Happy Ficathon Everyone!
Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year's Senshi/Shitennou ficathon! I know everyone is going to now eagerly anticipate their Secret Santas. Hopefully whoever is responsible for putting together that Zip file is on the ball.
In the meantime, have a congratulatory fic that satine86 and mrcrybrilliance sicced on me.
Title: Tiger Tiger Burning Bright
Pairing: V/K
Prompt: The Four Symbols
Author's note: Set post-Stars, pre Crystal Tokyo, WARNINGS FOR: character death, animal injury
“How is he?”
Minako rubbed at her temples. Her voice was heavy with worry. And not even the communicator could hide that.
“No change. Ami’s been looking after him, but whatever’s wrong with Mamoru isn’t medical.”
“So it’s definitely related to what’s going on then?”
“That and whatever’s keeping you, Michiru and Setsuna from coming back. We’re on our own until we find a way to end this.”
She looked out the window, and into the starless darkness. The Sun had been the first sign that things were amiss in the world. The skies had been dark for months now. At first, the news had reported on government releases about a strange and rare eclipse that had not been anticipated. But after the second day, panic had set in among the general population. Even in Tokyo, where residents had gotten used to the strange and unexplained over the years. Everyone knew that this was worse than usual.
And then the attacks started. The Senshi had fought all sorts of monsters and youma and other assorted evil, but this newest threat was shaping up to be something beyond even them. But it wasn’t armies of evil that they were facing this time.
“Do you have anything new on our four favorite beasties?”
“We have some theories. I’ll let Rei fill you in.”
Minako moved out of the way to let Rei speak. It wasn’t that she couldn’t explain what they’d found. She just wanted to let someone else do it. The fighting was starting to get to her, and she would take any reprieve she could get.
Rei sat and bowed. “Haruka-san.”
Rei’s unfailing politeness would have made Minako laugh if she had the energy to laugh. It was the end of the world, and Rei still cared about things like manners and etiquette. Maybe she should be the leader.
“I’m a bit ashamed to admit I didn’t recognize it before. But these four giant creatures, the dragon, the phoenix, the tortoise and the tiger… they are the Shijin, the four celestial guardians.”
Michiru moved into the frame.
“Then the powers that they’re wielding…”
“Yes. It’s the power of the Earth itself. This is likely why Mamoru-kun has been incapacitated. The source of his powers is now being channeled through this new enemy, and draining him. He’s now basically mortal. I don’t think he’ll be able to help us in this fight.”
Minako looked back to Mamoru, lying on the bed. After the first attack, he’d been there, unable to wake. The effect on Usagi had been devastating. She still fought, but not with the same spirit or energy. It was more than just Mamoru they’d lost.
Rei and Michiru went on about the intricacies of Chinese mythology and it’s derivatives throughout Asia, but Minako had long since stopped listening. She knew the gist of it.
This was not a power they could fight. They were going to lose. The end was coming, and there was nothing they could do to stop it.
***
The flames were all around. There was nothing left standing.
It was all over.
“You can not win.”
She turned to face him. His face was the same, and yet completely unrecognizable. The same tall, strong build, the same handsome face framed by surprisingly soft silver locks. The same piercing grey eyes. But now, all filled with hate and rage.
She didn’t know him anymore.
She unsheathed her sword. “Neither can you. So let’s end this.”
***
Her dreams remained troubled. She didn’t know why she was dreaming of the end of the Silver Millenium so often. In principle, she understood some vague connections. There was the same sense of impending doom. She was hopeful that history wasn’t about to repeat itself.
And then there were the Shitennou. It wasn’t the first time they had to fight the power of Earth itself. But this was far more potent that the four generals of the Dark Kingdom. Now more than ever, Minako knew they needed Mamoru. He had more memories of the Silver Millenium than anyone. Maybe he knew of some link between their new enemy and their old one.
She knew that the Shitennou had not always been evil. They were Endymion’s guard, and they were loyal to Earth. Even when they were enemies, the Shitennou had still believed they were fighting for the Earth, trying to save it from the Moon Kingdom.
Another sigh escaped her lips, full of frustration and resignation. A thousand years, multiple lifetimes, and it seemed as though they were still fighting the same battles. Everything she had sacrificed in all that time; hopes, dreams… had it all been for nothing?
A beep from her communicator roused her from her thoughts.
“Trouble near the water. We have to go. Now!”
***
By the time she transformed, Jupiter, Mars and Mercury were already engaged in the fight. And oddly enough, they had the numerical advantage. The White Tiger had come. Alone. Which was strange. They had never seen the four beasts apart. If it was just the one… they might stand a chance.
The Tiger was roaring and making a great deal of noise, but as far as Venus could tell, it hadn’t done any harm yet, apart from sending all the civilians running. She surveyed this situation again. This was all very odd. The Tiger was alone. It was cornered. It hadn’t destroyed anything or killed anyone. What was going on?
Venus watched as the Tiger very deliberately stalked towards Mars, roaring and snarling. It could have pounced, attacked, done something. Instead, it seemed to walk right into the trap. Mars threw an Ofuda which froze it in its tracks, and then Mercury pulled a huge jet of water from over the railing to combine with a thunder bolt from Jupiter.
“POUR IT ON GIRLS!” Jupiter hollered.
The beast howled with pain under the onslaught, but kept on struggling. There was no way it could win. It just didn’t make any sense. Venus looked hard at the monster, and deep into its eyes…
***
“What are you looking at?”
“Just your eyes. They’re remarkable. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shade like them before.”
He laughed. “From what I understand, grey eyes are not a feature present among Venusians. Even here on Earth, I’m told they are uncommon. Blue eyes are common enough. And yet, I can’t say I’ve ever seen any like yours.”
There was little use for modesty in the afterglow of their lovemaking, and yet, Venus could still feel a blush creeping up. She wanted to hide herself away, but she couldn’t bear for him to look away. She loved the way he looked at her. She felt… everything in his gaze.
“As you say, blue eyes are common enough. You’ll probably find another woman and compliment here eyes too. And I’d just be lost in the crowd.”
He became serious and took her face in his hands, gently stroking her hair.
“There could never be anyone else. I’d always find you.”
And then he kissed her, and she knew he meant it.
***
“Stop…”
The Beast roared on. Jupiter and Mercury were unrelenting in their attacks. Victory was in their grasp.
“Stop!”
“Venus? What are you talking about? We’ve almost won!”
“I SAID STOP!”
“Are you out of your mind?”
“STOP!”
Venus charged towards the suffering beast. The girls hastily ceased their attacks. The Tiger stumbled back a few steps but didn’t move to retreat, or to attack. It simply laid down, eerily quiet. Venus moved closer, staring intently at its eyes.
“Venus… is everything allright?”
“Be careful, it might still attack!”
Venus barely heard anything they said. Her attention was squarely focused on the Tiger. And she was certain that his attention was similarly on her.
“Dear goddess… it’s you…”
The girls looked at each other. “Venus, what’s going on?”
She reached out a hand to the Tiger, and he didn’t move. He let her gently stroke his white fur, which was deceptively soft to the touch.
“Venus, what are you doing?”
“Leave us…”
Venus?”
“Go to Mamoru, bring him here.”
“Venus, what are you talking about. You know he’s-“
“He’ll be better when you get to him. Bring him here. We’ll need him.”
“Are you sure you’re-“
“I’m fine. Follow my orders. I’ll be here.”
The girls were hesitant, but they trusted their leader.
When they were gone, she moved closer to the fallen Tiger, resting her forehead against his. She could feel his breath hot against her skin. And she could hear him laboring to breathe. He was in pain.
“You meant for this to happen, didn’t you?”
He didn’t say anything. He couldn’t. She didn’t expect him to. But she knew.”
“If we defeat you, the power is broken, because it has to be all four of you. So you came here… to die…”
She buried her face in his fur. “It was like this last time, wasn’t it? I had to kill you to break the power. And you had to make me do it. I couldn’t do it because… because…”
***
“You can’t love me.”
“I can do many things. It’s why I have the honor of being part of the royal guard. So why could I not love you Venus?”
“Kunzite, look at us. Look at our situation! We’re from different worlds. Literally! And it’s forbidden by divine law for us to even see each other.”
“I’m very fond of laws. But I don’t see what they have to do with my feelings for you.”
“Oh come on! Isn’t it a bit too perfect? A Prince and a Princess in a forbidden relationship. Their chief guardians falling in love with each other as well while they watch over them. We both wield mystical powers rooted with an affinity for metal. We’re opposites who attract in the face of war. We’re just as likely to be pawns of fate as anything.”
“So my feelings for you… your feelings for me… it’s all just youth and tragic fairy tale romance?”
She turned away from him, trying to hide the tears. “Isn’t it?”
He walked toward her and turned her to face him. “If our feelings were just the machinations of fate and destiny, you’d be here with Nephrite, as Spring and the Rising Sun of the East is his dominion. But I rule the West, Autumn and the Setting Sun. But I am here because I love the way you laugh, and while my men think I lack a sense of humor, I very much enjoy making you laugh. I love the wonder you show when we walk through the gardens. I love that you smile when you see me, and that you respond to my touch. I love that even if you weren’t the leader, you’d still be dedicated and dutiful and honorable, because you aren’t your charge or your oath. You were chosen BECAUSE of who you are. Our power doesn’t define us Venus. We do. And I love you, and I want to be with you.”
***
“We couldn’t be together then, could we… and everything went wrong after that. That woman came… and she turned you and your brothers… and we fought. And at the end… you let me kill you… to break the spell…”
The Beast said nothing, but it didn’t matter. They both knew… they both knew the truth now, and they knew what needed to happen.
“I can’t do it to you… not again… oh goddess not again! How can I, now that I know? How can I lose you again?”
The Tiger moved, rubbing its face against hers. Venus was sure he was trying to comfort her. She knew what she had to do. It was why he was here.
Even if you weren’t the leader, you’d still be dedicated and dutiful and honorable. You were chosen BECAUSE of who you are. Our power doesn’t define us Venus. We do.
“And I love you…”
She held his head in her lap for a few moments, stroking his fun.
“Shhhh, close your eyes…”
***
Mamoru and the Senshi finally returned, sometime later. There was no sign of the Tiger. There was only Venus, sitting alone, clutching something in her hands. Mamoru stepped forward and put his hand on her shoulder.
“Minako-chan? Are you allright?”
She turned and looked up at him, her eyes dull from crying. She reached out her hand and put something into his. He looked down at it.
It was one of his lost gems. Suddenly, it all made sense.
“Do you remember?”
She didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before. I wasn’t sure if you were ready, and I was hoping the memories would come back to you in time. I wish it didn’t have to be like this. And maybe, someday, it won’t have to be…”
She didn’t say anything. Instead, she just looked east, onto the first rays of the rising sun.
“Now there’s a welcome sight!”
Everyone stood and watched. It had been month, and they planned to savor this.
“So, shall we go?”
“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll stay,” she said. “I think… today, I’d like to stay for sunset.”
In the meantime, have a congratulatory fic that satine86 and mrcrybrilliance sicced on me.
Title: Tiger Tiger Burning Bright
Pairing: V/K
Prompt: The Four Symbols
Author's note: Set post-Stars, pre Crystal Tokyo, WARNINGS FOR: character death, animal injury
“How is he?”
Minako rubbed at her temples. Her voice was heavy with worry. And not even the communicator could hide that.
“No change. Ami’s been looking after him, but whatever’s wrong with Mamoru isn’t medical.”
“So it’s definitely related to what’s going on then?”
“That and whatever’s keeping you, Michiru and Setsuna from coming back. We’re on our own until we find a way to end this.”
She looked out the window, and into the starless darkness. The Sun had been the first sign that things were amiss in the world. The skies had been dark for months now. At first, the news had reported on government releases about a strange and rare eclipse that had not been anticipated. But after the second day, panic had set in among the general population. Even in Tokyo, where residents had gotten used to the strange and unexplained over the years. Everyone knew that this was worse than usual.
And then the attacks started. The Senshi had fought all sorts of monsters and youma and other assorted evil, but this newest threat was shaping up to be something beyond even them. But it wasn’t armies of evil that they were facing this time.
“Do you have anything new on our four favorite beasties?”
“We have some theories. I’ll let Rei fill you in.”
Minako moved out of the way to let Rei speak. It wasn’t that she couldn’t explain what they’d found. She just wanted to let someone else do it. The fighting was starting to get to her, and she would take any reprieve she could get.
Rei sat and bowed. “Haruka-san.”
Rei’s unfailing politeness would have made Minako laugh if she had the energy to laugh. It was the end of the world, and Rei still cared about things like manners and etiquette. Maybe she should be the leader.
“I’m a bit ashamed to admit I didn’t recognize it before. But these four giant creatures, the dragon, the phoenix, the tortoise and the tiger… they are the Shijin, the four celestial guardians.”
Michiru moved into the frame.
“Then the powers that they’re wielding…”
“Yes. It’s the power of the Earth itself. This is likely why Mamoru-kun has been incapacitated. The source of his powers is now being channeled through this new enemy, and draining him. He’s now basically mortal. I don’t think he’ll be able to help us in this fight.”
Minako looked back to Mamoru, lying on the bed. After the first attack, he’d been there, unable to wake. The effect on Usagi had been devastating. She still fought, but not with the same spirit or energy. It was more than just Mamoru they’d lost.
Rei and Michiru went on about the intricacies of Chinese mythology and it’s derivatives throughout Asia, but Minako had long since stopped listening. She knew the gist of it.
This was not a power they could fight. They were going to lose. The end was coming, and there was nothing they could do to stop it.
***
The flames were all around. There was nothing left standing.
It was all over.
“You can not win.”
She turned to face him. His face was the same, and yet completely unrecognizable. The same tall, strong build, the same handsome face framed by surprisingly soft silver locks. The same piercing grey eyes. But now, all filled with hate and rage.
She didn’t know him anymore.
She unsheathed her sword. “Neither can you. So let’s end this.”
***
Her dreams remained troubled. She didn’t know why she was dreaming of the end of the Silver Millenium so often. In principle, she understood some vague connections. There was the same sense of impending doom. She was hopeful that history wasn’t about to repeat itself.
And then there were the Shitennou. It wasn’t the first time they had to fight the power of Earth itself. But this was far more potent that the four generals of the Dark Kingdom. Now more than ever, Minako knew they needed Mamoru. He had more memories of the Silver Millenium than anyone. Maybe he knew of some link between their new enemy and their old one.
She knew that the Shitennou had not always been evil. They were Endymion’s guard, and they were loyal to Earth. Even when they were enemies, the Shitennou had still believed they were fighting for the Earth, trying to save it from the Moon Kingdom.
Another sigh escaped her lips, full of frustration and resignation. A thousand years, multiple lifetimes, and it seemed as though they were still fighting the same battles. Everything she had sacrificed in all that time; hopes, dreams… had it all been for nothing?
A beep from her communicator roused her from her thoughts.
“Trouble near the water. We have to go. Now!”
***
By the time she transformed, Jupiter, Mars and Mercury were already engaged in the fight. And oddly enough, they had the numerical advantage. The White Tiger had come. Alone. Which was strange. They had never seen the four beasts apart. If it was just the one… they might stand a chance.
The Tiger was roaring and making a great deal of noise, but as far as Venus could tell, it hadn’t done any harm yet, apart from sending all the civilians running. She surveyed this situation again. This was all very odd. The Tiger was alone. It was cornered. It hadn’t destroyed anything or killed anyone. What was going on?
Venus watched as the Tiger very deliberately stalked towards Mars, roaring and snarling. It could have pounced, attacked, done something. Instead, it seemed to walk right into the trap. Mars threw an Ofuda which froze it in its tracks, and then Mercury pulled a huge jet of water from over the railing to combine with a thunder bolt from Jupiter.
“POUR IT ON GIRLS!” Jupiter hollered.
The beast howled with pain under the onslaught, but kept on struggling. There was no way it could win. It just didn’t make any sense. Venus looked hard at the monster, and deep into its eyes…
***
“What are you looking at?”
“Just your eyes. They’re remarkable. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shade like them before.”
He laughed. “From what I understand, grey eyes are not a feature present among Venusians. Even here on Earth, I’m told they are uncommon. Blue eyes are common enough. And yet, I can’t say I’ve ever seen any like yours.”
There was little use for modesty in the afterglow of their lovemaking, and yet, Venus could still feel a blush creeping up. She wanted to hide herself away, but she couldn’t bear for him to look away. She loved the way he looked at her. She felt… everything in his gaze.
“As you say, blue eyes are common enough. You’ll probably find another woman and compliment here eyes too. And I’d just be lost in the crowd.”
He became serious and took her face in his hands, gently stroking her hair.
“There could never be anyone else. I’d always find you.”
And then he kissed her, and she knew he meant it.
***
“Stop…”
The Beast roared on. Jupiter and Mercury were unrelenting in their attacks. Victory was in their grasp.
“Stop!”
“Venus? What are you talking about? We’ve almost won!”
“I SAID STOP!”
“Are you out of your mind?”
“STOP!”
Venus charged towards the suffering beast. The girls hastily ceased their attacks. The Tiger stumbled back a few steps but didn’t move to retreat, or to attack. It simply laid down, eerily quiet. Venus moved closer, staring intently at its eyes.
“Venus… is everything allright?”
“Be careful, it might still attack!”
Venus barely heard anything they said. Her attention was squarely focused on the Tiger. And she was certain that his attention was similarly on her.
“Dear goddess… it’s you…”
The girls looked at each other. “Venus, what’s going on?”
She reached out a hand to the Tiger, and he didn’t move. He let her gently stroke his white fur, which was deceptively soft to the touch.
“Venus, what are you doing?”
“Leave us…”
Venus?”
“Go to Mamoru, bring him here.”
“Venus, what are you talking about. You know he’s-“
“He’ll be better when you get to him. Bring him here. We’ll need him.”
“Are you sure you’re-“
“I’m fine. Follow my orders. I’ll be here.”
The girls were hesitant, but they trusted their leader.
When they were gone, she moved closer to the fallen Tiger, resting her forehead against his. She could feel his breath hot against her skin. And she could hear him laboring to breathe. He was in pain.
“You meant for this to happen, didn’t you?”
He didn’t say anything. He couldn’t. She didn’t expect him to. But she knew.”
“If we defeat you, the power is broken, because it has to be all four of you. So you came here… to die…”
She buried her face in his fur. “It was like this last time, wasn’t it? I had to kill you to break the power. And you had to make me do it. I couldn’t do it because… because…”
***
“You can’t love me.”
“I can do many things. It’s why I have the honor of being part of the royal guard. So why could I not love you Venus?”
“Kunzite, look at us. Look at our situation! We’re from different worlds. Literally! And it’s forbidden by divine law for us to even see each other.”
“I’m very fond of laws. But I don’t see what they have to do with my feelings for you.”
“Oh come on! Isn’t it a bit too perfect? A Prince and a Princess in a forbidden relationship. Their chief guardians falling in love with each other as well while they watch over them. We both wield mystical powers rooted with an affinity for metal. We’re opposites who attract in the face of war. We’re just as likely to be pawns of fate as anything.”
“So my feelings for you… your feelings for me… it’s all just youth and tragic fairy tale romance?”
She turned away from him, trying to hide the tears. “Isn’t it?”
He walked toward her and turned her to face him. “If our feelings were just the machinations of fate and destiny, you’d be here with Nephrite, as Spring and the Rising Sun of the East is his dominion. But I rule the West, Autumn and the Setting Sun. But I am here because I love the way you laugh, and while my men think I lack a sense of humor, I very much enjoy making you laugh. I love the wonder you show when we walk through the gardens. I love that you smile when you see me, and that you respond to my touch. I love that even if you weren’t the leader, you’d still be dedicated and dutiful and honorable, because you aren’t your charge or your oath. You were chosen BECAUSE of who you are. Our power doesn’t define us Venus. We do. And I love you, and I want to be with you.”
***
“We couldn’t be together then, could we… and everything went wrong after that. That woman came… and she turned you and your brothers… and we fought. And at the end… you let me kill you… to break the spell…”
The Beast said nothing, but it didn’t matter. They both knew… they both knew the truth now, and they knew what needed to happen.
“I can’t do it to you… not again… oh goddess not again! How can I, now that I know? How can I lose you again?”
The Tiger moved, rubbing its face against hers. Venus was sure he was trying to comfort her. She knew what she had to do. It was why he was here.
Even if you weren’t the leader, you’d still be dedicated and dutiful and honorable. You were chosen BECAUSE of who you are. Our power doesn’t define us Venus. We do.
“And I love you…”
She held his head in her lap for a few moments, stroking his fun.
“Shhhh, close your eyes…”
***
Mamoru and the Senshi finally returned, sometime later. There was no sign of the Tiger. There was only Venus, sitting alone, clutching something in her hands. Mamoru stepped forward and put his hand on her shoulder.
“Minako-chan? Are you allright?”
She turned and looked up at him, her eyes dull from crying. She reached out her hand and put something into his. He looked down at it.
It was one of his lost gems. Suddenly, it all made sense.
“Do you remember?”
She didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before. I wasn’t sure if you were ready, and I was hoping the memories would come back to you in time. I wish it didn’t have to be like this. And maybe, someday, it won’t have to be…”
She didn’t say anything. Instead, she just looked east, onto the first rays of the rising sun.
“Now there’s a welcome sight!”
Everyone stood and watched. It had been month, and they planned to savor this.
“So, shall we go?”
“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll stay,” she said. “I think… today, I’d like to stay for sunset.”