~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ In the Fields of Elysian ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Chapter Five- "Fight for the Stone" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The weary travelers rested infront of a warm fire as Endymion lay on his back looking up at the stars. The number was endless, and the milky way danced its way across the black sky. They'd been traveling a couple days to the Vert Forest and by next morning they would enter its gates. Nephlite stared at the fire with intensity, seeing passed the flame and farther than any other human could. He never abused his gift, knowing that the Heavens had given him the wonderful gift for a reason. But lately he'd been frustrated with it. He still felt that feeling like they were being followed. He shrugged and leaned back into a lying position. *Probably just something I ate.* He thought. Suddenly from out of the black of night came a huge beast upon Endymion, covering him up with its huge mass. "Prince!" Kunzite yelled grabbing his sword. The creature opened its mouth and bent down to Endymion's face......licking slobber all over it. "Get off of him you beast!" "No Kunzite!" Endymion held up his hand and stopped Kunzite's sword from piercing the animal. "It's okay, it's just Cairan!" The tiger continued to lick his face while Endymion struggled in vain to get Cairan off him. "Alright alright! Off Cairan!" Endymion commanded and he slowly obeyed. He looked into the big cat's golden eyes and saw a smile shining through them. "So he must have been the one I felt following us." Nephlite shook his head with a smile. "I'm just glad it wasn't a Dark Warrior." "Yeah me too." Endymion smiled. "Can we all go back to sleep now?" Endymion lay back on the big soft beast, while everyone just shook their heads at him. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The small brigade of warriors, a prince, a lady and a tiger continued down the dirty path which dividing a forest of lush pine trees. They would soon reach the boundary line of the Vert Forest as soon as they passed over the hill in the distance. To some it was a relief, for others, a cross over to the dark side. "Do you know, Endymion, what is over that hill?" Jedeite asked. "Umm, the Vert Forest, where we'll find the Earth Stone?" Endymion said confused. "Amazons." Jedeite said. "Blood thirsty women who despise our very existence. I say we just send in Avanla to find the stone and wait." "You're such a baby, Jedeite." Avanla rolled her eyes. "I don't think they'll hurt us, we don't mean them any harm anyways." "Yes, but they don't like visitors." Zoisite added. "Well, we're going in there and finding the Earth Stone nonetheless." Endymion spoke up. "End of discussion." The rode in silence for awhile, getting closer and closer to the hill. "But what if they hang us?" Zoisite whispered. "Zoisite!" They reached the hill and looked over the Vert Forest. It was nestled in a valley, with one lake fed by a river on the other side. They rode down the steep hill into the valley. "So, here we go." Endymion sighed, turning his horse into the forest. Just as he did, an arrow pierced the ground infront of him, making his black stallion rear up. "Whoa!" "Uh oh..." Jedeite whispered. Suddenly, four figures came through the bushes. They were all woman, wearing different outfits of animal skin and brown cloth. The one who had shot the arrow slung her bow over her shoulder, while the others grabbed their swords or daggers. "Who goest there?" The leader asked, her brown eyes cold. "I am Mamoru and these are my followers." Endymion answered. "And what business do you have in the Vert Forest, that you would risk your lives coming here?" She questioned. "We're looking for the Earth Stone." Avanla spoke up and slid off her horse. She walked up to the surprised group with confidence. "A sister riding with five beats?" The leader looked around and saw the black tiger. "Make that six. Why do you seek our sacred Earth Stone?" "To save the world." Avanla answered, crossing her arm. "Please sister, grant us passage. We mean no harm to your clan, we just want the stone." The leader stared at her for a moment before nodding. "Very well, we will take you to our queen." She said. "But they must give us their weapons." "Not again." Jedeite sighed, throwing his weapon to the ground with everyone else's. Avanla walked back and grabbed the reins to her horse. "Let's go boys." She smirked, following behind the women. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* They were led into a large village with small houses made of wood and sticks. Women watched them skeptically as they rode through, some children stopping to stare at the visitors. "I really have a bad feeling about this." Jedeite muttered to Zoisite. "Ditto." He replied. "But there are some really fine women in this village. Hello ladies." Zoisite waved to a bunch and they blushed. "Stop here." The leader ordered and disappeared into the only house made of stone. A couple uncomfortable moments later she appeared again. "The queen will see you." They walked into the house and were led to a room with a throne perched high on a platform. The throne was surrounded by a fan of Peacock feather's and two torches sat on either side of it. Two smaller seats sat on the sides and in the middle of the room was a large basin full of water. "Well, where is she?" Endymion asked. "Right here." A woman's laughter could be heard. The shadows on the throne shifted and the profile of a woman came down from the throne. She entered the light of the torch, a smile playing on her lips. Her hair was dirty blonde in color, and was cut short up past her ears. Her bangs were spiked up about her head and a band of gold wrapped around her forehead. She wore a beige halter mid top and a short beige skirt. A golden belly chain wrapped around her slim waist and a golden necklace that looked like a dream catcher hung off her neck. Golden arm cuffs went up to her elbows with three spikes going up the edges. She wore golden string boots on her feet. Her eyes were the darkest green, with hints of gold weaved through them. "My name is Haruka, Queen Amazon of the Terran Tribe. Who are you?" Queen Haruka asked. "My name is Mam--" "I didn't ask you, you incompetent male. I asked her." Haruka interrupted. "Uh, my name is Avanla, and these are my friends. Mamoru, Kunzite, Nephlite, Jedeite and Zoisite." Avanla answered. "Why do you need our Earth Stone again?" Haruka asked. "Well, to save the world from The Darkness." Avanla replied. "The Earth Stone is sacred to the Amazon nation, and I don't know of this Darkness you speak of." Haruka said. "It's an ancient evil, the Negaverse." Avanla said and Haruka stiffened. "The Negaverse is a fairy tale." Haruka sneered. "I will not give you the stone, but since you are one of our sisters I will let you sleep here for the night. Palamay!" A girl with dirty blonde hair in tight ringlets, down to her upper thighs, came through a curtain. Her outfit was much like Haruka's, except she wore a tube top with golden loops hanging off the bottom. Her eyes were a deep yellow, sparkling by the flame of the torches. "Yes, your highness?" She asked. "Take them to our guest quarters, and make sure they get dinner tonight." Haruka said, and then whispered, "But make sure they do not leave their tent, understand?" "Yes, highness." Palamay nodded. "Come, follow me." "I don't trust her Endymion." Avanla whispered. "I feel evil around her, and she won't let me read her mind." "I know Ava, but they have the Earth Stone, and we need it." Endymion said. "Your ladyship, the prince is here." Haruka stood infront of the basin, the picture of a woman in the water. "Good, make sure he does not leave." The woman said. "I will have someone come and fetch him for me. Good job, Haruka." "Thank you, your ladyship." Haruka bowed as the figure faded away. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "I can't believe she locked us in here." Zoisite sighed, plopping down on a cot. "I can." Jedeite said, shaking his head. "Amazon's are crazy." "They got a good idea though." Avanla said. "Woman over men, maybe I should stay with them. I'm sick of you boys." "How do you know the feelings not mutual?" Jedeite said. "Because I can read your thoughts." Avanla winked at him, causing Jedeite to blush. Endymion laughed from him position on the other side of the tent, where he sat petting Cairan. Suddenly the flap to the tent was opened and sunlight poured in. Palamay stood there, with a small smile. "I hope you slept well." She said. "The queen wishes to see you again." "Very well." Endymion said, standing up. "I can sense your thoughts." Avanla said to Palamay. "You don't like Haruka do you? Nobody does." "She is a uh, harsh leader. Lately, she has changed. Somethings..somethings--" "Evil?" Avanla finished. "Yes, evil." Palamay nodded. "If this keeps up, we'll be in ruin. Also, we have the threat of war knocking on our door. Well, here we are." They walked into the house and into the throne room. Haruka stood by the basin, her Queen's Staff twirling in her left hand. "Welcome back." Haruka smiled, walking around the basin to them. "I've decided that you can stay here for as long as you want. I think having some males around might not be that bad of an idea." "I don't think that's possible. We're leaving at noon to continue on our journey. There are four stones, so what if we're missing just one?" Endymion said. *And no Avanla, I'm not serious.* Darien thought, getting a short laugh from Avanla. "Better be." She muttered. "What?" Haruka said surprised. "But I thought--" "Listen, are you going to give it to us or not?" Endymion cut in, annoyed. "No, I cannot." Haruka replied. "Why? You'd sacrifice the rest of the world for what?" Avanla said. "The rest of the world does not deserve to live, if they're like you." Haruka answered coldly. And then that's when Avanla received images. She saw Haruka standing over the basin, staring at a dark woman on its surface. Evil streamed from the woman's eyes and Avanla suddenly began to feel cold. *This woman is a member of the NegaVerse.* Avanla thought, snapping out of her thoughts. Suddenly Avanla advanced towards Haruka and took her staff, breaking it across her knee. "I challenge you to queenhood." Avanla said and Haruka laughed in surprise. "Avanla!" Nephlite whispered through his teeth. "You can't be serious." She shook her head. "I am." Avanla stomped her foot. "...Very well then." "Avanla, this is insane!" Nephlite yelled exasperated. "You will never be able to beat her!" "Yes I will." Avanla said as she wrapped cloth around her arm. "I can anticipate every move she makes, and I was top fighter in my class." "But Avanla." Nephlite sighed. "I can't let you do this." "I have to Neph. If I don't then we'll have no way of getting the Earth Stone. Stop being such a worrying older sibling." Avanla patted him on the head as Palamay pulled back the flap to the tent. "Common Avanla, it's time." She said gravely. They walked to the center of the village, where a ring was located. It was circular and raised high above the ground. The Amazons crowded around, while Avanla was lifted up to the ring. Nephlite caught her arm and brought her down to his level. "Please, be careful." He said, and she smiled sweetly. "Don't worry, bro." She said, walking to the center. "Bro?" Endymion said confused. "Avanla is, my little sister." Nephlite said. "Are you serious? Why am I always the last to know this stuff?" He sighed. Haruka was lifted up to the platform, the crowd cheering below. "Are you ready to die little girl?" Haruka sneered. "The first fighter to fall off this platform looses, got it?" "Got it." Avanla said, holding up her hands. "Bring it on." They walked around the platform in circles, Avanla being the first to attack. She kicked at Haruka, who blocked it effectively. Avanla blocked every one of Haruka's attacks by reading her mind. She also hit everyone of Haruka's weaknesses, beating the older woman down. "You're cheating." Haruka shook her head, blood dripping from the corner of her lip. "Yes well, you win some, you loose some." Avanla said. Suddenly Avanla felt no more thoughts and got hit in the jaw, causing her to stumble. "But mostly, I win." Haruka smirked. *Ouch!* Avanla robbed her jaw, getting ready to fight. They continued to fight, hitting and dodging each other. Avanla kicked at Haruka's head but Haruka grabbed her leg and twisted it around, sending Avanla down with a thud. "Another ouch." Avanla groaned. "Common Avanla, get up!" Endymion urged her. "You get up here and do this!" She sighed, pulling herself up. Haruka came around her and kicked her side, sending her flying to the other side. "What's the matter little girl, lost your advantage?" Haruka laughed, pulling Avanla up by her hair. She kicked Avanla in the face with a smile, then kicked her three more times before throwing her to the ground. (haha, how would you like writing a fight scene where you beat yourself up?) Avanla draped over the side of the ring, blood dripping down to the ground. Haruka laughed behind her and Avanla looked up, a growl emanating from the back of her throat. She kicked her leg out, knocking Haruka off balance. Avanla got up quickly and turned back around. "Stop." Avanla punched and was blocked, then hooked with her left hand, hitting Haruka in the stomach. "Calling me." She did a turn kick at her stomach, then a reverse kick directed at her face. Haruka stumbled to her feet, lifting a bloody face to Avanla. "Little girl!" Avanla ran for a few steps then did two front flips, hitting Haruka directly in her chest. Haruka went flying back, landing in the mud down on the ground. The crowd went silent as they saw their queen sprawled out unconscious on the ground. "YEAH!" Jedeite shouted, raising his hand up in the air. "Avanla!" Nephlite called, jumping up on the platform. He supported his trembling sister. "You won!" "I did?" Avanla moaned. "Yeah! You beat that ex-queen's butt!" Zoisite yelled. "Sisters!" Palamay shouted, walking over to Avanla. "Meet your new queen, Avanla!" The crowd cheered, while Avanla smiled slightly. "Feels good to be the queen." She murmured. "Are you sure you can't stay? I mean, you are our queen and all." Palamay said. The crew sat on their horses at the forest's edge, getting ready to leave. Avanla walked beside her horse, adorned in a new outfit, similar to Palamay's. Haruka's old golden band wrapped around her forehead, with the queen's necklace around her neck. "We have to go, we have a mission to save the world remember?" Avanla smiled, getting onto her horse. Avanla handed Endymion a small golden box. He opened it up, to reveal a diamond shaped green stone, with the symbol of Earth on it. "But while I'm gone, I'm going to leave you Palamay, in charge." Avanla handed the new queen's staff to Palamay. "Thank you, your highness." Palamay bowed slightly. "Good luck, the Amazons will be behind you." "Goodbye." They rode off up the hill. "So where do we go next Queen Avanla?" Endymion smiled as Avanla pulled out the scroll. "The next stone you seek will be found by the stars that are tossed by the wind. They shine in the darkness, the only light you will see." Avanla said, scratching her head. "...WHAT?" "Stars that are tossed by the wind." Kunzite repeated. He sat in silence before snapping his figures. "I got it, it makes perfect sense. The stars, they must be the Anemone Fairies found in Govad. Didn't we learn recently that Govad has been overtaken by The Darkness?" "Yes, that does make sense." Zoisite agreed. "Okay then," Endymion nodded. "Off to Govad we go!" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* *WHEW*, bout time I finished this chapter! Sorry to all Haruka fans, I don't like the outers very much. Except for Setsuna. And no, I am an only child! I have no siblings(thank God). C-ya next chapter!