A.N.- Okay guys I got chapter 8 up and I hope you all enjoy. I've read the reviews I received and its good to know a lot of you have taken a genuine interest in the story. It motivates me to really think about where I'll take the storyline as we advance. So again thanks and know that no matter how long it takes, I plan to complete this fic some day^.^

Side Note- To those who have reviewed, I thank you all 'again' for the support. Though it isn't necessary to do so, you guys still take the time to review and encourage me, so a big round of applause for those awesome people! You're the best I say! :3

Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor moon and I never will. There I said it, feel better now? Gosh... Bite me!

Chapter 8- Planting the seeds

"Begin when ready princess."

Setsuna stood poised in anticipation of Usagi's move while the blonde stared back at her superior dumbfounded and nervous. She didn't know how to approach the task that had been set before her, considering that none of her guardians bothered to instruct her in her new early morning assignment.

It was for the past three weeks, she was subjected to thorough scrutinizing and constant scolding by her most strict guardian Luna. Posture, mannerisms, and etiquette were being drilled into her without fail each day, so it was no surprise when Usagi was caught off guard by the sudden change in routine.

"What should I do?" the blonde finally responded after her drawn out reluctance eventually got the better of her.

"Do what comes natural. Remember I'm your opponent." Setsuna replied with simplicity, but this only further troubled Usagi, who groaned in frustration.

"I got that part… but what exactly do you want me to do?"

Luna scoffed after hearing the repetitive questioning and decided it had gone on long enough as she shouted at her silly charge from across the wide space of the back yard. She stood from the lawn chair she occupied and folded her arms in front of her, taking on a stance of authority as she spoke.

"Attack Setsuna in any manner you choose! It's already been made clear that today is your first day of combat training so attack as you see fit. We need to see where you stand in your natural ability otherwise we won't know what to focus on."

The dark haired guardian silently prayed that Usagi would understand and just do as told. It was bad enough she made the most simplest of exercises so unreasonably complex, the least the girl could do was follow a basic order like 'attack' without difficulty.

Usagi still held a look of hesitance but she finally nodded in reply and relieved a sharp exhale before charging forward in a sudden dash towards Setsuna. It was right to assume that this would be a hand to hand combat session since both Setsuna and Usagi were relieved of their magical weapons, but the blonde would be met with new shock as Setsuna outstretched her left hand in Usagi's direction.

A dark purplish orb formed in Setsuna's palm and Usagi panicked in mid charge, deciding to dip to her right and roll out of the way of the gathered energy. Setsuna smirked in response but held the orb of energy in front of her still, this time facing Usagi's new location. The blonde dashed off to the left now feeling the pressure of helplessness after realizing she had been put in a very unfair position.

"I thought this would be a battle without magic!?" She stated this while running to avoid the alignment of Setsuna's hand as she was relentlessly taunted by the threat of Setsuna's attack.

"No one said that… now quit running and attempt an attack Usagi! Don't let a gathering of energy sway you from facing your opponent. If you don't try, you'll never gain experience from your battles!"

Usagi began whining as she continued to run, dash and stumble carelessly trying to avoid the danger that loomed in her direction no matter where she ran "But I don't wanna die, this isn't even fair!"

"Oh for the love of the moon!... When are your battles ever fair Usagi? These monsters and tyrants don't care about being fair. Their only concern is power and the means to your end. You need to approach this training as if it were the thin line between life and death…"

Luna gave Setsuna a short nod as if signaling something just between the two, and Setsuna gave a curt nod in reply before finally releasing the ball of energy towards the completely panicked blonde. It was by some level of luck Usagi narrowly escaped the assault but her evasion would not end there. One after another without pause Setsuna released a barrage of energy blows forcing Usagi to hop back constantly with each one.

Nervous sweat dripped down the side of Usagi's face as each attack seemed to grow closer and closer to a direct hit. She knew she needed to do something quick, but it was always in her nature to run, escape, and avoid at all cost. How could her guardian expect her to attack back without her scepter? it was all to much to think about and she knew she was running out of time.

If she didn't come up with a strategy soon, her endurance would waver and there was no doubt she would be hit 'But what should I do?... what can I use?'

As Usagi searched her mind for any possible solution, she slowly began to feel the pulsating flow of energy from her chest. Like a strike of lightening her answer finally presented itself and she wondered how she could have been so dumb 'My Broach! Of course I can use the crystal duh!'

When she found her footing, Usagi outstretched both her hands in front of her and closed her eyes in deep focus. Setsuna allowed her to do so by putting a stop to her assault and giving Usagi the opportunity to gather her energy. A short smirk graced her lips at the sight of the younger warrior finally putting her logic to use. At the rate things were going she hadn't expected Usagi to step up to the plate so soon, but now that she had, curiosity consumed her as she awaited the retaliation.

While Usagi focused she felt her energy serge into the palm of her hands and form into a bright glowing orb of her own, though it didn't nearly match the size of Setsuna's it was still fairly note worthy. She slowly opened her eyes with a look of determination and released the orb with a direct blast, causing Setsuna to dash to the side to avoid it.

As small as the orb was, the blast of energy itself was big enough to leave a bolder sized pothole in the area Setsuna had originally stood.

A smile spread across Luna's face when she saw the level of her attack. "See what happens when you put your mind to it Usagi?"

The blonde replied with an embarrassed chuckle before rubbing the back of her head "Well if I had known I possessed this type of power I would have done it from the get go"

Luna smirked in response before she set her sights in the distance "The fight isn't over yet…"

In an instant Usagi sweat dropped as she felt a strong wave of energy behind her coming at full force. The blast made direct contact with her back, forcing her towards the house as the heat of the energy singed her back and made her skid across the ground in a tumbling motion.

She slowly got up leaning on one knee for support and weakly stood the rest of the way once she found her strength. Though she had a few scratches along her arm and cheeks she made sure she didn't tear up since it wouldn't be the first time she took a blast. It was odd, but somehow she felt more confident when facing Setsuna, and maybe it was due to the fact she wasn't in imminent danger.

Taking these thoughts into account and finally feeling the urge to see what she was truly made of, she began to gather her energy once again. This time she focused even more making sure to suppress as much power as she could manage into the small orb of energy, but Setsuna would not allow an easy hit.

This proved to be the case when Setsuna charged towards her with a purple orb of energy in each hand, launching them like torpedos towards Usagi which forced her to release her attack prematurely to counter the hit. The explosion from the clash of energies forced Usagi to tumble backwards in a discombobulated motion while Setsuna merely used the force of the blow to flip backwards landing with a confident poise.

Setsuna wasted no time in charging forward and used the moment to kick Usagi in her side causing her to roll across the ground further. Usagi clutched her side in pain before curling into a fetal position as Setsuna walked towards her slowly.

"Your enemies will be merciless. You must learn to endure hits no matter how painful…never give in so easily."

Setsuna spoke in her usual calm tone and anticipated retaliation but Usagi could only grunt in reply. Perhaps she wasn't up to the task just yet, but still she had showed some level of ability in their short bout, which was the most promising progress she had shown since her arrival.

"I think she's had enough Luna. Let her rest."

Luna nodded in reply and turned towards Artemis who was already making his way over from the sliding glass door to retrieve her. As he kneeled down to pick up the beaten princess he whisper "Good job" and the blonde groaned in reply as she was carried to her room. Luna didn't say anything to her but the look on her face showed she was proud of the effort that was put into the spar. She knew it would only serve to toughen Usagi in due time, and it was all she could hope for.

"We'll continue to focus on combat training alone for the next two months. I wish I had realized it sooner, but it seems Usagi would build better discipline when challenged in battle. Did you see her determination?"

Setsuna nodded in reply as she glanced back towards the little crater Usagi had made only moments earlier "You were wrong about her… Usagi has indeed grown stronger over the years. She just doesn't know how to use her powers properly."

Luna gave a knowing smile "Perhaps I did underestimate her ability. However she still has a long way to go in the art of battle. Her magic has grown but it could be much stronger. I believe you'll get her there Setsuna."

The Pluto warrior gave a curt nod in reply "We shall see."

-5 hours later-

"That was way harsh!"

Usagi groaned as she attempted to push herself out of bed and landed in a hard thud on the floor. After several minutes passed she finally made her way to her feet and started stretching out her joints.

Soon after she made her way to the bathroom to check on her wounds but found none, much to her surprise. She continued to scrutinize over the areas she was originally singed and searched for any trace of a bruise but found nothing.

It was true that she was always a quick healer but for every scratch to be healed up to such an extent was pure madness. She allowed herself to transform out of her sailor gear and held the broach in her hand in silent study of the star shaped item.

"The silver crystal is growing stronger… it must be responding of its own accord in reaction to my magic. There hasn't been many occasions where I used the crystal alone unless I faced a major enemy so… maybe using it in the physical form, rather then through my scepter has—"

"Yes exactly. The raw power of the crystal is what allows your magic to evolve." Luna cut in to her statement as she stood in the doorway of the bathroom, catching Usagi off guard by the sudden intrusion.

"I didn't realize this before but you've proven time and time again that whenever you wield the crystal itself, you tend to compete with the strongest of enemies. You've learned how to hone the powers of the silver crystal into energy using focus without instruction. This proves you have more talent and power laid hidden within you."

"Hmph that's information I could have used a long time ago Luna." Usagi stated this with a hint of annoyance as she glanced over her appearance from behind through the bathroom mirror. She was still trying to spot any sign of bruising but couldn't find even the slightest of marring on her skin. Luna observed her behavior and could only smirk in response.

"As I've said before, certain memories were unlocked once I returned to this form… but putting that aside, how do you feel Usagi?"

Luna stated this to draw the blonde's attention from her self scrutinizing which quickly enticed Usagi to ask "I feel fine but I don't get it. How did I heal so quickly?"

Luna chuckled in response "I think you already know the answer to that but I'll indulge you. As you can see, you've learned to further the uses of your silver crystal. The raw magic of the crystal is of a pure entity. Light can harm and light can heal. This is the regeneration affect from its use, just like when you've healed tainted individuals who were turned to fiends."

Luna fell silent for a moment as Usagi thought it over then continued "Trinity was a prestigious healer even in her childhood. Naturally over the years she mastered her abilities and you should be capable of the same achievement with practice."

Usagi remained silent as she contemplated the power of her true mother and its possibilities. "So… how did she become so great at it?"

Luna gave a questioning glance before she responded "What do you mean? Of course it was just consistency like with anything we do in life. But I think what truly made her great was her love of healing… her dedication to protect."

Luna's words made Usagi smile as she tried to imagine what it must have been like to live in that time with the former Queen.

"Well enough of this talk of Trinity, we need to focus more on you for now, and since you're up and about; I think you should go get some exercise." Luna made her way over to Usagi's dresser and tossed a t-shirt with sweatpants on her bed. "Change your cloth's and meet Artemis outside, you'll be going for a jog to increase your endurance and speed."

"What?! Wasn't that morning spar more than enough? I mean geez are you trying to drain me dry…?"

Luna could only sigh from her reluctance "Report down stairs in 5 minutes Usagi. It's not up for discussion" With that said she left the room only to hear a whiney groan from behind the closed door as was expected of the blonde.

-Forest trail-

"Keep it up you're doing great!"

Artemis called out as Usagi trailed a good twenty paces behind in a sad attempt to keep up with the silver haired guardian. She was huffing and puffing with exhaustion as she struggled to continue onwards only to eventually clash with the back side of Artemis when he came to a short stop. She stumbled and lost her balance; almost pulling Artemis down with her but he managed to stabilize and catch her mid fall.

Usagi adjusted herself as soon as she regained her footing and relieved an exhausted huff before she spoke with agitation "How about a little warning next time!" she managed to scoff out as she continued to catch her breath. Artemis gave her an apologetic look but then shifted her focus ahead of them as he pointed towards a huge residential gate that ended their path.

"Looks like the dirt path ends here, we should have a rest." Usagi perked up from this response when she realized she could finally get a break and found herself plopping down where she stood with obvious exhaustion. "Thank kami it ended… I thought we would never stop." She groaned pathetically as she removed her sneakers, allowing her feet to feel the relief of the passing breeze.

The two had literally jogged for three hours straight following the insanely long path that Artemis decided would be their course for the day, though neither of them had expected the trail would lead to a secluded residence.

Artemis took a look around the gate entrance while Usagi recovered to get a better view of the location, only to find that a western style mansion stood a good distance beyond the gate much to his surprise. The area seemed too cut off for a residence of that magnitude to exist but it was a very intriguing find.

"Who would want to live this far from civilization?" Usagi asked as she stood brushing the dirt off her pants. She finally took the opportunity to look around herself after gaining back some of the energy she lost.

"Perhaps some people prefer the isolation. It's fairly peaceful in these surroundings… a rare find indeed." Artemis closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in the refreshing scent of the forest when the moment was suddenly interrupted by the presence of another.

"Agreed…" came the voice of another as Usagi and Artemis both turned simultaneously in the direction they heard the comment. A male stepped out from the foliage of the trees revealing his slender but toned form. He wore black dress shoes, and fitted dark navy jeans with a black long sleeved dress shirt. The top two buttons were undone along with the buttons of the cuff, which were rolled up to the midst of his elbows.

As his full image came into vision, his sharp handsome facial features and his signature strawberry blonde hair finally revealed to Usagi who the stranger was. "Zieg?! What are you doing out here?"

The Strawberry blond raised an eyebrow in response but found himself smirking as he assessed her surprised expression "I could impose the same question upon you… but I'll spare you the suspense. This is my home… I just came from the river a short ways down." He pointed in the direction he came from to emphasis his point as he made his way to the front gate and pressed a white button to the speaker box.

"I've returned Rosetta." He spoke into the receiver and was answered by a female voice which replied "Yes master" as the gates were automatically opened.

"You two are welcomed to join me if you wish." Zieg stated this nonchalantly as he made his way towards the mansion entrance. His invitation had caught Usagi off guard, but she wasn't one to pass up such an awesome opportunity. Especially after the long on foot travel she went through to get there.

"Hey, don't have to tell me twice, let's go Artemis!" she stated this in a very chipper tone as she followed Zieg and pulled Artemis along to join them. Her guardian didn't hesitate to follow, but he did seem to be uncomfortably quiet and focused on Zieg as they entered the residence 'Alright… what's up with Artemis now?'

When the three reached the twin front doors, they were greeted by what appeared to be a maid with a fair smile. Her eyes reflected slight curiosity when she noticed Usagi and Artemis were accompanying Zieg but the smile never left her lips as she bowed to the group politely.

"Welcome home master and guest. I'll escort you to the lounge area if you'll just follow me" Rosetta stated this in a pleasant voice as she closed the entrance door behind them and began to lead the way towards the lounge room.

"I'll meet you guys there, in a moment" Zieg announced as he parted ways with the group in the hall and seemed to disappear in the distance of the huge mansion.

Usagi was completely caught up in the scenery of the residence as she and Artemis were escorted to what was considered the lounge. So much in fact she had remained silent from the significance of being in such a place, but Artemis didn't reflect a similar interest as he took a seat on one of the luxurious Sofa's. Instead he seemed more distant within his silent thoughts and it was really starting to get to Usagi as the minutes passed.

It had to have been no longer then five minutes when finally Zieg reappeared in the lounge entrance. With the presence of her master Rosetta dismissed herself with a short a bow and left her master to his company. Zieg took a seat in a large cushioned chair and leaned back in comfort before turning his attention to his guest.

"So I take it you were out on a stroll Usagi?"

The blonde shook her head in response with the very thought of her work out making her feel tired once more.

"More like a never ending jog if anything." She turned her attention towards her guardian "Isn't that right Artemis?"

She drew Zieg's attention to the silver haired individual in the room which seemed to snap Artemis from his thoughts in acknowledgement of their presence "Ah yes Usagi, a much needed jog at that" he chuckled as he stood from his seat and made his way over to Zieg, extending a hand in greeting. Zeig returned the gesture respectfully standing as well before shaking his hand.

"An honor to meet you Artemis… and you're Usagi's-?"

"Guardian and protector." Artemis stated smoothly before releasing the younger man's hand. He stood back slightly in silent observation as he focused on Zieg with a look of realization.

"At first glance you seemed familiar but I wasn't quite certain of who you reminded me of… until just a moment ago"

Both Zeig and Usagi looked at each other questioningly before Usagi finally decided to inquire first "What are you talking about? You've met him before?"

"Yes in a past life" Silver eyes turned to Zieg's violet ones as he spoke "You were once known as Eros, the 1st Lieutenant General in command of the elite army of Venus. You were a very prestigious warrior and ally of the moon kingdom."

"Ah! Well would ya look at the time!"

Usagi jumped out of her seat in panic after he blurted out what could have been grounds for escort to a madhouse. She couldn't understand what made him feel comfortable enough to share that kind of information whether it was true or not, but she felt the need to play savior before things got worse.

"I guess we'll be going now, seeing as my guardian appears to be losing his marbles!" She laughed hysterically while pushing Artemis back towards the main hall but they were both stopped when Zieg called out for them to wait.

Usagi sweat dropped in response, squeezing her eyes shut as she counted to three before turning back around apologetically.

"What did you mean you knew me in a past life Artemis?" There was a look of concern on his face when he asked and Artemis scratched his head in short thought before responding.

"Well since you have a genuine interest I'm hoping you'll understand that this is not information shared in jest."

Zieg waved off the caution and encouraged Artemis to explain further as he took a seat once more. Usagi followed his lead and sat as well except she seemed ten times more curious compared to Zieg.

"Alright then to make a long story short, as I said earlier you're actually a reincarnation of a well known Lieutenant General. We met on a number of occasions due to the alliance with Venus and the Moon kingdom, which was why I was able to recognize you and your endeavors. I'm not sure if you ever heard of the legend of a Moon princess but a goddess in Greek mythology who went by Selene might ring a bell."

Artemis turned his attention towards Usagi "There was Queen Selene who later became known as 'Trinity' and she gave birth to her daughter Serenity. Usagi here is the reincarnation of Serenity, making her the present day princess of the moon. So like her you have stored memories or feelings of nostalgia when you encounter someone of your past life."

Zieg nodded in reply as he took in the information "It makes sense… I had dreams as a child but these dreams became more frequent the past few years. Dreams of war in lands I've never seen, and the people I knew yet never met in all my life… heh, it's finally nice to have answers."

Usagi's brow furrowed in confusion as she took in the information and couldn't help but speak up as the room fell silent.

"Let's just slow down a bit… It makes sense now that he seemed drawn to me since our first encounter, but as a princess in the past I don't see how encounters with him would have been as frequent as it was between you two. So why was intrigue so strong? It was almost as forceful as a bond with my Senshi."

At this question Artemis grinned as he shook his head "Um… well… I'll save that story for another time. However I'll leave you guys with a little hint- 'Venus and love dare not part under the moons guiding light'

Usagi scratched her head, feeling completely lost by the statement and Zieg seemed a little lost himself but he didn't give the riddle too much thought; knowing that he would have plenty of time to contemplate at a later time.

"Well thanks for your honesty Artemis. This opens up many doors as far as I'm concerned…perhaps my original feelings were correct." Zieg stated this with a look of fulfillment as a content smile graced his lips.

Usagi being the naturally curious person she was couldn't help but ask "So what feelings were those?"

"Well…"

Zieg stood and walked over to the sofa where Usagi sat and kneeled on one knee before her. Much like what he had done when he first greeted her at lunch, he gently grasped her hand and softly kissed her knuckle causing a dark blush of red to rise to Usagi's cheek.

Zieg grinned from her response before he finally spoke "That I was fated to meet you…princess"

Artemis raised an eyebrow from the younger mans actions but merely shrugged off the display he presented before heading for the entrance door and calling out over his shoulder "We should get going Usagi, meet me at the gates when you're ready."

Usagi only nodded in response to Artemis but couldn't help but fight off the blush spreading across her cheeks from Ziegs actions. She pulled her hand away and stood quickly as she lightly tugged at a strand of hair from one of her pony tails.

"Um are you sure you're not coming on to me…Zieg?"

The strawberry blonde relieved a short chuckle in reply as he stood to his full height and made a cross motion over his heart "Never princess… unless you wish it. Otherwise I am simply a friend."

Usagi found herself chuckling in response to his comment but waved a single finger at him in playful scolding "That's right, only a friend." She turned to leave the room, but before she could exit she heard Zieg call out.

"Hey Princess…"

Usagi turned questioningly "Yes Zieg?"

"Call me Eros…It's more fitting."

Usagi could only smile back in response "I agree. See you at school Eros"

A.N.- So that ends chapter 8 and I hope you guys enjoyed. Just thought I'd put this up to let you guys know I'm still alive and I have not forgotten this story. I'm constantly busy nowadays but I will try and make time still so I can put up the next chapter. No promises on a specific time frame chapter 9 will be up, but I can promise that there will indeed be a chapter 9 – 'A Flower's Bud' as soon as I can get to it. Later dayz! ^.^