Jadeite rode straight through the night and the next day to arrive at the cabin where the former general of King Pharias now lived. The farm up the road was the home of the other general, Carnelian. It was doubtless that either man worked the land, but they gave the image of retirement and that was ultimately what mattered most.

When he finally arrived, the former general was no where to be found. The house was empty and a horse was missing from the small stable. With everything going on the past week, Jadeite didn't worry over this minor obstacle.

Night came and went with Jadeite and his men camping on the property and leaving two to keep watch as the others took shifts sleeping. In the morning, Azurite arrived home, displeased to find the general and several palace soldiers waiting for him.

"Good morning," Jadeite called out his greeting with false enthusiasm.

Azurite stood the same height as Jadeite, though had all the imposing nature as if he were Nephrite's size. His unkempt dark hair fell into his gray, almond shaped eyes. A scar ran across his cheek under his eye; his crooked nose indicated that it had been broken more than once.

"You're not welcome here," Azurite muttered as he dismounted and led his horse around to the back of the cabin.

Jadeite followed after Azurite, leaving the other soldiers behind them. "I'm here to talk."

"Taking your new responsibilities quite serious I see."

"I'm impressed that you have heard about Kunzite's disappearance. Which captain is still in your pocket?"

"I also heard about Zoicite's death. My condolences."

Jadeite cocked his head to the side. "How did you hear that?"

"There are two characteristics that I hate most," Azurite said, turning to face the young general. "Indolence and ignorance. We both know that there are ways to cover up such a high profile death that no one is to hear about."

"Like General Jasper, perhaps? Since no one has yet to confirm his death, I suspect we are to still call him AWOL?"

"You can leave, General."

"I want to talk to you about Kunzite."

"One of my least favorite people."

"We should go inside where we can speak in private."

"I am one of three men in this kingdom that doesn't have to take orders from you. The law protects me from your influence."

"It's only a conversation, not an interrogation."

"I know all about you, Jadeite. You were once a soldier before you deserted, then some roving criminal. Despite all of those marks against you, Kunzite still took you in like the mongrel that you are. Ask what you want and then leave."

"What did you say to Kunzite the day Pharias died?"

Azurite's lips pulled into a thin smile. "That is between Kunzite and I."

"We both know that Kunzite backs down from nothing. What did you say to him?"

"What would you know about that night? You were still sleeping in dirty ditches on the side of roads."

"Was it because of this kind of sweet talk that Kunzite felt the need to remind you of your place in the kingdom since you still seem to think it is above everyone else?"

"What are you talking about?"

Jadeite watched Azurite's face change into one of annoyed confusion. "Was Kunzite not out here every couple of months in the early part of the transition?"

"He was here far more often than that."

"Why?"

"Ask him."

"We both know I can't do that."

"Then perhaps you're not meant to know."

"What did you have over him?" Azurite remained silent, his face becoming impassive. "Did you threaten to tell everyone who he was? Is that what you held over him?"

"I don't care about his birth, defection, or death."

Azurite turned to walk inside the cabin and Jadeite reached out to grab his arm, halting him in place. "What did you know about Diamond?"

"I was happy to hear of his death."

"Did you know him?"

"Endymion placed him in charge of the queen's guard. He replaced Kunzite. I had plenty of opportunity to familiarize myself with him."

"Diamond's not dead."

Azurite laughed. "That has always been Kunzite's problem. He starts with one lie without thinking through the consequences that lead to his next one. If Diamond is involved, you have far bigger problems than I think you realize."

"Why?"

"You forget that this kingdom has always been ruled by firm hands. Powerful men made decisions in back rooms that determined the outcomes of the battles that had not yet been fought. Endymion was a child playing a man's game back then. He didn't understand the consequences of his actions. Yes, he replaced his father and removed one more tyrant from the world. Yes, he thought he was acting with the best intentions. What he didn't know is that those around him with far more knowledge of the world were also pushing pieces around the board."

"What does that mean?"

"If you knew a secret that would bring your kingdom down, what would you do with that information?"

"It depends on what-"

"We are both killers, General. Don't pretend to be anything less with me."

Jadeite crossed his arms at his chest. "I would bury both it and anyone who had any knowledge of it."

"And what of yourself for possessing that knowledge?"

"You know what they say about two keeping a secret."

"And what if it was your prince that had to go? What if he was the greatest threat? Who do you serve?"

"The kingdom."

"Make sure that you are prepared to carry that weight before you ask for it."

"How do I know that you are not the threat?"

"My time has come and gone. I served my kingdom. Now I carry no banner and ensure that Carnelian does the same. That is what we agreed to."

"I can compel you to tell me."

Azurite smiled. "One day, Jadeite, you will be like me. A man who has seen too much and knows too much, and a new general will have questions for you. Perhaps you will be a senile old man when that time comes, or perhaps it will be months from now. Precedent is everything."

"What did you know about Kunzite that could make the difference between this kingdom's survival and its destruction?"

"I care nothing for what happens save for you getting off my property. Your prince laid down with dogs and woke up with fleas."

"Tell me what's coming."

"Only a desperate man begs."

"Did Endymion ask your permission for his father's death?"

Azurite smiled. "You should make sure that Rebecca is secured. She and Kunzite have known each other a long time. That makes her very valuable."

"I thank you for your help today," Jadeite said with a slight bow of his head.

"Don't return." Azurite resumed his walk towards the cabin's back door.

"One more thing actually," Jadeite called out after him. "My horse seems to have grown lame on the ride up here. Perhaps you would be kind enough to lend me one of your horses. I of course would owe you a favor in return."

Azurite turned to look at Jadeite, the two men eyeing each other up. "I don't want anything from you."

Jadeite pulled a mark from his pocket and held it up between two fingers. "I insist."