AN: Without further ado, I give you the promised revision and extention of "Never Gone."

Never Gone

Chapter 1

A Song of Storm and Fire

The moon hung low in the sky; its light washed through the clearing; a silent guardian over a secret union. Jadeite looked up at the mythical orb with a rare sense of gratitude. It was the symbol of all he and his brothers had fought for. And tonight, it would witness an event that would change the course of Terra's destiny. He breathed deep the night air. Its chill did little to calm the rush of his heart. Tonight, he would change everything.

Oh, what a risk to take. Was it worth it? This moment, this night…it could bring disaster to his master's plans. Yet, it could also grant them favor in their ventures. Doubt warred with hope, and he continued to stare at the moon. It was the moon's fault. He breathed his thanks.

A rustle in the brush drew his eyes. He turned, straightened, breath held in anticipation. He could feel it coming so near.

And she emerged. His heart nearly stopped. He could hardly breathe. There she was, his beautiful Hecate, flanked by two Maidens of the Flame. Veils of ruby covered their faces, symbolizing their vow of silence. They would not betray their lady.

Mars kept her eyes down; a rare display of timidity. The moonlight reflected off her ruby and gold robes. A sheer veil covered her face. She stepped forward slowly, shyly, almost afraid.

Jadeite quickly took her arm. For a moment, he feared she would turn away, run back to the safety that was their separate worlds. But, as his fingers touched her arm, she looked up and their eyes met. And he was again left breathless. Her lavender eyes shown with such love; love and vulnerability and trust. She, like him, was taking a risk. And, like him, she was determined to see it through to the end.

He smiled. She smiled. And, together, they turned to face their destiny.

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Ryu gazed up at the Temple. The morning sun outlined each sacred crevice with gold. Wind drifted through the trees, carrying with it the soothing scent of nature. Birds sang all around him. Such a peaceful place. How could he have tried to destroy it? Easily, he thought as a shiver ran down his spine. He had felt this feeling before. It was what had drawn him to this place. A power that called to his heart; so strong it could reach through the darkness of Beryl's sway to the true core of his soul and pull him out; it was here. Something ancient and sacred was here. It lead him back; back to his roots; back to his heart; back to a place where he could have found freedom. If things had gone differently, if his plans had lingered on just a little longer, the battle with Beryl might have gone differently.

He sighed heavily. No use regretting. He was here now. He had a new mission. His love was somewhere inside the Temple. He needed to find her.

He ventured forth, following a path he knew well into the interior of the Temple, an area where guests did not usually transverse. It amazed him how well he remembered the lay of the area. It had not changed at all. Of course it would not. It was perfect as it was. The ancient power of this place sang to him as he walked. It embraced him, knowing him, welcoming him back. He drank it all in with relish. It felt like being home.

The Temple was completed. Jadeite stood in the center of the majestic room, taking it all in. After so many years of battling for this, it was finally here. Every aspect was perfect; just like he had dreamed. The golden alter depicting the Guardian Birds of the Fire; the flame that burned between their wings—a piece of himself set to burn eternally as symbol of Terra's reinstatement to the Order of the Sacred Fire; ruby red walls outlined with gold; the history of the Order painted across the walls; and two rows of columns standing strong, strung with thick curtains. He breathed it all in. The air was thick with incense. And he smiled. It was all so perfect.

"Excuse me."

An unfamiliar voice broke through his reminiscing. Ryu looked to the source, a spike of irritation pricking his heart at the interruption. This was not the Silver Millenium, he had to remind himself, and he was not the master of this temple. He was a common temple patron, subject to interruption. Still, he could not help feeling a distinctive dislike for this rude temple boy none the less.

To his credit, the temple boy was not deterred by the look he was getting from this stranger who was trespassing in the Temple interior. Yoichiro straightened his shoulders, reminding himself of his lessons under Hino-sama. Speak softly but firmly when dealing with troublesome patrons. "This area is not open to the public. If you wish to speak to the head priest, he will be available shortly. But I must ask you to wait out front."

Ryu shook his head. "Thank you, but no. I am actually here to see Rei."

Yoichiro noticeably stiffened. His eyes narrowed beneath his haggard bangs as he took a closer look at this man, a man who used Rei's name so intimately. Jealousy surfaced quickly, followed by anger. He did his best to keep them in check, but the smirk growing on this man's face—as if he could sense the emotions running through Yoichiro's blood—made it hard. "I'm sorry," he said in a tight voice, "But Hino -san is not taking visitors today."

"That's alright," Ryu said slowly, calmly, confidently. "She will see me." With that, he nodded to the temple boy and walked on.

Yoichiro quickly cut him off. "Hold on!" he protested, one hand pressed none too politely against Ryu's chest.

Ryu looked down at the hand in shock. Who did this temple boy think he was stopping him? Him? Second life or not, he was still Lord Jadeite, Prince of the South, Keeper of the Sacred Flames, and Rei's soul mate! This temple boy needed to know his place. He looked up into Yoichiro's eyes.

And Yoichiro nearly lost his nerve. He had never seen such a look. Blue eyes burning like fire. It caused his mind to twist with imaginings. Was he feeling heat surrounding them? Why was it suddenly so hard to breath? Was this man a threat to Rei? Was he going to hurt her?

Ryu narrowed his eyes. "Move."

Yoichiro swallowed. Hard. Sweat broke out over his skin. Still, he stood his ground. "No," he croaked out. "I told you to leave."

Ryu leaned forward just slightly. The heat increased. A sudden pressure weighed down on Yoichiro's body. He began to tremble. "And I told you to move."

Yoichiro's breathing became short, rapid, near hyperventilating. But he refused to move. He would not let this man hurt Rei. "I won't…" he stuttered. "I won't let you…go any…further."

A slow smile broke over Ryu's face. He cocked his head to the side, a thought suddenly crossing his mind. "What is your name?" he asked.

"Yoichiro," he answered without thinking.

Ryu's eyes widened with delight. "Wrong answer."

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Rei lay unmoving in the midmorning dawn of her room. She had not moved since returning from Beryl's cave so few days ago. She did not want to see anyone. Yoichiro had made the mistake of coming to see her the first day. Had she had the strength, she would have burned him with her fire. She did not care if it blew her cover. It would have made her feel better. It mattered little that he cared for her. It mattered little that at one time she had thought herself caring for him. But all of that was gone now. Compared to the love she had tasted in the past, Yoichiro was safe. He was not fire. He was a tree that bent with the wind. Something fire consumed. No, he never would have satisfied the fire in her heart.

Her Grandfather, Kami bless him, remained away, as if sensing what it was his granddaughter needed. He was always like that. He just seemed to know without asking. Thus, he left her alone, coming twice a day to bring her food and a note reminding her that he was there when she was ready. Thus, her days passed in solitude with tears as her only companion.

She stared at the medallion in her hands. She stroked it. The smooth glass warmed under her thumb. It was not fair. Things were not supposed to turn out like this. Her fires were supposed to release him from darkness, allow him to reincarnate, and then he and Mamoru would bring back the other Shittenou. Everyone would be happy. A tear slid down her chapped cheek. It was not supposed to happen like this.

She curled in on herself as the pain churned in her stomach. A fresh wave of tears welled in her eyes. And she succumbed to it, not knowing nor caring if she would ever recover from this. She didn't want to. She didn't want to think of recovery. Recovery meant moving on. Recovery meant living her life without him. She didn't want to do that. So, she cried, never once taking notice of the noises coming from outside.

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Yoichiro slammed back into the wall, pain spiking through his face. Blood flowed from his nose. He gasped out a cry as the shock of being hit wore off.

"You looked at her," Ryu growled darkly, stalking after his prey as he did so. "What did you think, hm?" he asked. Yoichiro looked up at him with confusion and fear. Ryu grabbed the front of his robes. "Did you think you were worthy of her? Hm? Answer me, temple boy!" He threw Yoichiro face down and pinned him there. "Did you really think you could ever win her heart?"

"What are you talking about?" Yoichiro whimpered.

Ryu turned him around and hoisted him up by the front of his robes until his feet were dangling off the ground. "I'm talking about you daring to ever consider the possibility of getting together with my wife!"

"You're wife?" Yoichiro stuttered.

Ryu brought him down until they were face to face. His eyes burned into Yoichiro's as he hissed, "Rei."

Yoichiro panted in abject terror. This guy was crazy! And dangerous! And talking nonsense about Rei! And…and! And he was completely at this madman's mercy.

Ryu dropped Yoichiro, turned him around, and forced him to his knees. He grabbed the trembling boy's arm and twisted it back until Yoichiro was bent over in pain. Ryu pressed his foot into Yoichiro's back. "I'm going to teach you your place, temple boy, so that the next time you even think about looking at her, you'll remember you are not equal to her, you are not anywhere near worthy of her, and if you know what is good for you, you won't so much as look her in the eyes if she ever speaks to you, am I understood?"

Yoichiro grit his teeth against the sobs of pain rising in his throat.

Ryu twisted his arm further. "Am I understood?"

"Yes!" Yoichiro screamed. "Yes, I understand!"

Ryu grinned. "Good."

A strong presence filled the courtyard, freezing both in place. Two pairs of eyes turned, one in shock, the other in desperation. Across the courtyard, Hino-san stood calmly watching the proceedings. "If I may, my Lord Jadeite," he said, "Please release my temple hand. He is unaware of the trespasses he has committed against you."

A sudden peace descended over Ryu's mind, calming his anger enough for him to realize what it was he was doing. He released Yoichiro's arm and stepped back. Yoichiro stumbled away hurriedly. "Hino-sama!" he cried. "Call the police! This man, he's…he's…" Yoichiro stopped talking suddenly, his eyes glazing over as Hino-san raised his hand. The air became thick with power. "You will forget what has happened here," Hino-san said slowly, hypnotically. "You slipped in the courtyard and fell onto your face, breaking your nose. Go to the hospital."

Yoichiro nodded once and walked away, still captured by the spell cast over his mind.

Once the young man was gone, Hino-san turned his gaze onto Ryu, disapproval evident on his face. "Though I understand your anger, sire, I beg you remember yourself. You are a Prince, not a common street thug. Beating up mere temple boys does not become you."

Ryu stared at the short old man with great surprise. He knew this aura. He had felt it many times in years past. But, it could not be. "How?" he whispered.

Hino-san laughed good-naturedly. "I know I am old now, my Lord, but am I truly so changed that you would not recognize me?"

The truth sank deep into Ryu's soul. In his mind's eye, he saw a young man, short but with a strong presence that could capture a room. A single thick pony tail grew from the back of his otherwise bald head, and he wore the robes of the Terrian Order. In Ryu's memories, the young man smiled the same smile that this old man was smiling now before him. Ryu blinked twice before saying uncertainly, "Kuzon?"

Kuzon bowed deeply. "My Lord Jadeite." He straightened. "Long have I waited for your return. I had hoped it would have been when you first visited this Temple those years back."

"Kuzon," Ryu whispered again, still lost in disbelief; then, guilt washed through. He hung his head. "I am so sorry."

"Now, my Lord," Kuzon chided as he stepped forward. "None of that. It was not time then, but I knew, when I saw you then I knew that one day, you would return as you have now, and I have kept everything ready for that time. Come." He gestured forward.

Ryu looked down the pathway indicated. The breath caught in his throat. He knew where they were going. He followed willingly.

The two walked in companionable silence until they reached their destination. Kuzon stopped before a rice paper door. Behind was an all too familiar presence, one Ryu had missed very much. He waited anxiously for his former Temple Priest to open the door.

Kuzon nodded to his liege and slid the door open.

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Rei shifted for the first time in so long. The tears had subsided, leaving her floating in a feverish state of despair and fatigue. She had almost drifted into an ever coveted slumber where she could dream of his face, but footsteps coming closer pulled her back into reality. Normally, such a disturbance would be easily ignored, but something in the gate drew her. Two sets; one was the short shuffle of her Grandfather, but the other…she did not know the other. It was long, confident, and strong; it pulled at her heart. She had heard those steps before. But, could it be?

The footsteps stopped. She sat up. The sound of wood scraping against wood echoed nearby.

Ryu stepped into the room of the Sacred Fire. The fire leapt in the hearth; its heat poured out in welcome. Ryu spread his arms, his eyes closing, his head falling back as the heat of the Terrian fire washed over him. The fires of his heart stirred. Tears pricked in his eyes. Laughter bubbled from his lips. It was his fire!

Kuzon stepped in behind his Master. "This fire has burned here since the fall of Terra."

Ryu opened his eyes in wonder. It was more than he could have hoped for. "Terra never left the Order."

"No," Kuzon replied. "We, the remaining few, have lived and died to protect your fire. For millennia, we kept it safe, knowing you would one day come to restore the Order. And now, you are here."

Ryu reached for the fire. A tendril of flame swirled out. It wrapped around his outstretched fingers. Ryu gasped at the touch, one he had not felt in so very long.

Kuzon, overcome by the moment, sank to his knees and bowed his head. "Welcome home, my Lord Jadeite."

A strangled gasp broke through the sacred moment. Ryu and Hino-san both turned.

Rei stood clutching the doorframe with trembling fingers. It could not be, she told herself. He had died. She had watched him die! He couldn't be here! He just couldn't be! Tears welled in her eyes as she stared in disbelief; hoping, praying that she was wrong; that this wasn't a dream; that he was really standing in front of her. It couldn't be true!

Ryu's heart stopped at the sight of her. She looked so broken. Yet, even in her misery, she was so very beautiful. Long ebony hair fell like a mane around her alabaster skin. The tears rimming her eyes reflected the firelight, causing her lavender orbs to sparkle. Her lips were full and red. He could not breathe; she was so glorious. "Rei." Her name slipped like a prayer from his lips.

The sound of his voice pierced the veil of her disbelief to strike the truth deep into her heart. He was real! Without a second thought, Rei ran into the room and threw her herself into his arms. "Jadeite!" she sobbed. He was real! He was really real! She was really touching his chest. His arms were really holding her. And his lips were really kissing her. He was here! She sobbed against him, not caring who saw. "I can't believe it!" she gasped, clutching his shirt with white knuckles.

"Believe it," he whispered as he stroked her mattered hair.

"But how?" she asked through her tears. "I killed you. I killed you and you didn't come back! Why didn't you come back!"

"I'm sorry," he whispered, pulling her against him again. "I'm so so sorry."

"No!" Rei gasped. She reached for his face. She could not tear her eyes away. He was so wonderfully alive! "I'm sorry."

"What for?" he asked, bewildered.

"For not killing you sooner." Rei's face dissolved into a new wave of tears. "I'm so sorry! I was so weak! I couldn't do it! I'm sorry!"

"None of that," Ryu said, pulling her back into the safety of his arms. "You were brilliant. You found me. You freed me." He kissed the top of her head. "Oh, Rei, I love you!"

A laugh broke through her sobs. How she had missed hearing him say those words. Only he could say them. He was the only one with the right to dare to say them. She smiled up at him, the pain vanishing in the light of his love, and declared with new found confidence, "I love you!" A short laugh—the first heard from her in so very long—danced through the air as she relished in those same words passing from her lips. "I love you so much!" And then she kissed him. It was sweet and innocent and filled with longing stored for years now released. She broke away with a gasp and looked up into his lovely eyes. "Don't ever leave me," she ordered.

"Never," he promised with a smirk and bent his head to claim her lips again. "You are mine, Hino Rei. You will always be mine."

She stroked his face. "Don't you ever forget that."

He growled low in affirmation before capturing her mouth; this time with no intension of releasing her.

The fires within them were burning with renewed intensity. It was like the moment they first exchanged names. There was only…

…passion, heat, desire. The taste of her was driving him. Their magic melded at a maddening pace. The bond, now completed, demanded fulfillment. It would be so easy. What could stop them, truly? Yet, at the back of his mind, even as he drank from her lips, he knew, he knew he had to…he had to…

In a desperate moment, he pulled away, head back, eyes closed; his lips moved and his voice came out in a rush.

"I, Kuzon, as Guardian of the Fires and Member of the Sacred Order, do hereby invoke the right of the betrothed."

The fires burning within the lovers immediately cooled. Rei turned sharply to her grandfather. "What?"

Suzaku looked down at his fire maiden, grateful that the invocation had worked. His heart, his passion, was calming; his mind was reengaging. "I invoke the right of the betrothed," he panted. A sudden weakness overcame him. He leaned against her, forehead to forehead. "My lady," he breathed, "I do not wish to dishonor you. If I had not called upon this right…" He searched out her eyes. "We cannot do it this way."

"The Right of the Betrothed," Kuzon said plainly.

Ryu groaned. Rei seethed. Kuzon pushed on, unperturbed. "You two will not look upon nor touch one another until the next full moon."

Ryu took a deep, calming breath. "How long is that?" he asked with straining patience.

"Two days," he said. "Will you be able to complete the purification rituals before then?"

Hecate nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I can."

Suzaku smiled and kissed her head. "My beautiful Hecate. Know, none must know of this."

"My maidens are loyal," she said. "They will not betray us."

"Then go," Suzaku said, using every ounce of his strength to step back from her. "Go quickly. I shall send a message containing the time and place of the ceremony."

Hecate nodded. She could not keep the smile from her face even as she straightened her uniform and smoothed her hair. Without another word, she opened the door to his study and left his presence, not to return until he summoned her back in two days.

Suzaku turned and gripped his desk. It was going to be a long…

"…two weeks."

"Two weeks!" Rei protested. "Grandfather!"

"Kuzon," Ryu pleaded.

"My Lord," Kuzon said, his voice taking a hard edge. "Might I remind you that, in this life, Lady Mars is my granddaughter. I would request that you respect her and myself by constricting to our laws."

Ryu closed his eyes, the struggle evident on his face. He had just been reunited with his dear Hecate; now he must leave her for two weeks. It was almost cruel. But, as he opened his eyes to look at her, he knew that the wait would be worth it. Taking one final deep breath, he stepped away from his love and bowed to her. "I accept the right of the betrothed and declare that I, Lord Jadeite, Keeper of the Terrian Flame, will not look upon nor touch the Lady Mars until the time of the ceremony."

"No," Rei mouthed.

"Please," Ryu mouthed back.

Frustration, indignation, and desire burned in Rei's eyes. She stepped forward and purposefully kissed Ryu. For a moment, all thought of the Sacred Laws fled from their minds. But, under the watchful gaze of her Grandfather, Rei recalled herself and broke the kiss, stepping back, a new strength filling her. "I, Lady Mars, do accept the right of betrothed. I will not look upon nor touch my Lord Jadeite until the time of the ceremony." With that, she quickly fled the Room of the Sacred Fire for the sanctuary of her room.

Ryu watched her go with great longing. "You are unfair, Kuzon," he said simply.

"I do not see how, sire," Kuzon replied, a touch of mischief in his voice. "The law forbids you from looking upon or touching her. I never said you could not speak to her."

Ryu spun around, eyes wide. Kuzon grinned. "This temple is made of paper walls."

Catching the hint, Ryu grinned and hurried after Rei.

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Seiya paced agitatedly back and forth in the front of the slowly filling classroom. He was cursing his ill fortune. One of the Astronomy professors was called away on a family emergency. The University thought this a wonderful opportunity to introduce their new professor to collegic life. Thus, instead of searching the city for his dearest Makoto, he would be spending the day covering the absent professor's classes. It was truly unfair.

He stopped his pacing in front of the only window in the room. The sun's rays brushed against his face, as if in apology. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He could do this. He was the Master of Sciences. He could handle a room full of young scholars. He could do this.

An aura of thunder and rain crashed into his mind.

The door opened.

A waft of air brought a tantalizing smell into the room.

Seiya turned sharply at the scent.

Cinnamon.

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Far away, across the ocean, in the darkest hours of the night, a young man worked furiously over a chemistry set. His dark eyes blazed with intensity as he watched the potion come together. A wicked smile, one unfamiliar to him in this life, spread across his face. He would not fail this time. This time, he would be the one to walk away with the Princess. That thought widened his grin as the potion began to bubble.

Soon, very soon.

AN: I've been waiting to write that scene between Rei and Ryu for a long time. I've also been iching for a chance for Ryu to beat the snot out of Yoichiro. Sigh...lovely chapter. Reviews are love.