I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON. ANY OF IT. . . . . . SO DON'T SUE.

My first fic. Be constructive. Help is appreciative. But no stupid remarks. We all have an opinion.

Chapter 9

Face Off

Jasper decided to get some more fresh air after his walk in with the senshi of time. I still can't believe I ran into her! He was grinning from ear to ear like a little school boy who just got his first ice cream cone. He wished he could have continued to stare into those loving eyes again. But he knew they were being watched, if was an enemy or not he did not know. But he had a good idea who it was. He came to a small bridge over the pond when he stopped to look at his reflection. He then sighed to himself and said, "Hello Helios."

Helios looked at Jasper with cold eyes. He wanted to know why he was here and he knew he had to be alone with him to do it.

"Why?" Jasper chuckled.

"You really don't like me being here do you? What happened back then happened. Nothing can change it. Let it go kid. You're holding on to something that needs to die. We both are." Jasper whispered the last part to himself. Helios was fuming. How dare he say let it go! How dare he call him a kid! Helios took a step towards Jasper.

"You didn't answer my question. Should I ask again?" Jasper turned to the dream protector. "I'm back for many reasons dear friend. I'm back to ask forgiveness, love, and to win back the one who I truly hurt the most and . . ."

"You lost all chances of that when you betrayed your own mother you selfish son of a bitch! How can you even possibly think of asking for forgiveness after that! If it weren't for you none of it would have come to pass!" Helios was livid as he interrupted Jasper. Jasper was somewhat taken aback by the outburst. Not because of the accusation but because he never saw Helios as one to hold a grudge and to lose temper and control. He decided to not retaliate but instead calmly try to talk to his old comrade.

"How do you know it wouldn't have happened anyway? I did what I thought would help. I'm sorry I didn't tell anyone but I figured that letting anyone know would have been a threat to their safety. Helios, I understand why you are mad at me, but I assure you I never wanted it to happen. If I could go back and change it I would. But just like Pluto I am bound by laws of time and space. She would say the same thing if she was here . . ."

"Don't you dare talk about her highness of Pluto! What gives you any right to address her in any form whatsoever?! When saw her at dinner why didn't you just leave her be? Why did you even come back!? Why are you ALIVE!!!!!????"

The last question took both men by surprise. Jasper because he never really knew until now just how much hatred towards him had built up in Helios and Helios because he never realized how much hatred had built up. Helios never knew he could hate this much. It scared him. He wanted to apologize but the hate was too great to allow him to humble himself.

Jasper looked at Helios shocked. I didn't realize my actions from so many millennia ago could still have such an affect on my friends. Does Pluto harbor these same feelings? Does she hate me as much as Helios does? Or does she hate me worse? Both men now hung their head in shame. Both for different reasons but still connected by on common denominator. Helios clenched his fist so tight they started to turn white and blood started to trickle out. I never knew I was this angry and upset. I'm so glad Chibiusa isn't here she would scold me for being so cruel and heartless to a friend. Former friend that is. He is no friend of mine. Not anymore. It seemed time was standing still for both warriors. After what seemed like an eternity, both men looked up into each others eyes. Jasper spoke up.

"Why are you really here?" Helios sighed before speaking.

"I sensed a great force coming. When I was informed Sailor Pluto was having dreams of an old lover I believed it to be you."

She has been having dreams as well? Jasper thought. Then he realized what Helios had said and questioned. "You believed it to be me? Does that mean you don't now?"

Helios once again sighed. "It's not you I sensed. But you being here does not calm me at all. It simply means that we are in for a fight for our lives. And I predict many casualties. And not from the side of the enemy."

Jasper paled. He didn't want to believe what just came from the lips of Helios was true. A new enemy? Many casualties on our side? This cannot be right! He spoke again.

"What must we do?" Helios' voice became cold.

"We will do nothing. I will make sure our future queen and king and the protectors of the earth are known of this evil and they and I shall protect this planet. You will leave and never return. The last time you helped, it ended in disaster for an entire kingdom."

Jasper had finally had enough. "How dare you try and tell me what to do! I am a crown prince of the moon! I have as much right to protect this planet as you do! I would give my life for this planet!"

"Like you did for the moon?!!!" That outburst from Helios was what broke Jasper. For like Sailor Pluto, Jasper had not died. He had survived. But the guilt also survived with him. Jasper held his head to the side.

"As far as I'm concerned," Helios stated, "you lost the title of crown prince that day."

A bus had pulled up to the bus stop to let passengers off. People laughing and hugging and carrying on without much worry for the night. Helios and Jasper watched them. Both remembered a time when they lived in a place that had no worries. Helios turned back to Jasper.

"I came here tonight to tell you this once. Do not go near his highness and his generals. Do not go near her highness and her senshi. And DO NOT go anywhere near Sailor Pluto. You caused too much heartache in one life time, a second will not be tolerated."

Jasper looked challengingly at Helios. He spoke with a low and serious demeanor as he said, "Is that a threat Protector of Dreams?"

The sarcasm was not missed by Helios. He chuckled. "No, it's a promise." He turned to leave.

Jasper called after him. "And if I refuse?"

Helios turned just his face to his once friend. "I'll KILL you." And with that he turned and walked away. Jasper clenched his jaw and fist.

"Have it your way, oldfriend." And with that, Jasper headed back to his apartment.

"What was that all about?" One said as they left the bus bench after listening to the conversation. "That was so out of character for Helios. It seems much has happened since we left eh?"

"Well I'm not sure about the other one, but Helios looked determined to do whatever he could to keep that guy away from the earth protectors. I guess it's a good thing we came back huh?" Another asked as she walked along side her friends.

VesVes nodded. "JunJun is right though. Helios is not himself. But what I want to know is who was that other guy and what is his role?"

CereCere looked over at VesVes. "Past or present?" VesVes, JunJun, and PallPalla looked at each other before all answering. "Both." CereCere looked back and the paper she was holding.

"Well first thing is first. We have to find a place to live. It seems we are going to be here a while."

"Should we let them know we are here? Or at the very least Small Lady?" PallaPalla asked.

VesVes shook her head. "No. For now let's see what we are up against and assist where needed."

JunJun nodded. "Agreed. Now what are we going to do about room and board?"

VesVes turned to the other three and grinned. "I think I might know four sisters who could help us out with that little problem.