Shadow Hound

by Serenade

Part 1: OATHS

The summons was waiting for him when he arrived back from his latest mission. He was tired and hungry and irritable, and what he really wanted to do was lock himself in his quarters for a week and catch up on lost sleep. But the Queen had sent him her summons, and above all else Kunzite was loyal to his queen. So he merely crumpled the message in his fist and conjured a dimensional gate to transport him to the Hall of Audience.

As he materialised in the cavernous Hall, he noted that his fellow generals, Nephrite and Jadeite, were already there.

And so was the stranger.

"Kunzite," Queen Beryl was saying, "There's someone I want you to meet."

The newcomer was a delicate-looking young man, slender of build and fine-featured. A wavy brush of honey-coloured hair swept down his back. With his large emerald eyes and his slim white hands, he seemed almost doll-like. Your new toy soldier, Beryl? Kunzite thought, with an irrational flash of resentment.

"This is Zoisite," Beryl said. "I have just appointed him to the rank of general. He will be given his own duties, as well as sharing in the leadership of my armies."

Kunzite kept his face carefully neutral, but inwardly he felt rising disbelief. What did Beryl mean by making this upstart puppy a general? Was he a favourite she was promoting? Surely she wouldn't risk the success of the campaign on a whim.

The other generals likewise did not seem overwhelmed by this latest addition to their ranks. With Beryl's attention focused elsewhere, Jadeite mouthed something to Nephrite, who responded with a small, cold smile.

So we are agreed on something, at least. Let Beryl place this 'general' in our midst then. He won't last a week.

"I trust you will make every effort to integrate Zoisite into your operations."

Kunzite nodded. "As you command, my queen." He smiled benignly at Zoisite, who only managed an uneasy expression before breaking off eye contact. At least he seemed canny enough to sense the hostility rising like an invisible mist.

Queen Beryl seemed to sense it too. "Perhaps I haven't made myself clear, Kunzite. I am placing you in charge of Zoisite's initiation and training. You will be personally responsible for his development and his... well-being."

Kunzite tried to dampen the annoyance that surged up within him. "My queen, I regret that my involvement in the coordination of this campaign leaves me little time for extra activities." He slid his gaze sideways to the other generals, who were doing their best to fade into the background. "Perhaps someone else..."

Queen Beryl barely glanced at them, before fixing her eyes on Kunzite again. "I am not asking you to be a babysitter. I expect Zoisite to receive much of his instruction by observing your activities and working methods. He may even be able to assist you in your tasks."

Oh, wonderful. The kid was going to be following him around all day.

Then Beryl delivered the final blow. "If you still can't handle all your other duties, then you will delegate some of them to Nephrite." Who would be only too glad of a chance to upstage his senior. "This particular matter is very important to me. I would hate to be disappointed."

"I understand, my queen." There was no getting out of it. He was stuck handholding the baby general, when he should be out there doing his job unfettered by distractions. And worse, if anything happened to Beryl's new darling, she'd take the price out of Kunzite's hide.

Beryl smiled down at her vassals, old and new. "You have your orders, then. Dismissed."

The four men bowed as one, and then retreated in formation to the antechamber. Once the door was closed behind them, Kunzite allowed himself a muttered curse. Damn Beryl and her fool notions. No, damn this pretty-faced youma who thought he could be a general. He cast a baleful glare at Zoisite, whose tentative smile drained away.

Jadeite was the first to speak. "Welcome to the fold." He offered a grin and a handshake, which Zoisite received with a cautious nod. He's probably pleased that he's not the most junior anymore, Kunzite thought sourly.

After the introductions were completed, Jadeite excused himself, claiming pressing duties to attend. Nephrite lingered a moment longer, doing his best to look sincere. "Kunzite, does your new... responsibility... mean you won't have time to continue developing your Shadow Hounds? I'd be happy to take over if you can't work on them anymore."

Kunzite suppressed a scowl. The Shadow Hounds were his pet project, his current pride and joy. They were a breed of youma meant to track down sources of the life-force energy which the Dark Kingdom desperately needed. He'd created them several months ago, and had been working on them ever since. There was no way he was going to let anybody else touch them. Or steal the credit. "I'll manage, Nephrite. You take care of your tasks, I'll take care of mine."

"Of course. I didn't mean to imply you couldn't. Just remember my offer if you find things getting out of hand." Nephrite glanced at Zoisite, smiled mockingly, and vanished through a dimensional gate.

Nephrite claimed to have no designs on the leadership of their group, but it was becoming more difficult to believe him when he kept casting doubt on Kunzite's abilities. Another problem to consider, Kunzite reflected. But later.

He turned to Zoisite, who had been watching the exchange curiously. Now, left alone, they eyed each other warily.

"You don't like me much, do you?" Zoisite said.

Kunzite arched an eyebrow. "Is that a problem?"

"It is when we're meant to be working together. We can't possibly achieve the goals the Queen has set us if we're at odds with each other."

He's acting like he's already my equal, Kunzite thought irritably. "I carry out my duties," he said, "whether or not I enjoy them. And I will expect no less from you. Don't expect me to do you any favours because you happen to be Beryl's star of the month."

Zoisite flushed, but retorted, "Don't misjudge me on my appearance. I wouldn't have been promoted to this rank if I couldn't do the job."

"We'll see soon enough, won't we? And if it's any consolation, you don't have to like me either. As long as you obey my instructions, that is."

"Of course, Lord Kunzite," and he could hear a tinge of sarcasm slipping through. "What are your instructions then?"

Kunzite quashed the first suggestion that sprang to mind. "Wait here for me. There's something I need to check on before we begin." Nephrite's words had reminded him that he ought to look up his project's progress.

"You're not trying to ditch me, are you?"

Kunzite smiled pleasantly. "Of course not." But with luck, he could avoid his charge for a few hours at least. With that thought in mind, he tore open a dimensional gate and vanished through it.

Seconds later, Zoisite materialised beside him in a swirl of cherry blossom petals. Kunzite's second thought was, Damn, he actually traced me here. The first thought had been, Cherry blossoms?

Zoisite was looking insufferably smug. "Good. You wouldn't want the Queen to think you were shirking your duties, after all." His eyes widened at the sight of the pale forms of the Shadow Hounds, loping gracefully around the gloom-shot kennels, looking every inch the wraithlike hunters they were.

"Are these your secret weapons? They're beautiful." He reached out a hand to stroke the nearest one. Unfortunately, the creature merely slid away, instead of tearing his arm off. "Can I help you train them?"

And Kunzite wondered how he was going to survive the week.

continued in Part 2: SWORDS