A cheery bell rang over the door as Usagi stepped into the Crown Arcade. It was empty since most kids had already gone home for the night, which was a relief. It would be an easier discussion without an audience. Motoki's gaze shot up from the counter he was cleaning in preparation for closing time.
"Usagi-chan, hi!" he grinned. "I haven't seen you or the others much these days. What's up?"
"Well, first," she replied with a smile, "I think I'm parched. Is it possible that since you're so glad to see me you'll give me a free milkshake?"
He laughed, nodding. "Sure, no problem. It's been way too quiet without you and Mamoru-kun going at it every day. Where've you been?"
She frowned a little as he passed her the glass. "That's pretty much why I'm here, Motoki-onii-san. Mamoru is missing."
Motoki gaped and fumbled the glass he was holding, narrowly avoiding dropping it on his foot. "Mamoru-kun is missing? What are you talking about?"
"It's a long story," Usagi said tiredly. "It all starts with the Sailor Senshi."
"What about them?" he asked. "He has nothing to do with them."
"He has plenty to do with them," she countered. "I would know. Motoki, I'm Sailor Moon. Mamo-chan is Tuxedo Kamen. During a battle, he was kidnapped."
He stared at her for a long moment before dropping onto a stool next to her. "Explain slowly, and use small words. Mamoru-kun, the guy you hate and fight with all the time, is also a superhero that saves your life on a regular basis, since you happen to be a superhero too, and now he's been kidnapped?"
She nodded, toying with the straw in her shake. "I don't hate him, though. Really, it's the opposite." With that lead in, she began to spill her guts, explaining everything. Some part of her brain noted that it was a relief to be able to talk to someone that wasn't tied up in the giant drama, though she was beginning to suspect poor Motoki would be wearing a permanent gape.
"You- a princess? And Mamoru-kun is a prince?"
"Yeah," she confirmed. "I guess that covers the basics well enough. The thing is I told you all this for a reason. I accidentally wished up some of Mamo-chan's old friends from the past, but we could use some help. They're staying in his apartment, but they don't know anything about our time. Could you help us? Pretty please?" She pouted cutely.
He groaned. "You didn't have to use the puppy dog pout, Usagi-chan. Of course I'll help if they're his friends."
"Well," she hesitated, "remember you already agreed when I tell you the next bit. You see, one of the men- well, he looks exactly like the man that attacked you and Reika-san a while ago."
He stared at her again. "You're helping him?"
"No!" she yelped. "No, of course not. They aren't the same person, exactly. The one that's here now is from another timeline. He never betrayed us and he never became evil. He's no threat to you or Reika." She sighed. "Motoki, we really need your help, in more ways than that. Without Tuxedo Kamen, I'm not a very good fighter. I was never given the training my Senshi have. Without the Shitennou, I don't know how I would've lasted this long. For them, though, their priority is the Senshi. If I find a way, I'll have to ask you an even bigger favor."
"Anything, Usagi-chan," he promised. "All you have to do is ask, for you or for Mamoru-kun."
"That's part of the problem. Mamo-chan is the one that gave the Shitennou their powers, and I can't change that. My powers are linked to the Senshi's, and the Ginzuishou seems to prefer girls. We would need to find Mamo-chan's Golden Crystal to grant you any permanent powers, but there's a chance that I can alter some of the magic that makes up Tuxedo Kamen, since Tuxedo Kamen is linked to me. If I can," she took a deep breath, "could I ask you to take his place and help us with the coming battle?"
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Now she was staring at Motoki, a pleading expression on her face. "I don't know, Usagi-chan," he stammered. "I don't have any training at all. I'd probably just get in your way."
The blonde shook her head. "Tuxedo Kamen works on instinct. At this point, Mamo-chan hasn't got a lot of his magic, and what he does have he can't really control. Any power tied to Tuxedo Kamen will be automatic, so you'll know what to do when."
Though part of him cheered the idea, claiming it would be an amazing experience, he still hesitated. "I don't think your friends would approve of you telling random people your secrets."
"I already told Venus that I might be telling you tonight. She'll support me, and if she does the others will come around sooner or later. The Shitennou might not like it much, but they'll accept it since they know it's what I want."
"Don't you think they'll feel like I'm trying to take their prince's place?" he asked nervously.
"I doubt it," she replied with a shrug. "You were in the Silver Millennium, Motoki-onii-san, and you were Endymion's best friend outside the Shitennou. They might even be glad to see you, because they were your friends too. So please? If I find a way, will you help me?"
With a sigh, he nodded. "I guess Mamoru-kun would tell me to if he was here, but I won't say anything for sure until you run your idea past the others. Let's go to his apartment and see to the guys. Shitennou, did you call them?"
Usagi grinned brightly, throwing her arms around him. "Thanks so much, Motoki-onii-san. You have no idea what this means to me."
Once she let go of him, they both gathered their things as Motoki closed up the arcade for the evening. Pulling out her communicator, Usagi called the Senshi to head to Mamoru's apartment. Once she got all of them to confirm, they headed for the door. Only a few steps from it, Usagi fell to her knees, a gasp of pain seizing in her throat.
"Mamo-chan," she whimpered. "They're hurting him. It's too dark; it's not good for him."
"Usagi-chan?" Motoki said, draping one arm around her. "Are you all right?"
She shook her head violently. "They're hurting him. Queen Beryl wants him for herself, but it hurts him. All that darkness… I'm trying to help him, to ease the pain, but his mind is too foggy. He can't hear me. Motoki-onii-san? I can't help him."
"Shh," he murmured, trying to soothe her. "I know this can't be easy on you, but you need to block it out. If you can't reach him, focus on finding the way to defeat the bad guys. We'll save him."
She pressed her face into his shoulder. "I know. I know that; Minako-chan keeps telling me that, but I don't know how to ignore it when he's hurting. They don't realize how much damage they could do. When Beryl did it to the Shitennou, they broke and there was nothing left of the original person. I'm terrified that the same thing will happen to Mamo-chan." Slowly, though, she began to breathe more easily. "I'm doing what I can, but I won't be able to stop it. I can't keep them from hurting him."
"Push it aside, Usagi-chan," he ordered. "At least until we get to your Senshi. You need to be strong if you're going to fight and win."
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By the time they reached Mamoru's building, Usagi was only half conscious. Motoki was carrying her as he entered the elevator, running one hand over her hair on occasion. After a little juggling, he knocked on the door.
"I'll get it," he heard inside, even as the door opened to reveal the second blonde Senshi. "Usagi-chan! Motoki-san, what happened?"
"She said something was happening to Mamoru-kun. I didn't really understand the rest; she was too upset, but I think she was in pain," he explained.
"Kunzite!" she shrieked. "Come help me!"
Barely a second had passed when the leader of the Shitennou appeared, taking Usagi from Motoki and carrying her inside as Minako pushed him in after them.
"Girls, something's wrong with Usagi!" she called. "Ami-chan! Could you scan her?"
Ami stepped in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "In a moment, Minako-chan. Try talking to her. See if she responds."
The blonde grasped her princess's hand as Kunzite settled her on the couch, sitting on the floor next to her. "Usagi, talk to me. Tell me what's wrong."
"Mamo-chan," she whispered, shivering.
"Ami-chan, hurry!" she called. "I think whatever's happening to Mamoru-san is affecting her too!"
The bluenette knelt beside them, allowing her computer to fall into her hand. She flipped it open and pressed a few buttons. She nodded as she examined the data. "The link between them is becoming tainted. I think they're trying to turn Mamoru-san again. With the recent strengthening of their bond, she's feeling it too, and she has very little tolerance for dark energy when she isn't henshined. The only thing we can do until this particular push ends is give her some more Earth magic to fight back the corrupted part."
"But without Mamoru-san, there isn't much of a source of Earth magic here," Rei snapped as she dropped into the armchair. "At least not any that's dependable," she added, glaring at Jadeite. He just rolled his eyes.
"If Serenity-hime needs our power," Kunzite said, "naturally we shall oblige her. Jadeite, Nephrite, behind the couch. Zoisite, take Lady Mercury's place. Lady Venus, if you will excuse me."
Immediately, everyone obeyed. Kunzite knelt, taking Usagi's hand as his eyes closed. Each of the others closed their eyes as well. A swirl of blue-green Earth magic began to form around them before it centered on the thrashing girl, sinking into her. She began to calm as the crescent mark on her forehead appeared. When the energy faded, she returned to full consciousness.
"Thank you," she murmured, easing herself into a sitting position. "It was a stronger blast than I expected so soon, so I was caught off-guard."
"It's not a problem, Usagi-chan," Jadeite said cheekily, winking at Rei. She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest and muttering something that sounded uncomplimentary and might have involved some mention of impudence.
"Now that the crisis is resolved," Makoto said, "what was it you called us for? I thought we weren't meeting again until tomorrow."
"Well… I went to Crown after we finished practicing. I wanted to get Motoki-onii-san to help the Shitennou adjust, so I told him the truth about us, which is why he didn't run out of here screaming with all that. I had an idea, and I wanted him to agree, but he wouldn't without it being run past everyone else first," Usagi explained.
"And what brilliant idea would that be?" Rei asked tiredly.
"I kind of asked if he would take Tuxedo Kamen's place for a while, if I could find a way," she muttered.
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It hadn't really surprised her that they argued at first. The Senshi were vehemently against the idea of involving a civilian. The Shitennou remained silent at the beginning, but eventually sided with Usagi. After all, Motoki's past self had been one of Endymion's closest friends. Who else would he trust to guard his soul mate? With a couple hours' discussion, eventually the others came around and accepted the idea.
Now that she'd gained approval, Usagi began to work in earnest. Leaving Motoki and the Senshi to see to the Shitennou, she stepped out onto Mamoru's balcony to examine his roses.
Even though Makoto or one of the Shitennou did most things around the apartment, she'd never allowed them to touch the flowers. Instead, she cared for them herself. Now she hoped it might help.
Usagi knelt at the brightest of the bushes. She let her power wander, trying to feel the one that had the strongest link to both her and Mamoru. That link would give her the opening she needed, though she would have preferred his henshin rose. Unfortunately, it had been taken with him and was no doubt black and withered. A new one would have to be used.
After twenty minutes of searching, she found one that was suitably strong enough. It was still young, barely more than a new bud, but it was open and very powerful. Carefully, she cut it away from the shrub, purposefully avoiding changing it in any other way. Cradling it, Usagi got to her feet and headed for Mamoru's bedroom.
Once she secured the door against any possible intrusions, she pulled out the Ginzuishou. Placing it on his desk, she laid the rose on top and closed her eyes, allowing herself to slip into their magic.
At first she didn't do anything, just allowing the natural mix of her power and Mamoru's to comfort her. One hand absently rested on her upper arm, where the mating mark would appear once they formalized their bond. Its magic was there to reassure her. As long as it remained, she still had a chance.
Finally, she shook herself a little and began to focus. The power resisted. Change was strange, since it was so intimately bound between the prince and princess, but she just kept expressing the need for help to save him and restore balance. Eventually it acquiesced, allowing her to coax it more strongly into the rose and letting her bind it to serve another. The last strand that she wove in would break the connection once the true wielder was free again.
It was an exhausted Usagi that stepped out of the room, holding the rose and her wand. Immediately, everyone's attention fell to her.
"I think I managed it," she said. "Motoki-onii-san, could you try? You don't have to do anything except want it to work."
He accepted the flower gravely, as suited the circumstances. It was an honor and a weighty responsibility he was accepting in his best friend's place. At first, he just looked at it, turning it in his hands. "Is it fragile?"
"I would not think so," Kunzite answered. "Strong magic binds it. It will hold until the conditions of its making are met."
To Motoki, it didn't seem like just a rose. It felt… different. The others, of course, could feel its power as it still pulsed with the Ginzuishou's. Later it would be noticeable only to its keeper and maker. A breeze began to play up, but he didn't notice. He doubted he would have been able to remove his gaze from the bud if he had wanted to.
Everyone was completely captivated as the flower began to blossom. The brilliant crimson petals spread, opening fully into a perfect rose. The henshin caught Motoki without warning, sweeping him into its magic as it gave him what he would need to carry Tuxedo Kamen's burden.
For a long beat after the henshin was complete, the room was silent. That came to an abrupt end when Makoto leapt to her feet and cheered.
"Way to go, Usagi-chan! You actually did it!"
The others smiled, clapped, cheered. The Shitennou were quieter, though still impressed. Zoisite, noticing that Usagi began to waver on her feet as Motoki's henshin faded, was at her side at once, looping an arm around her waist.
"That must have taken a huge amount of energy, Serenity-hime. Sit down. Jadeite, fetch her a glass of water." The other man nodded and dashed off, skidding back into the room seconds later with the drink. "Nephrite, could you find a blanket? She is chilled. I think she may have wandered a little too far. Kunzite-sama, could you please prepare the bed? She will have to stay here tonight."
"Usagi-chan, you should have been more cautious," Ami chided. "You were still in bad shape from your attack earlier."
She managed a crooked smile. "It needed to be done, Ami-chan, and it worked. I can deal with the consequences."
"I'll call Usagi's mother and tell her she'll be staying at the temple with me," Rei decided. "I can have Yuuichiro cover for me if they check. I won't leave her here with all these guys."
"Relax, Rei-chan," Makoto commented. "They've already sworn to serve her in battle. I think you can trust them not to bite. But if it makes you feel better, we can all stay. Mamoru-san has a big enough apartment if we keep the guys in one room and the girls in another."
"I can deal with that," Minako decided. "I'll just call my parents and tell them I'm staying at Rei-chan's too. We should probably have Luna and Artemis come, though. Luna will be really angry if we don't let her know what Usagi-chan did."
"Do you want to stay too, Motoki-san?" Ami asked. "You may have some difficulty with Tuxedo Kamen's powers at first, so it'll be best if you stay near the Shitennou or Usagi-chan for the time being."
"Sure, I guess. I'll just call Unazuki-chan and have her tell my mother I'm spending the night with Mamoru-kun."
"Will you have clothes for the morning, or do you need to get some? Or we could, if you prefer. We're faster. You could probably do it just as quickly, but Tuxedo Kamen is linked to Usagi-chan and I don't think she's strong enough to sustain a henshin right now," Makoto told him.
"I don't think I'll need anything, Mako-chan. I've stayed here a few times, so I have some things tucked away for when I do. Thanks, though."
The Senshi of Lightning turned to examine her leader. "She's fallen asleep. I'll get her to bed, and I'll sit with her for a while. It's still early, so why don't you guys turn on a movie or something? The Senshi and I can take turns watching her."
"Do you need help, Shocker?" Jadeite asked, grinning. "I can take her."
"No thanks, Jadeite, I've got it. You can stay out here and harass Rei-chan," Makoto returned with an identical smirk. He roared with laughter as she left the room, particularly amused by Rei's continued glaring.
88888888
A few days after Motoki was given his new powers, Usagi settled in for some serious planning with the group at Mamoru's apartment, which had become their new base of operations instead of Hikawa Shrine. It spared them Rei's grandfather eavesdropping.
"We need a way to trick the Dark Kingdom," Usagi decided. "We need them to show us the way in. Any ideas?"
"Present a turncoat," Ami suggested. "Let them believe one of us is turning on the others and wants to join them. Demand Mamoru-san's freedom to seal the deal and have them lead the chosen bait to him."
"They'd only believe that from Usagi-chan," Jadeite commented. "She's the one that would give up anything for him, including her team. They don't understand group dynamics enough to recognize a trap, but they'll understand betrayal to serve a purpose."
"Besides, Beryl is probably salivating for my head on a platter," she muttered. "They'd probably agree to the trade and just hand me over to her. It's risky. Mamo-chan still isn't on their side, so they'd send their Kunzite."
"I would not suggest following through on the trade. Stall for time and have their representative open the portal. Allow Zoisite and Lady Mercury to analyze it. If we can duplicate it, there is no need for such a covert operation," Kunzite contributed. "At the very least, have them pinpoint the destination."
Minako disagreed. "While you make good points, it's at serious risk of blowing up. There's no way to guarantee they'd deal with Usagi-chan; they could just try to kill her and take the Ginzuishou. And while they may not understand teamwork, their Kunzite still has your strategical mind. He would expect a trap of some kind and be prepared for it. We should just find the entry point the youma have been using."
"Both ideas have potential," Makoto said as she leaned against Nephrite, who nodded. "We can keep searching for their entry and try Ami-chan's idea at the same time. Yes, there are risks, but we have more on our side than they would anticipate, including our new Tuxedo Kamen."
Motoki shrugged. "It seems that Usagi-chan was right to say his powers are instinctual, but I haven't tried them in a real fight so I wouldn't depend on it."
Usagi just waved his concerns off. "I've been having Ami-chan monitor you during training, and she tells me that your instincts follow Tuxedo Kamen's fighting pattern, including your ability to sense if I'm in danger. Zoisite told me you henshined without meaning to when I was dealing with a stray youma. If that's the case, you're an edge. So if Ami's idea is used, we need to make them believe we're splintering and not getting along well. I don't think we should have just one decoy, though. Leaving me out in the open screams trap, knowing I have the Ginzuishou."
"What would you suggest?" Zoisite asked while looking over Ami's shoulder at something on her computer screen. "They would never believe it of the other Senshi. I mean no offense, Serenity, but they do not have a good opinion of you."
"The word you're looking for is 'flake'," Rei murmured.
She shrugged. "Let them think I'm a flake. It's another advantage. I think they'd believe it if the group split more evenly. The Senshi stay on one side, but the Shitennou and I turn. They would believe it because it's happened. Since their Kunzite has no memories of the past, he won't realize it was forced."
"It's a possibility," Nephrite said, "though I wouldn't try with all of us; it would arouse Beryl's suspicions. This may sound callous, Usagi, but which of us broke more easily in the past?"
Both blondes frowned. "Not Kunzite," Minako began. "Every recollection I have says he fought for a long time."
"Zoisite broke first," Usagi interjected. "I hate to say it so harshly, but it's true. He didn't have the physical strength to hold out against torture. Regardless of the bond between him and Mercury, it couldn't hold when pain broke his mind. Jadeite was next. He held up remarkably well against the torture of his body, but they preyed on his mind. I don't know what they did exactly, but an unthinking rage became overwhelming until there was nothing left. Nephrite came after, and Kunzite was last."
For a long moment, everyone in the room stared at her. "How exactly did you know that, Usagi-chan?" Motoki asked gently.
She sighed. "It came to me when I was floating in my and Mamoru's magic. Endymion knew, even then, what had happened to his Shitennou, but he also knew he couldn't do anything. He never told me, though I asked a time or two for your sakes." The group was quiet as they attempted to process the information. "I wouldn't have gone into as much detail, but I need everyone to understand what exactly we're dealing with. The Dark Kingdom will do whatever it takes to achieve its goals. They may go after the Shitennou again since the group is more powerful together, particularly when they're with Mamo-chan. I won't let any of you go into this without knowing the danger we're up against."
Nephrite moved away from Makoto and wrapped an arm around her. "We can appreciate that, Usagi. I know carrying those memories must be hard, but we're here to help. We'll make the plans and see if we can free your Mamoru. All of us understand the risks. We've faced difficult tasks before; we know what we're doing. Trust us." Each of the Shitennou voiced their agreement.
Reluctantly, the Senshi of the Moon nodded. "I can do that. So, we'll stage some fights between us. Zoisite and Jadeite will be on my side; the rest of you need to be harsh. Don't make an actual attempt or anything, but make it clear you're not satisfied with my leadership and want me out. Tell me to give up the Ginzuishou. Any time there's a youma, take sides. Motoki-onii-san, lay low until we can arrange the meet. Tuxedo Kamen's biggest advantage in battle is surprise. We'll need it if things go wrong."
"We'll still be there, Usagi-chan," Rei told her fiercely. "We'll keep watch from a distance so we can be ready to intervene if we can't get what we need."
"No!" Usagi objected. "Kunzite will be able to sense you. He'll know it's a trap."
"But he won't realize we're there to help if we don't interfere," Makoto countered. "After all, if we aren't on your side, we're not really a threat to him."
"You certainly can't go in unprotected," Minako agreed. "The Ginzuishou could be stolen if you're on your own. I trust the Shitennou, but Kunzite is dangerous. We were a match once, but I'm nowhere near him in skill now. If he attacks and we're not there, you'll lose if you can't get to the Ginzuishou."
"Lady Venus' observations are correct," Kunzite supported. "While my darker self may take note of our presence, he will most likely be disinterested if we show no sign of interfering. Zoisite is a strategist, not a fighter, and Jadeite is brash and impulsive. You will need protectors if everything does not go as planned."
"Fine!" she yelled, throwing up her hands. "I surrender! I won't go in unprotected. Are you all happy now? I'm just trying to find a way to bring him back safely!"
Motoki sighed, leveling a mild glare at the others. "You should really consider how much this means to her before you jump on her like that. She's only trying to bring Mamoru-kun back safely."
"We know that, Motoki-san," Makoto replied. "It's obviously hard on her, but we have to be careful. If we lose her, we have no chance whatsoever of defeating the Dark Kingdom, and that includes bringing him back. If we seem harsh, it's because we want her alive. Now, Usagi-chan, it's late and you haven't been resting enough. We can begin the plan tomorrow, but now it's time for you to go home. Luna will be worried if you're much later."
"I'll walk with her," Ami volunteered. "It's on the way to my place. Usagi-chan?"
"I'm coming, Ami-chan. Just let me get my things from Mamo-chan's room. Motoki-onii-san, you'll take care of everyone, won't you?" She smiled when he nodded. "Then I guess there's nothing left for me to do. Let's go, Ami-chan. Good night!"
"Good night, Serenity-hime," Kunzite replied as the other girl ushered her out.
"She's really great, isn't she?" Minako said with a smile. "While her willingness to sacrifice herself can be a pain, she's dedicated and the best friend you could ever have."
"She is a kind, caring young woman with a good heart," Kunzite agreed. "In many ways, she embodies the best of her past self while being her own person. The princess often wished for a chance to live a normal life, and I see it agrees with her."
"Serenity will grow up to be an amazing woman if we can save her," Zoisite remarked as he dropped onto the couch. "Both the one of our time and theirs. It is certainly an honor to serve under her."
"She really is great," Rei commented amiably, "but don't you dare tell her I said that."
"Why, firebrand, afraid of ruining your kick-ass reputation?" Jadeite smirked. She just scoffed.
"If you're finished, we should go, Rei-chan," Makoto reprimanded. "Let the guys have some time to do whatever it is they do when girls aren't around."
Rei laughed as she grabbed her purse. "Fine, let's go. I can't stand another moment in his presence anyway." She grabbed her friend's hand and practically dragged her out, to the men's amusement.
"You know, Jadeite, she might be nicer to you if you stop purposely making her mad," Motoki observed.
"Maybe," he snickered, "but it's so much fun. Besides, I'd be more worried if she was actually trying to light me on fire. All her attempts so far have been half-hearted."
"Jadeite, will you ever grow up?" Nephrite groaned. "You don't need to torture the girl. Anyway, you should be thinking about the mission. You have to play traitor, remember?"
"It really is unfair that you and Kunzite-sama need not act as decoys," Zoisite grimaced. "I do not relish the possibility of actually being caught if what you say Jupiter told you is true. Kunzite-sama and I in that sort of relationship? I find the very idea of it disturbing and revolting."
Kunzite's eyebrows shot up as he glanced at Minako for confirmation. She was still there searching for her elusive jacket. "Relationship? Venus?"
The blonde flinched. "I probably should have told you, huh? Yeah, their Zoisite and Kunzite seemed to have some sort of thing going on between them. It really freaked everyone out, even without their memories. Zoisite talked to him in a really fawning tone, always calling him Kunzite-sama. Well, okay, that part was pretty normal, but it was just creepy."
"Why did you not say anything?" he asked, a hint of censure in his voice.
"It didn't seem too important," she replied. "It was unnerving for obvious reasons. I guess there's a possibility that the other Kunzite will want this Zoisite, so I didn't object when I found out Mako-chan had told Nephrite. If Zoisite knew, he would be able to protect himself. I didn't want to tell you because I knew that it would bother you just as much as knowing that the you of this timeline was turned. You blame yourself in some odd way for things that are beyond your control. I didn't want to upset you."
"It bothered you?" he murmured. "Of course it did, given your feelings. Tonight's discussions would have just brought it to the fore. As for the blame, I cannot help but feel it is a weakness in my character that allowed this to happen. I- or rather he- failed as a commander and the team was captured. He could not hold out against the brainwashing. The possibility is unsettling at best."
"Kunzite, you know she's right when she says it was beyond your control," Jadeite drawled. "By all accounts, you fought long and hard. It wasn't any part of you that made it possible. They're trying to turn Endymion now. If they succeed, will you consider it a flaw in his character, or will you acknowledge that they just know how to break a man?"
"You are correct, for a change, but one does not like knowing one possesses such a fatal weakness."
"Then we're all guilty," Nephrite interrupted before his leader could continue. "I don't like to be harsh, but listen to yourself. It wasn't us. What happened to the other versions of us was a tragic accident beyond their control. Minako-chan has been trying to tell you the same thing since we got here."
Uncharacteristically, Kunzite looked a bit chastised. "You are right, of course. I suppose I am handling this so poorly because my other self is still here to serve as a constant reminder. Thank you, Nephrite. I apologize for behaving so strangely, Lady Venus. I assure you, I will try to cease."
She shook her head. "You don't need to apologize to me for this. It's a very human reaction to the situation. On the other hand, you'll have to apologize if you keep using my title, or the others. We're all friends here, so use our names. We don't bite."
"Well, most of you," Zoisite amended, shooting an amused look at a still chuckling Jadeite.
"I can't help it if she's a little wild," he claimed. "She just can't resist me."
"Sure. That's definitely it, Jadeite," Minako scoffed. "She's starting to give you a chance, so you shouldn't push your luck. You could at least let her decide whether or not to trust you before you start teasing her again."
"But it's so much fun!" he protested.
"Jadeite, consider it an order," Kunzite snapped. "Give Lady Mars- Rei- some time without your antics to adjust. She took to the rest of us more readily than she did you, and you are supposed to be her soul mate, though I will never see how."
Now Minako laughed. "Hey, you said her name. Jadeite, listen to your boss. I'll see you boys tomorrow. Motoki, make sure they eat real food, please. Last time I got a call on the communicator saying something was on fire."
Motoki, who had just been sitting back observing, grinned and waved her off. "We'll be fine, Minako-chan. Just leave it to me. Bye!"
She waved as she rushed off, muttering something about being scolded for coming home late again by her cat.
"So, guys, shall we order take-out?"
