Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.

Chapter 25: Passing Time

-Rei-

Rei carefully straightened the clasp that held her cloak, her thoughts far away. She'd left the planning of the attack to her generals, since her first responsibility was still to the Princess. She'd gone through a range of emotions over the past week and a half, finally landing solidly on anger. It was a comfortingly familiar feeling that she'd been holding on to. Anger at the people of Earth for being the source of all this misery and death. Anger at Lady Pluto, Luna and Artemis for forcing them apart. Anger at herself for her failure. The Princess was the only one who was safe from her wrath. After all, she'd done nothing but try to help.

She also couldn't be angry with her fellow guards. She strode to her nightstand and slipped the strip of yellow cloth from the drawer. After all this time it was worn and faded and it still had the faint blood stains, but she would never get rid of it. It was a part of Minako that she could keep close to her. The only thing they can't take away from me, she thought bitterly.

She wrapped it around her wrist and carefully tied it in place before slipping her gauntlet over it. The black leather hid it from view and she smiled as she buckled it tightly. They can't stop me from loving her, she told herself, feeling a little better. Minako, on the rare times they'd seen each other, always wore the red scarf in her hair. She's holding onto me too. With that thought, she took a deep breath and stepped out into the hallway.

Serenity was the only one in the common room when she entered. A slight frown formed, but she forced it away and offered the Princess a small smile. "Where is everyone?" she asked casually.

Serenity pushed her empty plate away and smiled back. "Ami's in the library, Makoto's at the building site, and Minako's at the Venus camp," she said immediately, ticking them off on her fingers. "What are you doing?"

"My people are arriving today," Rei said with a shrug. "I thought I'd go down to the port and greet them." Serenity gave her a blank stare and she sighed inwardly. Not for the first time, she lamented the fact that the Princess was kept in the dark about what happened around her. She squashed the flare of anger toward Lady Pluto and gestured for the blonde to come over.

"Can I come with you?" she asked excitedly as she scurried around the table to stand next to her.

"Sure," Rei answered, offering an arm that the princess immediately latched onto. As they walked she decided to explain the situation, whether they wanted the princess to know or not. "We're sending our troops to Venus tomorrow to pick up the rest of the people staying loyal to the Empire. Since we're sending the entire army, we don't want to leave the rest of our people unprotected at home so we arranged for everyone too young or old to come here. Mercury is helping us out with transportation. We're essentially evacuating the entire planet."

She nodded, wide eyed. "So are you going to build a camp like the Venusians?" she asked when they reached the path that led to the port.

"Hopefully not too much like theirs," a wry voice answered. They both turned to see the Martian generals approaching them. "All those bright colors give me a headache," Deimos joked, giving them a lopsided grin.

Rei chuckled with them then stopped when her gaze lowered to Phobos's leg. "What…?"

He grinned and leaned heavily on his crutches so he could reach down to his pant leg. He raised the cuff to show off the silvery metal of the artificial leg. "The Queen of Mercury sent a bunch of their doctors here yesterday," he explained happily. "I'm still getting used to it, but they said I'll be able to walk on it soon."

Rei smiled and grasped his shoulder briefly. "Good, the army needs you."

Serenity dropped her arm and rushed forward to hug him. "That's so exciting!" she squealed. Rei had to smile at the identical looks of shock on the Generals' faces as she released him.

A short time later, the distant roar of engines sounded. They all looked up to see dozens of transports hovering far above their heads. They spent the better part of the morning greeting each group as they arrived. Everyone was directed northeast of the village, where a huge open plain had been staked out for the campsite.

After the last shuttle had emptied Rei and the others meandered to the eastern edge of the village. Rei couldn't help but wince slightly at the sight that greeted them. They'd come out at the edge of the Venusian encampment.

It was bustling with activity, but not anything particularly useful in Rei's opinion. People were gathered around several stages where street performers were putting on shows. Others were bunched around what looked like shallow pools surrounded by pillows. More were simply milling around without any clear destination. There was a blinding array of colors, and the combined voices were at a near deafening pitch.

Deimos grunted in displeasure and Phobos's eyes narrowed. Serenity seemed like she was considering joining the excitement, so Rei caught her arm gently and started walking again. "I think our area is a little farther north," she grumbled.

They'd almost reached the edge, where a large area was roped off with bright ribbons. She assumed it was some sort of training area, but it was currently abandoned. A shouted greeting stopped them in their tracks as three blondes hurried toward them. The sudden tightness in her chest told Rei who the center figure was before she'd gotten a clear look.

They stumbled to a halt in front of them, all barefoot and slightly flushed. "Hello Princess Serenity," Eros said breathlessly, resting his hands on his knees. "Queen Mars."

She nodded to him in acknowledgement, then started to turn away. She wasn't up to facing Minako yet. Her choices were taken, however, when the girl smiled shyly at her. "Where are all of you going?" she asked, still panting slightly.

"The Martian army just got here," Serenity answered happily. "We're going to visit their camp." She grinned at the three excitedly. Rei shifted uncomfortably as Minako's eyes strayed to where the Princess held her arm.

"The army is helping set up for those staying behind, before they leave for Venus tomorrow morning," she clarified.

This sobered the three blondes slightly. "I can't possibly thank all of you enough for what you're doing for my people," Eros said with a formal bow.

"Sure," Deimos said shortly. Phobos jerked a shoulder in a half shrug.

"Is there anything we could do to help?" Adonis asked, smiling brightly at them. "We could send over some drinks! Or maybe some entertainment…"

"No, that's alright," Rei said quickly, "We should be going." He looked slightly deflated by the refusal. She sighed softly and added, "But thank you for the generous offer." He grinned at her.

"Well, just let us know," Eros said as he waved and the two men turned back the way they'd come.

Minako stood awkwardly, not quite meeting anyone's eye. "Princess Serenity," Deimos said finally, "Have you ever seen a Martian war camp?" She shook her head and grinned when the general offered her arm. "Allow me to explain how everything works." Serenity took her arm and followed, chattering excitedly.

Rei threw them a grateful smile then turned back to Minako. "How are you feeling?" she asked softly.

"Better. You?" Rei shrugged. Minako took a half step closer. "I hate this," she said in a shaky voice. She caught the edge of her crimson cloak and played her fingers along it.

Rei sighed and pulled her into a hug. Minako clung to her tightly and they simply stood there for a moment. "I'm leaving tomorrow," Rei said into her hair. She felt Minako stiffen and pull back enough to meet her eye.

"You're going to Venus with them?" Tears were threatening to fall from the cerulean orbs.

"No, I'm going to Mercury with Ami," Rei reassured her. She ran a hand through the silky blonde hair. "General Deimos is going with the army and general Phobos is staying here to oversee the camp."

"Why are you going to Mercury?" she asked, tightening her hold slightly.

"Talking over strategy. They want Ami to go because they want her help with some weapon designs. Since we're going to be stationing a garrison of troops there, the Queen thought I should go too."

Minako seemed to think this over before cuddling back against her neck. "Am I going to see you before you leave?" she whispered. Rei shook her head sadly. Minako pulled back again so their faces were only inches apart. "Be careful. Promise you'll come back to me."

"I promise," Rei breathed as the blonde leaned closer. Minako pressed a soft kiss to her lips. Then their eyes met and before either of them fully realized what they were doing, their lips had crashed together passionately. In the back of her mind, Rei knew they shouldn't. They were going against a direct order in a big way. But as she teased Minako's mouth open with her tongue, she couldn't bring herself to care.

-Makoto-

Makoto moodily threw her blankets back and swung her legs off the bed. Ami had stopped by late the night before to tell her that she was leaving. She'd known that the other girl wouldn't still be with her in the morning, but it was still an upsetting feeling to wake up alone. She sighed heavily, grateful for the few hours they'd had at least.

She pulled on pants and a loose green shirt, then slipped two javelins into her belt. She considered her staff, but decided to leave it for now. Instead, she clipped her communicator to her belt. She slipped on one boot and eyed her plaster-encased foot in irritation. She'd been told it could come off in a few more days. She retrieved her crutch from beside the bed and hobbled out to the common room.

Minako was alone at the table, picking halfheartedly at her breakfast. Makoto sat heavily across from her and wordlessly filled a plate. A while later, the door opened and Serenity came bounding in. "Good morning," she said cheerfully. She sat down with them but ignored the food.

Makoto raised an eyebrow at her. "Aren't you going to eat, Serenity?" she asked in surprise.

The Princess grinned at her. "I already did," she informed her. "I've been up for a while."

"Really?" Minako said somewhat skeptically. "What have you been doing?"

"I went down to the port with Ami and Rei," Serenity answered. "They left for Mercury today, remember?" Makoto sighed heavily and pushed her half eaten breakfast away. Minako was staring at the tabletop sadly. "So what are you two doing today?"

"I don't know," Makoto said heavily. "I thought maybe I would go to the construction site."

Minako raised her head. "How's that coming, anyway?"

"Let's go see it!" Serenity said excitedly. "We could go visit all the camps today!" She started to bounce in her seat, waiting for their reply.

"Sure," Makoto replied. "We might as well."

Minako nodded and stood up. "It'll give us something to do," she said resignedly. Makoto nodded and Serenity jumped to her feet.

They'd made it as far as the door when it opened and Luna stepped in. "Where are you three off to?" she asked suspiciously.

"We were going to take the Princess on a tour of the camps," Minako answered stiffly. "Assuming that doing so wouldn't violate our duties in any way," she added acidly.

Luna's eyes widened in surprise at the tone. "That's perfectly alright," she said quickly. "But don't you think you should get back to training at some point?"

"I'm still not cleared for it," Makoto supplied, indicating her cast.

"I know that, but Minako can still-"

"Please, Luna," Serenity pleaded, dropping to one knee to face the cat. "Just for today. It won't be as much fun if Minako can't come with us."

Luna sighed heavily and twitched her tail. "I suppose so," she relented. "Just make sure you're careful. Nowhere outside of the palace is completely safe." She left before Minako had a chance to comment, although Makoto could see it on the tip of her tongue. She smiled to herself.

"I'm going to get my weapons," Minako said, eyes on the spot Luna had vacated. "Would you like me to grab your staff as well?" Makoto nodded and she disappeared out the door.

She leaned heavily on her crutch, waiting for the blonde to return. "She seems really tense lately," Serenity said softly. "Do you think she and Rei are fighting again?"

Makoto sighed, cursing the cats for forbidding them from telling her the truth. "I think she's just worried about Rei being on Mercury. I'm worried about Ami too."

Serenity nodded as she thought this over. "I tried to get them to let all of us go," she said finally. "I don't like it when we're not all together."

"Really?" Minako asked as she reemerged. She handed Makoto her serrated staff focused on buckling on her sword belt. "What did they say?"

"Mother said that I might be needed here," she answered, frowning slightly. "Then I said maybe I should stay with her and the four of you should go, but she said the two of you had to stay and guard me." She bit her lip, staring at the floor. Both guards were now watching her intently. "I'm worried about them, too."

The quiet admission hung in the air for a moment. Then Minako stepped forward and pulled the Princess into a hug. "They'll be alright, Serenity, they're strong." Makoto leaned her staff against the wall to put a hand on Serenity's shoulder. Then Minako pulled back and grinned. "Let's get going, there's a lot to see today."

They made their way through the village toward the western edge. The blondes were keeping to Makoto's slower pace, chatting casually as they went. Makoto was glad that they were getting along again. Ever since the night they'd left for Jupiter, the two had seemed tense with each other. It was nice for things to be relaxed like they used to be. If only Rei and Ami were here, it would be just like old times… She pushed the thought away as they entered the Jovian camp.

The camp was a bustle of activity as always. Serenity and Minako stared around with wide eyes and she smiled proudly. Since their arrival, her people had been busy. They'd set up a lumber camp several miles out, harvesting the stunted shrubs that grew on the Lunar wilderness and carting them back for building material. Now, hundreds of thatched longhouses stood in neat rows.

"Wow, they've gotten a lot done," Minako breathed.

Makoto nodded and smiled when a small group of children ran up to them. "Good morning, your Majesty," they cried, bowing. They were all lanky brunettes, their ages ranging from five or six to around twelve. They stared at the blondes accompanying her with wide eyes.

"This is Minako, Princess of Venus and five hundred seventy ninth Goddess of Love," Makoto said with a grin and a flourish. Minako blushed and inclined her head to them as they bowed hastily and stared adoringly at her.

"You're so pretty!" One little girl squealed excitedly.

"My brother said that Venus had the prettiest people in the Empire!" A slightly older boy informed them. Minako smiled brightly at that.

"You're really pretty, too!" One of them told Serenity. "Are you from Venus, too?"

Makoto laughed. "This is Princess Serenity. She's the Princess of the Moon." Their eyes widened in awe and they all dropped into formal bows again.

"It's nice to meet all of you!" Serenity said delightedly, dropping into a curtsy. "What are you doing today?"

"We're going to the greenhouse to help," One of the girls said importantly. "Do you want to come see it?" Her jade eyes danced excitedly.

"I would love to," Serenity nodded happily.

"We'll escort you, your Highness!" Several children converged on her and caught her hands, the others milling around as they shuffled her away.

Minako giggled as she and Makoto followed after. The greenhouse was Makoto's favorite part of the small settlement. It was an open air building with lattice-like pillars and a glass ceiling. There were boxes and boxes of seedlings and young plants. Serenity followed the pack of children as they explained all the different types of plant-life in the building.

"This is really nice," Minako commented, idly fingering a bud on an almost flowering plant.

"It really makes everyone feel better about being here," Makoto agreed, examining a small potted shrub. "We got the seeds from the palace gardeners. A lot of the plants in the royal gardens are from our planet." Minako nodded and they passed a leisurely hour strolling quietly through the rows.

Finally, Serenity found them again. She was slightly breathless, but smiling happily. "They're so sweet," she said, indicating the children who were now scattering toward various tasks. "So, should we head to the Venus camp?"

"Actually," Makoto said as they started back toward the village, "I haven't seen the Martian one yet. Would you want to stop by there?"

Minako nodded, smiling with a far away look in her eyes. "I saw it when they were first setting up," Serenity said as she led the way. "They didn't really want to talk though," she added, frowning slightly. Then she grinned again. "Maybe they will now!"

The Martian camp was dark and well organized, just like Makoto expected. Neat rows of tents stretched back into the distance, each one covered in rusty red canvas. There were fire pits evenly spaced among them. However, there didn't seem to be anyone there.

"Where'd they all go?" Minako asked blankly. Makoto scanned the area and saw several thin pillars of black smoke off to the right. They wandered toward them and as they got closer, the rhythmic clash of metal on metal began to sound distantly.

The source of the smoke turned out to be several smith's furnaces. The four Martians stopped working when they saw them approaching. Makoto eyed the racks of weapons and armor on display. "Wow, they've been busy," she muttered.

"Hi," Serenity called, waving at them.

One man doused the piece he was working on in a barrel of water then came around the table to greet them. The other three went back to their tasks. "What do you need?" he asked gruffly, pale purple eyes grazing over them.

"Where is everyone?" Minako demanded, resting her hand on the hilt of her scimitar. Makoto stifled a laugh. She must have learned that from Rei, she thought, noticing that the man was now only focusing on her.

"Tourney grounds." He jerked his head to indicate behind him.

"Which way?" She crossed her arms over her chest and watched him.

He turned and pointed vaguely to the right. "Follow this row to the end, you can't miss it." She nodded and strode off in the direction he had indicated.

"Thank you," Serenity called to him. He ignored her and returned to his table. She huffed indignantly as she jogged a few steps to catch up. "Well, he wasn't very friendly," she pouted.

Minako laughed and slowed her pace to walk between them. "You just don't speak Martian," she giggled, linking arms with the other blonde. Makoto rolled her eyes and they continued down the path.

Soon they came upon a vast crowd. It was made up mostly of small children and injured soldiers, although here and there a gray head appeared in the sea of black. "What's going on?" Serenity asked, wide-eyed. People were shouting and cheering, along with an occasional clash of metal. "Are they fighting?"

They made their way through carefully, until they were far enough in to see what was happening. There were several rings, each one encircled by scarlet ropes that were staked a foot off the ground. In the center ring, two figures circled each other. They both wore helmets with visors over their faces, but one had long hair hanging out the back. They raised their swords and lunged at each other. Makoto heard Minako gasp as they hacked viciously at each other.

"They're not wearing very much armor," Serenity whispered fearfully. Makoto studied them and nodded. They both wore short sleeved black leather tunics with sleeveless chain mail shirts. It reminded her of what Rei had worn when they first met her. Suddenly the crowd erupted in cheers as the short haired one fell, dropping its sword and clutching their bleeding wrist. The winner raised their blood stained sword in the air and whipped off the helmet with the other.

Minako gasped audibly. "It's a little kid!" she whispered in shock. The victor, a little girl who couldn't be older than ten, grinned widely then stooped to help her opponent to his feet. He removed his helmet to reveal a smooth, young face grinning sheepishly.

"They're too young for that!" Serenity hissed as the girl sheathed her sword. An old man, with a few wisps of black in his gray hair rushed forward and lifted her easily onto his shoulder.

"It's only to first blood," a deep voice said behind her.

They turned and Makoto smiled uncertainly. His crutches indicated that he was one of those left behind. "How are you, General Phobos?" Serenity curtsied then beamed up at him.

"I'm well, your Highness," he inclined his head to her. "What brings you over here?"

"We just wanted to see how everyone was doing," she said excitedly. "We just left the Jovian camp and we got to see their greenhouse, and after this we're going to go to Venus's."

He smiled indulgently at her, then lifted his pale purple gaze to Makoto. "We've never met. I'm General Phobos of Mars."

"Makoto, Pri-," she broke off awkwardly. "Queen of Jupiter. This is Princess Minako of Venus."

Minako smiled at him. "It's nice to see you again." He nodded in agreement. "So, you're having a tournament?"

He smiled again as he looked over to where two more small warriors were entering the ring. "Yes," he answered, "It takes everyone's minds off things. Also, it helps the egos of those two young to join the fighting. They can't be drafted into the army until they reach age twelve. You're welcome to stay and watch." He nodded politely to them then limped away into the crowd.

Makoto looked down at her companions. Minako looked slightly uncomfortable and Serenity was biting her lip. "So," she said, dropping her voice slightly, "Shall we head to the Venusian camp?" They both nodded fervently. With a small smile, she led the way through the crowd. They needed something to take their minds off violence for a while, and she was guessing that such a thing would exist at their next destination.