Disclaimer: No ownership. Otherwise, probably would have created a manga for the lives the girls led in the Silver Millennium. Also, my drawing skills are horrendous.
Monitoring her court in the security room was nothing new for Neo-Queen Serenity as she has done so many, many times in the past. From there, she could see Venus training the troops, Jupiter overseeing the kitchens, Mercury going back and forth between the library and one of the experiment rooms (she had made a breakthrough in developing a cure for the common cold), and Mars meditating in the shrine room they had built just for her complete with a sacred fire along with it being in the most secluded area in the palace. The Outer Senshi were on a mission to thoroughly investigate the Planet Nemesis which had once more appeared to be circling through their solar system. Endymion was visiting with Helios and Small Lady was attending lessons. Small Lady's own court would need to be formed soon since it was possible for Small Lady to awaken at any point. Pluto had assured that Small Lady would have a court, but still, Serenity had her doubts and worries.
The Inner Senshi had all but thrown themselves into their work when Crystal Tokyo came about and still do so. The four of them had unconsciously reverted to how they were in the time of the Silver Millennium and Serenity had had enough of them being the soldiers they were and wanted her friends to laugh and smile as they used to when the five of them had first been reunited, if unknowingly.
Which meant she had to speak to Endymion which was not the problem. No, the problem revolved around his court which refused to take a corporeal form again since they believed they deserved this punishment of limbo even though both Serenity and Endymion had long since found a way to restore them. No wonder Rei despised men. They were infuriating.
"Observing them again, my love?" Endymion said as he wrapped his arms around her waist. He had often found her here with a frown on her face. Such an expression didn't suit her, but he knew of her worries just as easily as she knew of his.
"It has gotten rather quiet since Small Lady started her lessons. I thought now might be another opportunity for us to convince the Shitennou."
"You know they appreciate our efforts."
"I would like to include someone else this time since we are not enough to convince them."
"Oh? Who do you suggest?"
"Mina-chan would be best since she is leader of the Senshi, however, I almost feel like we should have Rei-chan there since she's the only one with abilities to harm them in that state."
"You would have Rei scold them for them being idiots, but I think Minako would be the better choice. Shall I call for her?"
"We will ask for her before we summon them once more. If she fails, then we'll have Rei-chan there next time. And if that still doesn't work, I'll have both Mako-chan and Ami-chan there, too."
"And if that still doesn't work?"
"Then I'll have Ami-chan design something that allows us to touch them on the plane in which they're in and beat them into accepting the choice. But, I don't think it will come to that."
"Let's hope not," Endymion said. Serenity could hear his amusement. Even after all these years, he still found her to be the same sweet Usako he loves combined with the queenly Serenity he admires. They were different from their past lives, but both recalled the lessons of etiquette and government from that lifetime. When Usako first told him she wanted to be called Serenity, he was surprised to say the least.
"You want to be known as Serenity?" Mamoru asked.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"You might find this silly, but Serenity is a traditional name and title for the people of the moon. Even if Silver Millennium is gone, I'd like to keep that tradition in memory of my mother from the moon."
He watched as she held the newly born Chibiusa in her arms. Her hair had started to turn the silver color he remembered it to be whenever it shown in the moonlight. She said it is a result after bearing an heir. However, neither knew if Chibiusa's hair would turn silver since she was half-Terran, but he didn't want to think about that right now…or ever.
"If that is your decision, then I support it and will even take the name Endymion once more."
She met his eyes for she had her gaze solely on Chibiusa, but as she meet his gaze and saw his gentle smile, she too smiled. "Thank you, Mamo-chan."
"How do you think they'll react when we tell them?" Endymion asked, recalling the situation at hand.
"I don't know. I'd like to think that they might be happy, if not for themselves, then for you."
"Why don't we start preparing? We'll call Minako when we're ready."
Serenity nodded and the royal couple left the control room for one of their private sitting rooms. It was done in white, like most of the rooms in the palace, but had traces of silver and gold accents throughout, symbolizing the union between the two kingdoms from long ago. Endymion settled the box of stones on the table with such care. Serenity never touched the box for it was his and his alone. He would have done the same for her if her Senshi were in that state, but he hadn't told her of the Shitennou being trapped in stones until she had moved in with him. She understood his reasons. It was a private affair between him and his court. It had led her to believe, however, that there might be a way to restore these men to their corporeal forms. When the two had found a way to do so, the Shitennou refused and wouldn't listen to either of them since it was their penance.
"You wished to see me, your majesties," Sailor Venus said as she entered the room.
"We have something we would like your opinion on," Endymion said. Venus looked from him to her queen who smiled. It was far from Usagi's mischievous smiles in the past, but there was still a hint of mischievous nature in the queen's eyes.
"We were wondering how you and the other Senshi would feel if the Shitennou could be revived," Serenity said.
Memories of Silver Millennium blossomed in Venus' mind. Memories she dared not revisit. While she and Kunzite did not have a physical relationship due to the fact it would interfere with their duties too much and found the other to be too much of a distraction, they had once shared a bond of understanding and companionship-a bond which was so deep that even words couldn't describe it.
"I cannot speak for the other Senshi, but I, personally, wouldn't mind working with them again. They were excellent warriors if a little misguided when Beryl struck, but in the end, they knew who their true liege was and did their best to break free from Beryl. I wouldn't mind giving them a second chance, but I think we would have to keep a close eye on them to be certain that no dark energy resided inside of them in case they be turned against us again. It would be like Mamoru-san getting brainwashed again and none of us wish to live with that."
"Thank you for the vote of confidence, Minako," Endymion said while smiling. He knew she meant it in jest and really, he couldn't blame her for saying it. Many of Sailor Moon's enemies were female and he was her lover, so many took advantage of him in order to hurt her. In those early days, he disliked how useless he was at times, but now it was different.
"I'm glad you feel that way Mina-chan, because we have found a way to revive them, they just won't take the chance. We thought you might help convince them."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You'll see. Endymion, if you please," Serenity said.
Endymion opened the ornate box and touched the stones. Ghosts of the Shitennou immediately appeared, each in their full traditional clothing with the capes and colors they had once adorned. They were kneeling with their heads cast down, so none saw the orange Senshi with her eyes wide and her mouth hanging slightly open.
"Master," they all said. "Mistress."
"What would you have need of us?" Kunzite asked.
"We thought you might change your minds about taking human form," Serenity said.
"The answer still remains the same, Mistress," Kunzite said.
"Which is why we have decided to bring someone else who might convince you," Endymion said. "Minako, if you please."
All four immediately looked up and finally saw Sailor Venus standing before them. She was just as they remembered her. Tall, with long blonde hair that fell to the backs of her knees. A red bow tied the sides of her hair back so that she had full use of her sight. Her fuku and shoes were still the same, but her eyes were different. They were still the same shade of indigo, more blue than violet, but much older and less full of life. These eyes didn't match the youthful face she had and Kunzite felt a tinge of worry.
"Neo-King Endymion and Neo-Queen Serenity have both asked me to speak on the Senshi's behalf. They don't know about you and neither did I until now. Why stay in that state when you can live a full life?"
"We committed a grave act against our master and you Senshi. This is our penance," Kunzite answered.
"You do know that happened over a thousand years ago, right?"
"We are aware, Venus."
"You are also aware that you are not our only allies to be brainwashed and controlled by someone else, right?"
"We have heard stories."
"Then, why stay as you are? You say that this is your penance, but isn't it better to live so that you may right the wrongs of your past rather than hide yourselves away in shame?"
"We aren't hiding in shame, Sailor Venus," Jadeite said.
"No? Because it sure seems like it to me. Either way, it's your choice. I'll be going now. There is a bunch of work that needs to be done and I don't have much time to spare. Good day, your majesties."
Serenity sighed when Venus closed the door. Mina-chan was overworking herself and needed to stop. In fact, all of her Inner Senshi were overworking themselves. The only reason Rei-chan and Mako-chan were where they were today is because Serenity had ordered her senshi to have days off and to do what they want.
"What's gotten into her?" Zoicite asked.
"They've been like that for a while now," Serenity said. "They've been falling more and more into their rolls as Senshi since Crystal Tokyo began. They don't take the time to be themselves anymore, to be the girls I remember they are. It's almost like reliving Silver Millennium. Before they met you, all of them were cold and battle-hardened most of the time. It was only when we were all together that they let the mask of the Senshi fall."
"All of them are like this?" Nephrite asked, thinking of Jupiter and how warm and affectionate he remembered her to be. Serenity nodded while her husband spoke.
"The only two other Senshi who are worse than them are Pluto and Saturn, but they both have reason to be. They bear two of the most difficult and lonely tasks. They only time either one is truly happy is when our daughter is around them, but now is not the time to speak of them. Now is the time to speak of you four."
"I hope Mina-chan has given you something to consider," Serenity said.
The four looked exchanged silent looks, holding a conversation without words. Finally, Kunzite met his king's gaze. "We would like some time to consider the matter before we reach a decision."
"Of course," Endymion said. "Take all the time you need. If you wish, you may stay outside of your stones while Serenity and I leave the room. No one should disturb you here. We shall come back after our meeting."
The Shitennou bowed their heads as their master and their mistress left the room. Then, they relaxed and sat on the floor, no longer kneeling with a hunched over back. Even though, they couldn't really feel, it was nice to relax and what they were used to.
"What should we do?" Nephrite asked.
"They have given us much to consider," Kunzite said.
"I think we should take the chance," Zoicite said. "I am worried about our master should anything happen to him."
"I think you're also worried about a certain Mercunian. I know I'm worried about my phoenix," Jadeite said.
"We don't even know how they'll react when seeing us," Nephrite said.
"Oh, I'll tell you how we'll react," a new voice interjected. All looked to see a violet eyed woman dressed in priestess robes with her arms crossed. Her black hair flowed to her waist and Jadeite couldn't help but think how she was more beautiful in person than in his memories.
"Sailor Mars, we weren't expecting to see you," Kunzite said.
"I've been trying to track down whatever energy it is you four emit for the past thousand years whenever it appeared, but never could since it vanished so quickly. I never imagined it would be the four of you. Endymion did a very good job of keeping you all hidden from me. Now, why are you the way you are?"
"It is our penance for betraying our master," Kunzite said.
"And, he didn't think of returning you to your original forms because?"
"No, he did. We just kept refusing," Nephrite said.
Rei's gaze met Jadeite's and if he could have shivered from the glare she was giving him, he would have, but it wouldn't have been from fear but pleasure. Rei was beautiful in every emotion she expressed, including her glare. He just preferred her laughing at whatever stupid thing he had done while trying to show off. She was filled with such passion and fire and would probably consume any who dared enter a romantic relationship with her; her fire burning the other up. It's what he had loved about her so long ago.
"Mina-chan believes that she can only choose love or duty. Ami-chan throws herself into her work to avoid hoping for too much. Mako-chan wakes early in the morning before the sun even rises and goes on a run, and I meditate to keep myself in balance. It doesn't always work. Mina-chan used to date a lot, but ended up breaking too many hearts to count. Ami-chan does these crazy calculations and all of this research only for it to be in vain. Mako-chan will sometimes oversleep and look haggard."
"And you?" Jadeite asked.
"I meditate for weeks at a time."
"Why are you telling us this?" Kunzite asked.
"Who knows?"
Before anyone else could comment, someone else entered the room. "There you are Rei-chan. I've been looking for you everywhere. Uranus, Neptune and, Saturn are…Why are the Shitennou here?"
"Let's go, Mako-chan."
"But—"
"You don't want to talk to them."
"Rei-chan, don't you think Ami-chan and Mina-chan should know about this?"
"Mina-chan already knows. Remember when I told you about the strange energy I'd feel sometimes?"
"That was them? Shouldn't we tell Ami-chan? She'd be able to get them back to normal."
"It's their decision."
"What do you mean? Don't they want to be normal?"
"It's not that simple, Jupiter," Nephrite said.
"What do you mean it's not that simple? Rei-chan, stop dragging me! I'm coming."
The four watched as the two women left the room.
"Did anyone else notice that she had flour in her hair?" Zoicite asked.
"Rei-chan, you can stop pulling me," Makoto said.
Rei let go of her tall friend but continued down the hall while Makoto looked back to where she had seen them. She wanted to go to that room to know if she had been hallucinating or not. Ever since they all had recovered their memories of the past, they each in their own way had mourned for the Shittenou. Now, each of them just wished they had their friends back; someone to talk to about their burdens and share the workload with. Makoto shook her head. Rei said it was their decision, so she'd leave them to it. Besides, the Senshi meeting would begin soon and all of them had to be there.
Ami rubbed her eyes as she strode down the hallway. She really needed something to give her an energy booster. It just wasn't healthy for her to be in this state. The meeting had gone over well. No new threats were apparent, Small Lady's studies were going well, the Outer Senshi had come back to report that all looked normal from their outposts on their own planets. However, she had noticed the way Minako wasn't with the conversation, how Rei had spoken little, how Makoto's eyes kept drifting towards the doors. Serenity and Endymion were the only ones who acted as if nothing was wrong. She decided it would be best to ask them if they had noticed anything as well and so had proceeded to their favorite sitting room.
She had opened the door without knocking and raised her head, only to feel the shock at seeing the four ghostly men. She had to be dreaming. She had fallen asleep in the hallway. It was the only logical option which made sense.
"Sailor Mercury," Kunzite said.
"You're…you're all here?" she finally said.
"In a manner of speaking," Zoicite answered. She focused on him. His teasing green eyes were the same, blond curls still in place. Even if he was just a shadow of the man she had once loved, she couldn't even begin to describe the feelings welling up inside of her.
"Ami-chan, so you found them, too," Makoto said from behind her.
"You…knew about this?" Ami asked, turning an ice cold glare at her friend.
"Just found out today."
It all clicked into place, Minako's fidgeting, Rei's simmering temper, Makoto's lack of focus. "You all knew and didn't bother to tell me?" Ami's voice was quiet, deadly even. Makoto knew that this was a marker for Ami being angrier than even Rei could ever hope to be.
"I was going to tell you." Makoto threw her hands in surrender.
"When?"
"After I figured out why they don't want to be normal."
Ami held Makoto's gaze for a few more moments before turning it to Zoicite who flinched. She left the room right after that and Makoto had more than a few ideas of what Ami would be doing for the next few hours.
"I'm surprised she didn't lecture us," Jadeite said after a moment.
"Too angry. Probably going to be trashing her office," Makoto said before taking a seat on the couch.
"You seem to be taking this rather well," Kunzite said.
"Well, after dying three times, betraying my princess even if it was against my will, being swept up in a dream world, seeing Senshi who can take the forms of male or female, nothing really phases you much after that. This situation feels like it'll be a walk in the park based on all of my adventures."
"Do…do you want us back?" Nephrite asked. He was uncertain, but who wouldn't be? He had betrayed his master and the woman he loved.
Makoto looked at the man who once had her heart. Even though those memories of the Silver Millennium were old, she could remember some of them in the most vivid detail, most of which included him. She supposed she had always looked for a quality of him in the all of the guys she had been infatuated with.
"Yes." She had said without a hint of hesitation and there was no doubt in her eyes.
"Why?" Zoicite asked.
"Why ask 'why' when you can ask 'why not?'" she said with a smile. All four of them were staring at her with a bit of amazement. Sailor Jupiter had always been the older sister figure with her friends. She had a big heart and with that came patience and understanding, even more so than Neo-Queen Serenity herself.
"It's simple really. We need you four. The amount of work we have to do just keeps increasing and Mina-chan, well, she's biting off more than she can chew. Soon, I think she won't even remember herself as Mina-chan but only as Venus. Not to mention how Endymion gets this sad look on his face whenever he sees his wife interacting with us the way he used to interact with you four."
"But our penance," Nephrite started saying but was interrupted by Makoto. "has been served. Your duty now calls you to protect your Master and King. If it weren't like that, then I doubt there would have been a way for the four of you to be normal in the first place."
"That's what we've been trying to tell them this entire time," said a voice. Makoto looked to see Serenity and Endymion. Serenity was smiling at her friend while Endymion was surprised to see her there.
Makoto immediately stood and bowed. "Apologies for barging in on this matter, majesties."
"It's fine Mako-chan, right Mamo-chan?" Endymion was surprised to see her referring to him as such. It had been a long time since she had called him that in front of anyone. He smiled at his Usako, knowing she was smoothing things over for her friend.
"It's not like they were bound only to me at the time. I suppose all of your Inner Senshi have the right to speak to them." He looked to Makoto who was still bowing. "Makoto, it's okay. Go and rest."
Makoto nodded and with one last smile at Nephrite, left the room.
"Have you four reached a decision?" Endymion asked.
His Shitennou exchanged looked before nodding their heads and informed their decision to the king and queen.
Sailor Venus walked around her office as she read through the paperwork that needed to be done. Technically, she was supposed to be out of the office today on Serenity's order, but she saw that order more as a suggestion. After all, someone had to take care of this desk work. It wasn't like it was all going to disappear. More would be piling up anyway. Venus sighed as she set the papers on her desk. The door was behind her since she didn't feel like actually sitting in the chair. Glancing outside, she knew that the hour was growing late in the waning sunlight. She heard the door open behind her, thinking it was someone dropping off more for her to do.
She was genuinely surprised, however, when she felt a familiar presence directly behind her. Two hands leaned on the desk, thoroughly trapping her.
"I thought you were supposed to be off duty today." His voice almost made her shiver. To actually feel him this close rather than only see him as a ghost was something she had not been prepared for as she thought she had been. If she turned around, she knew she would feel herself go weak in the knees just by staring into his eyes.
"A Senshi's duty is never done," she replied, keeping her eyes on the papers in front of her.
"True, but I do believe the queen said it is okay for you to indulge yourself once in a while."
She laughed. "This coming from the man who is all work and no play?"
"I did play, just not as much as I should have. So, do I have to forcibly remove you from this office or will you come willingly?"
"Depends. Where are we going?"
"A date, I think is the correct term. But I am not familiar with this world. Perhaps you might choose our destination."
She finally turned around in his arms, looking into his silver-gray eyes. "You want…to take me on a date?" Her eyes were wide in surprise. She had to physically restrain her jaw from dropping and was tempted to put her hand on his forehead to make sure he wasn't sick or anything.
"I do."
"Are you sure you're Kunzite?" This time she did place her hand on his forehead and a hand on hers to make sure their temperatures were the same. Kunzite smiled at her antics.
"In this time, I would like to properly court you. We are not bound by the rules of the Silver Millennium any longer. Will you let me get to know you once more?"
She stared at him for a few moments, her gaze unblinking as she took in the sincerity in his eyes. It was almost painful for her to look at him because he was as handsome as she remembered. Strong masculine features, silver hair with eyes to match, his uniform not completely buttoned because he abhorred the feeling of his neck being restrained by a color. How could she refuse?
"On one condition," she finally said.
His brow rose as he waited for what she was about to say. "You take care of this paperwork for the rest of the week so I can go shopping. My wardrobe is sorely lacking because I haven't been able to keep up with the latest trends. Do you know how embarrassing it is to go to a ball in a dress from three seasons ago?"
Kunzite laughed and stepped back from her as she grabbed his arm. She dragged him out of the room, saying, "Give me ten minutes to find something appropriate to wear. Then, we'll find something for you. That uniform, so two millenniums ago."
Mercury was currently throwing all research that was in any way relatable to the Shitennou in the trash. If she had Mars' ability of fire, it all would have been burned and she more than likely would have been more satisfied watching the papers burn. She had preferred using an obsolete filing system of paper, just so she'd have backups in case of the computer system failing. After she was certain that the papers were ash, she went to her computer and found all the data, about to delete it when a voice said, "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
She spun around to see Zoicite casually leaning against the door frame to her office, arms folded. She was half-tempted to attack him, but restrained herself. She wasn't a child, infuriated, but not a child.
"Why not?" she asked, not really caring for his opinion.
"Because I want to take a look at it."
"Why should I even care what you want?"
His eyes narrowed in on her. He knew she was angry and she didn't really mean that, but that didn't make it hurt any less. He decided to take his chances in stepping into her office. He avoided all the debris on the ground until he reached her.
"The better question, I think, is why do I want to look at it," he said standing just before her. He was in her personal space, and she knew that he knew that she didn't appreciate him being this close to her. Her already flushed face became even redder and he knew it was because she was embarrassed at his nearness.
"Fine. Why do you want to look at useless data that didn't matter in the first place?" She refused to meet his eyes, but he tilted her face up so that she would meet his gaze.
"Because it shows me how much you care."
He loved it when she started sputtering like she was now. Her face red, blue eyes flashing in both anger and embarrassment, ever changing like the element she controlled. Even now, he could tell she had changed in that her emotions were more freely expressed than they had been in the past.
"Idiot. I wasn't doing this for myself. King Endymion needed the four of you and-" He silenced her by placing a finger on her mouth.
"You didn't just do this for my master. Your eyes say as much." He lowered his lips to her forehead, kissing it lightly. He felt her still, unmoving like ice.
She immediately pushed him away, shoving him a good distance from her. "Don't tease me."
"I'm not."
"What do you want?"
"To serve my master, to help the people of the world, and you."
"You can't have me," she said as she started to walk away from him. He grabbed her wrist, forcing her into his arms.
"Why not?"
"Because I don't like you."
His eyes turned mischievous, as he smiled. "You don't? Then, how do you feel about me?"
"You arrogant, half-wit. Release me."
"You and I both know you can break free of me at any time you want."
She wanted to slap him at that instant. He had seen through her from the very start, understood what she wasn't saying, and knew that she was happy to be back in his arms. He knew all of that and continued to tease her. The only logical thing to do was to flabbergast him into shock so that she might find a reprieve from him if only for a few hours.
His gaze remained on her eyes and when she placed her hands on both sides of his face, he closed his eyes to lean into her touch. He, however, was completely surprised when he was severely headbutted. He rubbed his forehead for a few moments, opening his eyes to find himself utterly alone in the room. Zoicite laughed. His little nymph may have hidden herself for now, but he had quite a bit of reading to do before he went in search of her. He turned to the computer, settling himself down to the research she had done.
Makoto was in the gardens, tending to the plants around her when she felt his eyes and heard his footsteps. She met his gaze as she stood on the stone walkway. She turned, motioning for him to follow her to the bench. She sat down, patting the spot next to her, but he sat on the other end, keeping himself at a distance. The sky was a clear blue, and birds could be clearly heard. There were many roses in this particular part of the garden. The scent hung heavy in the air, but she didn't mind it and neither did he. She had been planting some new ones when he had come.
"So, you guys decided to take your second chance, huh?" she asked.
"Yes."
"What now?"
"We serve our king," he replied, not looking at her. He kept staring at his hands, which were clasped, together, fingers entwined.
"That's it?"
"The others have decided to pursue those they love."
"I wonder how their husbands will feel about that."
Nephrite looked at her then, surprise etched on his face while she smiled back at him before laughing at the look on his face. "Don't worry," she said. "It was a joke. There have been a few times though when I thought some of them would get married."
"Did you?"
"Almost. He was a sweet man, taller than me which is a hard thing to find, didn't mind the fact that I was a bit rough on the edges and was fascinated to know that I like to garden and cook."
"He sounds…nice."
"He was until he insulted my cooking. Turns out it was a bet. Rei and Minako decided to do some damage control by playing some horrible pranks on him. Ami threatened to drug him so that he'd have problems, but not severe enough to warrant a hospital visit and Usagi, well, she rubbed my back and let me stay with her and Mamoru-san for a while."
Nephrite's hands had clenched. He wanted to find the man and kill him. He saw her place a hand on his. Startled, he looked to see her right next to him.
"It was actually kind of a relief. I didn't truly love him anyway. I went out with him because it seemed like a good idea at the time. Sure, I was hurt, but not as much as I would have been if I loved him. I kind of liked him for a while until things about him started to not make sense. Besides, Minako turned his hair several shades of pink and orange. Still hasn't told me how she did that one either."
"I'm sorry."
She smiled and took her hand off of his, but he took hold of it before she could pull away completely. He entwined his fingers with hers. "I …don't deserve this," he said.
"Let's start over then. Hi, I'm Kino Makoto and Sailor Jupiter," she said, with a smile on her face.
"Do you always tell strangers that you're Sailor Jupiter?"
"Only if they're really cute."
For the first time, he smiled at her and she pecked his cheek. "Not so hard to smile around me. C'mon, I need some help in the kitchen."
She stood and he followed because of their joined hands. This time, he wouldn't let her go.
Sailor Mars found herself overseeing Small Lady's homework. Normally, her mother would do this, but she and Endymion had to attend an emergency meeting. So, here she was, helping the young princess with the homework assigned to her. At least she had better grades than Usagi ever did. Mars contributed that trait to the father.
"Mars-chan," Small Lady said to get the older woman's attention. "I finished."
Mars looked over the worksheet and patted Small Lady's head. "You're so much smarter than your mother was at this age."
"I thought you didn't meet Mamma as a child."
"Doesn't mean her mother didn't complain about her grades, Princess."
Small Lady laughed, knowing that Mars-chan was teasing about her Mamma. Everyone knew that Mars and Serenity were good friends, Mars just always teased her Mamma.
"Since you're finished, Small Lady, why not go ask Makoto to sneak you a snack," Mars said while winking at the child. Small Lady smiled and hugged Mars before bounding inside, towards the kitchens. Mars had decided to let Small Lady do her homework outside on one of the tables in a private courtyard. They were directly by the building, but being inside all day wasn't healthy for a growing child like Small Lady even if she was the future queen.
"I would have never pegged you as the teaching type."
She had known he was there, in the courtyard watching them. She had sensed him the moment he had stumbled upon them. "I wouldn't have pegged you as the stalker type," she replied.
He came into view by rounding the hedge that had kept him hidden. His blue eyes seemed to burn through her and she wanted to relish in it, but didn't show what she was feeling.
"Can you blame me? I have yet to be formally introduced to the princess. I didn't want to risk making a bad impression in case you would have attacked."
She rolled her eyes. Jadeite had always been one for dramatics, but she found that she didn't mind that part about him so much. In fact, it amused her just like how Neo-Queen Serenity's antics made her laugh. In spite of the fact that Usagi had grown as the queen, there were still many parts of her that resembled the girl she had met all those years ago. Looking at Jadeite now, Mars knew that he was here to more than likely apologize for things he had no control over.
"No reason to attack you," she said as she gathered Small Lady's homework together. "Take a seat."
Jadeite sat in the chair Small Lady had vacated which was directly next to hers. They both watched the setting sun. The light caused prisms from the crystal all around them to be reflected. They were surrounded in colored rainbows.
"It's beautiful," Jadeite said.
"It's my favorite time of day."
"I'm-"
"Don't."
"What?" he asked. He turned to look at her, but her eyes remained on the setting sun. The violet in her hair was also reflected which matched her eyes, that were like that of twin violet flames.
"Don't apologize."
"Why?"
"No need. Those acts you committed were not under your right state of mind or control."
"So, me almost killing you, and the energy taken from all of those innocents are not something I should apologize for."
"Did you know that your king has been brainwashed himself quite a number of times? He even almost killed Sailor Moon once. Not to mention myself and the other Senshi almost killing her and saying things we never meant. She had to kill us in order to save us. I've been brainwashed, Jadeite. We all apologized, but she said to let it go because we had nothing to apologize for." She turned her gaze towards him. "I'm saying the same to you."
"Where does that leave us?"
"Well, we can't just pick things back up from where we left, so why don't we start as friends?"
"Phoenix, that means I have to start all over again with you." He almost groaned at the concept of having to court her once more. Mars was difficult to court, but then again, he enjoyed a challenge and even more so, a passionate soul.
"I am a different person after all. Hino Rei is my name when I'm not Sailor Mars."
"It suits you."
"Better than Phoenix."
"Hey!" he said but laughed with her. Maybe, just maybe, it will be easier this time around. After all, he did have the advantage since she was already teasing him.
Neo-Queen Serenity smiled, happy that her Senshi were finally doing something for themselves since Crystal Tokyo's formation. They had all been so very young and full of life when she needed to step up as queen, and since they were Senshi, they hadn't had time to find someone to fall in love with. Of course, she knew that it would take some time before her Senshi fell in love once again like she did with Mamo-chan. But, things might not work out for them. That was the beautiful thing about life.
A/N: This is the, *drum rolls in the background* edited version! For those who read the un-edited version, I said I'd consider continuing on with this if there was enough people liking it. The edits made are minor, but still significant enough to notice. Dialogue was tightened, opening sentence was re-written, and a few minor things here and there. So, it's been edited and the next two installments will be produced in due course. Suggestions are welcome of what might go into the second two installments (apologies in advance for the wait).
A few notes: Before anyone gets too critical, I want to say some things. The Senshi are a lot more mature and have had a long time to deal with the past sins of the Shitennou and come to terms with it. That's why they're able to accept them. Plus, they've been through the whole Chaos experience and are far more understanding than they would be otherwise. Taking that into account, there's no reason for them to stay angry or hold a grudge.
Secondly, this happens before Black Moon, so these are the versions that didn't deal with Black Moon in their past which is why the third installment would be about that.
If I missed anything that might concern you, PM me or leave a review so long as it's reasonable and non-flaming.
To my Guest Reviewers: Thank you all for your kind reviews, especially to Flareup4Ratchet. You gave me an interesting idea and I'll have to see how it will work. It will definitely help to bring a little bit more humor into the story line itself.
gabicg1: It will come if you don't mind the wait.
xSmallLadySerenity13: I think you might be happy to know that there will be more Chibiusa appearances. :)
lija: Never really thought about the variances, but I suppose I could play with their personalities a little more. I also thank you for understanding/agreeing with my reasoning. I look forward to your next review (if you choose to review; completely up to you).
Thanks for reading! If you'd be so kind as to let me know what you think, you can either PM me, or leave a review.
Have a wonderful morning/day/evening/night!
~Timewriter~