Chapter 3

Setsuna lessened her grip on her staff, unwilling to believe the stranger's words but unable to convince herself that he was lying. She narrowed her eyes and turned quickly, motioning to him to follow her. She left the gardens, walking at a brisk pace as the soldier hurried to keep up with her steady stride. She knew she had taken her chances by turning her back on him, but her instincts told her he would be unable to attack her, even if he wanted to.

"She is not the same person. Serenity has changed since you last were here. Are you willing to take the chance that the life you left will not the be life you have come back to?" Setsuna's words were soft, almost gentle, in a way that betrayed her as they walked through the immense palace.

The man was quiet for a moment. "Do you think I believe that time has stood still in my absence from this place?"

Setsuna's voice was sharp. "I believe that you have no idea what it is you're getting into! All the world has changed and we are no longer the foolish and innocent children we once were."

She stopped walking and paused in front of a door. "You will be judged by Serenity. Before so, clean up, rest. When the time is right, I will send for you." She moved to walk away, but stopped suddenly. "I warn you now.. Palace guards will be placed here and you will not be allowed to roam freely. If you are hungry, some food will be sent up to you. Any attempts to wander beyond these quarters will get you killed."

His face was impassive and his voice free of emotion. "Killed. You allow such things now, the murder of unarmed men, Setsuna?"

For a moment, she hesitated. "As I said, we have all changed."

Setsuna opened the door and he stepped through. "It may be a while before I get back to you. Use this time wisely."

Setsuna made her way toward Serenity's private chambers. The room was lavishly decorated but in a way that set only to remind her of whom she was dealing with. The sitting room was filled with a large desk, which was cluttered with Serenity's private correspondence, and large comfortable couches and chairs. Off to one side of the room was a large round table, covered in every day items of a regular woman and her lover and child. Because it was rare that anyone outside of royal family and close friends ever visited these quarters, the knowledge that the space was lived in gave it a comfortable feeling.

Serenity was playing with her daughter, whom Setsuna lovingly called Usa, when Setsuna made her way into the room. For a moment, all she could do was watch. Serenity was on her hands and knees with her 4 year old child, growling and shaking her hair as Usa giggled and squealed. The Queen, so ethereal and composed, so changed by the events in her life, was so like the child Setsuna had met and loved so long ago. The scene touched her and she smiled without realizing it.

Serenity laughed and grabbed her daughter in her arms.. rolling onto her back and tickling her. It was then that she noticed Setsuna standing in the shadows. Her smile faded slightly.

"Serenity. I have something to share with you."

Serenity sighed silently and whispered into Usa's ear, causing the child to nod and run into the adjoining nursery. The Queen stood, smoothing her gown and hair. "I was being a lion. Chibi Usa was pretending to be a lion tamer and her stuffed animal just wasn't good enough. What is it you wanted to say?"

Setsuna hesitated. "Something has come up. Something I don't quite understand but I think.. I may be beginning to believe it's true.."

"What is it, Setsuna?"

"Serenity... He has returned."

Serenity's face became clouded with confusion and anger. "Is this a joke, Setsuna? Because if it is, I'm not laughing!"

Setsuna shook her head in denial. "No, I assure you, it is no joke. Why would I make light of such a thing? He is real and he's here!"

Serenity paced back and forth in front of Setsuna. "Everyone knows that to impersonate him is a crime. Does the man have a death wish?!"

"I told him, Highness. I told him that very thing. He seemed untouched by the news, though he claimed to know nothing of the law."

"What else did he say to you?"

"Only what I believe to be the truth."

"Which is?"

"That he is Endymion."

Chapter 4

Serenity's voice was cold in it's reply. "One man once said the very thing to me and I believed him. How can I be sure that the past will not repeat itself?"

"Because while sceptical before, I know this situation is different. And because you know that I would never mislead you."

"You are sure of this?"

Setsuna's reply was firm and Serenity could see no doubt in her friend's eyes. "Yes."

"Take me to him. Now."

Endymion paced in the chambers. The room was sparse, though comfortable and obviously meant for one of the palace's many servants. For the first time in his memory, he had showered, taking his time. The water was hot and he savoured the sting on his skin. His clothes he chose not to bother with. They were simple and old but remained as his last link to his former life as King.

'She is not the same person. Serenity has changed since you last were here. Are you willing to take the chance that the life you left will not the be life you have come back to?'

Setsuna's words echoed through his head. To be truthful, he hadn't thought of such a possibility. He had hoped, foolishly, those many years ago, that his return to NeoCrystal Tokyo would be a huge affair. He had known nothing of an impersonator until Setsuna told him. While he was struggling to regain his memories and scratch out a living, Serenity was discovering a fraud, having her heart broken and having to deal with his death all over again. In his mind, Serenity would be waiting to welcome him with open arms. Instead, shadows of suspicion and distrust loomed over his return.

Now.. now he had returned to take his place alongside his Queen and rebuild their lives together. But how much had truly changed? Was there a life for him to return to at all?

The knock on the door was brief and gave him only enough time to come out of his reverie. He stopped pacing and turned to face the door, which opened without a sound. He knew in an instant that it was Serenity. He knew it by her perfume, which she had always worn, a soft, light scent smelling of jasmine and her own sweet smell. He knew it by the her step, how resolute yet shy she had always been in matters of her kingdom. He knew it because it could be no other.

His heart jumped into his throat, nerves racing. His wife, his only love. His best friend, the only woman in the world he had ever been able to imagine himself with for the rest of his life. After all this time, he would see her again. Had she replaced him? Had the years without him healed the wound that had been his 'death' until she felt nothing but familiar reminiscence and tender feelings only of the life they had once shared? He knew that she had not remarried or he would have seen the man already, but a lover, perhaps? Someone whom Serenity had chosen to give herself to? He shook that thought aside, hoping against all hope that she would love him still!

And still, his heart stopped beating for a few beats when Serenity entered. No longer was she the eternally youthful woman child he had known as a young man. Before him stood a woman of immense power, one who had seen much, and survived unspeakable challenges. There were lines on her face that had not existed when he saw he last. Her eyes were no longer the windows to her soul. Endymion recalled a time when he could look at her and know what she was feeling and thinking merely by looking into her eyes, times when he felt he would drown in the deep blue orbs.

Endymion wanted to smile at his wife, to rush to her with arms wide and embrace her. But not now. Perhaps never again.

Chapter 5

Instead, all he could do was stare. A tense moment passed until he realized he had forgotten something of great importance. Taking a breath, Endymion bowed, and remained that way until she spoke.

"Look at me." Serenity's voice was firm.

Endymion straightened his back, squared his shoulders, and met her eyes.

For a moment, she faltered, but quickly regained herself. "You are the man who calls himself Endymion?"

He nodded briefly. "I am."

"You are aware that to claim that name and any title that may come with it is a crime?"

"Yes."

"Do you know what happens to those guilty of that crime?"

Endymion's voice was void of emotion. "I would hope that they be able to defend themselves in a fair and just manner until proven guilty or innocent."

"The punishment for claiming title of King and rights to the throne is death. "

"Without justice," Endymion asked.

"Without lies. Without deception." Serenity's reply was quick and short. "Without -"

Endymion spoke softly. "Without honor."

Serenity looked away.

'It is my life. It is.. my kingdom.' The words remained unspoken, but the feeling hung heavy in the air. There was much a risk, and everything to lose.

It was in that moment that Setsuna knew that her instinct was correct. Whatever doubts she'd had were completely gone. The man that stood before her was indeed the king she had long ago given up for dead. He spoke to Serenity in a way that revealed no fear, no intimidation, only the comfort and ease of someone who knew her too well, knew what to say to change her perception, to challenge her thoughts. That he had died in Setsuna's arms meant nothing now. She knew that the truth would be revealed in its own time.

Setsuna watched the uncertainty appear on Serenity's face, and prayed that she would be convinced. But the frown that had formed there remained.

An hour later, Serenity sat with Joliet, their fingers intertwined in a comfortable knot. It was obvious that Serenity had much on her mind and she was having trouble finding the words to express herself. Joliet sat patiently, knowing that Serenity would gain strength from his presence and would speak when the words were ready to come.

"I love you."

The words were pleasant to hear but surprising, as though Serenity were warning him.

"I love you, too," Joliet replied.

"Ben... Something has come up, something that could.. change everything."

Ben Joliet nodded. "I guessed that. You seem preoccupied, and there are rumors going around the castle, stirrings of change."

"Setsuna found a man in the gardens earlier this afternoon."

"She dealt with the situation accordingly, I hope."

Serenity shook her head and was silent for a moment. "The man claimed he is Endymion."

"Okay.."

"Ben.. she believes him. Instead of having the guards arrest him, she gave him a room, has given him leave to remain in the palace."

"You must revoke it, Serenity."

"I can't! Setsuna has never lied to me. If she believes this man's claim is true, there surely is some validity to it!"

Joliet's face hardened for a moment. "Do you forget what happened four years ago? Do you forget Cash and what he did to you, to us all?!"

Serenity jumped to her feet and began pacing. "OF course I don't! I'll never forget it! I'll never forget any of it! It's why that law exists in the first place! But Cash was transparent, and Setsuna could see the ruse. I was too eager to believe the lie but Setsuna knew!"

"And even the great and mighty Time Keeper can make mistakes, Serenity," Ben yelled, becoming angry. "Endymion is dead!"

Serenity stopped pacing. "I saw him, Ben. An hour ago."

"And what is your opinion?"

"Ben, there are things about him.. things that Cash never had. The way he looked at me, I swear he really knew me. I was not the Queen when we were together. I was Serenity, and nothing I did, nothing I said.. there are few in this world who make me feel like that. Cash certainly never invoked that kind of feeling, but this man, he was my equal and he knew it!"

"An actor who has crafted his skill to the highest degree can make you feel anything he wants you to feel, Serenity."

"But that doesn't explain Setsuna's reaction to all of this!"

"Perhaps she is part of it."

Serenity felt a chill go down her spine at his words. "I have always thought the best of you, Ben. I have always felt you loved me for me and wanted what was best for me. I believe you are a kind and generous man. But today you have fallen off of your pedestal. To question Setsuna's loyalty to me, to dare think that she may deceive me.. I cannot believe that anyone would be so cruel or jealous. I need to be alone. This situation vexes me and requires much though. Please leave me."

Chapter 6

Serenity sighed, and wandered out onto the balcony from her bedroom, thinking about the man she had met with earlier. He had surprised her, that much was true. That he had spoken with such certainty and ease revealed much to her.

She stared at the monument that had been her last gift to her friends and fallen comrades. The Inner Senshi, who had remained by her side since the beginning, loving her and supporting her.. The Outer Senshi, minus Setsuna, so strong and firm in their lives and goals. What would they think of her now?

Setsuna had witnessed Endymion's death. Serenity herself had held his lifeless body in her arms. How the pain of his death overwhelmed her! She shut down, mentally, emotionally, thinking only of the duty of which Setsuna constantly reminded her. There had been no time for dramatics, only time for healing, for the next moment, the next need to be filled. With help from Setsuna and Ben Joliet, she had rebuilt Crystal Tokyo until it had grown further and farther beyond anyone's dreams.

And through it all, she had become a mother. There had been no time for her to mourn her husband. There seemed time for little more than work. So instead, she had pushed everything aside until the memory of Endymion became more symbolic than anything else. When the healing from the attack was over, she had continued to work, achieving the various goals she knew he had always wanted. His goals, through her hard work and resolve, were achieved.

Before she realized it, a tear slid down her cheek. The weight of the day's events seemed to crash in on her, and for the first time since the death of her husband, Serenity mourned.

7

Setsuna had remained in the chambers upon Serenity's exit. She was sure now that the stranger she had encountered in the gardens was indeed Endymion, but she was left with a myriad of questions and was determined to have them answered.

As soon as Serenity left the room, Endymion felt his strength leave him. His knees gave way from underneath him and he sank to the nearest chair he could find. She did not believe him. She had looked into his eyes and thought he was lying. Setsuna took a seat by his side.

"She doesn't believe me." Endymion's voice was desolate.

Setsuna nodded. "It is not an easy judgement to make. She must do as she feels is right. If she is convinced that you are an impostor, you will die."

"But I'm not an impostor! I am Endymion! How could she not see that?!"

"I cannot speak for Serenity. However, in order for us to understand and accept you, I must hear your story. You died in my arms. What happened after I left you?"

Endymion was quiet as he gathered his thoughts. A myriad of memories flooded back to him, but only from after he woke up in that strange, unfamiliar place..

"I remember nothing of my death. I only remembering waking up in the cabin. It is small, but it's inhabitants live there comfortably. There is a main room, with a fireplace and cooking area. The fireplace is the main center of this place. A woman was bending over a pot in the fireplace. I thought I was dead. When she turned to tend to me, the pain from my wounds told me that I was going to be okay. This woman, Eryn, was my saviour. She is a healer, the only one in her village. She has much talent and is very wise. She runs a farm, with help from her son, Mica, who is only about 12. When the attack occurred, Eryn was in town to pick up some supplies. She worked to help as much as she could until she found me. I don't know, maybe she recognized me, I'm not sure, it's not something I really ever asked her. While you and Serenity tended to the injured, she brought me back to her home.

"For so long, I had no idea who I was. I called myself Jacob and all the memories of my life as King were gone. Eryn worked to heal me but it took time and I was very weak. With my memories gone, and my body healing, I had no choice but to stay with her. As I grew stronger, I began to help her in the running of her farm. She and I became friends and I grew to love Mica as much as I could my own child. But in all of this, I wondered about my life before coming to that farm, every day I hoped to remember, but nothing came.

"Then one day, about three weeks ago, I was working in the field and I looked up and saw the half moon in the sky. All at once, I remembered. I'll never know what it was exactly that triggered it, but I just knew. Eryn, however, had known for a long time. When she finally confessed it, she admitted that she'd discovered it a year and a half into my stay. She said it had been a small, insignificant sign, but it had been enough for her. I asked her why she had held that information from me. Eryn told me it was because the memories had to come when they were ready, and that she had fallen in love with me and did not want me to leave her.

"But I knew I had to return. I had no choice. I had been gone for four years. I had no idea that anything had changed, that there was that impostor, that it is now a crime to impersonate me. How could I? I was cut off from so much of the world, that farm was the center of my universe for so long.

"I'm back now. I'm here to continue the life I left. I still love Serenity, I am still her husband. I am willing to die all over again for that if I have to."

To be continued...

AN: Thanks to those who reviewed the earlier chapters. Because of that, I wrote something! In fact, I wrote quite a lot. It came a lot easier than I expected, even though I have long since thrown out any notes I might have had. I have a plan, I know what's going to happen, but the details to fill in all that are few. Be patient, the end is near! I have sworn to finish this story.