Hello, devoted readers of Sailor Cynic (and others, hopefully). In lieu of 
the next chapter, (which I'm working on, really!), I'm posting this, the 
first half of Jedaite's Tale. This backstory tells the tale of Jedaite, 
Setsuna, and maybe a few other generals.

The deal is the same - response leads to more writing. Comments welcome, but 
just a simple "I'm reading it" will do.

For those of you who are wondering what the heck a SM/Akane crossover is, 
you should read Sailor Cynic. An email sent my way will cause me to send you 
the story, since only the unrevised version is uploaded to my site. 
Basically, Ranma hasn't got a line in this story yet (except in the Sailor 
Cynic Says), and he probably will not appear as a major character more than 
once. Akane is a major character.

Um, I didn't steal Takahashi and Takeuchi's chars - I just sort of borrowed 
them. I'll give them back later... I promise! Harley Trent, Zoitan, and 
Hartru are my property. I'd rather you didn't screw with them, please.

So, without further ado, here's the story:

	Sailor Cynic: Jedaite's Tale
	By Beky NeRichnead


Preview: Lose yourself� in THE MATRIX.

[Op Song: Stand by Me, revised somewhat]

[Jedaite giving his staff and powers to Pluto]
When night has come,
And the land is dark.
And the Moon, is the only light, we'll see.
I won�t cry� I won�t cry, no I won�t shed a tear.
Just as long, as you wait� wait for me.

So darling, darling wait� for me.
Wait for me, wait for me.
Oh, won�t you wait, for me.

						*

	�Ha! Ah! Jo!� Jedaite struck three times in succession. And was easily 
blocked by his sparring partner. He attempted a quick leg sweep, which was 
avoided. He stepped back. �You�re not bad, for a noble.�
	Harli grinned at him. �You�re not bad, for a commoner. And fairly good for 
a novice wizard.�
	He chuckled. �You�ve been trained all your life, neh?�
	She nodded. �Of course. But, naturally, I�ve been trained in more than 
that. Want to� expand our sparring a bit?�
	He snorted derisively. �You want to play dirty? Fine. I�m better then you. 
Maybe not at the lo�dar, but that�s inconsequential. I�m better at real 
fighting.�
	She rose an eyebrow speculatively. �Do you think so? Want to try it�. 
Setsiana!� She walked past her. �How are you?�
	Jedaite turned to see the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Green 
hair, approaching black, spilled down her back. She was dressed in long 
purple dress, with a large staff in her hand. �Who� who are you?� He 
recovered. �Good evening, my lady. May I take you for dinner?�
	The woman raised an eyebrow speculatively. "And who is this bold young 
gentleman?"
	Harli bowed formally. "May I present Jedaite, a mage apprentice?"
	The woman smiled. "What is his attunation?"
	He shrugged. "I haven't exactly been tested yet."
	The woman seemed curious. "Yet you are already called apprentice?"
	He blinked. "That's odd? No one said anything."
	Harli grinned. "At the risk of inflating Jedaite's head, he's one of the 
most powerful mages discovered in the past three centuries." She paused. "On 
the other hand, that power is useless without precise control, which he 
lacks."
	Jedaite's temper rose. How dare this young noble woman disgrace him in 
front of such a beauty? He quickly attacked, two hand chops and a kick.
	His attack was easily blocked by Harli, who grinned. The woman nodded. "I 
see what you mean. Still, he is brave to spar with you, Harli-chan." She 
turned to him. "Most men fear the power of the throne. That you do not is to 
your credit."
	He blinked. "You mean that Harli has decent connections in the Tower?"
	The woman chuckled. "You could say that. You were speaking of dinner 
tonight?"
	Jedaite's heart soared. "You bet!" But then he realized that this lady was 
probably of high aristocratic stature. "But... I'm not sure I have enough 
money, and..."
	She laughed again. "Worry not. Simply come, and eat. Wear your best 
attire."
	He nodded. "I'll meet you by the sled bay at 7."
	She smiled. "That will be fine." With that, she exited.
						*
	Jedaite's life had not always been so exciting. He had grown up as a bright 
child in the slums of Qertina City, excelling in both school and gang 
evasion.
	As a young teenager, his city school had been visited by a grand man 
wearing long, flowing, golden and brown robes. He'd claimed to be the Royal 
Mage of Zephyr, and said he was testing for talent. He'd simply circulated 
the school, not done anything spectacular, so Jedaite figured that he was 
probably a scam artist.
	That night, however, he started to have doubts. He'd been hiding on the 
school premises, avoiding a battle he somehow knew would occur. It would be 
the vengeance of a formerly Life Bonded young man whose partner had been 
killed in a sledding accident. It was weird. Sometimes he'd just... well, 
feel these things. So there he was, curled up in a corner of the school 
building.
	He'd seen the principal and so-called mage walk into a classroom.
	"So, any potential?" the principal asked hopefully.
	The mage answered, "Yes. I found three minorly sensitive... and one 
overpowering talent, Jedaite."
	The principal gasped, "But..."
	The mage nodded. "I know. To find two in one generation is odd. But it is 
incontrovertible. His power level are not my concerns."
	The principal sounded confused. "Then what is? He's the best student, and 
he doesn't fight needlessly. He has a strong sense of honor and loyalty. His 
oath of fealty to King Hartru was genuine. What is the problem?"
	The mage frowned. "Nothing is wrong with Jedaite himself. The problem is in 
the court." He paused. "Right now the conservatives are in control. This 
will probably last a few years, until the young princess comes into her 
own."
	The principal sounded concerned. "Are you sure she will not be 
conservative?"
	There was conspiratorial lilt to the mage's voice. "The Prophet has 
declared that she is the Heir. She has already expressed many views that 
echo the Queen From Afar's. She will welcome a commoner into the court based 
on his merit."
	The principal paused. "I will watch over him a few years longer. But then I 
am getting the retirement I deserve! I took this job to get *away* from the 
court."
	The mage sounded amused. "I'm certain the royal family will agree. You have 
worked long. Thank you for your time."
	After overhearing that conversation, Jedaite began to research everything 
he could find on politics and the Talented. He thought he was prepared when 
the mage, older now, came to take him to Founding City.
	He was wrong.
						*
	Jedaite's mind returned to the present. He found it amusing that he could 
remember with such crystal clarity, almost like he was revisiting the whole 
moment over again. He admired the suit that he'd borrowed from the man 
putting him up. He looked quite dashing, he thought to himself.
	He hurried towards the destined meeting place, sure he could swoon this 
noble woman. They were so easy to swoon in the tales, after all.
	He walked into a hangar containing thousands of small hovercraft - �sleds�, 
in common parlance. Workers bustled around, making the bay a hive of 
activity.
	�Greetings, Jedaite.� He looked up to see his date approach him. �I am 
Setsuna of Pluto. Are you ready?�
	He nodded, �Of course, fair lady. What is your pleasure tonight?�
	She gestured away from the bay. �Come this way. There is a nice��
	Jedaite�s head came around quickly. A bomb was going to go off. He swung 
about, and saw the sled that it must be hidden in. With an apologetic glance 
at Setsuna, he ran for the sled. He leapt in and saw it� a large black 
spider bomb hooked into the sled�s systems. He began pulling wires out, 
hoping that he didn�t set it off accidentally.
	He breathed a sigh of relief as the timer stopped. Then he felt strong arms 
pulling him away, and he fell asleep.
						*
	Lomor, one of the Plutian guard, looked at the young man sprawled in the 
small cell. He was just waking up now. How could such a pup be arrogant 
enough to date the princess? �Good Morning, sleepy head.�
	The young man blinked. �Where am I?�
	Lomor ignored the question. �You are in the custody of the Plutian Embassy. 
You may at some time be returned to the Zephyrs authorities after 
appropriate punishment has been determined.�
	The young man blinked once more. It seemed to be a common habit for him. 
�Plutian Embassy? How did I get involved with you?�
	Lomor lowered his voice so that none other could hear. �You date our 
princess, you become our business.�
	The young man started . �Princess? Setsuna is a princess?�
	Lomor couldn�t believe what he was hearing. �You claim you didn�t know?� He 
reasserted himself. �You cannot fool me. We�ve helpfully placed you in this 
place so that you can hear all that goes on in the throne room. Have fun.� 
He stalked out.
						*
	Jedaite was rather confused. Setsuna was a princess? He hadn�t figured on 
that at all. He put his ear to the wall of his cell and discovered that he 
could indeed hear something that sounded like a throne room.
	A familiar female voice was moderating between two crystal farmers. �Look, 
fellows, this is not so complicated. You have two choices: agree or 
disagree. If you agree, you can work together and share the profits. The 
profits that will most likely be higher. Or you can have an honorable duel. 
One of you will probably be maimed, and less money will be made. It is your 
choice, I cannot make the choice for you. Dismissed.�
	The heavy footsteps and voices of the two farmers left his range of 
hearing, and probably the throne room as well.
	That strangely familiar voice called out, �Admit the next.�
	The guard�s mousy voice could be heard, obviously surprised. �Princess? You 
are conducting court today?� She evidently nodded, for he continued. So, 
that familiar voice was the princess. He must have seen her around the 
palace. The guard paused. �Princess, a grave injustice has been done to our 
Princess by one of your subjects.�
	She chuckled, and that laugh was terribly familiar. �I disagree. We do not 
know that the one who placed the bomb was a son or daughter of Zephyr. 
Founding City receives many off planet guests.�
	The guard cleared his throat. �I was not referring to the bomber.� There 
was a pause. �I am referring the young man who placed her life in danger, by 
attempting to disable the bomb. He should have used the time to get the 
Princess out of the bay.�
	Jedaite couldn�t believe what he was hearing. And let the bomb blow all 
those workers to kingdom come?
	The princess evidently agreed with his silent assessment. �Really? Is that 
how you see it, Lomor? And what of the other people in the bay? While his 
action was both reckless and dangerous, it was also quite heroic.�
	Lomor�s voice had turned murderous. �Despite any� heroism involved in his 
actions, I demand he be reprimanded.�
	The princess�s voice was acidic. �You have the power to demand this�. yet, 
I will not comply.�
	His voice was dangerous. �I could have you disinherited for such an 
action.�
	She continued, �I will not� because the next request has to do with giving 
this young man a medal.�
	Lomor was incredulous. �I will confront the requester myself!�
	There was a wide smile in the princess�s voice. �Yes, I expect you will.� 
She raised her voice. �Send in the next, please.�
	Someone strode in, and  it caused the throne room to become silent. Jedaite 
wondered who it could be.
	The princess continued. �I will now hear both sides arguments. Lomor?�
	 His voice was strained. �Princess, he should have looked out for you!�
	�To me, Lomor.�
	�Well, he should have!�
	The princess cut him off. �The throne recognizes Princess Setsuna of 
Pluto.�
	Setsuna�s cool voice cut through Lomor�s ranting. �On behalf of the throne 
of Pluto, I request that Jedaite, apprentice mage, be granted the Medal of 
Honor for his actions in the bay. Instead of gaining recognition, he chose 
to try and save the common folk.�
	There was a period of silence.
	The princess replied. �It is not exactly traditional for the royalty of 
Pluto to nominate for the Medal of Honor,  but I see that you have an 
overriding interest. Upon my father�s authority, I will grant it at the next 
public audience. Lomor, your request for a royal reprimand is denied.�
	Setsuna�s voice was pleased. �In addition, Princess, I ask that you turn 
Jedaite over to the Plutian Magistry for training. He has shown evident Time 
Talent.�
	The princess� voice was troubled. �I agree that he has indeed, but the 
Zephyrs Magistry will hate to lose him. You will have to discuss it with 
both him and them.�
	�Agreed. Thank you, Princess. Lomor, you will release Jedaite, give him 
appropriate clothing, and conduct him to the Queen�s Banquet.�
	Lomor sounded resigned. �If you wish, Princess Setsuna.�
	The princess suddenly sounded much younger. �Setsuna, do you mind if I join 
you? Its been a long day, and there are a few hours till the next audience.�
	Setsuna�s voice was wry. �If you wish, Princess.�
					*
	Jedaite was dressed and escorted by a seething Lomor to the fanciest 
restaurant he had ever imagined. He turned to the gentleman, and was 
painfully polite. �Thank you, Lomor. Your service is appreciated.�
	Lomor stomped off, and Jedaite walked inside. Setsuna stood. �Hello, 
Jedaite.�
	He smiled hesitantly. �Princess Setsuna, thank you��
	She cut him off. �Setsuna is fine. Did you hear what occurred?�
	He nodded. �Yes, all of it.�
	She smiled. �It is an honor you deserve. You also deserve the dinner you 
were promised. Come, let us eat.�
	He bowed. �May I conduct you, my lady?�
	She considered. �I suppose so.�
	He copied the movies and took her arm. They were lead by the maitre�d to a 
small private table. �What is your pleasure, my lord, my lady?�
	Jedaite stammered, �But� I�m not��
	Setsuna stopped him. �For tonight you are.� She spoke to the waiter. 
�Please bring us some light wine. We are waiting for a friend to join us.�
	The waiter nodded and left.
	Setsuna sighed. �I�m sorry I did not get a chance to tell you, Jedaite. I 
take it you have been left in the dark as to many people�s stations?�
	He nodded. �I�m afraid so��
	�Hi guys!� It was that voice again, the familiar voice of the Princess. But 
the person that bounced into the room was Harli. Dressed up a lot, but 
definitely the girl he�d sparred with. �Thanks for waiting.�
	As she sat down at the table, he blinked in surprise. Then he made some 
connections. �You are Princess Harliana.�
	She nodded. �True, true. Setsiana, why are we eating at such a  fancy 
place? �
	Setsuna laughed. �Because Jedaite deserves a taste of royalty.�
	The waiter unobtrusively reappeared. �Are you ready to order, nobles?�
	Harli nodded. �The Princess Platter.�
	Setsuna ordered as well. �Seafood Delight.�
	Jedaite was at a loss. Harli grinned. �Give him a Zoitan special.�
	The waiter nodded and left.
	Jedaite blinked. �Zoitan? What�s that?�
	Harli grinned. "A who, actually. You're chief rival, to be exact. He often 
eats here."
	Jedaite nodded. "I have a rival?"
	Setsuna smiled. "In power? Yes you do. One other wizard level talent was 
found... him. It is rare for two so strong to be found in the same 
generation."
	The food seemed to appear before them, and all three dug in with a relish. 
Jedaite found that it was the best food he had ever tasted. "This is really 
good."
	Harli chuckled. "The kitchen staff will be thrilled to hear you think so. 
What do you think of the capital and the politics, Jedaite?"
	He frowned. "Not half as tasteful as the food."
	Both girls laughed. Setsuna nodded. "That is my assessment as well. 
Thankfully, Pluto is not so formal. Liana-chan puts up with things that I 
would not."
	Jedaite nodded.
	Harli sighed. "Speaking of which, I must be going. I'm expecting you at ten 
sharp, Jedaite."
	He smiled. "I'll be there."
	She stood. "Just remember to keep your in-throne room manners formal. I 
have enough problems with stuffy councilmen as it is."
						*
	The throne room was filled with various courtiers, pages, servants, magi, 
petitioners, etc. Jedaite was seated in the front row with Setsuna. They 
were both dressed in impossibly formal clothing. He wore the white tailored 
robes of a mage apprentice. She wore a long purple dress that bore the sigil 
of Pluto on it.
	Harli, dressed in court robes of gold and green, sat upon the throne. She 
smiled. "Thank you for coming. It is late at night, and there is much 
business to be discussed. But first, I will publicly announce the 
settlements of the private audiences conducted earlier."
	A herald stepped forward. "By order of Harliana, Princess of Zephyr, on the 
authority of  King Hartru, I declare the debts of Ryohib to be null and 
void. I declare that the property known as Janx shall be equally shared by 
Drag, Dufe, and their cousin Fine." He continued on, listing settlements and 
other boring paperwork. Then he subsided.
	Harli stood. "Jedaite, you may approach the throne."
	He stood and bowed formally. "Thank you, Your Majesty." He walked slowly to 
the foot of the stairs and knelt on one knee. "My future, past and present 
are yours."
	She nodded. "Thank you, subject of my honored father. Jedaite, the throne 
wishes to recognize the bravery you displayed in Sled Bay 7 earlier. 
Therefore, I ask you to accept the Medal of the People's Protector."
	He bowed gravely. "Princess, I shall accept on behalf of the People and the 
Throne."
	She stepped forward, and placed a heavy weight around his neck. "Jedaite, 
you are a fine example of your people, your planet, and your guild. Go in 
peace."
	He nodded. "I will, always with an eye to help, and hand to lift, or a 
heart to give." With that said, he quietly walked off the dais and took his 
seat.
	Setsuna smiled at him. "You got through that well. Congratulations on the 
skilled ad libbing."
	He blushed. "I tried."
	Harliana regained her seat. "The throne recognizes Setsuna, Princess of 
Pluto."
	Setsuna rose. "Harliana, I have received a communique from the Plutian 
Magistry. They wish to train Jedaite in the arts of Time magistry."
	The Royal Mage stood. "Majesty, I object. Jedaite is a valuable resource. 
We cannot give him up."
	Harliana frowned. "Princess Setsuna, do you have an apprentice of Stone 
atttunation to trade to the Zehphyr Magistry?"
	Setsuna nodded, a smile playing across her lips. "We have three, Princess."
	The Royal Mage frowned. "I suppose that would be acceptable."
	Jedaite frowned expressively.
	Harliana gestured for him to rise. "What is you opinion of all this, young 
hero?"
	He blinked. "Your Majesty, what level of competence can I achieve on 
Zephyr?"
	The Royal Mage sighed. "Not as high a level as Pluto can give you."
	He nodded. "Then to Pluto I wish to go."
	Harliana nodded. "Its decided, then."
						*
	Pluto was a small planet, sparsley populated. They did have a capital city 
- Achronos - but it was quite a bit smaller than his home city of Qertin had 
been. Setsuna smiled at him. "So, what do you think?"
	He looked around, taking in the flavor of his new home. The construction of 
the buildings, the clothing of the people on the street, and the streetside 
noises all proclaimed this place to be much less rigid than Zephyr. "I like 
it. It seems so relaxed."
	Setsuna's expression was wry. "Well, the people of Pluto judge not by 
class, but they are just as judgemental as yours. Here the standard is 
intelligence or magical strength."
	They were joined by a frazzled old man in bright orange robes, carrying a 
staff. "Hail, Princess. Is this the new boy?"
	Setsuna nodded. "Yes. I leave him to your care." With that, she flowed down 
the street. Jedaite looked after her with hungry eyes.
	The old mage cackled. "So, sweet on Setsuna are you? Well, you should know 
that she's broke a great many men's hearts. I'm forget it if I were you. You 
have hard training ahead - keep your mind on that."
	Jedaite frowned at the insult of Setsuna, but then brightened. "Then I can 
begin my training?"
	The old man grinned, and his eyes alighted mischeviously. "You will."



             Beky NeRichnead
    Grand Potentate of the Universe

Those who dance are considered insane by those who can't hear the music. - 
Anonymous Wise Dude

[Your cool saying here] - [your name here]



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