Author: Phoenix
Email: Marsfire01@aol.com

        Hi fanfic readers.  I once again offer you a piece of my
imagination.  Sailor Moon does not belong to me; it belongs to Naoko 
Takeuchi and a whole bunch of big companies.  I hope you like this, send 
any praise, comments, suggestions for fics, flames, love notes, etc to 
Marsfire01@aol.com. Have fun reading, this is a tad depressing, so if your 
in a bad mood, move on (but come back later!!!).
*'s signify the beginning and end of a personal thought sequence, you can
usually tell who's they are and they are in first person, if for some reason
you can't fathom who is thinking them, just write me, and I'll inform you.
To just say it bluntly takes away the flow of the story.
Tootles! - Liz (Phoenix)

Tragic Flame

        She shimmered into the air out of nothingness; a cloud of stardust
against the blackness of an earth night, the moon and a sprinkling of stars 
the only light.  He was there already; tall, astute, his blonde hair standing 
out against the black sky, his uniform blended with the darkness. For a moment
they watched each other.  A few angry thoughts creeped into her mind about
his actions that made this meeting so forbidden.  She grasped at them to keep
her guard up.  But his eyes got her; it was always his eyes that softened her.
"I shouldn't be here." She said.
"I know."
They played this game each time they met.
" This isn't right."
"Tell me honestly that you don't want to be here."
She was silent for a moment.
"I want to say it, but you'd see right through me.  I came here tonight with
the intention of ending it now, as I do every time, telling myself that this
is the last time; and yet, every time I get here, my resolution melts away."
They stood closer now.  She tugged at her scarlet cloak to keep the chill
out.
She went to brush a stray hair from his eyes, but he caught her hand and
pulled her arms around his neck.  She smiled for a moment, but the
expression
left her as a sobering thought entered her mind.  He grimaced, knowing what
came next.
"Jade…"
"Don't ask me Mars"
"I have to"
"Don't…" he said pleadingly.
"Why Jade?" her eyes filling with sorrow, for the love gone astray.
"Damnit Mars, you know why.  I believe in her.  She can really change things
for the better.  I don't think she means any harm, or poses a real threat.
In the end, things will be alright, they will work out.  Earth will be at
peace."
"It seems to me that Earth is not he only concern.  And what about Endymion?
He's your best friend.  He misses you, you know."
"Sometimes friendship and politics don't mix.  That's all this is, politics.
Soon things will settle and go back to normal."
"Jade, they will never let her take Earth.  Serenity has too much invested
in joining the Earth with the moon.  And Mars will never allow it. Remember,
King Darius is my Uncle, my father's brother.  True, politics and friendship
don't mix, but politics and family is worse.  This will end in blood, far beyond
the small coup your Queen Beryl talks of!"
"Mars, we both know where our political loyalties lie, but love surpasses
blood and war!"
"I may have to fight against you."
"Then kill me if you must, I won't harm you."
"Oh Jade, I'm sorry.  This isn't the time.  Forgive me."
"Rei," he called her by her given name, "of course I forgive you.  No more
talk of darkness."

        Hours later, they lay under a willow tree, holding each other,
wrapped meagerly in her cloak.  He watched her head rise and fall as he breathed.
Her skin was warm against his body, heated by the eternal flame that burned
within her.  The moon was high now, and its light gave her face a glow as if heaven
sent. They were so opposite yet drawn to each other by some divine gravity.
*An Angel asleep in the arms of a demon* he thought to himself.  He was
always awake at this hour.  Sleep no longer came easily to him; when he did sleep,
nightmares plagued him.  Peace was his only desire; for himself, for her, and
for his people; and they were his people.  He was lord, and rightfully prince
of the Eastern hemisphere.  King Darius I "united" the four kingdoms of Earth,
then left the royal families of each of his three new provinces govern while
oversaw from his throne in his own province.  The throne was handed to
Darius II and soon to Endymion.   King Darius II was a good man, but not always 
an adequate leader; and though Endymion was Jadeite's closest friend, Jade
wasn't sure if his friend could exact the change needed for Earth; especially with
the distraction of that flitty princess.  Jade felt responsible for the
people of Earth.  Beryl promised change, a better life for the commoners.  That 
was the reason Jadeite had joined with Kunzite of the West, and the brothers
Nephrite and Zoicite of the south to help Beryl in her overthrow of Darius.
She promised that Endymion would not be harmed and that peace would reign on
Earth.  He knew Mars would never understand.  Her planet was at peace.  The
people there were happy.  Her father was a wise ruler.  Had he not married
the Empress of Mars, the people of Earth would have long ago called for him as
their king.  And though she would never understand, she was the only woman
he would tell these things; the only woman he would ever care for; ever really
love.  He didn't fully understand her either.  Such loyalty to a planet not
even her own, to a klutzy whiny princess, and to seven other girls bound
only by a birthright and a sailor uniform.  But he loved in spite, or maybe
because of, the things they didn't' understand about each other.  Nothing would
change that.

        The rising dawn woke her.   Jadeite was asleep, after hours of silent
contemplation.  She bundled up her clothes hugging them to her.  She kissed
him on the forehead, knowing that he wouldn't wake for a while.  She came
upon a small pond, not even 12 feet wide, maybe 4 feet deep.  She dropped her
clothing on the shore of the pond.  She dipped her foot into the water but
drew back as the icy droplets nipped her toes.  She smiled, leaned down, and
extended her hand over the surface of the pool.  Rei closed her eyes and
channeled energy through her hand into the water.  The temperature rose from
icy to slightly above that of bath water.  She sank into the water.

        Every fiber in her said that these meetings were wrong, but she came
anyway. Queen Serenity had made it quite clear that this Beryl person could be a
definite threat.  They were to be extremely careful of her and her henchman.
But Rei would never see Jadeite as a threat.  She longed to tell someone
about their secret meetings.  Princess Serenity was her closest friend, but the
queen and she were very close, and if her majesty found out and was in a grave
enough mood, Rei could find herself with a court-marshal for treason on her
hands.  She considered telling Jupiter, but she was too angry over the
betrayal, and might not understand; Nephrite had hurt her very badly.  Rei
wasn't sure she was close enough to Either Ami or Mina; and the Outers
didn't seem to care.   Rei considered telling Endymion, for she and her cousin 
were very close; but not only was he sad, he was also very angry at his former
generals.  Plus he was incredibly loyal to the Queen, and her daughter.  Why
now?  Why him?  Why did that bitch have to choose him?  There was something
distinctly wrong with that woman.  Why couldn't he see that?  She was evil,
conniving, insane, and she had some serious anger issues.  She had an
ulterior motive, although what Rei wasn't sure.  How was he not seeing through her?
She sank under water and opened her eyes.  The morning sun reflecting of the
surface of the pond made dazzling patterns of light mixed with the black
strands of hair floating past her eyes.  Looking up, she thought she saw his
face gazing down at her through the water, but when she popped up she
discovered it was only a trick of the light.  She climbed out of the pool
and felt the old air cling to her wet skin.  She closed her eyes, crossed her
arms over her chest and summoned her inner flame.  A red glow emanated from her
and her hair flew vertically as the water droplets evaporated from her body and
hair.  She dressed, and set off to the willow tree.

        He was still asleep when she got back.  She sat beside him and
stroked his hair.  His eyes flipped open.  Her violet ones stared back at him.
"What a lovely way to wake up.  I wish I could see this every morning."
"You could"
"Not again."
"Fine, not again, but you can always come back you know, I could arrange
it!"
"I know Mars, but…"
"Just say you'll think about it, for me?"
"Alright, I will allow the thought to pass through my mind, for you, but no
promises."
"Thank you darling, but I must go.  Training starts in an hour!"
"Till next time, love, you are in my heart!"
"Always?"
"Always!"
They kissed once more, and the cloud of red stardust shimmered once more.
Then in a moment, he too was gone.

Things went along as usual in the palace.  Train, study, relax.  Jadeite went
about his duties, and when they could find time, they met.  Beryl began to
notice the increasing absence of her second in command.  Mettalia's voice
whispered through her mind.  "Beryl," it hissed, "Are you so careless with
your generals?  With all the effort and lies it took to bring them over to us,
should you not be a little more aware of their where-abouts?"  Beryl cringed
at being reprimanded.  She decided this must stop.

        "Can you come tonight?"
"Jade, I don't know.  What if we're caught?"
"We won't be, no one can see us.  We make sure of that!"
"Alright, I'll be there.  I love you."
"I love you too, I'll see you tonight.  Till then!"
        This time they met in an unsuspecting  farmer's barn.  They cast the
magic which protected them, and they were safe.  Or so they thought.

        Beryl saw Jadeite teleport out of his quarters.  She made her way to
the throne room.  She summoned her crystal ball.  She did a quick scan for him,
but found nothing.  She sat down and concentrated on finding him.  When she
finally located him, the strong magic around him worried her.  As she
worked, she became more and more agitated.  Finally, after quite a while, she 
made a crack in the shield.  And Laughed.  Jadeite was making love to some woman.
*Jadeite has found himself a little wench! Ha! What was I so worried about,
let him have his fun, his little 'roll in the hay', literally.  He'll come
back a better general! *  But her smile faded when the face of the woman
came into view.  This was no wench, but the Princess and Senshi of Mars, keeper
of the flame, and cousin of Earth's heir, HER prince, Endymion!  Anger boiled
over.  This girl was a threat to the entire plan!  *Traitor!*  Various ways
to kill him ran threw her mind.  But once again, Mettalia's voice hissed in her
head.  "Calm yourself Beryl, violence isn't always the answer! Can you afford
to lose such a warrior?!?  I will grant you enough energy to bring him and
the others over to our side, for good this time, whether they want to or not!
Just be patient for his return."  Beryl sat in wait for her prey.

        He awoke in a sweat, abruptly sitting up.  She too awoke, as her
head had been resting on his chest.  His breathing was erratic, and his pulse 
was wild.
"Jade, my god, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, just a nightmare."  Nightmares weren't unusual for him anymore. He
remembered the peace of mind he had while serving the Silver Millennium.
"Mars, I…, I want to come back."
Her eyes widened and she flung her arms around him. "Oh Jade, you don't know
how wonderful this is!  I'll arrange things.  You'll have to speak to the
Queen of course, but she'll be so glad to have you back, as will Endy.
Jade, you've made me so happy!"  Jadeite smiled, her joy was beautiful, and made
him proud to be the one at whom it was directed. He didn't like giving up his
convictions, but something inside him said that this was the right path to
choose, not Beryl.  He lay down, but sleep was still a bit fearful.  She
noticed and raised herself up so she gazed into his eyes.  She began to sing,
in an old forgotten Martian tongue.  Her voice was soothing and soon his
eyes were heavy.  She lay her head on his chest, still singing softly, and soon
they were asleep; blissful in their ignorance of the events to come.

        Jadeite hurriedly packed his things.  He was debating whether to quietly
disappear or to announce his leaving; when Beryl suddenly summoned him to the
throne room. *Looks like the quiet way is out of the question*

        Beryl grinned.  The three were easy enough, now for the traitor.
*When he is ours, we attack!*

Jadeite entered the throne room and immediately didn't like the vibes he was
getting.  He looked questioningly at Beryl, but he froze in her gaze.  He
shifted his eyes to his friends, but their gazes were cold.  Intuitively, he
knew what had happened; he knew that there was more to this queen than he'd
ever expected.  He knew what would happen to him.   Jade looked back at the
queen, who grinned, baring her tiny fangs and looking very satisfied.
Violet eyes flashed in his mind, then it all went dark.

        Rei practically floated through the day.  Her attendance with the
Queen had gone well.  The queen relied upon Rei as an advisor, so she trusted 
the girl's judgement in the matter of Jadeite.  Rei was told to keep this under 
wraps until Serenity was able too speak with him to make sure of his loyalty.  
But it was clear to her that he would pass with flying colors.

        Beryl sat watching his progress.  This was taking longer than
expected.  Over and over he mumbled the same name.  *Damn that senshi of Mars!  
He remembered her name long after he forgot his own.*  but patience was the 
key, she would wait, and he would come around.  Then they would crush all of the 
Kingdoms of the Silver Millennium.

        At the crack of dawn the legions of hell attacked.  The senshi were
assembled on the battlefield, confused at this sudden attack, but ready to 
fight.  The four came into view.  Mars smiled; he had come to help.  Had he 
managed to bring the other three back with him?  She wouldn't put it past him.  
Mars ran to him, not noticing the ice in his eyes, nor the senshi screaming 
cries of warning. *They still think he's the enemy! Well, aren't they in for a 
lovely surprise!*  Just as she reached him and was about to fling her arms 
around him, he produced a sword from behind his back and thrust it through her
tender flesh.   Her mouth dropped and she gasped for breath.  Mars vaguely 
heard her friends cry out in the distance.  She looked at her hands, now covered 
in her own blood.  She questioned him with her eyes; eyes full of pain, confusion,
betrayal, and finally understanding, of what had happened to her love.  The
real Jade struggled to the surface and grabbed her before she collapsed to
the ground.  He looked at her blood smeared on his uniform, his sword, his
hands.
"Oh god! What have I done? Oh, Mars, I'm so sorry!"  He began to sob, but
was silenced by Venus's angry cry, and her sword piercing his abdomen.  He
collapsed, as did Rei.  Venus was pulled into a far more difficult battle.
He still held her and their blood mingled.  He kept mumbling how sorry he was,
over and over again.
"It's alright, love, I forgive you.  I forgive you Jade.  I know what she
did to you.  I love you, I'll never stop, no matter what."
He smiled, weakly. "Always?"
"Always" She kissed him, softly and deeply.
"Oh, Rei, I love you. Please forgi…"
"Shhh… save your strength"  she said, fighting back tears.
She summoned what strength she had and began to sing again in the old
Martian tongue.
Mars felt him slipping away.  Tears rolled down her face and he tried to
brush them away, but he didn't have the strength, and his hand fell; she caught
it, holding it for dear life.  She kept singing until his hearth stopped
beating, and hers broke.  Then she kissed him one last time and wept into his 
cooling figure.

        Mars looked around her.  Mercury was dead, long ago killed by
Zoisite, who was now battling Sailor Uranus.  Ami never stood a chance.  Mina 
was fighting Kunzite; a losing battle against a man she had given her heart to.  
Jupiter and Nephrite were still going strong.  She cursed herself.  If she hadn't
been so brash she could be helping in the battle.  She and Lita were the only
ones really capable of fighting the generals, and she had disqualified herself.
But the real Jadeite had come back because of it; his soul was saved, so it
was worth it.  She glanced over to Venus just in time to see Mina's lover
pull her to him and thoughtlessly slit her throat.  More death.  She watched
Jupiter and Nephrite battle, wishing she could help.  The fight was matched
equally.   They were move for move, back and forth; until Mars saw Lita
mouthing the words to a very deadly attack.  She closed her eyes.  There was
a huge explosion of electricity and fire, killing Nephrite and also taking
Lita. That attack was suicide.   More tears.  Her thoughts went to her mother and
father on Mars; probably dead.  Rei's eyes roamed to find the princess and
Endymion.  Quickly she found them.  They were facing Beryl.  He was
protecting his love from the evil that stood before them; destroyer of everything 
good and pure.  Even vengeance was out of her reach.  She gasped as Beryl
launched a huge blast of energy at the lovers, killing them.   "Noooooooo! Not 
them too! Not them.  Beryl, I swear, I will avenge their deaths! All of them!"
She wept once more, save the distant battle noise.  The only senshi left.

        *ALL gone.  HE is gone, my heart and soul.  My friends and fellow
warriors lay dead around me.  My parents, dead.  My cousin, like a brother, gone.  
My princess and closest friend.  They were all my family.  She killed my family
and I can have no retribution! But she will pay for my pain, someday! Why is
death taking so long?  God, just let me die!  My friends are dead around me;
I am alone in this world.  Please, I just want to die, to be where they are,
where he is!*
She grasped his sword and slid her wrists across it.  More blood.  Her life
ebbed away quickly now.  Her mind wandered to the wonderful times; parties,
training, meeting the senshi, arguing with the princess, the first time she
kissed him, the last time they met. Then it all went black.  She could see
his eyes, piecing blue against black, beckoning her through a sea of darkness.
Then white; hot burning white taking them to a new future.