Previously on Filling in the Blanks:

"Thank you Darien" was what I said as I leaned my head under his shoulder. I was falling, and falling hard. But at that moment I was enjoying the thrill of the fall and I couldn't care less what was up head. As long as I was in his arms, I knew everything would be ok.

Chapter 14

Mina's POV

I stared up at the mountain of stairs ahead of me dreading each and every step I would have to take. Not because I was already exhausted just by looking at them, but because each step I'd take would lead me closer to revealing the truth. I was the first Sailor Soldier to awaken. The day I turned sixteen was the day I was bestowed with my past life's memories. It was weird to be two people at the same time but it felt as if I was always the way I was if that even made sense? Artemis had shown up on the exact same day supporting me through my doubts and fears, training and guiding me on how to use my powers and preparing me for my duties and the events that would follow.

My number one duty was to protect and serve the Princess, my cousin and dear friend from another life. As leader of her Imperial Court of Guardians I was bestowed all the responsibilities of ensuring her safety and the protection of the Imperium Silver Crystal. That first kiss my royal pain in the ass of a cousin shared with her Prince Charming just screwed up my master plan taking me here to Tokyo. I didn't want to do this. I thought I could handle everything on my own. The less they knew the better and the easier it would be for them all. But everything's unravelling and they need to be awakened, they need their memories back for it's the only way to protect our dear beloved Princess. I breathed in deeply and exhaled as my right foot touched the first step.

"Mina, I know what you're thinking" I turned to look at my guardian cat perched on my shoulder.

"This was inevitable, they would have remembered one way or another" He of course was right but still, I wanted them free of this burden if even for a short while. Remembering your own death, remembering another part of you was not easy to come around. I had no choice, but these girls they were given one.

"I know Artemis, still it doesn't make it easier. Not to mention I have no idea how they're going to react about Kunzite and the others" I gave out a little groan as I continued up the steps.

"Just start from the beginning and tell them that information last. You did tell Kunzite to come when called right?"

"Yes Artemis, you make it sound like he's a dog!" I narrowed my eyes at my white cat as he jumped off my shoulder landing on a few steps ahead of me.

"Well you did train him well to follow and obey, didn't you?" he said with a smirk.

"Take that back fur ball, like you would know anything about what couples do for the sake of love " I said sticking my nose up in air.

"Yes like bedding you is all for the sake of love" my cheeks reddened at his reply. I opened my mouth for a come back and abruptly decided against it. Instead I raced up the stairs to avoid that conversation with a cat that thinks he's my dad!

Finally reaching up the stairs, I saw a group of girls huddled together. And there they were. Princess Mars, Princess Mercury and Princess Jupiter. Gosh I miss them, it took all I had not to run up and hug them. And Lita would totally punch me in the face from the unwelcoming contact. Gathering strength I opened my mouth to talk.

"Is this the Sailor Scout Meeting?" I watched as three heads turned my way

"Who are you?" raven haired Rei asked.

"I guess its better off I show you" I pulled out my transformation pen from my sub space pocket. I watched as they flinched backwards in protective instinct.

"Venus Star Power!"

"I can't believe this! We're drinking tea with Sailor V herself" I couldn't help but giggle at Amy's comment.

"Ngww you guys make it sound like I'm some superstar" I said with a flick of my hair and a sly grin.

"Yes like having your own game, merchandise and posters all over the city doesn't make you a superstar" Rei hasn't changed one bit still as arrogant as ever.

"Is she always this serious?" I asked looking over at Amy and Lita making them explode in a fit of giggles.

"Yes, she is" Lita said wiping a tear from her eye when suddenly her face was hit with a pillow. Sitting and laughing with these girls brought back so much good memories. It makes telling them the truth a little easier.

After the laughter died down, it was time to get to the point. But before I could even begin Rei was one step ahead of me.

"Sorry to cut this wonderful intro off" Rei started. Uh-Oh, she's using her fake pleasant voice, this is NOT good!

"But ….WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH US NOW? WE'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET IN CONTACT WITH YOU FOR ALMOST A YEAR!" I winced at her words, but couldn't blame her for it. I have been avoiding and blocking all their attempts on communication with me.

"Rei please calm down, I'm sure Mina has her reasons" Ami interjected. Bless her kind heart.

"Look Meee- naaa" she said my name with such venom. I forgot how frightening Rei could be.

"Just cause we said yes to this meeting, and you walk in here all hearts, smiles and stars does not mean that I or any of us trust you! You have no idea what we've been through these last couple of months while you were off God knows where doing God knows what!" My head fell at her words. They had every reason not to trust me and they had every right to say all they want.

"That's enough!" I saw four white paws land on the table in front of me.

"You have no right talking to her that way, do you even know what she's …"

"Artemis it's okay" I said cutting him off mid sentence lifting my head up to give the feline a small smile. I looked to the three girls in front me.

"You guys have every right not to trust me, and I'm sorry I haven't been there for all of you. But there is a reason why. There are certain things you as of yet are not aware of. And it's time that you knew, but I must warn you, once this starts there is no going back" I looked up and saw confusion in Lita and Amy's eyes while Rei just shot back a suspicious glare.

"What do you mean no going back?" Lita asked with her brows creased.

"It means, once I reawaken you, your past life will too along with the memories you once had" I watched three pairs of eyes narrowed at me in confusion and then turned their stares to Luna. Could it be possible Luna had never told them anything of their past lives? I turned to the black cat perched on Rei's lap and saw she too had narrowed her eyes in confusion.

"Luna, where is the Princess?" Artemis asked whilst he walked towards the black feline.

"You ask as if I know where she is" Luna replied in an almost offended tone.

"Well yes you should, you do reside with her don't you?"

"Beg your pardon?" Luna asked irritation laced in her tone of voice. Artemis and I turned our heads to each other in understanding. Luna doesn't remember.

"Luna, what is your mission?" Artemis asked.

"To awaken Sailor Moon and the rest of the Scouts, find the rainbow crystals and the Princess" she stated knowingly.

"And what do you remember of the Moon Kingdom?" I watched as Luna opened her mouth and paused. Her face turned solemn as she turned her head up in thought.

"I know of the Queen and the Princess but everything is still fuzzy" She said when realisation hit her.

"And how is it that you remember so much Artemis?" She asked with narrowed eyes.

"We were sent here to guide and protect our charges. It's impossible to do so if we didn't have any memories. I was able to find Mina just in time, more like I was drawn to her, like you would have been drawn to your charge. The Princess." I was bit surprised at that information. Never knew he was drawn to me. Sounded a bit staker-ish.

"The Princess was my charge? Luna asked with wide eyes.

"Yes she is, and you have already found her" I looked as all four girls and feline responded with wide eyes.

"Are you insinuating that one of us is the Princess?" Amy asked. She was always the quick study. I smiled internally knowing this was the same trait the Princess of Mercury had.

"Yes, she is one of the Sailor Scouts" I replied with a small smile

"Let me show you who she is, let me show you who you all are" I laid both my hands on the table palms up. They stared at my hands and then back up my face.

"Why reawaken our memories now?" Amy asked. Had to hand it to her, she knew how to ask the right questions.

"For a long time, I thought I could protect the Princess on my own, but certain things have happened and I'm sorry to say but I can't anymore, and I need your help" I looked at Amy as she gave me a warm smile and placed her hand in mine.

"I'm sorry you thought you had to do that all on your own, but you don't have to anymore. She is after all our Princess" I returned her warm smile with my own. Note to self: Buy something really nice for Amy. God I love this woman!

"Did I have a loving, smart and very handsome boyfriend in my past life?" a bead of sweat appeared on my head as the question left Lita's mouth while Amy and Rei' head dropped in shame.

"Umm .. well yes, I do recall you falling in love" I said nervously. I did not want to bring up their Generals just yet.

"Then count me in, if I'm lucky maybe I'll find him here in this time" Lita enthusiastically grabbed Amy's and Rei's hand while she bounced up and down between the two. Her determined smile had me feeling a bit nervous. Kunzite is not going to be happy about this.

"Do you regret remembering?" Rei asked after getting Lita to finally calm down from her giddy-ness. I gave her warm reassuring smile.

"No, not one bit" Rei narrowed her eyes at me as if not believing my words. And then in an instant her faced warmed and she gave out a cocky grin as she placed her hand in mine.

"I have a feeling I'm not gonna hate you much longer" I smirked at her words.

"I have a feeling you'll hate me more" I replied with a wink and was returned with an 'I'll bet' face from Rei. I stared once more at the three ladies in front of me, we were now all hand in hand. They all nodded at me one by one indicating they were ready. I closed my eyes as I sucked in a deep breath. And at that moment I couldn't help but feel honoured to have such strong, loyal loving friends in both lifetimes. I let out a breath as I focused my energy.

I felt the heat upon my forehead knowing my sign was glowing. I sucked in another deep breath as I forced my energy out of my body and divided it into three, sending out energy to reawaken the long lost memories hidden in Amy, Lita's and Rei's mind. I had only done this once on Kunzite, so I knew I would be using thrice the energy.

I didn't know how long I held that position, emitting my energy to three individuals was tiring. I watched in my mind as glimpses of their memories flashed in my mind. I felt my body weaken, a throb in my head grew and I knew I was almost at my limit. My eyelids were shut so tight that my nose was scrunched up that I was not looking so pretty at that moment. A glimpse of the final battle popped up and I knew I just had to hold on a little longer. The last image I saw before collapsing was the image of my dear cousin on the floor, a sword in her chest as she lay by her lover's side in a pool of blood.

Muffled voices brought me out of the sleep I was in. I opened my eyes to find blurred figures around me.

"I can't believe this" I heard Rei yell as I blinked my eyes to focus on her pacing form.

"That Meatball Head's our Princess, and there we were, sworn to protect her from all harm and to stay by her side for all eternity, when she shoves a sword through her chest coz Mr Prince Charming died! We never should have let their affair go on!"

"Rei calm down, what's done is done we can't do anything about the past. Besides if I remember correctly we did refrain her from seeing him, and it broke my heart along with yours to see her so broken and sad" Amy always had a logical way to calm down Rei.

"I would have preferred her sad and broken than dead!" she screamed back causing everyone including myself to wince.

"And here I thought only our dear Princess could deafen our ears" I said slowly pulling my self up from the bed I was lying on.

"And you" I watched as Rei stomped over to me and pointed an accusing finger at my nose as her other hand lay on her hip.

"How dare you take all this upon yourself, stop acting all high and mighty just coz you're our Leader. We love her as much as you do. You had no right keeping all this to yourself" Her words were insulting but if you knew Rei, like we did it was nothing but love and concern.

"I'm sorry, I had no choice in the matter, you guys did" I said as I rubbed my face with my hands.

"What do you mean?" Amy asked as she handed me a glass of water.

"The Queen had made it so I would receive my memories when I turned sixteen, right about the time the Negaverse appeared. As the leader and Serenity's cousin she believed it to be my duty to protect her daughter" I said in between sips.

"It still doesn't explain why you kept this all to yourself" Lita questioned. I sighed as I pulled the bed covers off my body and swung my legs over the bed.

"When I received my memories, I had to figure out a way to protect Serenity's identity from the Negaverse and keep the Silver Crystal hidden" I took in a deep breathe.

Explaining my actions will be hard especially now they've gotten their memories back. I knew they would be pissed at being left out when back in the Silver Millennium we did everything together. The five of us were inseparable. The Princess's protection detail was planned and implemented by us four. Anything and everything that involved the Princess went through us and was approved by only us. It was a deep bond we all shared. We vowed to carry all burdens together and I had broken that vow. And I would now pay the price.

"I had planned to use my self as a decoy. Release my identity as the Princess to draw heat from the real Princess when the time came. And me not communicating with you all was crucial for my plan work. I had Artemis disguise himself as Mission Control to send out a message to Luna. I asked him tell her to find Sailor Moon and the Scouts. I wanted to place the Princess in plain view with protection" I said gesturing with my hands that I meant them."I wanted you all to search for the Crystals and for the Princess ensuring Princess Serenity's real identity was kept hidden" I was breathless by the time I had finished explaining my master plan. I had to admit, my plan was fool proof until she found her Prince Charming. My dear cousin sure never made my job easy.

"I knew we picked you as the Leader for a reason" Rei said patting my shoulder. I gave a small smile as a thank you.

"So what's changed? I mean your plan was fool proof," Amy stated.

"Endymion was also born in this time and in this city" the girls paled as the new information was said.

"Darien" Rei whispered.

"So that's his name" I said with a smirk. Cute name.

"I'm guessing you know him then?"

"Yes, we do. He's a Uni Student that Serena met at the Arcade" Rei said, as she stared off into space.

"How did Darien being reborn change your plan?" Amy asked.

"Those two idiots shared one powerful kiss that woke me up from sleep. If they keep going at it they will ultimately reawaken their memories on their own" I said as my face turned into an irritated one.

"But why would a kiss …" Amy began as I cut her off.

"Like in all fairy tales, true loves kiss can break anything even time itself. I used my energy to reawaken your memories, and their love energy as I call it can reawaken theirs"

"That Meat Ball head didn't even mention she was spending time with Darien" Rei yelled as she crossed her arms on her chest.

"Did we even give her a chance to tell us?" Lita said staring out to the window. Her voice low and a hint of sadness could be heard.

"We've been such horrible friends, lying to her, ignoring her and never spending any time with her. I don't know how long I can keep this up" I stood from my spot and walked over to her. I placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I know of your predicament. You were right to keep her in the dark. You only followed your heart, and she'll understand"

"That's what irritates me more, she's too kind for her own good. We've been horrible friends and yet she forgives us and shows understanding like no other. She doesn't deserve any of this. I say we tell her everything!" Lita always did have a soft spot for Serena. We all did, but I could tell Lita was more upset about something else other than Serena.

"And what endanger her life? You're talking none sense Lita. It's better off she doesn't remember anything of her past or present. We've talked about this already haven't we?" Rei said as she approached Lita and I.

"If you only saw her today Rei" Lita said as tear rolled down her cheek.

"It's painful to love so dearly Lita we all know it. But duty comes first" I said to Lita as I gave her a reassuring smile. I hoped she would be able to remember my words as I meant there to be two meanings to them. Amy approached the three of us and laid her hand on Lita's.

"We're in this together Lita, we share all burdens remember. We are all feeling the same but like Mina said, duty comes first and it is our duty to protect her" I watched as Lita lunged her self into Ami's arms. Rei stood over them suspiciously glaring at Lita. There was something obviously more going on in her mind than just Serena's feelings and wellbeing. I had made sure I did not give them their memories back of their past lovers, dealing with all that info in one go would not do them justice. And that's me speaking from experience. Could it be possible that Lita may have got some memories Nephrite?

"Enough with the dramatics girls, we can deal with emotions later. Mina, do you know where the rainbow crystals are?" Rei asked interrupting my train of thought.

"There is no rainbow crystals" I said calmly.

"WHAT?!" All girls three girls yell.

"Relax, all part of my master plan" I said with a wink.

"You mean you had us search for those damn crystals for nothing!" Rei bellowed

"Of course not" I said defensively.

"I had you search for no reason to get the Negaverse to search for the crystals as well, another decoy of course" I said sipping more water.

"You make it sound like it was easy" Lita said with her arms crossed over her chest. I gave her a warm smile, as I was glad she was getting her emotions under control.

"I know it wasn't easy for any of you but now the Negaverse actually believes they need those crystals to get the Silver Crystal." I said bopping my head up and down.

"So where is the crystal" Ami asked.

"Hidden deep within our Princess of course" I said knowingly.

"What do you mean hidden deep within?" Rei asked.

"The crystal and its owner can not be separated for it will be the end of the owner's life. When the Queen passed the crystal moved on to it's next owner which is the Princess. The crystal is dormant within Serena" I explained.

"You mean she's carrying all that power within her?" Lita asked concerned.

"That explains why she's the only one that can end the Youma's lives while we can only injure and slow them down" Rei said in wonder.

"Yup, and because she is unaware of her abilities and has no reason to use her powers it will most likely be kept dormant" I added

"Most likely?" Ami wondered. Man these questions are getting too much. I should really ask them for some sort of snack break or something. I'm starving.

"If she is in some sort of danger or any life threatening situation the crystal will react to preserve itself and its owner. Though I do recall the Queen saying that the true powers of the crystal is tied to the owners will to protect those she loves which means"

"The crystal will react to strong emotions she emits" Ami said cutting me off. Her memories were sure returning faster and clearer than expected.

"Correct my friend, and may I say your memories are coming together well" I said with a smirk.

"Wait you didn't give us back all our memories?" Rei asked confused.

"Nope only the most important ones, the rest will come back in time" I said looking over at Lita. I was most certain right there and then, she had remembered something about Nephrite while the Ami and Rei hadn't.

"Oh before I forget to ask Mina" Rei started. Seriously I'm drained. I need a break. I need a cookie or pork bun or anything! I put my hand up to silence Rei.

"Last question ok? I'm exhausted and starving" I said in a groan.

"Yes, yes" Rei replied swishing her hand up and down dismissing my plea.

"Now you said Darien and Serena shared a true loves kiss, that if they keeping going at it, it will eventually reawaken their memories. What do you mean by the 'keeping going at it' part?" Rei inquired.

"It means any physical contact between the two like kissing they way they did a few days ago and today"

"TODAY?" Rei howled

"Let her finish Rei" Ami interjected. I watched as Rei bit her lip. My dear cousin is gonna get it.

"Yes today. If either one releases some sort of strong emotion 'Love' " I said doing quotation marks with my fingers "during physical contact, this strong energy is like the energy I used to reawaken your memories but stronger since they still have that weird link of theirs"

"Link?" I heard Lita whisper.

"You remember it?" I asked

"No, Tuxedo Mask has a link to Sailor Moon, so that means … " Lita paused as I saw realisation hit her.

"Darien is Prince Endymion and Tuxedo Mask!" all three girls shouted together. Now that, I did not know. It suddenly occurred to me that Kunzite might have known. A flash of annoyance flashed through me. He's totally gonna get it.

"So all we have to do is separate Darien and Serena right?" Rei asked hopeful.

"That shouldn't be so hard, I mean they totally hated each other before Serena's accident" Lita said with a scoff

"I wouldn't be so confident" Ami stated. "I bet he's had a thing for Serena since they met"

"I double that bet" I said

"I'm totally betting with Lita" Rei said with a smirk.

"Losers pay for a day of shopping including lunch?" I said with an evil grin.

"DEAL!" all three girls bawled.

So glad my solo missions have come to an end.

AN: OK so I apologise for a very long update. I was busy planning my son's 6th birthday. My mind was plagued with cake pops, baking, cleaning and shopping! So to make up for it this chap is 4.2k words ! But I also have a confession to make, during that time I accidentally started another fanfic story but have not yet posted. I feel i should finish this story off before posting another unless some are curious **winks

Anyway i hoped you enjoyed this chap, and hope it was informative. Let me know what you guys think. I scratched the whole seven rainbow crystals. I felt it wouldnt work with my story. I will be using Rini's powers (when they were first unaware that the crystal was inside her) just so you get a picture of what Serena would look like when she does accidentally use the crystals power. I know big exposure there right but I wanted to put it out there so people dont get confused. Any way thanks again for those that review, follow and fave .. much LOVE - alPha

PS: I'll do my shout outs next chap, my husband and kids are screaming at me to hurry koz we're late for dinner outing (dedicated much) :)