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Sailor Moon watched as Jadeite fell to the floor, wrapped tightly in her tiara still. Rei Hino, Sailor Mars as she was newly revealed to be, had just blasted him with her fire and he was panting heavily. She suspected if he could have escaped, he would have. She looked over the fallen man and then she noticed something that chilled her blood. Dark strings wrapped around his arms and his neck."Luna, something is wrong with him. I saw in the fire light some evil looking strings. They are even around his neck!"Luna peered her blue eyes at the fallen enemy. "I see them too. Here, Sailor Moon. Use this on him."She glowed for a moment and a small wand with a crystal moon on it appeared on the ground next to her. She batted it with a paw and Sailor Moon just barely caught it."What's this, Luna?""It's the Moon Wand. I had intended to present it to you when you had gathered your entire team, but this wand was a gift from our Queen to you. It allows you to harness the might of the moon to attack or heal. Aim it at Jadeite and say Moon Healing Esclation!"Sailor Moon nodded and rasied the wand. The power started to come but it felt sluggish, not the rapid response she got from her tiara."I'm having trouble." She admitted."That's alright, the moon is full tonight. It is likely too much for your first time. Ami, Rei, we need to help her. Focus your powers and call out to your guardian planets and direct the energy into Sailor Moon. This should ease her flow of energy."The two girls nodded and they both began to focus. Meanwhile, Jadeite's eyes started to roll back into his head. They needed to move faster if they were going to save him."Mercury, my guardian planet! I call upon the power of water and ice! Aid Sailor Moon!""Mars, my guardian planet! I call upon the power of fire and prophecy! Aid Sailor Moon!""I am a servant of the Silver Moon. Oh brilliant Moon, bless your chosen vessel with your light. Aid Sailor Moon!"Sailor Moon, Usagi, felt power flow into her. Then a great warmth built in her chest and the flow came freely to the Wand."There we go! Moon Healing Esclation!" She called and swiped the wand, striking Jadeite with the full force of the Wand's power.Just as easily as the power came to her, it abandoned her again. She felt the world spin about her as she fell first to her knees and then the ground. She surrendered to the darkness.*Sailor-Moon*Jadeite was sure he was screaming as the dark strings that bound his true self were finally severed. He felt the Dark Being he had so recently worshipped cackle as he was freed. Why the creature was celebrating the freedom of a servant, he would never understand. He opened his eyes and saw the glaring face of Sailor Mars, his one true love, looking down on him."He better be worth the effort Usagi spent in saving him." He heard his lover huff. So they didn't have their memories, that might be a problem.He sat up and looked around. Mercury was there, using that blasted computer to try and find a way out of the Dark Kingdom with the former hostages. Luna, the personal companion of the Princess, was trasnfering energy into the third fallen Sailor Guardian. He frowned, there had never been a Sailor Moon before and then his blood ran cold as he struggled to his feet and looked down at the fallen girl.His fears were realized when he saw the face of the Moon Princess, Serenity, pale in her unnatural sleep. She was grabbed as a Sailor Guardian, which angered Jadeite. How dare they risk the life of his Master's beloved! Then he reminded himself that they clearly had no memories of the past or Mars would be roasting him again, cured or not. Maybe this farce was keeping the Princess safe."I am very sorry for my actions up to know." He said as he bowed, trying to ingore the full body pains this caused. "My name is Sir Jadeite, Knight of Patience and Harmony. I am a member of the Four Kings of Heaven, I represent the East cardinal direction. I am a friend, now that Sailor Moon has freed me from the darkness that has been controlling me."As he spoke, he noticed his uniform fading away and his old unfirom as a member of the Kings appeared. He reached down and felt the sword at his side. How he had missed his faithful blade. Those unnatural dark powers were no substitute."You changed when she used that power on you." Luna nodded. "So, we will trust you for now. Can you help us escape back to the material plane?""Yes, help me load all the girls up on the bus and we can take everyone back in one trip. We must move quickly though, my collegues are still puppets and they will try and capture us. I would rather die than become a puppet again."Mars scooped up the sleeping Princess as if she weighed nothing."I think I can understand that. Sorry I hurt you so bad, Jadeite."He shook his head. "Honestly, even if you had killed me, I would not have held it against you. The fact you stayed your hand and helped save me is the kindest thing that has happened to me in many years.""How long have you been a puppet," Mercury asked as they started to haul the prisoners to the bus."A few years. Honestly most of that time is already getting fuzzy. I was on my way home from my first day of Highschool when I was abducted and brought here. My memories of my past life were forced onto me again before that witch Beryl did something to me."Mars inhaled shaprly. "You were grabbed on your way home from school? You do look like you could be a third year, now I look at you again. Do you have any family?"Jadeite shook his head. "I did, I'm sure of it, but I have no idea what's happened since I was taken. I'm not even sure I'll be welcomed back. But it will beat being a slave or dead. I won't worry about it for now. I want to help you all in your mission and safe my brother Kings if possible.""You know what our mission is?" Luna asked. "If you recall the past, do you know about the Silver Crystal and the Princess?"Jadeite nodded. "Of course I do. But if that knowledge was hidden from three of her Sailor Guardians and you, then it might be too dangerous to share. I'll keep it to myself for now, unless it becomes needed."Luna nodded. "Thank you. That alone shows me you can be trusted. I don't recall a group called the King's though, who did you serve?""We served as the protectors for the Prince of the Golden Kingdom of the Earth. Again, if more than that becomes needed, I will share it."They finished loading up the last of the victims and they sped off back to Japan. Jadeite took one look back at the place where his comrades were being kept. He hoped one day to reunite the group with their Master. And their lovers. He looked at Mercury, seeing an image of her reading while tucked against the chest of Zoisite."I'll protect them for you guys." He spoke to the memories of the men his allies were. "Until you come back to them. I won't let you stain your hands with their blood. Not again. This I swear as a knight."He prayed the Princess would wake soon as they arrived safely back in the city. They had much to talk about.
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Queen Serenity stood outside the entrance to Silver Millinuem, looking at the Earth. The beautiful blue world was starting to darken, ever so slightly. No normal human or moon native would be able to see it, but then again the Queen was far from normal. She snapped her fingers and one of the crow twins that had been resting on a tree nearby flew over."Phobos, can you go and bring Serenity and her Guardians to me?"The bird dipped her head in acknowledgment and flew off. Serenity sighed. Peace had lasted for so long. Earth was the greatest hope for the Milky Way. She would let nothing happen to it. But… she wasn't the Moon's Sailor Guardian. She was being leaned the power of the Legendary Silver Crystal but she could not wield its full strength. Unfortunately, it would not be a simple matter to turn the crystal over to her daughter to use as her Sailor Crystal if a threat was coming.The party of Princesses arrived along with Luna, Artemis, and the twin crows Phobos and Deimos."Mother, is everything alright?" Her daughter asked, voice concerned."No, something is wrong with the Earth. Sailor Guardians…"She started to tell them they would begin the process of changing Serenity into Sailor Moon when a flash of gold interrupted her.Five men lay collapsed before them, in various states of injury. The princess gasped and each rushed to the side of the young men.Serenity looked at Luna. "Luna, summon a servant with water and bandages. The Prince and his knights are badly injured."*Sailor-Moon*Jadeite groaned as Mars wiped at a cut over his eye. The sting was quite impressive but the herbs they grew on the moon had impressive healing properties and he would be fine again soon. He looked over at his Master, who was getting the personal attention of the Moon Princess, Serenity."What happened?" Sailor Venus demanded of her partner, Kunzite."We don't really know," Zoisite admitted. "We were returning from a mission to the jungles when we got jumped by some of our people. Naturally, we had a handicap since we didn't want to kill any of them."Nephrite grunted. "Shame they did not share the sentiment… ow!" He cried out as Jupiter's hand slipped and she brushed his face a little harder than intended."Sorry." The brunette guardian blushed."What of the King and Queen of Earth?" Queen Serenity inquired. "King Sol and Queen Terra, my dear friends?"Endymion shook his head. "We fought our way into the castle. My parents were already slain by the time we arrived. We would have joined them, had we not fled to the Moon."The Princess placed a kiss on his forehead. "I'm so sorry, my love."He shook his head again. "I miss them, but we cannot let the Earth fall. We must fight and protect it. I can mourn properly after the world is safe."Jadeite smiled as the Princess nodded. "I'll be there for you when it's time.""In the meantime," The Queen spoke up, her voice tinged with sadness. "We need to prepare. Sailor Guardians, please go to your respective planets and gather your troops. Come back as soon as you can."The four Guardians bowed and departed. Kunzite took this moment to rise. "There is something important we need to discuss. If we are going to win this war, we need to find the source of the darkness that is consuming our people. Master, I humbly ask you to leave that to us four."Jadeite nodded. "A good idea, Kunzite. We can spread out and scan the plant from our cardinal directions. We should be able to discover the source of the darkness soon enough."Their Master glared at them. "I want to refuse… but it is a good plan. Just take no unnecessary risks and return here as soon as you can."Jadeite and the other two rose and the four them bowed to their Lord. "We understand. We will be careful."Venus returned at that moment followed by a young soldier. "If you're going to go, then take Adonis with you. I have heard good reports of his abilities from the Lord Commander of Venus."Adonis bowed. "I've worked with the Four Kings before. It would be an honor to work with you again. I could stand lookout while you look for the source of the threat."Jadeite grimaced. Adonis was a good soldier, that was true, but his obsession with Venus had put him and Kunzite at odds on a few occasions. Kunzite spoke up."We would be honored to work again with Adonis. Shall we depart now?"Venus kissed Kunzite on the cheek. "At least allow the other men to say their goodbyes first. The mission you are going on is very dangerous.""Very well. We shall depart within the hour though. We need to finish this quickly before the world gets any sicker."In the days that followed, Jadeite would have wished their Master had refused to let them go.*Sailor-Moon*The five of them touched down on the Earth. "Adonis, where would a good spot for you to look out be?" Zoisite asked. "We can set up pretty much anywhere to do our scanning of the planet.""How about that hill over there?" Adonis suggested. "I can see for a mile or more in each direction."Nephrite nodded sagely. "Yes, that should do nicely. We can set up around the hill. I'll head to my position."Jadeite assumed his place to the East of the hill and summoned his power to his hands. He felt Sailor Mars feeding him some power as well and smiled at the extra boost. He suspected the other men were secretly being given power as well."Oh jewel of the east, oh Jade! I am Sir Jadeite, Knight of Patience and Harmony. Please, help me find the source of the evil that threatens my Master!" He called and started to send his power out into the world.They were nearly done when he noticed he was surrounded. Jadeite gritted his teeth, ending his flow of power."What… Adonis?" He called and saw the man with the mark of Venus grinning at him."Sorry, Jadeite. I have no quarrel with you. But I have been promised I can have Princess Venus for myself if I help Beryl. I hope you enjoy being a puppet.""Curse you!" Jadeite called right before a sword hilt knocked him unconscious.*Sailor-Moon*Endymon sat quietly as the Four Sailor Guardians cried as they felt their partners taken."We will have to try and defend the moon until a countermeasure can be taken." He forced the words from his lips."There is something we can do," Queen Serenity looked at her daughter. "If we can have enough time to do it is the question. I shall make the preparations for the process. Try and buy me as much time as you can."Queen Serenity headed to the Chamber of the Moon Tower and started the process to transfer the Silver Crystal to her daughter, for whom it would be a Sailor Crystal. She cared not for her throne, only that her people survived and the Earth is saved. All the while she worked, the curse placed on her child rang in her mind. She knew that this was going to end badly. So she would use what power she had to seal away the evil until her reborn child could defeat her as Sailor Moon. She could only hope she would finish before she was too late. She could not help but notice how big Saturn was looking in the sky when she looked out the window.
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Jadeite looked away as Mercury and Mars returned to their civilian forms. Sailor Moon was lying on the floor, still in her Sailor Fuko."Are you going to change back to your civilian form, Jadeite?" Mars asked, adjusting her miko uniform."...Yes, I should. Only, it's been three years since I was last in it. I'll do my best."He focused and willed his powers to sleep, causing him to change back to a normal human. As time flowed, more of his time in the Dark Kingdom was fading. So, he had no idea when he had changed the clothing of his civilian form, but he must have as he did not recognize what he was currently wearing."What is your name as a civilian?" Mercury asked. "My name is Mizuno Ami.""My name is Hino Rei," Mars added."Rei." He said, tasting the name of his lover on his lips. "A fine name. And your surname is 'of fire'? That seems very convenient. My name is Takari Hiroshi, a pleasure to meet you both. What about Sailor Moon?""Tsukino Usagi," Luna replied as she nudged the Princess with her paw. "Wow, she's really out of it.""Well, that hold the Dark Kingdom had on me wasn't weak. If it was, the Earth would have freed me right away. Even with the help and the full moon, that was a lot of power for a novice to channel.""You seem very defensive of Usagi," Luna remarked. "I don't recall much about the relationships in the past. Were you close to Usagi?"Ami and Rei looked sharply at Hiroshi. "Well, we were acquainted and I had great respect for Sailor Moon. But if you're asking if she was my partner, she was not."Did Rei look relieved at the news? He certainly hoped so. He would need to tell his spitfire the truth eventually anyway."All four of us Kings of Heaven were coupled with a Sailor Guardian. I want to make sure you are not blindsided by this news. While if you don't want to be yoked with a relatiosnhip from a previous life, I can understand that. But we are each the soul mate of our partner. It was the same for the Princess and our Prince."Ami and Rei exchanged a look. "You can tell us which King of Heaven was our partner?" Ami asked."I can, and I see why you would want to know. I'll be glad to tell you, Mizuno for your peace of mind. Rei, do you want to know?"Rei narrowed her eyes at him. "I think I already know. We can talk about it afterward in private."Hiroshi gulped, not sure if that look on her face was angry or not. "I understand. Mizuno, you're partner was Zoisite the Knight of Purity and Healing. I'll do everything I can to help you get him back. He will be key to saving the others and making sure they do not fall to the darkness again.""Who was Usagi's partner?" Luna asked."I will not reveal it unless she asks me to." Hiroshi said, glad to temporarily put off this problem."Fair enough." Luna nodded. The alien cat looked at Rei and Hiroshi and he released she must have also guessed the truth. "Hurt her, and I'll scratch your eyes out while you sleep."He bowed. "I swear, I would never do that while I am in control of my senses. I am the Knight of Harmony. It is my dearest wish for the Earth and Moon to co-exist as one kingdom. As Queen Serenity once said, Earth is the greatest hope…" He trailed off and saw the light in Luna's blue eyes."... for the Milky Way." She finished. "You did know our Queen for sure."At that moment, the Princess opened her bright blue eyes. Hiroshi barely resisted the urge to kneel before the ruler of the galaxy."Welcome back, Usagi." Luna rubbed against her mistress. "How are you feeling?""I'm cold, Luna." She said as she shivered."I got an extra blanket." Rei declared, getting up. "I'll go get it." She rushed off to get the blanket."You'll be alright soon, Usagi." Luna curled up on Sailor Moon's chest. "Using too much planetary power can drain you. But the Moon is full tonight so you should be restored quickly.""You, you're Jadeite?" She asked looking at Hiroshi."That is correct, Tsukino. My name as a human is Takari Hiroshi. Please, feel free to call me Hiroshi.""Then you can call me Usagi." Sailor Moon released her transformation and became a normal girl.Rei came in and wrapped Usagi in the blanket as Ami filled her in on all they learned."I don't want to know who my Soulmate is," Usagi said after a long moment. "After all, if that means I cannot be with Tuxedo Mask, it would make me very sad.""Tuxedo Mask?" Hiroshi stifled a groan. "He named himself Tuxedo Mask?"They all looked at him in confusion. "Tuxedo Mask, such an awful name, is very likely another ally of the Earth Kingdom. For his safety, I cannot say more, but he is likely a friend."The girls nodded, seeming to accept this. He hated keeping secrets from them. He longed to kneel and confess all to Usagi, swearing his fealty to the Monarch of the galaxy and his future Queen."For now, we should go home. Hiroshi, what about you?" Usagi asks."Well, I disappeared three years ago. I had a mother and sister before the Dark Kingdom abducted me. I'm not sure if I would be welcome home after being gone for three years.""I'm sure you're family must miss you," Usagi said. "Come to think of it, how much younger is your sister? We have a Takari in our class."He flinched. "Takari Asahi?""Yes! That's her name."Hiroshi slid down, putting his head in his hands. "Wow, I guess she would be in middle school these days.""I think they will be happy to see you, but if you like, we can try and help. I'm not too good at making up excuses but if we put our heads together, maybe we can think of something.""Or Beryl actually covered your tracks before she grabbed you." Rei offered. "It would be hard to use you as her Eastern commander if the police were looking for someone with your face."He searched his memory. "Now you mention it, I recall Beryl saying for Zoisite and me, the ones still under-aged, she said we won a scholarship and staged us leaving home to make our folks not worry. Still, they would not have heard from me in three years."Rei put a hand on his shoulder. "If the worst happens and you are refused, you can always stay here. Grandpa has been thinking of hiring someone to help maintain the place. It would come with room and board included."He smiled up at her. "Thank you, Rei. If I need that, I would appreciate it."He noticed the Princess looking between them with a smug look on her face. So she had guessed the nature of their relationship as well. "If you would escort me to see my sister tomorrow, I would be grateful, Usagi. We can say I asked for directions when you ran into me at the bus stop and when I told you my name, you brought up Asahi.""Works for me!" Usagi declared. "Shall we go to bed now? I'm exhausted."Rei nodded and rose. "Come on, Hiroshi. I'll show you to a room you can use for tonight."He nodded and followed after her. They crossed the temple as Usagi, Luna, and Ami left. Once they were outside the room she had chosen for him, she stopped."I'm not ready." She declared. "For whatever it is we had in our previous lives. But, I do want it. I want it more than I've ever wanted anything and it scares me.""Trust me, it scares me too. Hiroshi never wanted anyone as bad as Jadeite wants Mars." He confessed. "I didn't get to ease into my memories, they were forced upon me.""Will you tell me everything, Jadeite?" She asked."If you desire, I will. I could never keep anything for you. Not that you would ever have let me." He laughed."I bet I'm the worst to handle." She mused. "Being the Guardian of Fire.""And war." He reminded her. "Our fights were hot and passionate. Making up after, doubling so."Rei blushed very prettily in Hiroshi's eye, but then again he was biased."Well, I better be going for now. Once you sort out your family situation, I expect you to ask me out on a proper date. Then, we can see about that tell-all."He bowed. "It would be my honor, to court you properly again, Lady Mars. I like to think I did a good job the first time." He took her hand and planted a chaste kiss on the back of it.She smiled warmly at him. "You must have. I never would have been your lover otherwise. I can be sure of that much of my past self."He grinned and went into the room. They locked eyes right before she closed the sliding door and he sighed, sad not to have her at his side any longer. He hoped that soon, things would be perfect between them. He started to plan what petty fight he would pick with his Spitfire first.
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Hiroshi came to the main room of the temple early the next morning. He wanted to get the meeting with his sister over with, good or ill. His memories of his civilian life were not as clear as his Jadeite one’s, but they were clearing with each passing hour since his release. Still, he felt nervous. Would his mother and sister welcome him home.He must have been fidgeting, because he heard a familiar laugh behind him. “Don’t worry so much. Even if they reject you, you’ll have a place here with me.”He turned, a gentle smile on his face at Rei’s voice. And then his mouth went slack when he saw the gray school uniform and short skirt on the Guardian of Fire. The skirt was not much longer than the one she wore as a Guardian and his mind went back thousands of years to dances between the Guardians. She had worn some scandalizing outfits, he recalled.He shook his head. “I’m sorry, Rei. I didn’t mean to stare.”She blushed. “Don’t apologize for being attracted to me. We’re soul mates, after all. Besides, I’m sure you have memories of me in even less than this.”He blushed as well, as he had plenty of those memories he was currently blocking in his mind. “I swear, I would never try to push you into that…”She put a finger to his lips. “You’re sweet to say so, but if you did try, I would roast you alive anyways.”He smiled. “I missed the death threats. I missed dodging the fire balls too.”She laughed. “Did I really throw fire balls at you?”“All the time,” He placed a chaste kiss on her hand. “Until we meet again, Rei. I’ll count the minutes.”She blushed as she turned away. “I really will start roasting you if you don’t go now.”He chuckled and departed. Usagi stood waiting outside the gates of the temple. He sighed and prepared to meet his sister.*Sailor-Moon*Zoisite stood staring in crystal mirror as Jadeite, now as his civilian form Hiroshi, kissed a girl on the hand. He should have felt disgusted at the passionate act but somewhere inside him, he was satisfied. Since the light that cured Jadite had shown on the Dark Kingdom, Zoisite had not felt right. It was as if something hot was trying to enter his mind. Zoisite was likely the only one of the four aware they had a bond between them, tying them together. He had healed the others from battles on a few occasions and had seen it. It was a sickly yellow and tattered but just barely still attached. Jadeite’s part of the bond had changed, though. It was now whole and brilliant gold, reaching out to touch the others. There was a knock on his door.He turned to find Kunzite watching him. “Is everything alright, Zoisite?”Zoisite frowned. Kunzite knew full well nothing was alright. Jadite’s change had affected all three of them to some degree.“I’ll be fine, I think,” Zoisite shook his head. “Something has been wrong with me since Jadeite left the Dark Kingdom is all.”“Did you find him in the crystal?” His leader asked.Zoisite could not have explained what had prompted him to lie, but he found himself saying, “No, Kunzite. So far my scrying has failed.”“It’s still early since the change happened. Still, make sure not to fail Queen Beryl. We cannot afford to allow anyone to be punished right now. Queen Beryl has ordered Nephrite to take over Jadeite’s duties. You are to focus on securing Jadeite and returning him to the Dark Kingdom. Do not kill him, she was very clear on this.” Kunzite swept from the room.Kill him? One of his brothers? There was a lance of pain again in Zoisite’s head. He had never thought of the others as brothers before, had he?A sweet voice spoke in his mind. “Look, Zoisite! I found a new book I haven’t read yet! I got two copies, want to read them together?”Why did that sweet voice fill him with longing?*Sailor-Moon*Hiroshi and Usagi walked down the street. Hiroshi snuck a peek at the Moon Princess as they walked together.“Are you feeling alright, Hiroshi?” Usagi asked. “You keep looking like your ready to bolt.”“No reason,” Hiroshi shook his head. “Just getting use to being able to walk the streets without being in disguise again. Though perhaps Hiroshi is a disguise for Sir Jadeite.”Usagi shook her head. “Only you get to decide if Jadeite or Hiroshi or a combination of both is the real you. Don’t let anyone else dictate who you are.”Hiroshi smiled. “I feel like both. I cannot ignore my duties or past as Jadeite but I want to live as Hiroshi too, while I can. One day, the Prince will marry his Princess and they will rule. I would give my live to see this happen.”Usagi smiled back at him. “Perhaps when I get my memories back, I’ll feel the same way. I feel like there is a whole other side to me I cannot see. Like the dark side of the moon, maybe?”Hiroshi regarded her. In his mind, he thought, ‘never dark for you, Serenity. You are light and goodness personified.’What he said out loud was, “Hey, watch where you’re going,” to a man that had stepped around the corner and right into Usagi.Usagi gasped as she started to fall but the man caught her easily.“Seems I can’t go anywhere without running into you, Bun-Head.” The man teased as he reached up and removed his shades.Hiroshi was preparing to retort when he looked into the deep blue eyes of Master. He felt the urge to kneel again, to beg forgiveness for his late arrival to his liege.“Mamoru Chiba,” Usagi said, still in his arms. “Thank you for catching me.”He set her down and turned to regard Hiroshi coldly. Hiroshi wanted to laugh at the jealously in his Master’s eyes.“What is your relationship to the Bun-Head? Are you following her around? Are you perhaps her boyfriend?”“Oh, no.” Hiroshi shook his head. “I am interested in her new friend, Hino Rei. I am a sibling of one of her classmates that has been traveling for some time. Usagi met me at the temple and offered to help me reconnect with me sister. My family moved while I was away and I seemed to have lost the address.”Master seemed to soften, his eyes fondly going to the blonde who was blushing at him. “I see. Well, I need to be going. Until we meet again, Bun-Head.” He put his shades back on and left.Usagi slumped to her knees, her hand pressed to her chest. Hiroshi offered her a hand and helped her up.“Umm, could you not mention this encounter to the others?” Usagi asked. “Mamoru really isn’t Sailor Guardian business.”He absolutely was, Hiroshi knew, but he just grinned at her. “I understand. I will keep your secret, Usagi.”She smiled back at him. “Thank you. I figured you would understand, given your interested in Rei after all.”He blushed, having already forgotten he declared his intentions in front of Usagi as well as Mamoru. “Well, yes. She was my partner in my previous life. I can already feel myself falling for her again, just as I did the first time. I welcome it.”Usagi looked back in the direct Mamoru left. “There is no chance of me and Mamoru, is there? One day, I’ll meet my soulmate too and prefer him?”Hiroshi sighed. “Please, what ever you do, don’t ask me that question again. I cannot lie to you, Usagi. You, Rei, the Princess, and my Master. Those are the people I will never lie to, for any reason.”“Why me, Jadeite? Or is that another question I shouldn’t ask?”He grinned. “You’re learning. Come on, let’s get this over with.”
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Luna walked around the command center console. A young princess with a secret treasure was coming to Juban. It seemed almost too perfect to be real. She would have to ask Jadeite about it. Surely it would be acceptable to confirm someone was not the Moon Princess or something was not the Legendary Silver Crystal. Still, even if it did end up not being connected, they might want to attend anyway. This seemed far too tempting for the Dark Kingdom to pass up.*Sailor-Moon*Luna was right. Nephrite was at that very moment planning his assault on the Gala. He looked up from his plans when Zoisite stumbled into his room."Zoisite, what's wrong?" Nephrite sneered, no real concern in his voice.The young man grimaced. "Nothing. Jadeite leaving has hurt me worse than expected. I was going to ask if you had any operations planned in Juban, so we don't cross wires is all."Nephrite sighed. "I appreciate the consideration. Yes, I have a lead in Juban at the Embassy of the Kingdom of D. A big Gala will take place there soon."Zoisite nodded. "Then the Sailor Guardians are bound to be drawn there too. I'll see if I can draw them out while you deal with the Embassy.""Very well. But do not get in my way. Though in your current state, I wouldn't need to worry about you trying to stab me in the back."Nephrite turned away from Zoisite, clearly dismissing him. He heard the other man leave at a limp. He winced as his own body ached. Surely this would pass. It would for sure if Zoisite was successful in bringing Jadeite back to the fold.*Sailor-Moon*Hiroshi looked around the corner for the third time at his little sister who was chatting with some female friends as they waited for the bell. It was strange seeing Ashai in the same uniform as Usagi."Are you sure this is a good idea?" Hiroshi asked his blonde companion. "Maybe I could send a letter first.""You don't know their address." Usagi reminded him. "And neither do I. Now come on, get ready. I'm going to start the conversation."Usagi walked away and Hiroshi sighed and steadied himself. He reminded himself that he was a Knight and not a terrified high school student. At least, most of the time.Usagi approached his sister and called. "Hey, Asahi! I got a question for you."The girl turned. "Oh, Usagi. Oh, sure. What's up?" The girl did not sound thrilled to speak to Usagi. Jadeite had conflicting emotions. The Knight wanted to demand his blood speak more politely to their future queen. The other wondered why his sister sounded so cold in the first place."So, I was at the bus stop today and met this young man. He was lost and asking for directions. He introduced himself as Takara Hiroshi. I told him I knew a Takara in my class and then he asked if I meant Takara Asahi."That changed the look on his sister's face, and she grabbed Usagi's shoulder. "Where is here, where did you leave him?""He's hiding around the corner, he was unsure what his welcome would be," Usagi said with a smirk.Asahi rushed off and rounded the bin, coming face to face with Hiroshi. He gasped at seeing her closer. Hatred for Beryl filled him for all the years of her life he had been forced to miss. She rushed forward and hugged him."You're home, Onii-chan." She cried into his chest. "Mama forgot about you. Every time I tried to bring you up, she would just say I was an only child. It was so hard!"Hiroshi felt a fresh wave of hatred as he hugged his sister back. Beryl had taken his mother's memories. Or worse, had forced him to do it himself. He wondered if he had spared Asahi this fate out of a remaining memory of her or if he had simply not seen her. He couldn't remember now."What really happened?" She asked, tears rolling down her face.He wiped them away, finding himself unable to lie to her. "I'm sorry, the story we told you was a lie. Usagi did not find me at the bus stop. I was the captive of a very bad person for years. I am finally free, and I am back. Mother doesn't remember me?"She shook her head. "Not at all, Onii-chan. She moved us to a new apartment with only one extra room as well. I'm sorry, your room is gone."He shook his head. "Not a problem. I have been offered board at the Hikawa Shrine. I can stay there while we figure out how to restore Mother's memories."Usagi came around the corner, Asahi looked sheepish at her approach."Can I heal her memories the way I did yours, Hiroshi?" She asked."No, I don't think the Moon Rod would do it. We would need your Princess and her Legendary Silver Crystal for that. There might be another way if we can free Zoisite."Asahi looked between them. "I am so confused right now."Hiroshi sighed. "I know. I want to uncomplicate it, but there are some things that need to be done first before I can explain all. I promise to give you what I can, that doesn't put the secrets of others at risk. Though I'm sorry, I'll have to reveal some of yours, Usagi."It took everything he had not to add Sama or Hime to the end of his sentences."I'll gladly reveal them myself if it helps. We are allied, Hiroshi. I want to help you go home."He smiled at her. Asahi coughed. "Well, I have a volleyball match after school before the big Gala event. Why don't you two come by and we can talk after my match?""Gala?" Usagi asked. "You mean for the Princess of D and her secret treasure? My dad is going to that event as part of the media."Hiroshi wanted to groan. He just knew Usagi was going to jump to the wrong conclusion."We need to go to that Gala." Usagi declared.*Sailor-Moon*It was after school, Usagi had told Ami and called Rei to let them know about the Gala event. She had also told Rei about Hirsohi's situation and Rei had said she would take care of it.While they were walking to meet with the girl that Ashai practiced Volleyball with, his sister gave him a side-eye."Staying at the Hikawa Shrine, huh?"He gave her a similar look. "What's up with the third degree, Ashai?"She laughed. "I recall the last New Years before you vanished. We went to the temple to pray to bring in the new year. That Miko, Hino Rei, had just arrived to work with her grandfather. I recall you being quite smitten."He blinked. Had he been drawn to his soulmate as Hiroshi and forgotten about it. It was possible of course. Much like his time in the Dark Kingdom, his memories prior to being captured were murky at best."Well, she is even more beautiful now." Hiroshi confirmed, "But anyways, who is this friend of yours you will be practicing with. I don't recall you having a volleyball partner?"Then they heard a voice from above."Jadeite? You shouldn't be here."The voice chilled his soul. He stepped in front of Usagi, protectively. Which was stupid, given who was glaring at him.He looked at what appeared to be a normal middle school girl, in a volleyball uniform. But those blue eyes he investigated were that of Venus, the leader of the Princess Four Guardian Goddesses. He would recognize her face anywhere.Usagi spoke from behind him. "How does she know your identity, Hiroshi? And why does she look so much like me?"The girl recoiled. "You have Usagi with you? What is going on here?"Hiroshi sighed. "It's a long story. Let us withdraw for now, unless you're alright with telling Usagi everything right now."She narrowed her eyes but came down from the high place she had jumped too. His sister seemed shocked at how easily Venus jumped around. "Minako, you know my brother?"She gave him a look that she had used one him in the ancient past. It still made his soul shiver. "Something like that."Usagi was still looking at 'Minako', as if something was trying to come back to her. She stumbled and fell over, Hiroshi caught her in time."What's wrong?" She muttered. "Why is my head aching? It's like I'm trying to remember something that won't come out."Hiroshi picked her up. "It's your past life, trying to return to you is all. The girl is someone special to you. Or rather, you are someone special to her. I cannot tell you more right now. I'm sorry."She smiled. "Don't be. I'm sure there is a reason for all of this."He set her down on her feet. Minako was still watching them, unable to let him be alone with her mistress but also unable to reveal herself openly in front of the same girl."I'll go home and get ready for the Gala. See you tonight, Hiroshi.""Until then." He bowed to her, left fist placed over his heart.Minako waited until Usagi was gone, still rubbing her sore head."So, you are free from the Dark Kingdom?"He nodded. "Aye. Usagi and the other girls freed me when I was at their mercy. Usagi as Sailor Moon saw the darkens and cut the strings." He allowed his displeasure to show in his voice at Sailor Moon."I know, I was unsure about doing it at first. But the Dark Kingdom cannot suspect the truth. By presenting her as the Leader of the group, my role, I can fulfill hers and be the bait as was intended. This is why I choose to take on my Mistress' appearance in the past and why I still bear it today.""I know. Still, I can feel Zoisite falter through out bond. I believe we can save him sooner rather than later. I'm sorry to say it will be hard to rescue Kunzite."She looked away at the stars. "I know what Adonis did. I'm so sorry, Jadeite. I cost you all your freedom by my mistake."Jadeite shook his head. "You couldn't have known, Venus. We didn't even realize he had turned coat on us. Please do not blame yourself. You know what Kunzite would say if he was here."Venus chuckled and wiped away a tear. "I miss him. So much it hurts.""I know. I'll help the others to get him back for you if we can. I swear it on my knightly sword."Hiroshi looked over to where his sister had retreated to give them room to talk. "I should let you get back to your game. I need to join the other girls to help with the mission."Minako nodded. "Good luck, Jadeite. Hopefully this evening, Mercury will have her knight as well."Hiroshi grinned. "That is my plan."*Sailor-Moon*The girls and Jadeite met up outside the Embassy of D and headed for the door. Jadeite almost lost his cool when Usagi had used her moon pen to become a Princess. He was glad though it did not reveal her as the Moon Princess, Serenity. The entire venue would have turned their attention to her inhuman beauty and eternal power and completely forgot about the reason they were here. Such was the draw of humans to the moon. Humanity didn't stop often enough to think about how the moon protected them from their own world's forces of nature.He was drawn out of his thoughts when he noticed Usagi had slipped from the group. Then he noticed his Prince, now with a mask, following her from a safe distance."Where is Usagi?" Rei sighed."She went in another direction." Hiroshi supplied. "Don't worry, I saw her being followed by that man you called Tuxedo Mask. He will see no harm befalls her.""You really trust him, don't you Hiroshi?" Ami asked as she fidgeted. "I don't know why, but I feel so excited right now.""That would be because you sense Zoisite near. Isn't that right, Zoisite?" He asked the shadows.The blonde young man stepped from the darkness, but his eyes were not on Jadeite, the man he had been sent to retrieve. Of course, they were not. His eyes were locked on the beautiful girl in the blue dress."You," Zoisite growled at her. "Why does your voice sound so familiar? Why does it make me want to cry? I don't like it, make it stop!"Hiroshi groaned. Zoisite was losing his cool. "Calm down, Zoisite, I can explain.""I don't want you to explain. I want you to die for what you have done to me!" Zoisite turned on Hiroshi and fired a beam of energy.Hiroshi changed into Jadeite and deflected the blast with his sword. The force was heavier than he imagined and he was pushed backwards a step.Ami and Rei glowed and Mercury and Mars took their place."No, Mercury, please don't fight him!" Jadeite called to her. "Focus on defense only."Zoisite looked at the Guardian of Wisdom. "Why, why do you strike my soul so deeply?"Jadeite was surprised when Mercury answered, her voice sounded a little different. "It's because you were the Knight of Purity. What is purer than the love between destined soul mates? Remember who you are, my love. Remember what you promised me."Zoisite clutched his head. "Third. I swore you would always be my third choice. Third was the partner of my soul and heart, the woman of Mercury. Second, my brothers, my comrades in arms. And first… who was first?""Our master, the prince of earth." Jadeite supplied."Master…" Zoisite said in horror. "Oh, planets above, I betrayed our Master."They could see them now, the dark threads that bound Zoisite. At that moment, Sailor Moon came around the corner."Sorry, I'm late." She panted. "I just fought Nephrite and his evil spirit he had to possess the Princess of D. I'm sorry, he escaped."Jadite shook his head. "Doesn't matter. For now, free Zoisite from the grip of our enemy."Sailor Moon nodded and raised the Moon Rod. "Moon Healing Escalation!"Jadeite grinned as the dark cords on Zoisite were severed and the blonde youth fell to the ground. He was caught by Mercury, who was crying in relief."He's asleep." She said after a moment."The process of purification had already begun on him before we tried to bring him back," Jadeite confirmed. "It's likely spent him. Let's get him back to the shrine for now."They left together, Rei supporting a weary Usagi as they went. Jadeite felt Zoisite properly rejoin the bond. Soon, all four of them would be safe. As they left the Embassy, he saw Tuxedo Mask tracking their progress through the grounds. He sent the man a wave, to show everything was alright.
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Hiroshi looked down at the comatose face of Zoisite. The knight felt so helpless as Ami took a wet cloth and wiped down the unconscious man's face with it. The Guardian of Water had not left his side since the moment they got him back to the temple.His eyes moved over to look at his own partner, Rei, who was coming in with a tray."I brought tea and food." She said setting it down on a small table. "We should keep our strength up. That means you too, Ami."The blue-haired girl looked like she wanted to argue with the Guardian of Fire, but she wisely put the cloth back in the bowl of water and accepted a light sandwich and a cup of green tea. Rei then poured a cup and offered it to him."Thank you," he said in earnest to his soulmate. He had not realized until this moment how parched he was. He carefully sipped the hot liquid.Usagi came in, Luna on her heels. "How long do you think he will slumber for?" She asked Hiroshi as she sat beside Ami.He considered this as he took a bite of his sandwich. "Good question. Zoisite is a kind of glue that holds the bond together. With two members still being corrupted, it might take some time for him to wake up. Thankfully, I can transfer my reserve energy to him through the bond to keep him alive."Ami sighed. "I wish we could figure out who he was before he was taken. That way we can at least let his family know he is safe."Hiroshi could see the girl was looking longingly at the partner of her heart."I wish I knew," Hiroshi said softly. "Beryl did not allow us to keep those names when she took us."Rei put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I can't image what that must be like."He smiled and kissed her hand gently. "Thank you. I hope Zoisite will wake soon."Ami went back to caring for her fallen knight. Hiroshi would rather have wrestled a wild boar than try and get in her way.A little later he walked out into the night with Rei and Usagi. Luna was staying to make sure Ami got some sleep."It's a good thing tomorrow is not a school day," Usagi remarked. "I don't think any of us will be getting much sleep tonight."He nodded at the words of his princess. Rei gave him a warm smile as well. "You should at least have a bath. Hiroshi, why don't you go first? We'll go after you."He looked at her shrewdly. Rei wanted a moment alone with Usagi. He longed to hear what they said but he knew better than to cross his fire-brand. He headed off for the baths.*Sailor-Moon*To say Beryl was angry would be an understatement. She was furious that they had lost not only Jadeite but now Zoisite back to the light. What's more, with them so close to their bonded Guardian, the odds of snaring them again might as well be zero. She marched into the chamber of Queen Metalia, ready to face the music.The Great Master was not pleased, but thankfully she was still too weak to do more than rage at Beryl's incompetence. The fact she was still alive was not lost on her as she headed to scold the remaining Kings. She had planned to hurt them, but seeing the condition that Nephrite was in stopped her."What happened to you?" She asked, fearing the answer."Sailor Moon," He spat. "She used some kind of light-based attack on me. I'm not injured, but it's like I'm ill. I just can't seem to pull up much strength.""I see…" Beryl looked at Kunzite. If her second-in-command was hurting, he did not show it on his stoic face. "We will continue our missions as planned. We need to find the Silver Crystal as soon as possible. It is the only way we can save Jadeite and Zoisite. Nephrite, I understand you had a plan with brides to be. Do it now, while the Guardians are districted with Zoisite."Nephrite tried to bow but winced in pain. "It will be done, Queen Beryl."Nephrite departed, Kunzite following behind him. Beryl sat on her throne. She would need a new plan to deal with Sailor Moon at this rate. She wondered if she had the time to prepare, given what was happening. She set to work.*Sailor-Moon*Nephrite stopped on the way down the hall as Kunzite put a hand on his shoulder."You remembered too, didn't you?" Kunzite asked him. "About our master and true mission?"Nephrite nodded. "Yes, but I can still feel the darkness around my heart. If we openly confront or deny Beryl, I fear she will use that power to do something unreversible to us."Kunzite nodded. "So, we continue to act like loyal soldiers until we can be purified by Sailor Moon. Try to be convincing that we are serious?"Nephrite laughed. "Yes, sir! It does feel good to not hate your guts anymore. Even if those foul feelings are still there."Kunzite grinned. "When Beryl is done, she will be punished for many crimes she caused us to commit by our corruption."*Sailor-Moon*The night was a long one. Ami never once left Zoisite's side. She helped trickle some water into his mouth. She used her mastery of it to help it go down. She wiped down his face whenever sweat would break out on it. She wished she could peer into his fevered dreams and take those from him."Wake up soon, my love." She said softly to him.*Sailor-Moon*Hiroshi groaned as he heard splashing from Rei's bath. He had finished some time ago but Rei and Usagi had asked him to guard the door to the bath for them. He understood they were trying to give Ami some alone time with her knight, but still.His mind was wondering to places it should not go. To his Mars and how close their bodies seemed to be already. He shook his head trying to rid himself of the inappropriate thoughts. He could not have that sort of relationship with his soulmate, not yet anyways.He looked up at the full moon. "Oh moon, please guide us in the days to come." He prayed. "Oh blessed Princess, grant us your love so the earth may flourish once more.""Is that a prayer you would say in the past?" Usagi's voice came from the door.He turned to see the Moon Princess clad in a pink Yukata. Her hair was down and still a little damp. The light of her celestial form made it look silver instead of blonde. She wore the moonlight the way she wore the Yukata, just another accessory. Her crystal blue eyes practically shone under the full moon."Yes," Jadeite smiled at her. "We would pray to the both the moon and the earth. The Moon Princess above and the Earth Prince below. We were truly blessed to have such powerful beings as our protectors. It was an honor to be a part of the courts of both."Usagi smiled. "I'm sure when I get my memories back, I'll feel the same. I can't wait to meet the Moon Princess."Hiroshi felt a lump in his throat. He hated lying to his liege like this. Usagi would never meet the Moon Princess and serve her. After all, Usagi was the Moon Princess herself."I'm sure you'll get along just fine." He smiled at her. "Shall we go and check on Zoisite and Ami?"Rei came out in a red Yukata right as he asked that."I agree. Let's see if we can drag Ami away to a bath."The three of them headed back towards the room Zoisite was recovering in.
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The temptation was strong for Kunzite as he looked out over Juban. He could sense her, so close yet still so far from his arms. He could not recall her face or her name, but he could see that blonde hair and blue eyes. The smile on her face as she said his name, the orange glow on her forehead. Maybe this was part of Beryl's curse they were under."I guess I won't remember you until I'm free." He lamented. "Hurry, Sailor Moon. Cut these dark chains so I can see her again. And apologize for all my sins."For now, he got back to work. Beryl must not suspect anything.*Sailor-Moon*Hiroshi leaned back beside Zoisite's bed. The knight had still not woken up. He looked out at the brightening of the sun as Ami, Rei, and Usagi awoke."Welcome back to the land of the living, girls." Hiroshi smiled. "Sadly, our sleeping friend is still out of it. I think we are going to have to bring Nephrite or Kunzite back before he will come to."Ami looked heartbroken as she knelt beside him. "He's so close, but yet still so far away."Hiroshi reached over and ruffled her hair. "Don't worry, Ami. He'll come back to you. Zoisite would climb out of Hell itself to make you smile."Ami gave a weak one at his words. "We are going to need more supplies if we are to keep him comfortable. Usagi, mind running some errands for me?"Usagi pumped her fists. "You can count on me, Ami. I'll get what we need and be back as quickly as I can."They had to stop her from running off without the shopping list and again without the money. Hiroshi sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. She really was the Moon Princess Serenity.*Sailor-Moon*Usagi was nearly done shopping. She just needed to cross the street for the last time on Ami's list. As the light changed, she stepped out into the street. Then there was a loud noise as a car turned far too fast and was coming right before her.She could have jumped back or fallen forward, but the heroine froze instead, unwilling to risk the precious items that she had been sent for. That hesitation would have proven fatal, had not fate intervened.A pair of strong hands grabbed her and yanked her backward. She saw a powerful-looking young woman with long brown hair and jade-colored eyes. She had the cutest rose flower studs in her ears."Cute," Usagi said, feeling her face blush as the girl saved her.The girl turned and yelled at the driver. "Hey! Watch your speed!" She turned to Usagi. "Are you alright? That guy nearly killed you."Usagi checked herself and realized that she was alright. "Yes," She nodded. "Thank you for saving me."The girl smiled. "No biggie. I'm Kino Makoto, nice to meet you." She held her hand out.Usagi took the offered hand to shake. "I'm Tsukino Usagi." She replied. There was a vision, of the moon glowing silver, in her mind."Tsukino, huh?" Mako smiled. "Our names are similar. Maybe that means we are meant to be friends."Usagi smiled. "I would like that."The girl nodded. "I see your shopping right now, I'll let you get back to it. Hopefully we meet again soon, Usagi.""See you around, Mako." She replied. She felt the nickname suited the girl so well"Mako, huh? No one has ever given me a nickname before." Mako blushed. She turned and walked away, trying to look all cool."She was pretty cool." A male voice behind her said.She probably should have been startled but she had started to sense when he was near. She turned to look at a white-faced Mamoru. "Are you alright?" She asked him."She who nearly got run over by a car is asking me that?" He looked appalled. "Come on, let's stop in Crown Parlor. I want to make sure you aren't in shock."Usagi followed him into the café that was connected to the arcade she frequented. "Are you studying to become a doctor?" She found herself asking as Mamoru looked her over."Doing what I can while I'm still in high school," He admitted. "My plan is to become a doctor, so I saw no reason to not start studying right away. I doubt it will give me a leg up in medical school, but it certainly wouldn't hurt."Usagi smiled at him. Something was off though. The passion in his voice was tempered with something else."Is there something else you want to do more?" She guessed and he looked at her surprised."More like someone I want to find," He admitted. "And perhaps, someone special to keep an eye on." He winked one crystal blue eye at her.She was surprised that stoic Mamoru had let his guard down for a moment. Not as surprised as he though, as he quickly turned away blushing slightly."Sorry, I don't know what came over me."Usagi shook her head. "No! Don't apologize. I felt for a moment there…" She trailed off, blushing as well."I'm glad you're safe, bunhead." He reached over and patted her head. "Try to be more careful in the future, alright?""Alright." She nodded.Mamoru smiled at her before he walked away. Was it her imagination, or did he touch his lips softly as he did. She reached up and touched her own. She had longed for him to kiss her.*Sailor-Moon*Hiroshi watched the display between his Prince and Princess. He had volunteered to check on Usagi when she was late returning. He had seen the girl, obviously, the reborn Jupiter, pull her mistress from an oncoming car. The look on Master's face warmed Hiroshi's heart.He pondered whether it was time to reveal himself properly to his ruler but dismissed the idea. The master would need to remember his past himself before Hiroshi or the others revealed themselves.He felt a powerful pressure beside him and turned to see Aino Minako standing beside him as they watched the couple-to-be depart."Should I worry about the fact they are already so close?" Minko, AKA Venus, fretted."I would say not," Hiroshi replied. "I mean, it was love at first sight last time. This time, they are getting to know each other more gradually. That can only be for the best."She sighed. "I miss Kunzite, so badly. I should never have sent Adonis to help you all back then."He shook his head. "No, you were right to send someone to watch our backs. And he was a decorated officer. How could you have known he was a traitor? Kunzite knew he was in love with you, so any unease he had at Adonis was tempered with his belief it was related to that."She took a shaky breath. "Still, I would understand if he never forgave me."He reached over and patted the back of her head. "There will be nothing to forgive for him. He will be more worried about your forgiveness. After all, he sent Adonis to fight you."She gave him a soft smile. "Thank you, Hiroshi. Is Zoisite recovering?"Hiroshi shook his head. "No. I'm worried he will not wake up until either the others are restored, or our master himself comes to wake him. I'm sharing what energy I can spare to sustain him, as is Ami. She is so worried."Minako nodded. "I understand. I worry for Kunzite as well. Let us pray for their safety."They looked up at the moon, just staring to wane. They clasped their hands and offered their prayers.*Sailor-Moon*Usagi was walking home after detention. She was worried about Zoisite as well, though mostly for Ami's sake. As she was walking, a sweet melody hit her ears. She turned and followed the sound of the music. In the park, by a fountain, a green haired young woman stood and played a violin. It was such a familiar melody to Usagi. It sounded like something she had heard in a dream. She walked forward until she stood next to the fountain, some distance from the girl.The woman suddenly stopped and looked up at her. The look of shock on her face made Usagi think she had seen a ghost."Sorry to startle you," Usagi bowed her head. "I couldn't help but stop and listen."The woman's shock morphed into a joyous smile. "I'm glad you enjoyed the song. I wrote it for someone very like you so long ago. She never got to hear it, sadly."Usagi felt pain she could not understand grow within her. "I'm sorry."The woman shook her head. "You have nothing to apologize for."Usagi smiled and sat on the edge of the fountain. "How about you play the whole thing for me? That way, maybe your friend will hear it through me."Usagi thought she saw the ghost of a tear in the woman's eyes. "I think she will if it's you listening. Thank you, miss.""Usagi." She supplied."My name is Michiru. I call this song, Moonlight Romance. It's about the Princess of the Moon and her forbidden love with the Prince of the Earth and their many meetings."She set bow to string and began to play. Usagi leaned her head back and let the music take her. She saw a beautiful princess, who looked so much like her, dancing in the arms of a handsome prince, who she could not make the face out of.*Sailor-Moon*Michiru looked down at the dozing figure of the Moon Princess Serenity as she slept on the edge of the fountain. "My princess, I wrote this song for you." She said softly as she knelt beside the girl. "But my role prevented me from playing it for you. I thank the silver moon I was able to do so at last. Even though I operate away from your side, I am ever your faithful servant. I am protected by Neptune, the planet of the Oceans, Guardian of the Deep Oceans. I am Sailor Neptune. It is not time for us to meet just yet. But I am glad I got to see you face to face."She got up and fled into the darkness. She increased her pace with each step. She knew if she did not run, she would return to her Princess' side and never leave it again.*Sailor-Moon*Kenji was walking home by the park when he noticed Usagi passed out on the fountain. He blinked, confused how his daughter had ended up there. He picked her up and noticed tears coming from her eyes in her sleep."Did you fail another test and Mama kicked you out?" He asked as he held her close. "Well, you surely have been punished enough. Let's go home."
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Nephrite bowed to Queen Beryl. "I have a plan to bring Jadeite back into the fold, Your Majesty. However, it will require both Kunzite and myself."Kunzite watched from the side, wondering if Beryl would take this bait.Beryl turned to look at him questioningly. He nodded his head. "I have heard the plan and it's a solid one, Queen Beryl."She nodded once. "Go then, and bring back the other Kings of Heaven."They hurried from the room to make their 'preparations'."Remember," Kunzite told him before they departed for Toyko. "We must execute this plan perfectly. If we mess up, one of us will be taken back by Beryl before we can be purified."Nephrite sighed. "I know."*Sailor-Moon*"Master…" A voice interrupted Mamoru's sleep.He sat up suddenly and looked around. Everything seemed to be in its proper place. He was wondering if he had dreamed the voice that had awoken him. He lay back down and started to close his eyes again."Master, please! You must hurry!"Now he knew he was not dreaming. He sat up and looked around, but no one was there."Where are you?" He asked the air at large, not expecting an answer. So of course, that is what he got."Hikawa Shrine. Please, you must hurry. I don't have long left, my master."He threw on a shirt. "Hold on, I'll get Sailor Moon and come to you…""NO!"" The voice said urgently. "For Sailor Moon to save me, she must awaken her true powers. This must not happen yet. However, you can do it. Come to me and I will guide you."Unsure what he was doing, Mamoru reached over to grab his tuxedo.*Sailor-Moon*It was the weekend again so Hiroshi and the girls were all at the shrine. They had planned to stay in Zoisite's room to keep the fallen knight company but Ami had rejected that idea when they arrived."He is taking a turn for the worse." She explained. "He needs quiet rest." She had bags under her eyes."How much energy are you spending to keep him stable?" Hiroshi asked as they settled into Rei's room."Too much." She replied. "We need a new source of energy to sustain him. I'm so worried."He reached over and gave her a gentle head pat. "I understand. I'm sure he knows you are near and is fighting to see you again."She blushed and nodded her head. His eyes wandered over to his fire-brand, who was not meeting his look, her cheeks red."Something wrong, Rei?" He asked her and she glared at him."I have my soulmate, the man I am destined to love, sitting in my bedroom." Her cheeks turned even more red.He did as well, recalling some of their many nights together. A pillow struck him in the face."What was that for?" He complained."I know what thoughts you were thinking." She accused."Just memories, my love."She nodded and sat back and Usagi poked her arm."He called you, his love." She teased gently. "That's so beautiful!"He expected Rei to get angry and yell at Usagi, but the hotheaded girl seemed to take it in stride. Perhaps, Hiroshi realized, she was starting to realize who her princess was.There was the sound of a door opening, just outside."That was Zoisite's room!" Ami exclaimed. She got up and ran out.Hiroshi followed her along with Usagi and Rei. They arrived at the door to Zoisite's room to see his Master standing over Zoisite."Tuxedo Mask!" Ami cried out. "What are you doing to him!" She demanded.She started to move forward but Hiroshi threw out his arm to block her."No! Let him finish."He could see golden light flowing from his prince to the wounded warrior on the bed."But…" Ami looked like she was about to break down."Mercury." He said her proper name. "Please trust this man."She bit her lip but took a single step back to show she would at least trust his word.The golden light finished it's infusion into the man on the bed. Eyelids fluttered open and green eyes blinked up at the celling."Mercury…" the man called weakly. "Where are you?"Ami darted past Hiroshi, who would have fought a bear to allow her to reach that bed."I'm here, Zoisite." She called and offered the Knight of Purity her hands.He grasped them. "I can't see, just yet." He confessed to her. "But I feared I would never hear that voice again. My angel, I'm so sorry…"She interrupted his words with a gentle kiss on his lips. "Enough of that." She made him lay back down. "You are still weak and thusly still my patient first. I'll fetch you some broth.""Too… kind to me…" He said weakly.Ami rushed out of the room to head for the kitchen. Zoisite then turned his attention to Hiroshi."Jadeite, brother, can this be happening? We're alive again and reunited with our loves?"Jadeite smiled. "Believe it, brother. We had to go through a lot of darkness to get here, but the destination was worth the journey.""Do you recall your human name, Zoisite?" Usagi asked him."Kiyoshi," He told them. "Yabuta Kiyoshi."Usagi looked up. "Thank you for…" She looked around puzzled. "Where is Tuxedo Mask?"Hiroshi did not need to look. He had felt the Master sneak out as Ami and Kiyoshi had their reunion.*Sailor-Moon*Nephrite felt Zoisite awakened, fully restored, and back on the correct side. He felt jealous that the other man had been purified but shook it off. It was just the remains of the dark control over him making him feel that way.He had some time to kill before he needed to start his part of the plan so he headed to a local planetarium. He found himself standing next to the Jupiter exhibit."Of course I find myself standing next to the celestial body of my love." He muttered to himself.To look at Jupiter was to also look at its Princess. Many people seem to have forgotten that a Sailor Guardian is born of the womb of the planet they draw their power from. In short, a Sailor Guardian was the will of a planet made flesh.A voice spoke from beside him. "Jupiter is very pretty, despite being a gas giant, huh?"That voice, straight out of his past. With Zoisite restored, he could remember that voice. He looked over at the human guise his Jupiter was wearing. Serenity helped him, she was right next to him! His heart leaped and told him where it belonged."I'm sure Jupiter would not appreciate being called a large ball of gas." He remarked.The girl laughed. Her laugh was the same as always, just like those lovely green eyes and her long chestnut hair. "I know I wouldn't." She blushed as she looked away from him. "Do you speak to Jupiter often?"He smiled, realizing she did not know her identity. "Every chance I get. The planet though is not one for conversations."She laughed again. "Well, I hope you find what answers you were looking for from the planet."He winked at her. "Oh, I think I will. It's been a pleasure Miss…?""Makoto, Kino Makoto." She introduced herself.Somewhere in the back of his brain, a name presented itself. "My name is Nagai Akira.""Akira, like Dawn?" She asked in interest."Yes, very much so." He smiled. "Kino, like thunder?"She laughed. "Old family name. Well, I hope I run into you again, Nagai-san.""I hope to run into you as well, Kino-san."He watched her walk away. He checked the watch he had brought along, willing the minutes to tick by so they could start their plan. He longed to be going with his Jupiter, after all.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The time had come. Kunzite was floating over the Tokyo Tower. He reached out his hands and called on the dark magics for the last time. He pulled the energy from the lights and into himself. He could have easily pulled the energy from the people, but his conscience refused to let him hurt that many."It's your turn, Nephrite." Kunzite declared. "Good luck, my friend."*Sailor-Moon*Nephrite smiled as the lights whizzed out, the signal that it was show time. Someone stumbled into him in the dark, and he was sure from the feminine form and the fragrance of roses it was Makoto."Kino-san, are you alright?" He asked her as he steadied her."Yes, thank you Nagai-san." She smiled as he helped her up. "What happened?""Looks like the power went out. Come on, let's get you outside…"He was cut off as he sensed something flying towards him in the dark. He let go of his love and stepped backward as something passed harmlessly between them."No fair… you dodged!" Came a screeching voice."A Yoma?" Nephrite asked in confusion. "What is one of Jadeite's clay dolls doing here?""I was not created by Lord Jadeite." The female monster cackled. "Queen Beryl herself gave me life. Did you really think you and Lord Kunzite could fool her? She knows enough about your bonds to know you two are hanging by thin puppet strings. Time to die, Lord Nephrite."There was a growl from his side and Nephrite felt someone fly through the air before he saw Makoto strike the Yoma into the ground with a punch."You talk too much, lady." The future Jupiter cracked her knuckles. "Maybe I don't understand what you want to Nagai-San here, but I won't allow you to hurt him right in front of me.""You… struck me?" The Yoma wailed in confusion. "You knocked me down? Are you some kind of monster?"Well, Nephrite winced on behalf of the poor naïve creature. He could tell from the flare of Jupiter's power around Makoto that she had just signed her death warrant.*Sailor-Moon*Kunzite floated above the tower but saw no signs of Nephrite putting his part of the plan into action. He started to float away when he felt killing intent to his right. He turned around to see a vision of heaven. There on the rooftops, looking at him with a mix of pain and longing, was his Venus, his Morning and Evening Star. She was dressed in her orange sailor fuuko again and not that fake moon outfit she had worn as Sailor V. Though he hated seeing the crescent moon on her forehead instead of the mark of Venus or her tiara. It meant that the Princess was in danger and she was fulfilling her role as body double. He hated even more that it was his fault the Princess was in danger."Kunzite…" Venus spoke. Her voice was mixed with determination and steel. "I won't let even you harm the people of this world. Not the world you shed your own blood to protect. I would rather die a hundred times than see you bloody your hands with the deaths of those who you should be protecting."If his heart had not still been gripped by darkness, he would have broken at her words. He loved this young woman more than words could describe."Venus," He said. "I won't harm any of them. My senses have started to return to me. But darkness still has a hold of me. Nephrite and I came to have Sailor Moon save us as she did with Jadeite and Zoisite."An evil cackle came from the air around them. "See sisters? Queen Beryl was right! Lord Kunzite is a traitor as well!"Kunzite looked up as three Yoma, reeking with the darkness of Beryl and her evil mistress appeared around them."I see she has found new servants." He remarked dryly. "Only three of you?""The powers given to you by the darkness will not work on us, Kunzite. And until you are purified, you cannot use the powers of a knight. It will take far too long for Sailor Moon to save you."A male voice, light and merry with glee came carrying on the breeze. "Oh, and what am I? Chopped liver?"*Sailor-Moon*Hiroshi, as Jadeite once more, went running with Sailor Mars towards the place he had sensed Nephrite. He looked down at the green transformation pen given to him by Luna."I sense a large spike in Jupiter's energy." Luna explained. "The guardian planet is trying to make a connection. Get this to the vessel of Jupiter's might and we might be able to turn things around."He had taken the pen with a nod. He remembered just how fearsome Princess Jupiter had been in her prime."Are we going to make it in time?" Mars wondered as they felt signs of not one but two battles going on in the city."Yes, I think we will. Turn, just up here."She gave him a smile. "Thanks, I can sense the energies but not well.""Well, you are not the leader of your band. That was always the power of the leader of the Four Guardian Goddesses to sense when the others were in trouble."Mars nodded. "Thanks for making me feel better."They rounded the corner and saw a woman beating another woman into the ground. Jadeite wouldn't have known she was a younger girl if it had not been for the middle school uniform she was wearing. He and Mars slowed to a halt as the monster made from clay wailed helplessly on the onslaught from the Sailor Guardian.Jadeite saw Nephrite standing there, lost in amazement as his still-human soulmate attacked his would-be killer without mercy."What happened?" Jadeite asked in exasperation."The Yoma made the mistake of calling Kino-san there a Monster." He said softly. "I haven't seen her this mad since the time Zoisite replaced her tiara with a kaiju mask.""So, your memories have returned?""Mostly, there is still strings of darkness around me, but Sailor Moon won't have any fight from me when she cuts them. Is she with you?""No, she is looking for the Master. She felt it was important for him to be here for this battle.""Probably a good idea. I doubt that is the only Yoma."Jaditie acknowledged that Nephrite was probably correct. He handed the pen to Nephrite. "Here, you're the only one who can approach her when she is like this. You give it to her."The red-haired knight took the pen and walked over to his former lover. "Here, Kino-san. Use this."She looked over and took the pen. "Should I stab her with it?"The Yoma made a little gurgling sound which caused Jaditie to laugh. "I wish I had a video camera right now."Nepphrite shook his head. "No. Just focus on it and say… what does she say, Sailor Mars?"Jadeite saw Mars blink. "You don't know?""Well, you had a bunch of power-ups in our timeline, so I don't know which one you girls are currently on.""We have power-ups… never mind. It's Jupiter Power, Makeup!"The brunette raised her hand with the pen. "Jupiter Power, Make Up!"Lightning flashed down from the heavens and engulfed her before she stood before them, transformed into the mighty Jupiter."Protected by Jupiter, the planet of Lightning. Guardian of Protection. I am Sailor Jupiter!" She called out.Then a small lightning rod rose from her tiara. "Jupiter my guardian planet. I beseech you. Bring forth a storm and bring down your thunder! Supreme Thunder!"The Yoma screamed in pain before it was reduced to ashes."Well done, you defeated the first of us."Six more Yoma appeared, surrounding the two Sailor Guardians and the two knights. Jadeite summoned a second sword and passed it off to Nephrite."Thank you, I can fight as well now. I bet you're glad I made all of us summon two blades now."Jadeite rolled his eyes. "I still feel like it was a waste of time usually, but this is a very specific situation even you could not have foreseen.""True, let us fight together!"*Sailor-Moon*Kunzite looked over at Zoisite, now returned to his Knightly form. He had his sword still sheathed to his side and his hair fluttered in the night breeze. Beside him was Sailor Mercury, looking so radiant and happy next to her partner. He could tell their bond as soulmates was already restored and they were empowering each other beyond the basic transformations both bore."You call that a knightly Henshin?" Kunzite gently scolded."Give me a break, Lord Kunzite. It's my first in this new body!"Mercury gave him a look that told him she would not tolerate any bad-mouthing of her partner at that moment, leader of the Knights or not. Kunzite had to admit that was fair.A moment later, Venus was by his side. "We need to fight, Kunzite.""No, 'Princess' you need to stay back and let the three of us handle this," Kunzite said with a look of emphasis at Mercury."Princess? Sailor V, are you Princess Serenity?" Mercury asked in confusion."Aye, that's me." He could tell how much she hated lying to her own sister-at-arms. He would have hated to lie to Zoisite had it come to it."Hold still, Kunzite." Zoisite placed a hand on his forehead and channeled the power within him. "As the Knight of Purification, I restore you, Lord Kunzite of the North Wind. Knight of Purity and Affection, return from the Darkness and serve our Master once more."The dark chains that bound him shattered, leaving Kunzite as he was before the darkness had claimed him. He summoned his Knightly transformation, a basic one like Zoisite and Jadeite's own. He then reached down to draw his sword, his true source of power.The Yoma flinched back in fear as a wave of light swept from Kunzite and a chilly wind hit them all."What is this?" Mercury asked Zoisite."Kunzite, like your own leader, is special. He is as tightly bound to this world as the Master is. The earth is welcoming his return."The wind gathered at Kunzite's sword as he aimed it at the Yoma. "Witness now, why we were named the Four Kings of Heaven! ARCTIC STRIKE!"He slashed forward and the freezing wind stuck to the blade flashed out as a cutting breeze. The Yoma were struck, two of them being slashed in half. The third one simply froze solid before shattering to pieces."Wow, is this the power of a Knight?" Mercury asked."Yes," He heard Zoisite confirm. "Though my South Wind allows me to heal my allies rather than attack directly. Jadeite commands the East wind, and Nephrite the West. Some legends say we are the incarnations of the four winds themselves that give life to earth.""Is it true?" Mercury asked.Kunzite laughed. "We don't know, either. Does it matter if we were born of the will of the winds or if these were powers bestowed upon us by the Master?"Venus shook her head. "It never mattered to you or my handmaidens who loved you all so."Mercury blushed as Zoisite squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, Mercury. Your memories will be back soon.""Come, I sense Jadeite and Nephrite are still fighting with their own Sailor Guardians. Let's see if we can help…"Right as he said that there was an unholy scream in the distance. Kunzite knew that keen far too well. In his fear, he forgot himself."No! Princess!" He dashed off on the wind and rushed in the direction of the scream, Venus hurrying after him."Wait, was that Usagi?" Mercury asked and she and Zoisite followed suit. "Why did you call her Princess?""We can talk about it more after we find out what's wrong," Venus promised her. "For now, we must protect Usagi at all costs."Zoisite stopped. "You three go ahead. I'll go back and help Nephrite and Jadeite. Nephrite will need his powers anyway.""Be swift, Zoisite." Kunzite nodded his agreement before resuming his dash.He just hoped they made it in time.