537/Court Drama

Court Drama
Date of Scene:	06 November 2015
Location:	The Dark Kingdom
Synopsis:	A pleasant day in the Dark Kingdom.
Cast of Characters:	Kyouko Sakura, Queen Beryl, Kunzite, Jadeite

---

Queen Beryl has posed:
Queen Beryl doesn't real 'hold court at specific times'. Rather most of the time there's a generally large group of youma, dark generals, and various assorted forces of the Obsidian Pact milling around in the massive, cavernous space that her throne and crystal ball are in. Because if you're not in that room, Beryl and her Generals will never notice you, pick you out, and give you a chance to make a name for yourself by grabbing some energy or beating up a magical hero. The fact that most youma don't make it back from these missions doesn't seem to have any effect on the size of the recruitment pool.

But then, there are times when Beryl calls some of her more notable subordinates together for reports, or to chastize them. The worst is usually when she calls multiple people together at once, because she's usually trying to draw an example from one to the other. And this usually involves much yelling.

And, therefore, good news! For Beryl has called before her three of her Generals: Kunzite, Jadeite, and the newest addition, Apatite.

Jadeite has posed:
There is this terrible dread that's been pricking at the backs of Jadeite's blackened heart for *days*, now. He has this overbearing notion that maybe, just *maybe*, he's going to be the one made an *example* of, after that fiasco near the arcade involving Mamoru Chiba. He hasn't talked to anyone about it. He definitely hasn't admitted it to Beryl, but he's been a little twitchier than usual. It's a /thing/ that happens with Jadeite from time to time, and it generally means he's going to need his clockwork cleaned sooner rather than later.

Maybe that's part of why he's trying so hard not to seem circumspect at all. He appears as summoned, as neat-pressed and put-together as he always seems, the bow that he greets the queen a deep and respectful one. Maybe he's worried over nothing. Maybe he isn't in trouble at all.

*Hah*.

Kyouko Sakura has posed:
    Apatite is a professional at not giving a crap. This was true as Kyouko Sakura, and it remains true now. That's why she saunters into the hall like she owns the place, despite being the newbie (even if she's the newbie at the highest non-Queen tier). That arrogant swagger, that lopsided, one-fanged grin that just says 'who's in trouble? It can't be me. I'm perfect.' It's just so very her.

    She pushes some random Youma that looks like space goblin out of the way when it wanders into her path. "Hey, watch it, twinkles, I'm walkin' here!" She snaps at it, adjusting the sleeves of her white coat as she strides out of the milling crowd at the back of the chamber and approaches the throne. She gives Jadeite a sidelong glance as she stops before Beryl and makes the sketch of a curtsey, using the long tails of her coat in place of skirts.

Kunzite has posed:
If Kunzite is at all unsettled by recent events, he's not showing it. He never does. All straight lines and ice, except, as forever, for that one button. His appearance is instant upon that summons; about the only thing that might make him delay would be if the Crystal they seek were actually in his reach. His loyalty, once given, has always been absolute. And the Dark Kingdom's ruler claimed that a long, long time ago.

He bows as well, with a precision that's born less of Jadeite's care and more of ages of practice. "Queen Beryl." That acknowledgement first. And then, as he straightens, the little shift around his eyes that serves him as a smile during these talks: Apatite's approach amuses him. Not in the way that Nephrite's speeches amuse him, but with a faint air of approval.

Queen Beryl has posed:
Queen Beryl leans forward in her massive throne, complete with creepy giant skull above it. "Kunzite. Jadeite. Apatite." she says, addressing them in order. "I have called you here because I would like to know what the progress of my generals has been." she says, plainly. This is probably the most neutral opening Jadeite could've hoped for. "It seems as though each of you has encountered setbacks, not to mention the disapperance of one of your own."

"Zoicite is busy on assignment, but as none of you have reported it to me, I presume you have made no progress on ascertaining the wherabouts of Nephrite, or the Crystal, or the destruction of the Sailor Senshi." she says, showing her teeth a bit at the last point. "Also, it appears that Sailor Moon has recovered from any injuries she might have sustained?"

Kunzite has posed:
"Sailor Moon has," Kunzite acknowledges, tipping his head slightly toward Queen Beryl. "Unfortunate, since my intelligence indicates that Apatite was able to inflict injuries upon her that should, by rights, have been lethal. However, we have been able to identify the healer who attended her, a boy by the name of Mamoru Chiba.

"Normally, I would suggest simply removing the boy altogether; I have at present several methods to do so, if that would be your preference. But Nephrite, who of all of us was most sensitive to the Crystal, also focused much of his attention on Chiba. This suggests that he may, knowingly or not, have had some exposure to it. His capacity for holding and generating energy is also ... significantly above normal, for a human. I suggest that it may be more useful to capture him, whether to gain that energy generation for ourselves, or to analyze him for evidence of the Crystal's influence, or both. Jadeite has been working toward that end, at my request.

"Once Sailor Moon has no easy healing available to her -- Apatite has already proven that she can be isolated and taken down. I have identified the general area in which she lives, and at least one potential trap that could be set for her. In short ... we have not reached a milestone, my Queen; but we are within reach of several, once you direct us regarding Chiba."

Kunzite is utterly unaware that Asclepius exists, let alone that he's woken up. One of these days, he's in for a little of a surprise.

Kyouko Sakura has posed:
    "Look, it ain't my fault Sailor Moon apparently has a good health plan. Miraculous even." Apatite says, fangy grin turning almost instantly into a petulant scowl. She turns sideways, crossing her arms, her coat flaring about her in proper villain style. "I skewered her. Right in the gut. Chick should be dead by all rights, how was I to know she'd pull through?"

    "That aside, though, I dunno what setbacks you might be referring to." She pauses, then lowers her eyes slightly, "My Queen." She pauses then, as Kunzite brings up Mamoru Chiba. A shadow passes over her face.. a flicker of something. "I don't.. think it would be wise to kill Mamoru Chiba." She offers, after a moment, regulating her voice carefully. "But if we could just get him away from Sailor Moon.."

    Now she sneers again, baring her little fang, and smacks her fist into her opposite palm. "I could finish what I started.

Jadeite has posed:
"I can confirm that Nephrite had direct contact with Chiba," Jadeite supplies, his tone melodious but quiet, as if he's not entirely certain he wishes to be *heard*. "*As* Nephrite, and not in disguise. It seems to have impacted him to the point of retreat. I cannot say for certain why Chiba is different, but Kunzite is right. His energy output simply isn't normal in any sense of the word. But I feel the procedure requires some delicacy. That was never Nephrite's strong suit." Not when it came to people /as/ people, at the very least. "If I am not careful, if /we/ are not careful to approach this properly, I fear we will suffer whatever backlash drove Nephrite away, /and/ lose the chance to discover *why* Chiba is as he is."

He's just going to conveniently forget to mention the part where Mamoru healed *Jadeite*, too, or the itchy-familiar way Mamoru makes him feel, how easy it was to take orders from him. That part isn't important at all.

Queen Beryl has posed:
Queen Beryl's brow furrows. She's had interaction with this same young boy, after all, when she spent some brief time on the Earth in disguise. Because of this, she's rather quick to speak her mind here.

"I think you should all endeavor to keep a close eye on Mamoru Chiba, and I do not want him dead. That is an order. I do what him here, as soon as possible. Failing that, keep an eye on him. Figure out what makes him so special you all can feel it."

"I am certain three of my generals can handle one human boy and some stupid girls who fancy themselves protectors of Earth." she says, quite aggressively. "I am also absolutly sure three of my generals can manage to perform this while drawing energy for further grand plans. Never forget that we must all pay tribute to our Great Ruler, Metallia, and the best way to do this is through human energy."

Kunzite has posed:
Kunzite doesn't permit himself to look either relieved or chagrined at both women's opting for Mamoru's survival. He does bow again, grave, at the order given. "As you wish, Queen Beryl."

(Part of him /is/ relieved, for no reason he can identify. Part of him is alarmed: Chiba caused an alteration in Nephrite's behavior, and now they're all going to be exposed to him in the long term. Safer to be rid of him. But it's not his decision, is it. His task is to obey, to implement, and when necessary to shield -- and he has his orders.)

"It will take a little doing to separate him from his allies. But that," and Kunzite shrugs easily, "in the end only means that there will be more energy by him to harvest for our Great Ruler."

Kyouko Sakura has posed:
    "Yeah, right, keep an eye on him." Apatite repeats, not mockingly, but contemplatively, her sudden frown pensive as her red eyes stare off into the middle dis/tance for a moment. Then they snapc back to focus on Beryl again. "Subterfuge ain't really my thing, Queen-sama. Stabbin' people is a lot more up my alley."

    She swings an arm out, gesturing to Kunzite and Jadeite. "So I'll let my nii-chans here worry about the observing and the figuring out, and, if it's all the same to you, I'll concentrate on the energy draining and the stupid-girl-handling." She smirks now, quirking an eyebrow. "Next time I'll make sure of the job, too. You have my word on that."

Jadeite has posed:
Jadeite himself is *also* relieved that they haven't been given the order to end Mamoru, although he finds the emotion less sourceless than Kunzite does. Again, he's careful to do his best not to let that *show* on his face, simply inclining his head to show his understanding. "I have been able to get reasonably close to him already. I think with more time and more effort, I will be able to lure him here." Which would, of course, separate him quite neatly from the troublesome allies. Jadeite is apparently quite content to continue keeping his eyes on the problematic young man.

Queen Beryl has posed:
Queen Beryl looks at Kunzite. "Well, if it takes a little doing, it's a good thing I'm assigning ALL THREE of you to it." she adds. "It would be very disappointing if I had to reassign Zoicite to the job as well just to get it done. VERY DISAPPOINTING." she says a second time for SUPER EMPHASIS.

Queen Beryl generally tolerates a fair amount of attitude from some of her generals - especially when that general is the one member of her entire court to have inflicted a fatal wound on an archnemesis, even if that wound din't turn out to be as fatal as intended. "If you get another chance, don't leave the scene after. Bring back the corpse. I want to be sure, next time." she says to Apatite.

Jadeite is doing a good job of keeping his reactions hidden - but after what's happened with Nephrite, Queen Beryl is tense about the idea of losing another Shitennou. Not only are they valuable leaders of her offensive... but they serve in a small way as a constant reminder of her purpose - of sweet Ednymion. "Each of you are to meet up after any of you interact with this... Mamoru Chiba... and make sure there are no signs of distress. I will not have another disappearance within the ranks. If any of you lose track of the other, relay it to me immediately. I will prevent him from doing whatever strange occurance caused us to lose our..." she almost says grip on him "...our ally, Nephrite. Even if it requires me to make an arrival myself."

Kunzite has posed:
This is not the time for Kunzite to casually mention that he has a possible lead that he could really use Zoisite's skillset in analyzing. This is also not the time for Kunzite to mention in passing Apatite's anomalous behavior around Sayaka Miki the night before -- okay, it might be the time, but the urge to keep her and her mind at least potentially in one piece is stronger than he'd choose to admit. Besides. She seems all right /now/. Therefore, he keeps his mouth shut, and bows gravely to Beryl once again. "Of course, my Queen."

Kyouko Sakura has posed:
    Apatite ain't gonna flip out and stab anybody in the throne room, don't worry. Although if Kunzite had said the name 'Sayaka Miki' that might have been different. Luckily he made the wise decision, and Apatite keeps her cool-such as it is. As much as it ever is, which amounts to a bunch of scowling and flouncing but otherwise no indication of insubordination.

    Of course, when Beryl orders the three Generals to work together, her scowl gets a little more intense. "As much as I want nothing more than to obey your orders, My Queen, I feel it's my responsibility to inform you that, uh.." SHe pauses, darting a glance off to one side. "I'm not much of a team player. Things tend to go poorly when I try to work with others. It's probably best if I do what I do in the way that I do it.. which is to say, alone."

Jadeite has posed:
There is the most arch of eyebrows that lifts, nearing the hairline of the blond General, as Apatite tells Beryl that she doesn't play well with others. He eyes her for a second, demeanor strangely cool given his usual warmth. It looks for just a brief moment like he's trying to channel Kunzite, which everyone knows won't work. He has far too many buttons buttoned.

Yet, it isn't his place to scold, so instead he turns back to Beryl and affects another bow, as respectful as the first. "Yes, my Queen." He nearly completely echoes his brother, but familiarity /does/ breed habit.

Queen Beryl has posed:
There's not a response required for two of the generals. But Apatite doesn't seem to understand the position she's in. Luckily, her new Queen is willing to elucidate her on a point or two.

"Apatite. Did you forget the deal we had here? You seem to think that your place in this room is more stable than it actually is. If you DON'T work with Jadeite and Kunzite on this little project, I will give them a side project to complete first, in a small neighborhood in Mitakihara Ward." she says, glaring at Apatite. With all of the Glare Power of a Dark Queen who's had her feathers ruffled by an uppity subordinate.

Kunzite has posed:
There are few things that can cause Kunzite to begin to look openly alarmed. The way that Apatite responds to Beryl is not /quite/ one of them. The way that Beryl responds to Apatite, on the other hand ... Kunzite shifts on the spot, glancing to take in Apatite's reaction to that glare. One hand flicks itself into his cape, as if to ready a defense. Exactly who he'd be defending against whom is an excellent question.

Kyouko Sakura has posed:
    Apatite freezes at Beryl's words, going very still for a moment as that threat hangs in the air. When she casts her gaze upon the Queen again, her blood-red eyes seem to glow faintly, the same red as the cracked gem hanging on a golden chain around her neck. Her lip curls, peeling back from a little fang that suddenly seems all the sharper. It's as if the air around her has gone cold, the quiet anger radiating off of her driving away the heat of the room.

    For a moment, she says nothing. Then, after a moment, she says in a very quiet voice, "Of course.. my Queen. It shall be as you wish. I haven't forgotten.. our deal."

Jadeite has posed:
Jadeite, of course, has no understanding of the significance of the Mitakihara Ward, but he files that name away in the back of his mind, closely coupled with Apatite. He turns, just a little bit, so that he is now more facing the girl than Beryl herself, and one hand raises just the tiniest bit. The air surrounding Jadeite also seems to turn sharpy cold, and yet--

--It seems it doesn't become necessary for that chill to grow any more dangerous. Slowly, the general lowers his hand again, re-adjusts his stance as if he'd never changed it.

Queen Beryl has posed:
Queen Beryl nods. "That's much better." She seems satisfied, but isn't. She'll have to keep a close eye on Apatite - herself, rather than entrusting it to the two generals on either side. This will, probably, give Kunzite and Jadeite even more leeway to be normal than usual...

"Mamoru Chiba is your first priority, then the crystal. Then killing the sailor senshi. And always be looking to find energy... usually, gathering energy opens up an opprotunity for the rest." she adds, generally telling everyone there something they might already know.

"You are dismissed until I call on you again."

Kyouko Sakura has posed:
    The moment of danger when Apatite may have done something very stupid seems to have passed. She's in control of herself again- as much as she ever is, anyway. She even puts a small smile back on her face as she sweeps a bow this time.. perhaps just a bit more elaborate than it needs to be. "Of course. This much, I can promise you, my Queen- I'll give you blood. Of one type.. or another."

    She straightens and turns with a flick of her red ponytail that would do Homura proud if she were here to see it, and then strides from the room, heeled white boots clicking on the floor. She pushes the poor space goblin out of the way again as she passes on the way out, and he falls to the ground with an indignant squeak.

Kunzite has posed:
It is probably a terrible idea to go after Apatite just now. It is probably a terrible idea /not/ to go after Apatite just now. The factor that breaks the tie is Kunzite's estimation of the likelihood that Zoisite might be, in fact, in the room, disguised as a youma -- the space goblin, with his luck -- and might decide that Apatite makes a fun target if he appears to be paying too much attention to her. "She keeps her promises," he says aloud, instead, making use of what flexibility he has. But not /too/ much use of it. Then he's turning away in acceptance of his dismissal, making a gesture to Jadeite. "Come. Let's compare notes on this human." That they're going the same way Apatite went isn't quite going after her. Honest.