Chapter 11
The Duel

-On the Moon-
Malachite usually stayed on planet Earth to rule in Endymion's absence. But under the circumstances, he was forced to go to the Moon with the rest of the generals. If anything happened to Endymion, he would have to take charge of the Earth's vast military forces. He, the rest of the generals, and the Senshi were all preparing for an all-out war. They were in the subterranean compound under the palace. This was the one safe place where they could never be attacked for no one knew of its existence except the Queen herself and whomever she chose to tell. Therefore, the only other people who knew were the Senshi, generals, Endymion, and of course, her daughter. The Queen herself was in another conference with the Royal Council and both Endymion and Serenity were still resting.

This compound was getting a little bit crowded. Since Ami and Zoicite had returned, all of the Senshi and generals were now conveniently hoarded into one large room. This room was not as luxurious as the other rooms of the palace but was nonetheless lavish. Mahogany furniture, dim lighting, and dozens of weapons gave the room a serious air and a masculine feel. Three of the four generals were surrounding a large table covered in maps. They were still improving the palace defenses.

Zoicite, on the other hand, had asked for a rematch with Ami. They were again playing a complex game of chess. Every few seconds one of the two would look up and give a small smile to the other. The generals suspected that the couple knew something that they didn't, but didn't inquire about it. However, the other three Senshi were huddled in a corner gossiping amongst themselves.

"Hmm.I wonder what's gotten into Ami and Zoicite. They've been acting so strangely since they returned from Mercury", whispered Mina.

"I've noticed that too. And I seem to be getting some weird vibes from them. I'm not really sure, but I think something might've happened while they were gone. They seem so much closer now. Before, I don't even think they spoke to each other", said Rei suspiciously.

"You never know. They're acting all mushy and lovey-dovey now huh? Aww. It reminds me so much of my ex-boyfriend Kenneth. Except we weren't so shy and conservative. And I don't think we ever played chess together" said Lita with a smile.

-At the other end of the room-
"They wouldn't dare attack Earth. Every good general knows that it's a disadvantage to be fighting two fronts. If they wanted to gain anything, they would go straight for the palace. It's only a mystery why they waited so long. Something important must have happened for them to completely change their strategy", said Nephrite.

"Um. Yeah. I totally agree", said Malachite, only half listening. His eyes were definitely not on the map in front of him. They were on a certain blonde whom he had not had a chance to speak with all day.

"Ahem. Malachite? Could you concentrate for once? We must plan out our defenses before the hour is through," murmured Jedeite quietly. He had noticed that his friend was staring slack-jawed at the blonde Senshi. His eyes traversed the distance until they came to the person standing next to her. He had never really gotten a chance to speak to Rei. There was only their chance encounter at breakfast a few weeks ago. He longed to see her eyes, but had more important things to be doing.

"I know Jedeite. I'm merely taking in my surroundings", said Malachite with a grin. He was getting desperate. If he didn't have a chance to have his daily joust with Mina, then he could never concentrate. "Why don't we just mount a defense here? There. Defense accomplished" he said with an even bigger grin.

"Huh? Hmm. That actually might work. All right. That's the plan. I do believe that the matter is settled. Thank you Malachite. Though I think you can stop drooling now" said Nephrite to his preoccupied friend. "For now, I guess we simply wait" he continued.

The generals dispersed around the room. Malachite, with his macho- male complex, picked up a rapier (come on people! A fencing sword thingy!) from a rack of weaponry. He had a thing for weapons. He did not lack skill or bravery on the battlefield, but was Endymion's second-in-command. He had as much responsibility as Endymion, if not more. He admired the intricate detailing of the fine blade. The Lunarian blacksmiths must have known something that the ones on Earth didn't. The hilt of the sword in his hand was beautifully chiseled and its blade was light and sharp. He decided to try it out on the molecules of air in front of him.

Mina had noticed Malachite swinging the light sword and stabbing the imaginary foe in front of him. She admired the way he lunged gracefully and immediately felt sorry for any enemy he would encounter on the forefront. But then, the feminist in her took over. "How like a guy to be swinging around a pointy object like it's nothing. Think you're pretty good don't you?" she had asked mockingly. "I've met teenage girls who look like they could fight better than you", she said as she rolled her eyes.

"Finally" thought Malachite. He had been looking forward to this all day. "Do you think you could best me Miss Mina? I'll have you know that not any mere teenage girl could beat me in a duel" he replied haughtily.

"Is that a challenge I hear Malachite?" she asked innocently.

"Make of it what you wish" he replied.

Mina made her way towards him and picked up a slightly smaller, more elegant rapier. "Well. I've been wanting to do this for awhile," she said with a menacing grin.

"As have I" stated Malachite almost cheerfully.

The two bowed towards each other. They held their rapiers out towards the other. Now it would begin. Mina took the offensive with a slash towards Malachite's upper arm. He merely dodged it and aimed a lunge towards her side. Mina dodged this attack and then the duo went face to face, her rapier against his. She struggled to force her rapier to move, which was useless because he was struggling as well. Malachite, with one swift thrust, suddenly forced both their rapiers to fly across the room, leaving them unarmed. Mina then performed a roundhouse kick, narrowly missing the side of Malachite's face. She landed on her right while he swept her off her feet with his leg. She landed on the floor with a loud thud. He gave her his hand and said, "I do believe that that was proof enough of my abilities."

Mina did not take kindly to this but took his hand nonetheless, using it to flip him onto the floor. "Yes. I believe it was", she said with a smile.

Mina promptly offered him her hand this time. But, being the gentleman he was, Malachite merely took it and stood. He wouldn't let go of her hand however, and only stared into Mina's eyes absorbedly.

Mina was stunned. They both stood motionless for a moment, not breaking the gaze, until Mina pulled her hand away. She could see the hurt flash in his eyes for a second, until he bowed and said," That was a most challenging duel. I hope to see you in combat one day. You must be a magnificent fighter."

"I'm not bad. But I must admit, you're pretty good yourself", Mina said with a smile.

"In my defense, I would only like to say that you are not exactly a mere teenage girl", stated Malachite flirtatiously.

This statement only made Mina blush a cherry red and make her angry at the same time. "You had better bet your ass on that!" she replied. "Though next time, I won't show you any mercy." She said tauntingly.

"I would never expect any", Malachite retorted.

The two abruptly went to their own end of the room. Lita and Rei wouldn't stop pestering her about her little "duel". Mina could be seen blushing a bright crimson and Rei and Lita were both laughing hysterically. Malachite, on the opposite end of the room, was getting suspicious glares from the other generals. He merely shrugged his shoulders and sat down to read a book. He could finally concentrate, at last.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you haven't guessed yet, this fic is an inners/ generals too. What happened to the love? It'll develop eventually. It's the fun part ya know? Ok. Next chap should be posted soon. Keep Reviewing!

-Tina