, demanding and expecting instant obedience.

Jadeite nodded, gripping my arm and dragging me a few steps backwards. Zoisite hurried over to us, worry clearly written over his face as panicked servants run for cover, crying and praying.

Jadeite closed his eyes, and then a golden wall of protective magic formed around the three of us. Zoisite took hold of the blond boy's hand, forming a link. The powers they used were so strong that I could see the energy flow from his body and into Jadeite's, fueling the shield. I'd never been so afraid in my life. I was certain that I'd begin to cry from sheer terror, when suddenly the tension drained away.

A second slap, from what I could see just as hard as the first, connected with Nephrite's face. This time, though, it was Kunzite who had hit him, and instead of activating it, the action returned his magic to passivity.

They stared at each other for several moments, completely ignoring the woman had hadn't moved an inch during the turmoil. Whatever else I might think of her, I was forced to admit that she was brave. Kunzite's hand rose to the second Tennou's check, and the swollen redness vanished as if it had never been there.

Jadeite dropped the shield, and Zoisite gave a sigh of relief. It was over.

* * * * * * * *

File no: 54 ME in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 16th day of the 3rd moon, A. P. 662:

Mamoru Endymion (about Kunzite):
This is a hard thing for me to formulate, because I have had such little interaction with him, and with all of them, but the first Tennou, to me, gives the impression of a glacier - cold and strong and unstoppable. Simply running over you, without even really noticing it. But I also know that he can be protective and intelligent and...kind.

Kunzite (about Mamoru Endymion):
A befitting Prince, without doubt, in every way. Full of nobility and honor and good beliefs, he could turn out a good king or a bad.

Mamoru Endymion (about Nephrite):
I don't know any more about Nephrite than about Kunzite, so this might not be very justified either. Nephrite is very easy to like. He's easy to talk to, and has a way of making the people around him feel comfortable. He can be rather laid-back and sardonic, but can also take sudden action with a strange soulfulness. I already tip him as a ladies-man. Still that appears kind of like a mask.

Nephrite (about Mamoru Endymion):
If it is suitable with a Prince reading fairy tales as works of science, then he is very suitable indeed.

Mamoru Endymion (about Jadeite):
Jadeite seems more shy and uncertain than the rest of them. But he's nice and truthful and has so easy to connect to people. In a way, I consider us friends already. He would never betray a friend who trusted him.

Jadeite (about Mamoru Endymion):
Mamoru Endymion is one of the few people who have ever been genuinely friendly with me. He is caring, in a strange way, for everyone he meets, high or low.

Mamoru Endymion (about Zoisite):
Zoisite is the least like I expected a Tennou to be. He's very worldly, vain and temperamental and very charming. He's very good at making you forget that you're angry with him.

Zoisite (about Mamoru Endymion):
He knows of good things, so it's good things he gives. He's still too sheltered to have a personality of his own.

* * * * * * * *

Mamoru
If I had had any common sense, that short encounter would have been enough to keep me from the Shitennou for good - I was making plans for how I could interact with them again already the same evening.

As it turned out, I got lucky after only a couple of days. Some event or other had resulted in my usual five guards being reduced to two, and two people I was certain that I could get rid off.

"Ne, Woylon," I said, "would you mind fetching me the practice set of katana from the armory?"

As he left the room, I called after him, "It's no hurry. Take your time."

The armory in which my katana were stored was located in the vicinity of the washhouses, and I knew that Woylon would be quite happy to spend some extra time with his girlfriend, who worked there. After all, by stating that it was no rush, I'd practically approved of it. One out, one to go...

The remaining guard was new, and appeared to have an annoyingly sincere sense of duty. But perhaps I could use that very fact against him. At any rate, it was worth a try.

"I think I will descend to the training grounds now," I said, pretending to be musing aloud.

"But, my prince, surely it will take Woylon-san quite a while to reappear."

"Are you questioning my judgement? The orders of your sworn liege?" I felt a flash of regret over the surprised terror in the young man's face, but then, he would hardly leave if I politely asked him to. I'd try to make it up to him later.

"No, my prince, I-"

"Out!" It was something midway between a sneer and a scream, and obviously it worked quite well, judging on his rapidly paling cheeks and widened eyes. This'd never work with one of the experienced guards, I reflected, grateful that this one had yet to realize the element of young boy that the others took for far too granted in the divine prince. "Don't you dare show yourself before me again until you've learned to respect your masters!"

"My prince-" Was that the only thing he could say?

"How dare you disobey me? I said out!"

And out he went, stumbling and stuttering.

A couple of minutes later I followed him, carefully making sure that the corridor was empty. Making usage of a little side-door, I walked out into a garden. The walls around it were old and withered - easy to climb. Jumping down on the other side of it, I stepped into the secret, sacred land of freedom. It wouldn't even matter if I met anyone now, since they would simply presuppose that I couldn't have gotten here if I wasn't allowed to.

The wards around the Shitennou Complex had never been intended to keep the royal family out, thus they never once questioned my trespassing, and the single living guard I spotted was obviously used to have the magic do his job for him. It proved no greater challenge to slip past him and hide behind an edge of the building.

Now the only remaining issue was how to get in. Using any of the doors was out of the question, since the better informed and higher ranked people that I would inevitably meet there would send me back in an instant. I closed my eyes, pondering deeply - it was when I opened them again that a window on ground level caught my eye.

I eagerly padded over to it, and could hardly believe my own luck when I realized that it was open. The space within was completely dark, but it had been almost too easy this far, and I wasn't about to chicken out because of a little darkness. Resolutely bracing myself, I bent down and crawled through.

It fall was longer than I had expected it to be, and my hands and knees cried out over the rough contact with the floor. "Itai," I muttered, struggling to my feet and squinting my eyes in an attempt to see. It really wasn't that dark, when I got used to it.

And then I wished nothing more than to be blind again, realizing that ignorance can indeed be bliss. On the other hand, even if I hadn't been able to see it, I would probably have smelled the ugly creature approaching me. Youma. And I screamed.

I was already standing with my back against the wall, so it didn't take many seconds for the creature to corner me. "Oh gods," I whispered hysterically, "oh gods oh gods oh gods..."

Oh gods. I'm going to die.

But then I remembered the magic. Fighting through the panic that had invaded my mind, I reached inwards, gripping after the small well of power that resided within me. "Tuxedo La Smoking - "

Before I could finish the incarnation, one of the youma's claws swished over my face, leaving a shallow cut on my left cheek. I should have tried a second attach immediately, but I was terrified, horrified. I was just a little boy now, however many titles I might wear.

I was going to die.

And then, blessedly, the youma turned to dust. At first I thought I was only delusional, but, looking down, I could clearly see a pile of ash-like substance at my feet.

Jadeite stood a few feet away, looking a bit uncertain. "Are you all right, Mamoru-sama?" he asked, friendly concern in his voice. "I'm sorry if I startled you, but I thought it would be best to eliminate it instantly."

"I'm fine," I croaked out. "Thank you."

"Good." Fishing through his pockets, he offered me a handkerchief, then leaned out through the doorway. "I've found him!"

It wasn't long before the other three Tennou walked in. I felt like an idiot, all dusty and teary-eyes.

"I told you that that wasn't the aura of a dark-creature," Nephrite said contently. "But I'm forgetting my manners again. Pleased to meet you, Endymion-san."

"I'm glad to meet you too."

"I don't mean to be rude," Kunzite said at length, "but what are you doing here?"

I blushed. "I...er...To be completely honest, I just wanted to get to know you a bit better, see what it was really like around here." I don't even want to think about how pathetic that sounded.

"Then you are quite welcome, even though admittedly there isn't much to be seen here."

"Where is here, more exactly?" I asked, figuring that my ignorance was obvious anyway.

"One of the training facilities," Kunzite answered with a shrug.

"What was...that thing?"

They stared at me, and finally it was Jadeite who answered, "A regular youma, Mamoru-sama. Well, not a real one, of course, they don't waste the few exemplars they have on us, but a fairly good simulation."

My hand went to the scratch on my cheek. "But..."

"It's as real as your imagination makes it."

"Oh." And then my eyes widened in terror, and I pointed at the doorway behind them. Several monstrous creatures were about to enter, their deformed shapes horrible even in the sparse-to-non-existent lightening.

"Another pack of the clawed ones," Zoisite complained. "Can't they at least change the design a little?"

Before the sentence was even outspoken, the doorframe was empty again, save for the large hoping of crystalline dust.

"Oh gods," I whispered, "oh gods - what are you? Humans? Monsters?"

"Midway between them, prince. We are soldiers." The faint cynicism in Nephrite's voice vanished as he redirected his glance to Zoisite. "Even though some of us certainly don't look, or act, the part."

Jadeite's warm hand placed itself on my arm. "We are here to serve you." It was warmth in that, and I accepted the reassurance gratefully.

The others looked at him under raised eyebrows, and my heart sank. I suddenly wondered how on Earth I would manage them when I became king.

"Well, I assume that that's one way to look at it, although rather an extreme view," Kunzite finally said.

Nephrite's expression showed agreement, and Zoisite didn't voice any other opinion either.

I stared at them, knowing full well that, much as I wanted to, I couldn't leave like this. It was very clear that their respect and obedience were privileges that I must earn personally. And I've already blown myself as both fighter and knower. Damn.

"Then... How will you act when I am placed as your ruler?" It came out a lot more uncertain and begging than I had intended. As a matter of fact, it was a really stupid thing to say, but I couldn't come up with any other line.

Jadeite's hand closed around my arm in silent answer.

Nephrite snorted. "My dear prince, neither I nor Zoisite are interested in formal power. Just don't play superior or presume you can control us, and everything will be fine." He grinned. "You really ought to say something, Kunzite, or our rosy liege will think that you intend to steal his throne."

My heart clenched at his words.

"Don't be silly," Kunzite said. "Why would I want that? I hear it's deadly uncomfortable, and anyway, throne halls aren't the best places for all kinds of people." He smiled faintly, frying a stray youma that had appeared in the doorway.

The relief washed through me like a waterfall, weakening my already faint knees considerably. Although I refused to lean back against the wall, I suspected they noticed. Or at least Jadeite, but that was all right. The little gathering broke up at that point anyway, as Zoisite drummed his booted foot impatiently against the floor.

"Behave," Kunzite muttered, but it was hardly a rebuke. The small boy sulked up at him regardless, mouth pouting delicately. It seemed an almost subconscious gesture of comfort when the oldest Tennou tugged softly at a lock of copper-blond hair, earning himself a smile.

"How cute," Nephrite mocked. "Should I do that too when you mess about, little one?"

I heard Jadeite sigh quietly just behind my ear, obviously awaiting a noisy, less than dignified argument. I wasn't sure if I was relived or disappointed when none came. On one hand, it would have been interesting to see them display some more human features, on the other, I remembered what had happened on my birthday.

Anyways, Zoisite kept his temper in check for once, and with a touch of levitation, I left through the window that had originally let me in. I'd gotten my adventure at last, even though I wasn't entirely satisfied with its ending.

* * * * * * * *

File no. 465 a 1 in the S. A. main bank in the Castle of the Sun, dated 4th moon, A. P. 662

Kunzite (about Zoisite):
He's a very strange combination. Irresistible, lively, fiery, charming, cute, adorable - impossible, short-tempered, thoughtless, undisciplined. The occasions on which he's an annoying brat, however, are remarkably few in comparison to how many times he's plain wonderful. No, actually, he's never annoying. A brat, at times, but never annoying.

*

Observed interaction between the first and the fourth Tennou:
Scenery: a relatively secluded part of the library; a corner walled by book-shelves, lightened by a window, containing a round table, a padded armchair, and two stools.

The fourth Tennou reaches for a volume on level with the crown of his hair. The first Tennou arrives.

Kunzite: Zoisite, what are you doing?

Zoisite turns to face him, letting go of the book, which falls out of the shelf.

Kunzite rushes forward and manages to catch it.

Zoisite, smiling, blushing lightly: Oops. It's so infuriating how they don't let us use magic in here.

Kunzite: Indeed. (He steadies his grip on the book, reading the title printed on it.) "Advanced Fire Magic I"? There's no way any teacher would assign you this. In fact, they wouldn't even permit you to read it.

Zoisite, whirling a strand of his hair around his fingers absently: That's why I didn't ask them.

Kunzite raises his eyebrows, a small smile on his lips.

Zoisite, after a while of silence: Well, I didn't have anything to do, and I thought I could maybe learn something to teach Nephrite a lesson with.

Kunzite, putting the volume back in the shelf: You know you don't have any chance to use a spell powerful enough to beat Nephrite without hurting yourself more than him.

Zoisite, mumbling: It would almost be worth it.

Kunzite chuckles slightly, then gives Zoisite a look midway between exparastion and adoration. Kunzite: I honestly can't understand what the cause of your silly quarrel is. You're not getting that book, however, and if I catch you reading anything similar to it, you'll wish dearly that you only had Nephrite to deal with.

Zoisite, pouting: Yes, Kunzite-sama. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were down with Nephrite on the training grounds.

Kunzite: I was looking for you, actually.

Zoisite, looking happy: You did?

Kunzite, smiling a little: Yes. (continues mutteringly) God knows why the hell I do that...

Zoisite, smiling brilliantly: Because you love me, of course.

Kunzite laughs slightly, the sound somewhat edgy. Kunzite: That's as good a reason as any, I suppose. But you said you were bored?

Zoisite: Yes. (His eyes light up) You could tell me a story.

Kunzite: A story?

Zoisite nods.

Kunzite: Well, why not? A story it is, then.

He sits down in the chair and Zoisite plucks a cushion from the window, sitting down on it at Kunzite's feet.

Kunzite: What's wrong with the stools?

Zoisite: I don't like them.

Kunzite: You can't sit on the floor.

Zoisite: I still don't like them.

Kunzite sighs. Extending one hand to Zoisite, he lets the other boy climb onto his lap. Kunzite: Now, what kind of story would you like?

Zoisite tugs lightly at a piece of his almost-silver hair. Zoisite: A good one.

Kunzite shifts his weight a little, touching in turn a strand of bright gold. Kunzite: I'll see what I can do.

*

File no. 465 a 2 in the S. A. main bank in the Castle of the Sun, dated 4th moon, A. P. 662

Zoisite (about Kunzite):
I'm gonna marry him.

* * * * * * * *

File no. 465 b 1 in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 2nd day of the 4th moon, A. P. 662

Kunzite (about Nephrite):
In one way, we are very alike, and I understand everything about him. In another way, though, we're totally different, and I don't get him at all. At the same time, he manages to be both strong, responsible and brilliant - and lazy, irresponsible and irrational. As this first person I highly respect him and his judgement - as the second, I don't do that at all. He's switching back and forth constantly, but I think he knows what he's doing.

*

Observed interaction between the first and the second Tennou:
Scenery: An empty classroom with usual furnishings. The floor beneath on of the walls is sanded, and the wall itself has many scratches.

The first Tennou is leaning over the rostrum, his hands flipping through the papers in a drawer.

Some paces away, the second Tennou is sitting nonchalantly on one of the desks, toying with a shuriken. His gaze never entirely leaves the small window on the door; Kunzite is not visible from outside, but would be in plain sight the moment someone opened the door.

Suddenly the weapon rushes from his hand, embedding itself in the damaged wall with a low yet distinctive noise. In an almost instant blur of motion, Kunzite has closed the drawer and is standing at the closest row of desks. Some moments later he looks up from the paper lying before him on the desk, lifting a brow at Nephrite.

Nephrite, shrugging: Seems like it was a false alarm.

Kunzite, nodding: It's your turn anyway.

They switch places, so that now Kunzite is sitting with a shuriken, Nephrite browsing through the teacher's files.

At length they shift again. Nephrite has left one file still lying on rostrum, adding to the other two previously placed there by Kunzite. After a few minutes Kunzite adds one more paper, then shuts the drawer. Kunzite: I think this was all.

Nephrite: It's time we set the spell then.

Kunzite: Yes.

They both let their magic spring carefully into life. The warning system placed in the room twitches for a moment, almost awakened and alarming, then goes quietly to sleep again. They share a grin, Nephrite's broad and white, Kunzite's more controlled but still with satisfaction. The weave of magical energy nestles itself around the doorframe, locking itself into place.

Nephrite: Now we'd better get on with this before anyone starts to wonder why this room would be marked with a spell against intrusion.

They both begin leafing through the papers, now and then casting a quick glance on the all but invisible spell-work.

It isn't long before they place the files back in the drawer. They undo the their previous spell, then exit the room.

Kunzite: Perhaps we're finally getting a grip on what exactly they have in their files and archives about us.

Nephrite, snorting: Well, we know our grades at least.

*

File no. 465 b 2 in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 2nd day of the 4th moon, A. P. 662

Nephrite (about Kunzite):
Sometimes he seems very grown, mature and responsible. Other times he just appears cold, as though almost afraid of emotion. He's strong and smart and all that, although perhaps a bit strict. It's hard to gain his respect, and even when you think you have, he can surprise you and start giving you orders. More often than not you obey before you think about it. There are, in his opinion, few people worthy of his notice. And those not considered worthy earn his protection and pity, yes, but also his contempt. And as he is strong and they are weak, they owe him their obedience without any explanation on his part. As for him and authority, he mostly obeys. If it's a sensible command, he doesn't waste his efforts being rebellious, but merely plays by the rules, showing that way how much better he could and would have done it. He's just... Kunzite. We can get along quite well. As long as I behave, or at least have some more or less brilliant ideas to present, we get along great. When I'm lazy or sarcastic or somesuch, he usually lectures me and kicks my but until I get it in gear.

* * * * * * * *

File no. 465 c 1 in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 7th day of the 4th moon, A. P. 662

Kunzite (about Jadeite):
He is not what he is expected to be, in that that he isn't extravagant or almost extremely out-sticking the way the rest of us are. He seems normal, not because he is, but because everyone in his vicinity is so abnormal.

*

Observed interaction between the first and the third Tennou
Scenery: Medical education/healing classroom. Standard furnishings.

Zoisite and Nephrite are standing in one end of the room, Kunzite and Jadeite in the other. A nurse oversees them; presently she has left the second couple and is instructing the first.

Kunzite: Well, we might as well get on with it. Would you rather begin as wounded or physician?

Jadeite, eyes downcast: Physician.

Kunzite nods, then reaches for a knife on the table beside them. Kunzite: I suppose we should begin with something simple.

He gives his arm a calculating look, then uses the knife to cut it open.

Jadeite nods, taking up a piece of cloth and using it to brush away most of the blood. Reaching behind him, he then produces a stretch of bandage. Suddenly he freezes, the fabric just touching the other boy's arm. Jadeite, slightly anxious: Should I use magic instead?

Kunzite: That would be unnecessary.

Drawing in a breath, Jadeite nods again and finishes knotting the bandage into place.

Instead of the arm, the blond boy slashes the palm of his hand open. A pained expression flies over his face, but he makes no sound as Kunzite deals with it.

At length the nurse comes over to them. Nurse: Has everything gone well?

Kunzite: Yes, it went quite well.

Jadeite nods in agreement, his expression not unhappy.

*

File no. 465 c 2 in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 7th day of the 4th moon, A. P. 662

Jadeite (about Kunzite)
For two people living together, Kunzite and I don't interact much. I generally don't try to draw his attention to me. I'd never want to see him angry, and he doesn't respect me enough not to be disappointed with everything I do. Everyone always is. He seems a lot older than I, and he also has this, probably unconscious, way of making me a bit uncomfortable. It's not that he despises me, it's just that I've never done enough to make him take notice of me at all. It's all so very, very different from the way he is with others. Or... The way he is with Nephrite, I think, is the way he could have been with me, had I been stronger or more competent. Or just older, I don't know. It's his behavior with Zoisite that's really different. But then, everyone's like that around Zoisite. Even Kunzite, which is kind of...strange.

* * * * * * * *

File no. 645 d 1 in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 9th day of the 4th moon, A. P. 662

Nephrite (about Jadeite):
He's quite boring, much of the time. He always tries to be the model pupil, to please anyone and everyone. He has to realize that that's impossible, or he'll never be able to please himself. If one wants only to please others, one is despicable.

*

Observed interaction between the second and third Tennou
Scenery: The Shitennou dormitory; quite big room with almost no furniture. There are a couple of square windows in one of the otherwise undecorated, white walls, and the stone floor is covered in tatami of high quality, but the four beds are the only furniture aside from some lamps and a heap of sit-cushions on the floor. On the inside of the now-open tree-door, there is a map-of-blood beginning with Amaterasu-Omikami and ending in the veins of Prince Mamoru Endymion.

Nephrite is sitting on one of the beds, the white sheets slightly rumbled by his doing so. He has pulled off one of his boots and is trying to do the same with the other one when Jadeite enters the room, head bent and expression angry.

Nephrite, putting his foot down with the boot still on: Jadeite? What is it?

Jadeite looks up, as though surprised that the room is not empty. His hands fist themselves at his sides as embarrassment, fury, and annoyance chases each other over his features. Finally he settles on the last, though a light blush is still visible in his cheeks. Jadeite: I just... I'm so tired of this. Of all of it.

The rage bleeds out of his expression, to be replaced by a sort of melancholy misery.

Nephrite rises and guides Jadeite to a sitting position on the bed, then takes place opposite him.

Nephrite: So, what's the cause of this sudden depression?

Jadeite rests his head in his hands for a moment, rubbing his face. Looking up, he sighs defeatedly. Jadeite: I was through one of those life-simulations again. On my mother's insistence, I might add.

His expression visibly darkens when he mentions his parent. Jadeite: It was one of those mind-tricks, you know, when they have you relive your entire life as someone else. I was a farmer's son, and I knew I was a Tennou. Or, I knew I was different, somehow, but I was happy there, almost, and then they came and took me away to the capital, and... I fought them. I was beaten.

He smiles suddenly, a dark and rather sinister half-grin. Jadeite: You should've seen Mother's face when they let me up from that damn machine. She was so mad, but she couldn't do anything about it. Kami-sama, I was glad being a normal person, then I tried to resist this entire organization. But it was just a dream, so it was nothing they could punish me for.

He makes a sound midway between a laugh and a sob. Jadeite: Oh, gods.

Nephrite: Would you actually want to be just anybody?

Jadeite: I don't know. I really don't. Would you?

Nephrite: Maybe. If I'd been born a noble's son or somesuch, sure, I don't think I would've complained. The risk is, though, that I'd been one of the masses, and I most certainly wouldn't appreciate that. No, the chance for something better is far too slim for me to complain over this life.

Jadeite, his voice lackluster: Well. You're different from me. You can handle this.

Nephrite shakes his head slightly. Nephrite: Come on, Jadeite, that's not how it works. Gods, even Zoisite can handle it. It's about whether or not one chooses to handle it."

Jadeite has a mildly disbelieving look on his face, and Nephrite shrugs. Nephrite: I'm going, I'm supposed to meet someone, but cheer up, get a grip of your own life. You really ought to spurn your Mother more often.

Jadeite: Like you couldn't take that advice yourself.

Nephrite gives him a chilly smile. Nephrite: I do. It's just that that Mesala-san that has some more severe consequences. Or why did you think they've doubled the lock-spells over the windows?"

He walks out. Jadeite remains sitting on the bed, looking after the other boy with a slightly wistful, quite confused, expression. Jadeite, whispering: You don't understand. You'd never want to understand.

*

File no. 645 d 2 in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 9th day of the 4th moon, A. P. 662

Jadeite (about Nephrite):
Nephrite generally doesn't pay me more notice than Kunzite does. He's moving in other circles, is rather sophisticated - or at least he is when he wants to be. He doesn't waste his time on me, and so I can only describe the Nephrite I observe with others. He's charming, but can have quite a mean temper if annoyed. He can't stand stupid people, and like to be surrounded by cheerful folks - perhaps to drown the melancholia lurking inside his own mind.

* * * * * * * *

File no. 645 e 1 in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 11th day of the 4th moon, A. P. 662:

Nephrite (about Zoisite):
Zoisite is one of those persons that you either love or hate. And I could never claim to love him. Oh, I wouldn't say I hate him, but he can most definitely be a pain. And he's so loveably easy to tease. Well, siblings are supposed to fight, aren't they?

*

Observed interaction between the second and fourth Tennou:
Scenery: A room in the Shitennou Complex. Zoisite is sitting on a cushion in a corner of the room, his knees drawn up to his chest and tightly embraced by his arms. He is leaning his head on his legs, his hair falling freely like a veil. The sound of low sobs escapes from him.

A door opens and Nephrite walks into the room. Nephrite: Now where did I put... Zoisite?

The other boy does not react, and Nephrite picks up a book from the floor, then comes to stand some feet away from his comrade. One of his hands reaches forward tentatively, then freezes millimeters from Zoisite's hair and drops. Nephrite: Oi, Zoisite, what're you sitting here and crying for?

Zoisite looks up briefly, the crying having rendered his eyes dark and moist but not yet red, then ducks again. Zoisite, mumbles: Bad simulation.

Nephrite: Wanna tell me?

This time Nephrite's hand does connect, caressing the other boy's hair and then placing itself around his shoulders.

Zoisite bolts up, violently shrugging away from him. Zoisite: Don't touch me! And I'm not telling you a thing; you'll only mock me for it anyway!

Nephrite pulls himself away, his expression cold. Nephrite: Well, suit yourself then, princess.

Zoisite curls up again, a look of misery over his pale features. Nephrite startles, then slowly takes a step closer to him. Nephrite: Zoisite...

The smaller boy straightens, a broad grin over his mouth. Zoisite: Ha! You do think I'm cute!

He laughs happily. Zoisite: Just admit it; you couldn't stand to walk away when I was so sweet and helpless.

Nephrite: No, that's not-

Zoisite: Of course it is. Actually, I'm betting you dislike me just because you don't want to realize you find me adorable.

Nephrite turns to leave, then speaks over his shoulder. Nephrite: If you really don't have anything better to say, I won't stay to listen, little princess.

Zoisite sticks his tongue out at him, then giggles again.

*

File no. 645 e 2 in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 11th day of the 4th moon, A. P. 664:

Zoisite (about Nephrite):
I'm gonna kill him.

* * * * * * * *

File no. 645 f 1 in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 13th day of the 4th moon, A. P. 662:

Jadeite (about Zoisite):
Zoisite is probably the most Tennou of us all; he's so full of warmth and beauty and life. When he stops making trouble for a second, one could swear he is too perfect to be anything but divine.

*

Observed interaction between the third and fourth Tennou:
Scenery: Park belonging to the Castle of the Sun; green grass and colorful flowerbeds, a few trees and a pond.

Zoisite: Come on, Jadeite!

He runs up to stand on one of the hills, then makes a somersault down the side of it.

Jadeite: On my way.

He jogs down the side of the hill to join the other boy, who is now lying spread-eagled on his back in the grass.

Jadeite: I swear it, it won't be a youma or demon that kills you, it'll be one of your own crazy ideas.

Zoisite suddenly sits up, his eyes fixed on a tree some distance away. Zoisite: Come on, it was just a simple flip.

He lithely climbs to his feet. Zoisite: Would you help me climb that one?

Jadeite laughs. Jadeite: I suppose.

He follows the other boy the tree in question. Apparently it's quite an old plant, the trunk rough and grey-brown, contrasting sharply against the mass of cherry blossoms it wields.

Zoisite looks at it in smiling awe for a moment before making Jadeite lift him high enough to grip the lowest branch.

Jadeite: You could do this much easier with magic, you know.

Zoisite, looking sour: No, Mesala got angry with me for some obscure reason and deadlocked the energy-veins. I can't do a thing until someone fixes it.

Jadeite: If you had said that earlier, I would already have done it.

Zoisite: You would? That's great! Can you do it now?

Jadeite: As soon as you get down from that tree again.

Zoisite: Then I think it'll have to wait a little.

He reaches for a bunch of flowers. Zoisite: Do you think I would fit in these?

Jadeite does not reply, but can soon admire a laughing Zoisite bedecked in fair blossoms.

Zoisite: Well?

Jadeite, smiling: You are already far too vain for me to tell you how gorgeous you look.

His face goes taught for a moment as Zoisite laughs.

*

File no. 645 f 2 in the S. A. main archive in the Castle of the Sun, dated 11th day of the 4th moon, A. P. 662:

Zoisite (about Jadeite):
Jadeite's nice to have around. He's not the one you'd rip your heart out for, but he certainly is the one you miss when you want someone to talk nonsense with, or someone to play tricks or raid the kitchen with.