Something tugged in the back of his mind. Long black hair. Sailor Mars. Deep, dark lavender eyes. Senshi of Fire…
The girl stirred.
“I called you as soon as she stirred, Kunzite.”
“Go tell the Queen. I will prepare her.” Jedite left the room quickly. This Kunzite was obviously above him in rank. And who was this Queen?
“Greetings, Sailor Mars,” the man with silver hair said quietly. “Welcome to the Negaverse.” Rei blinked. How did he know who she was? She was back in her priestess garb, so – her cheeks flashed crimson when she realized she must have de-transformed.
“Who are you?” she demanded, sitting up. “And how did I get here?”
“My name is Kunzite. I am the leader of the Four Generals of the Negaverse, who serve the great Queen Beryl. You were taken here by Jedite, because the fool allowed himself to be trapped by you Scouts and you were near him when he teleported away. You are here to be used as a weapon against the Sailor Scouts.”
“Why would you tell me that?” Rei sniffed. “Isn’t that the kind of thing you DON’T want to tell me?”
“You’re brighter than you look, Sailor. You will serve us well.” Kunzite smiled. “We won’t treat you badly. Consider yourself a guest.” His eyes flashed darkly. “A guest who is not permitted to leave.” Kunzite turned and his long cloak billowed behind him. “You will come with me. The Queen will see you now.” Thinking it better not to argue, Rei reluctantly followed him out the door.
He turned the corridor and entered the Queen’s throne room. Kneeling, he said “Queen Beryl, I present to you Hino Rei, Sailor Mars, the Senshi of Fire, and Princess of Mars.”
From the corner of the room, Jedite gasped. He had never looked at the Queen’s hidden records, only Kunzite was permitted there. But he had known she was the Senshi of Fire, he had known everything Kunzite had just said. Running his hand though his golden hair, he pondered the situation. He must have known this Rei before. The Queen never spoke about their pasts. All she told them was that she had rescued them and erased their memories, so they would never have to face the pain of their past lives. She said that on the very first day, and no one had ever spoken of it again. Allegiance to the Queen, he thought fervently. Allegiance to the Queen!
He was snapped back to reality when he heard the Queen talking. That was one thing he knew for sure. Whatever else you do, never make the Queen angry.
“Now, Rei,” the Queen barked sharply “I would like to formally introduce myself. My name is Queen Beryl. I rule the Negaverse, and all you see around you is because of me. Here you are a guest, and will be treated as such. But you must have proper respect for everyone here. Meet my Generals.” She beckoned with her hand and Jedite stepped forward, along with Zoicite and Nephrite. The girl’s eyes grew huge when she saw all four of them lined up next to the Queen. No doubt she was scared that Sailor Moon and Mercury stood no chance against them. The Queen continued, “Jadeite, General of Illusions.” Jedite cringed at being called by his true name, but managed a stiff bow. “Nephrite, General of the Stars.” Nephrite stepped forward and gave a flourishing bow and tossed his long dark hair behind his shoulder. Jedite rolled his eyes. That was Nephrite all right. Already showing off and making sure everyone knew how spectacular he was. “Zoicite, General of Fire.” The girls’ eyes widened into saucers after hearing that there was an enemy specializing in fire, just as she did. Zoicite stepped forward and gave a shallow bow with a smirk. “And last, the leader of the 4 Generals of the Negaverse, Kunzite, General of Ice.” Kunzite stepped forward with a deep bow, and and cold glare toward the girl. Poor thing, she must be scared to death. Perhaps she was smarter than she looked and this was all some elaborate plan to..
“Jedite!” The Queen’s hard voice burst into his thoughts.
“Uh, yes my Queen?”
“You seem to be quite taken with Rei here. She will be under your eyes at all times. She is in your personal care, and I will be very upset if you let her escape. Show her around and introduce her to life here.” She turned to the girl. “Rei, we will talk privately later. Stay close to Jedite, and you will be safe.” Rei gulped and nodded.
“Thank you, Queen Beryl-sama,” she stuttered “As you wish.” To Jedite’s surprise, she knelt and kissed the Queen’s ring. She must be very scared indeed.
“That is all. You are all dismissed,” the Queen said. “Kunzite, report to me at sunrise. We have important matters to discuss.”
