Their memories continued to waltz into their minds unannounced, but sometimes their new lives refused to be gracious partners. She could feel these separate halves slowly melting into one. Her mind reeled, knowing the others hadn’t faired much better than had she, and for the second time that day, she swallowed a couple of painkillers. Adding to her discomfort, something unseen loomed with deadly intent in the air as well. At this delicate stage of new birth, she doubted their strength to deal with it, so she set to work, her blue eyes searching the streaming lines of code and data -- star charts and geographical maps strewn over her small workspace. The shrine had indeed become their own quiet sanctuary and makeshift prison.
The appearance of four powerful men was impossible to hide from Rei's grandfather any longer, but they were surprised to find he took the news quite calmly. At all times, a Senshi stayed at the shrine with Rei, and it was Ami's turn this evening. She would soon replace Makoto at the palace watch soon, so she worked feverously at her numbers -- so involved in her work, she didn't hear him approach until he was standing right beside her.
With a start, she looked up into his green eyes. "Zoisite…."
"I'm sorry if I startled you."
"Don't worry, everyone does it."
"If you don't mind me asking, what are you working on?"
"I'm not really sure. I'm reviewing logs I made during the Black Moon crisis a few years ago, trying to find any useful bits of information that might help us in our current situation."
He watched her type quietly away at the computer for a few awkward moments. She could feel his soft gaze upon her quick moving fingers. "The Black Moon crisis...?"
"Yes, the next nemesis after our encounter with Metallia. They came from the future and planned to take over the Crystal Kingdom by re-writing our past."
"Did you venture into the future?" Ami nodded at his question. "I often wondered if time travel was possible. I suppose it would make sense, if Sailor Pluto guards time so. I had always thought it would be dangerous, though."
"It has proved difficult, knowing our future and having it effect every decision we make. Now, dealing with the past and future is slightly overwhelming to say the least. I get the feeling there is something more to all this than we’re aware. Like I'm forgetting something about what happened, something very important."
"I'm sure you'll figure it out. You always have."
"Yes, I suppose we've been through worse. It seems whenever we're presented with something from the past; it gets easier to remember. Like having the Shitennou here has jolted my memory of all of you. It will just take time. I only hope we have enough."
"You could always see farther than the rest of us. I was amazed at your abilities, how you could see through things as if looking into a clear pool. Jadeite, had found you especially amazing – actually, quite frustrating really, I should say," Zoisite chuckled at the memories. "He would always try to find new problems to stump you, but you won every time. Can you not use that gift now?"
"I don't know. Sometimes I've felt as if I've done more than simply think about problems. I've felt like..." Ami paused as her eyes caught sight of her laptop, as Data and patterns scrolled across the right of her screen, and she focused on these. The more she focused, the more she felt a latent power shiver within her.
As she looked once more, the columns seemed to tremble before her very eyes, the numbers appearing like three-dimensional objects she could almost touch and move. As quickly as these seemingly stirred to life, once more they reverted back to cold codes of ones and zeros. Ami shook her head. "I don't know. I don't remember enough to use it, and even then, I might have lost that ability in this life."
"It doesn't matter. Without it, you are still smarter than the rest of us," Zoisite smiled, and she found it comforting. "Your name is Ami now, correct?"
"Yes."
"So, you remember your old name and memories from the Silver Millennium?"
"Yes, it’s hazy, but it’s all there."
"Do-do you remember me from the past?"
Ami sighed, slowly removing her fingers from the small keyboard. "Yes."
"I'm very sorry about what happened that night, and for what happened here as well. We were becoming such good friends and then, I'm-"
Ami held up a graceful hand. "It's all right, Zoisite, I understand. I, too, have against my will hurt friends. I have had my doubts about this whole situation, about our memories. But now that you and the others are here...perhaps it is a time for all of us to start again. Everyone deserves another chance."
"Yes, we can become friends all over." They smiled softly at one another.
"What's going on?" A steely voice interrupted their quiet moment. Minako stood with her hands on her hips near the door, her bright eyes peering at Zoisite accusingly.
"Oh, is it time already?" Ami said, quickly picking up her items from the table.
"Let me help," Zoisite offered. "Can I come to the watch with you?"
"No," Minako answered before Ami's lips could part. "You and the others must stay here at all times."
"We're not criminals."
"Please, refresh my memory as to how you aren't," Minako challenged, stepping closer.
"Your battle with Kunzite does not involve me."
Her eyes flashed dangerously. "I killed you once, Zoisite; I have no qualms about doing it again."
"Minako, please," Ami's quiet voice broke through. "This isn't necessary. I'll see you tomorrow Zoisite, perhaps you can help me with some of this data. Goodbye, goodbye Minako."
Ami quickly stepped between them, and soon the two warriors were left alone. For a moment neither moved, two steel pillars pulling equally at one another. However, the reborn leader of the Inner Senshi was the more persistent this time and Zoisite conceded, bowing his head curtly before exiting the room.
Minako took her place in Ami's seat, and after a moment allowed her eyes to falter. She sighed, releasing the knot inside her chest. The shrine was quiet, but its tender walls let her hear deeply enough to reach their rooms -- his rooms. Their voices came to her ears in confused muffles, but there were distinctly three. She smiled smugly as Zoisite entered the room, his voice high with indignation. He was always a bit of a crybaby.
She frowned, however, as she heard his commanding voice, so much more powerful than the other's. She listened as Zoisite's quick footsteps were replaced by Kunzite's purposeful ones, and she once more collected herself. Before he even turned the corner, she spoke, "is the little tattle tale's mother coming to reprimand me now?" Kunzite kept his eyes clear of emotion and she felt herself disappointed.
"I am unsure how to address you in this time period," he said.
"You know who I am."
"Yes, but I assume out of battle and on the streets it would be inappropriate…," Kunzite reached.
"You will not be going out on the streets any time soon."
"Very well, you are the leader of the princess' guard in this time as well?"
"You are correct."
"Then you must have some understanding of the situation I am in."
"Vaguely...."
"I realize that this isn't easy for anyone, but we have been called back for a specific purpose -- Endymion is our purpose."
"Mamoru-san can take care of himself. He has learned to defend himself effectively after you betrayed him once more in this life. You are a relic, only dusted off by a clause within the princess' wish."
Even Kunzite's patience had limits. "Are you suggesting we squander this opportunity for redemption and fade into oblivion?"
"I was hoping you'd let me help. Perhaps hold your bloody sword for you as you run into it." Minako's thoughts mirrored the muted surprised expression on Kunzite's face. She did not understand why her words were laced with cynicism nowadays. She didn’t mean what she was saying, not really, but there was a pressure inside her now—full of emotions ancient and morose. Above it all, she had always found a way to remain uplifted. It didn’t seem so easy anymore.
"You are not as I remember."
"I am no longer who you remember," she retorted. Kunzite's eyes abruptly changed, and Minako shifted under his reproachful regard. She had long ago become accustomed to his unwavering gaze. She had once found him intimidating and mysterious -- a combination the princess of Venus could never resist. This look, of emotion and remorse, sent jolts through her stomach, however.
"I could see everything, hear everything. I could feel the hurt and betrayal in Endymion's eyes, in your eyes. I fought with everything I could against her treachery, but I could not raise my arm against her, or against myself. I screamed and fought inside when we came face to face. I could do nothing, and when you were dying-"
"Enough!" Minako yelled, rushing to her feet. Tears glistening at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Her past self pushed against her heart, and even he could see the conflict taking place within her. He had fallen silent under her turbulent glare, realizing the error of his ways. He was not one to be so brash and unspoken, but seeing her here now—those blue eyes just as he remembered them—was hard on his resolve. After everything that had happened and was happening, it was not so easy to be strong now. He had hoped she would understand, but he could see now it would not be that easy.
Minako's voice was shaky. "You are right, General. Whatever has happened we have been placed in service together once again. I do not know why, or to what extent we will be forced to interact, but hostility will get us nowhere. Forgive me for my outbursts. From now on I shall maintain a proper report around you and the Shitennou. I will tell the Senshi the same, and I expect your lords to behave as well."
"Lo-"
"That is not my name."
Defeated, Kunzite nodded. "Of course, we will do our best not to interfere. Good day Venus."
"Kunzite....” The words caught on the tip of her tongue as the warrior within regained itself. "Good day."
+++
"Makoto...?" the Senshi of thunder smiled as Ami approached.
"Good, I was getting tired of staring at nothing," Jupiter yawned, stretching her hands high above her head. Ami came to join her by the edge of the roof. Much of the city spread out before them, and the imperial palace nestled peacefully at its heart. The night was growing dark, as were their hopes.
"Do you think they'll respond? It's been two days," Jupiter asked.
"I honestly don't know."
"I mean, come on -- we're the Sailor Senshi! All we've ever done has been for the benefit of this world. Why can't they trust us?"
"I think why they hesitate is because they are unsure of the public's reaction. It might be safer if our friends remain protected and secure. In a situation like this, one thing could set off a reaction we might not be ready for."
"You're right," Jupiter sighed. "I just have a bad feeling about this."
Ami smiled, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Me too, but we'll face whatever comes together. Get some rest."
"Right... Bye, Ami."
+++
"Well, this seems a little familiar, doesn't it?" Their rooms were the largest in the shrine, but the Shitennou still felt uncomfortable, like sardines let loose from their can only to be netted once more. Kunzite had returned unsuccessful after his chat with Minako over two hours ago, and his friends could tell he was distracted, even though he always hid it well.
"Last time the Sailor Senshi weren't really our guards," continued Jadeite.
"Do you remember the first time we saw them?" Zoisite asked.
"We thought they were angels," Nephrite recalled. "And when they trained with us we thought they were powerful goddesses."
"They showed us our own powers. We do owe them much."
Jadeite grunted. "These girls are not the women we remember. We owe them nothing."
"But I could see the eyes of Sailor Mercury in Ami. She told me they received their memories," Zoisite argued.
"No, Jadeite is right. But should we be surprised at their reaction? We’ve betrayed them twice; we have earned their scrutiny" Kunzite finally spoke, his face as hard as stone. Just then, the door opened, issuing in Mamoru. At once the Shitennou rose, bowing to their prince.
"We weren't expecting you, your highness," Kunzite said with respect.
"Please, sit down, we have much to discuss." They did as they were told, and Mamoru joined them. "I'm sorry you're being treated this way."
"It's all right, we understand why," Zoisite said with understanding in his tone.
"No one has any reason to trust us," Kunzite added.
"I do," Mamoru said honestly. "You were my closest friends. We lived together, fought together, and I know we would have died together. I know that was a long time ago now, but I am starting to remember, and an act of forced betrayal cannot erase that truth. And in this life…what happened was unfair to us all. I do not blame you for what happened, and I want to forget it and start fresh."
The Shitennou looked relieved at his words and chanced a few smiles. "We are glad to hear it," Kunzite said with a sigh.
"Why do you think we were brought back?" Jadeite asked.
"I'm not sure, but I am glad for it. We have a chance to right the wrongs, to finally redeem ourselves," Kunzite answered.
"To be together again," Zoisite smiled. "We're sorry we couldn't be here for you in this time."
"I've managed," Mamoru smirked.
"I'm curious, how did you? What new powers did the Golden Crystal give you in this time?"
"I'm afraid not many," Mamoru shook his head. "The Golden Crystal has been more of a burden. Only a few of my powers have awoken here."
"We thought by now that would have changed. Then how have you protected Earth?"
Mamoru looked away. "I have not protected the Earth. The princess has."
"Serenity...?"
"And I was reborn to protect her. But now, things have changed. She has changed, and I have changed. I have seen the future, but I still feel a great deal of uncertainty as to what will happen."
"I think time is trying to set things right for what happened to us. The board has been set back to its previous position," Kunzite said thoughtfully.
"Hopefully it will not be shaken like it was the last time," Nephrite added.
"Or strangled to death by someone's Love Me Chain," Jadeite drawled. "Sailor Venus has been less than hospitable. She yelled at poor Zoisite here, and you know he’s rather sensitive."
"I don't know what has gotten into her," Mamoru answered, and shook his head.
"I do," Jadeite muttered, meeting Kunzite's sharp glance. "We'd have it a lot easier here if it hadn't been for someone fraternizing with the guard."
"The past is the past,” Kunzite commented.
"Except when it can't be forgotten…." drawled Jadeite.
"I would like to speak with Kunzite alone, please." They sighed, but bowed and retreated to their rooms at their prince’s request. Mamoru watched his most trusted general's stoic expression interrupted by a flash of guilt.
"Do not blame yourself for what happened. I've betrayed Serenity, more than once. Every time, for some reason, she has never stopped loving me."
"Venus is not your princess."
"No, but she is the senshi of love," Mamoru smiled wryly. "Things have happened to her, Kunzite, things that have turned her heart bitter. It’s been hard to see, but I’ve seen it, and I think Usa has as well. She has always kept it hidden, but with you here now, I think it's too much for her. You should talk to her."
"I have tried. She refuses to talk to me. She refuses even to tell me her name. I do not expect to simply be able to begin where we left off; I do not expect anything of the sort at all. But I do not want to be enemies…At least one thng hasn’t changed about her.”
“And what is that?”
“She is still as unrelenting as always, but I am on the other side of her affections this time.”
Mamoru chuckled, shaking his head. “Love is just as stubborn as hate, it would seem.”
+++
Mamoru found Minako waiting at the bottom of the stairs leading to the shrine above, her hand pressed against the side of Setsuna's car. Makoto and Rei flanked the automobile, concern for the Senshi of love clearly visible on their faces. Mamoru could see the senshi of time in the driver's seat, and watched as Michiru climbed out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
"Hello Mamoru-san," she greeted as he joined them.
"It's the changing of the guard," Minako explained. "I have to relieve Ami now. See you guys later." Minako wasted no time distancing herself from the others, and soon she was out of sight.
"I suppose she is still taking this hard?" Michiru asked, looking in the direction Minako had gone.
"This is ridiculous," Mamoru said impatiently. "I think they aren't the problem we need to worry about now."
"Or they could be the problem altogether. Their arrival has never brought anything but bad tidings. They need to be watched," Makoto said.
"They have given us no cause for alarm. They seem more confused than hostile," Setsuna countered.
"Do you know something about them that you would like to share, Setsuna?" Makoto asked, but Setsuna remained silent. "The only facts we have are those relating to the last two occasions we had come across the Generals when they tried to kill us and enslave the world in darkness. If they were in our shoes, I'm sure they would do the same. In this situation I think it better to be safe than sorry."
"But they're my friends."
"No offense, Mamoru-san, but people you knew 1000 years ago and can as of yet barely remember, who have tried to kill you more than once, do not deserve the honor of your friendship," Michiru stated.
"You don't understand," Mamoru shook his head. "All of you might have your reasons for despising the Shitennou. But they were my friends, my guardians. Their betrayal weighs more heavily on me than any of you could ever know. And I am willing to look passed that, because I know what it was like to be them -- powerless, and alone. I know what’s it like to wish you could change…I…Forget it."
Mamoru sighed angrily, and quickly walked away from the group in the opposite direction Minako had gone. They watched in silence as he turned the corner, disappearing from sight.
"Maybe Mamoru-san is right." The small group turned to Rei. "What if something evil soon comes our way and we are too busy fighting against the Shitennou to realize it?"
"Do you really think they're not a threat? Something you've seen in the fire?"
Rei hung her head at Makoto's question. "No, but Mamoru-san is our prince, too. Usually, if it were Usagi, I wouldn't trust the Shitennou as far as I could throw them. She loves everyone. But Mamoru-san, he is just as jaded as the rest of us, and he trusts them."
"Being courteous to someone doesn't mean you should put down all your defenses," Setsuna spoke up again.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Makoto finally relented. "We will see. Somewhere deep down I want to trust them, too, but I just can't shake off this feeling."
"What feeling?"
"That something is about to go horribly wrong."
+++
She hugged close to the shadows on this warm night. Dark, definitely not, as bright spotlights swept across the sky and over the sprawling city. She could hear the sirens as well, her constant companion no matter where she traveled lately. The whole world was on alert at the appearance of beings just like her. She wasn't surprised at their reaction. Humans were so petty and naive.
Somehow, she always knew she was different from everyone else. It was difficult to explain, this feeling of constant deja vu, as if something was close, but out of her mental grasp. She had been relieved the day she woke up with a crescent moon on her forehead, and forgotten memories in her mind. Now things were finally clear, and the ancient plot lurking in her mind from ages passed was unraveled. She wasn't about to let some lesser beings stop her from reaching her goal this time either.
The shadows would protect her, aid her in her quest. She could feel them reaching out for her just as she was to them. They were somewhere close now.
