Divinity: The Fates and the Afterlife

Chapter Nineteen

AN You have no idea how happy I was to read more reviews than usual, please, keep them coming!. Thank you all! I have been feeling pretty low lately, your kind words really mean a lot to me. Thank you SerenityMorrison, TamoumatheStarWarrior, TropicalRemix, Guest, kera96love, and Guardians314. I hope you enjoy this chapter-have a great weekend!

The clicking sound of a keyboard was the only thing that could be heard in Mikael's hotel room. It had been several hours since he locked himself in the dark, typing things he could not even understand. His drapes were shut down, blocking all light coming from the bright sun, it was annoying to him—the warmth, the organic feeling of being embraced by its light, completely rejecting everything but the cold light coming from the of his computer. His face showed heavy signs of exhaustion, his eyes were red from the lack of sleep and he probably had not taken a shower for days now or eating a single bite of anything.

After sharing part of the investigation, he has not had any contact with anyone from the crew, including Akira. The lucid part in him that sometimes came to surfaced already realized the blow his sudden and very strange outbreaks had caused to his career and the young archaeologist's credibility but he could not help it, it was like his body was no longer his own. His voice did not even sound like himself anymore, it was as if he slowly started to give his own body to somebody else, to whoever entered his mind and took possession of him that night at the museum.

He recalled feeling disgusted after the incident and a restless need to dig in more on the information. It was like he knew what he was looking for and yet, he hasn't still had found it. His hand rested on his face as he tried to breathe while looking at the screen with vacant eyes that turned dark once he felt he was no longer alone in the room.

"Have you found it?"

Mikael turned to look over his shoulder and saw a shadow standing next to his bed and narrowed his eyes, "I am working on it—"

"You have been granted more than plenty of time to find what I asked you,"

"I have given a great part of the research about the symbols and ruins to the media—the word is out... it should be enough to stir the waters of those linked to them—" the blonde man grunted and held his head with pain, snapping him from his new split personality, "What do you want from me!?" His eyes widened when he felt another burning feeling inside his chest, the now familiar feeling of losing control, "Nothing you have mentioned before has appeared in anything these mortals have found." Mikael's voice immediately shifted to a more hoarse, demonic one. He turned horrified at the shadow standing behind him, "What have you done to me?!" his eyes burned with desperate tears "What have you done to me!? Who are you?!"

The shadow moved closer to Mikael, allowing the cold light from the computer lit its face. Athamas looked down at the man on the desk and grabbed him by the neck without showing any signs of mercy, "You are not here to be making any questions—pitiful mortal," he threw him back with force, making him hit his head on the side of the bed. Panicked and afraid, Mikael tried to turn on the light on the nightstand to see the man's pale face again "It is futile, mortal. Lighting up this room will not free you from the curse you have been put under but I suppose that is what you get for crossing our path."

"Crossing your path?" Mikael frowned and shook his head "What..." he widened his eyes angrily, "What are you saying?!"

"The symbols, the items you found—I want to know where is the guardian to this planet."

Mikael widened his eyes "W-What?"

"All that you have found, what you think is a civilization are pieces to a Kingdom that you do not even know it existed. It holds power, great power. I need to find the one related to the being who cast the seal and the answer lies in that ancient discovery of yours."

"We haven't found anything that—ahhh!" Mikael felt a sharp pain in his head and curled up in a ball on the floor "You are a vessel for the shadow feeding on your soul, a lost being from the Underworld. This planet soon will be possessed by them, under my command." Athamas gave the man a wicked smile and grabbed his face, "Your body no longer belongs to you. It will not be long until your soul gets devoured by the demon inside of you and be thrown to feed the darkest soul in Tartarus."

The mysterious, frightening man standing before Mikael confirmed his biggest fear, indeed, he felt his body being possessed by something, he heard the many voices echoed in his mind, speaking ancient tongues and mocking his sanity. He tried to look up but all he could see was Athamas's dark figure who soon was surrounded by tall, lean demon-like creatures around him, "Darkness will soon fall upon this planet, and there is nothing you can do about it." he went down on one knee and looked at Mikael struggling with his pain and lack of air "Find what I want before I take your mortal lover as a vessel too."

Mikael screamed in pain and looked up again in panic "Don't take her... Leave Akira alone!"

"Find the Guardian—get me the girl." Athamas narrowed his dark eyes. "Its blood is mine."

O—o—o—o—O

At the other side of the city, Minako, Usagi and a very frightened Megumi stepped out of a car. Minako walked to the passenger's side window and paid the driver and with an apologetic smile, thanked the young driver. Usagi held Megumi's hand and pointed up, "We are almost there."

Minako stood next to her blonde friend and exhaled, "That poor cab driver either thought she was crazy or that we were kidnapping her." she frowned "What?"

Usagi looked at her quizzingly, "Aren't we?"

"This is not a kidnap—technically."

"Well, Haruka-san will think otherwise," Usagi mumbled as she walked inside the building. Megumi's surprised face was perfectly hidden behind the scarf and her teary eyes behind the dark shades Minako put on her the minute they walked inside the fancy lobby. Usagi waved her hand at the commissionaire and smiled, "Takahina-san, good afternoon."

Takahina, a man in his mid-forties greeted her from across the elevators with a warm, friendly smile "Ah, Tsukino-san, you need me to open the door again for you?" Minako sweat dropped and turned to look at her friend. Usagi blushed and waved the set of keys in front of her "No, I haven't lost them this time! Thank you!"

The blonde soon turned to push the elevator button and waited for the doors to open, she turned and noticed Megumi was starting to have a panic attack and immediately took control of the situation, "Don't worry, this is just going to take us where we need to go, that's all."

"They move by themselves..." Megumi muttered when the door opened by itself again. Once all three were inside, Usagi pushed the 19th-floor button and waited for the elevator to go up. The sudden pull made Megumi gasp with surprise, "This is madness." Minako put a hand on Megumi's shoulder, "They are called elevators, because they take us up and down from tall buildings." she tried to explain the girl who was too entranced looking around the well-lit small space. The blonde sighed "How many times have you lost your keys, Usagi-chan?"

Usagi shrugged her shoulders, lightly blushed "Five—teen."

"Oh my god." Minako shook her head, "You haven't changed a bit—no wonder why you are friends with the manager."

"Yeah, you are the one to talk." Usagi pouted her lips and turned to a frowning Minako, "What is that supposed to mean?" Usagi sighed, "Who lost her credit card two months ago?"

Minako hushed and turned abruptly, trying to hide her blush "But I found it," she tilted her head up, proud of her accomplishment "You, on the other hand, have had to go and get a new set of keys done like, every other week."

"Pfff..." Usagi dismissed her remark "I don't do that!"

Minako arched her brow "Then who?"

"Mamo-chan does."

Minako narrowed her eyes, "Of course, he does." shaking her head, she looked at her friend "I am surprised he has given you a new set of keys every time you have lost them. Wait, then how is it that you know the manager?

"Because he has helped me open the door when I am in a hurry and I do not have the keys with me."

"You are so one of a kind," Minako muttered while shaking her head in disapproval. Megumi watched them in silence, secretly enjoying to see them joking around with each other. The strong bond of friendship between them was obvious, a little more casual, more like sisters—she noticed. "It is good to see you two are still good friends," Megumi said softly, catching them by surprise. Minako turned and looked at Megumi lowering her gaze, fighting her own sentiment, "I did not see much, but you suffered very much when Her Highness—" she widened her eyes when she realized what she was saying and trailed off nervously. Minako raised her eyebrows, still a little confused, "When Her Highness—?" Megumi did not respond but Usagi did, "When I killed myself."

The blonde exhaled and rested a hand on Megumi's shoulder in comfort, startling her "I am sorry you had to be a witness of such tragic story. It seems like destiny has been playing jokes on us for such a long time."

Megumi looked up at a seriously melancholic Usagi, she could tell there was more to her words and she wanted to know more about it but the sound of the elevator interrupted their moment. The doors opened, showing a quiet and elegant hallway. After walking down a few doors, Usagi grabbed her keys and began unlocking the door and pushed it open for Megumi and Minako walk inside. "After you,"

Minako took the glasses and scarf from Megumi's face and walked from the small foyer into the living room. Megumi looked around, very much surprised by the impeccable space as she watched Usagi opening the thick wooden blinds on all the windows around. The decor was very crisp and minimalistic, white walls and detailing in grays, browns and some navy blue here and there. The main sofa was facing its back the kitchen and wooden counter that worked both as a divider and sitting area. Everything was well neatly organized and under impeccable conditions, she noticed a set of fluffy pillows stacked on one side of the couch, which, made her guess it was Usagi's favorite spot to sit. Megumi wondered where they were, the ambient was peaceful, she could even dare to say it was much calmer than the outer Senshi's home, not sure why, but she felt a familiar feeling to it.

She turned to look around and noticed a large wooden bookshelf on one of the walls with white geometric plant pots, a wooden vintage clock making its constant and soothing sound and random pictures in different frames in between the stacked books. The wooden floors looked like they were recently polished and since it was an open space you could see the impeccable kitchen as well with stainless steel detailing and matte glass cupboards. Behind her, Megumi noticed there was a small hall that she imagined, led to an also, very well-arranged bedroom. The place was impressive but there was still something that kept her wondering; while it made her feel secure, there was a familiar vibe lingering in the air that made her feel nostalgic, leading her to think that it was maybe the way everything was arranged, maybe the colors, maybe... "The scent." she murmured to herself.

The afternoon light filtering through the windows gave it a cozier feeling, a warmth that made her feel protected, somehow. Minako sat on the couch while Usagi went to the kitchen to grab some water bottles, "This place is amazing," Minako said in a tone of admiration, "And I can already tell you have been adding your special touch to it. I remember how lonely this place was back then, despite its awesomeness—it was kind of sad." Usagi giggled and passed the bottles, one to Minako and one to Megumi, "It is really something—I love the view."

"I never asked you how he managed to get a place like this to live, because, he has been living here for a long time." Minako leaned her head back, feeling more relaxed now that they were there and alone. Usagi cracked the cap on her bottle and took a small sip, "When his parents passed away, he was left with a heritage he could use once he turned 18 and was independent enough to live on his own."

"Well, I guess he didn't need to prove much there." Minako chuckle and turned her head to see Megumi still standing in between the foyer and the living room, "Megumi-san, why don't you come and sit here with us?"

Megumi looked down at her bottle, then at Usagi "Where are we?"

Usagi looked at her and gave her a reassuring, warm smile "I would dare to say it's a place you would have wanted to be since the very beginning."

"I do not understand." Megumi frowned.

Usagi gave a quick glance at Minako then stood up and walked towards the brunette and held her hands while looking into her eyes, "I know you are angry at me—I can feel it. You think I followed my own path and forgot about everything—that I forgot about him. You don't know this but, we made a promise to each other. No matter how much time it would take us, we would look for each other and find out a way to be together in a new era where we could live freely without rules—without anyone treating us like criminals."

Megumi felt a strong tug in her chest and widened her eyes; Usagi smiled softly "It took us two thousand years to fulfill that promise..." she turned and pointed a picture in one of the shelves next to a stack of books about astronomy, suggesting Megumi to go and look at it. The brunette silently followed the request and gasped before tears started to roll down her cheeks and unwillingly dropping the bottle in her hands.

There it was, what she longed to see and thought she never would. It was a picture of her loving Prince, a selfie took by them, both smiling, both looking happy. Usagi walked over to Megumi and put a hand on her shoulder, surprising her. She turned with her face red and swollen from crying "I-I..."

"You didn't know," Usagi looked at her tenderly and wiped her tears with a gentle touch, "We didn't want to say anything because you might have run away and it would have been an opportunity for them to get to you—it wasn't safe." she smiled and grabbed the picture frame and handed it to Megumi, "Let's sit on the couch, it won't take long for him to get home." The brunette turned wide-eyed, "H-He..."

Usagi giggled and nodded, "This is where he lives."

The pieces of her mental puzzle slowly started to fall into place, the reason of the familiar vibe, the musky yet fresh scent lingering in the air, she remembered it all; it all made sense now and she could not believe she was there. They went to sit on the couch silently, while Minako kept texting on her phone, "I am sending everyone a message that we are here."

Megumi could not begin to describe to herself the sea of emotions happening inside her as she looked down at the picture in her hands, "He looks happy..." she looked up at the blonde and try to contain the fresh batch of tears pooling in her eyes, "Please forgive me," Usagi shook her hand, "No, Megumi-san... there is nothing for me to forgive, I understand—believe me, I understand."

"I failed to believe your word, Your Highness," Megumi hung her head low with shame "I did not have an opportunity to believe anything,"

"Megumi-san, who—" Usagi was interrupted by the sound of keys opening the entrance door and widened her eyes while looking at the clock on the shelf "He's home early." Minako held Megumi's hand and smiled, "It's okay, everything is going to be alright."

Megumi felt her heart pounding in her chest like if it was trying to escape her own body; just the idea of seeing the Prince's face again was too overwhelming and gave into the irony of how suspense was doing to her what countless sleepless nights of running away from the shadows did to her—it was killing her. The door finally opened and the familiar clinging sound of keys let them know he was finally inside. Usagi leaned herself on the couch and smiled, "You are home early,"

"Hey, you are here already!"

Megumi's heart skipped a beat when she heard that voice, the same warm, deep and enchanting voice she remembered so well. The same voice that greeted her every morning and wished her a good night every evening. The same one that jokingly would ask her for silly favors or would confess his feelings on a more serious note.

"I got out a little early and I thought I could—" Mamoru walked inside while looking down at some correspondence and stopped surprised when he saw Minako smiling and waving at him, "Hey Minako,"

Minako chuckled, "Hey Mamoru-kun, I am sorry but whatever you were planning on doing with Usa-chan, I crashed it." Mamoru chuckled and patted her shoulder softly, "No, not at all, how are you? It's good to see you."

"You know, same old me." Minako smiled, "Work, bridesmaid duties... the works. It's good to see you too, you are always so busy, just like Ami-chan." she winked an eye at him, jokingly. Chuckling, he went to Usagi's side and gave her a quick peck on the lips but sensed there were more people in the room and turned his gaze to catch the other person sitting next to Minako "Oh, I didn't know you had company—Hi." he bowed his head slightly and gave Megumi a courteous smile, "Chiba Mamoru."

Megumi widened her eyes, terrified and confused. He was there, looking at her and still, his eyes did not show any signs of nostalgia or recognition, he was being a total stranger to her. Usagi noticed the tension and the obvious confusion clouding Megumi's mind and decided to intervene, "This is Megumi-san."

"Nice to meet you, Megumi-san," Mamoru smiled softly, Megumi on the other hand, could not hold her tears any longer and began to cry "Non putabam me stare ante te, Princeps."

Mamoru frowned slightly confused, not really sure how to react or what to say. She seemed to look at him with such familiarity and felt guilty for not being able to return the gesture. He was never very good at dealing these sorts of situations and it happened several times after his parents passed away. He could be greeted by somebody on the street and talk to him like they were very close without having any recollection of the person making it hard for him to say the right word, pretty much like a stranger at a funeral. "I am sorry..." he shook his head, "I-I can't understand..."

Megumi widened her eyes when she felt an uncomfortable distance between them, it was like he was a different person but with the same face, the same voice, the same eyes. "Oculi vestri…" she mumbled. Her body began to take the expense of her emotions and suddenly stopped responding to her command. She wanted to touch him, she wanted to wrap her arms around him and feel the relief she was praying for so many years. Her Prince was safe, her Prince was alive but this Prince of hers did not know who she was and it was too sad for her to handle. She tried to speak but she began feeling nauseous and her vision clouded before vanishing in front of them, "Megumi-san!" both Usagi and Minako exclaimed as they lay her down on the couch. Mamoru looked at them confused and silently sat next to her and grabbed her wrist to check her pulse and rested his other hand on her forehead. The second his skin made contact with hers several images flashed in his head and moved his hand away abruptly, "Who is she, Usako?" he looked at his girlfriend with a frown. "You saw something," Usagi said softly, knowing what just happened. Mamoru looked at her, still with his brows knitted in thought "What—?"

"She is here to see you," Usagi looked at him with a more serious expression, "Endymion."

The tension in Mamoru's face became more obvious. He stayed in silence for a minute before looking down at the girl lying on the sofa and tried to understand what was going on. With a sigh, he pulled back and closed his eyes for a minute, trying to keep his own confused thoughts in control, "She's exhausted and the emotion was too much for her, she's fine, she just needs some rest."

"You saw something... I know you did." Usagi frowned, "What did you see?"

"I—I don't know," Mamoru shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. "I am going to take her to the bedroom so she can rest—then we will talk." he bent to carry her in his arms and walked to his bedroom and laid her on the bed. He stood next to her and looked at her in silence for a couple of minutes trying to understand what just happened. Could she be related to the dreams he's been having? Could she be the girl that has been speaking to him in his dreams? He didn't understand the sudden wave of nostalgia hitting him. He turned to close the blinds to block the afternoon sun hitting on her face and left the room, leaving the door slightly open behind him.

Minako and Usagi waited in the living room, one looking at the other with worry. "How do you think he is going to take all this?" Minako asked in whispers, Usagi sighed and shook her head "I feel like each and every one of us have been dealing with this situation in a different way and Mamo-chan is no exception to it. I know he knows something, like I said, the night of the blackout he confirmed it to me and he didn't even have to say it explicitly."

"You know me too well, Usa, I don't know if that is a good or bad thing." Mamoru walked to the living room and sat next to her, with an apologetic look "It is very hard to keep secrets from you." Usagi combed his hair back softly "I know you," Mamoru nodded and looked down, "Again, I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing."

"Do you recognize her Mamoru-kun?" Minako looked at him with high expectations, wishing Hotaru's words were true when she said the Prince might have the answers to Megumi's appearance but it soon vanished when she saw the confusion on his handsome face. He sighed softly and shook his head "No," his eyes looked into hers, also hoping to understand what was happening. "I do sense something from her, I can't explain it but it's strange—nostalgic."

"I let the girls know that we were here, they are on their way." Minako put her phone away and turned to Mamoru "So, everybody knows about this..." he muttered, Usagi wasn't sure if there was a hint of annoyance behind his words but Minako, unaware of it just nodded "It all started a month ago, Rei-chan had a vision while reading the fire and was attacked, she says she heard somebody was speaking to her and by miracle she managed to cease the threat and purify the fire once again but she kept it to herself until I noticed she was being too emotional and asking all these nostalgic questions. She came to me first and told me something about a girl she saw in the fire—I did not know what or who that might be until I found Megumi-san."

"And how did you find her?" Mamoru asked in the same tone, Minako took a deep breath before continuing, already sensing the tension, "It happened the same day I spoke to Rei, I was on my way home and I saw her hiding in one of the alleys close to my apartment. She was all dirty and scared but the strangest thing was that when I came close to her, she called me Venus."

"That is why I told you she came looking for Endymion," Usagi said softly. Mamoru leaned back on the couch and sighed, "Why Endymion?" he turned to look at her "Wait, you knew about all this too?"

Usagi shook her head, "I just found out yesterday—all of you were keeping secrets with the purpose of me not finding anything out—" the tone of her voice made Mamoru feel guilty for being part of that mission, clueless that her friends were also dealing with all this in their own way; he gave her an apologetic look but before he could say anything else, the doorbell interrupted their conversation. Usagi softly brushed his face with her hand and sighed softly, "I'll go." she stood up and went to open the door to the girls waiting at the other side and greeted them and allowed them to walk inside, "Come on in."

"How are things?" Rei asked with worry "How did she take it?"

"She fainted," Usagi pressed her lips tight for a moment, "She is asleep in Mamo-chan's room"

All 8 girls entered and greeted Mamoru and took a seat in the living room; Michiru was last to join and put Megumi's clothed object on the coffee table in the center "What is that?" Mamoru asked more confused than he was just minutes ago. Michiru said as she sat down next to Haruka. "We don't know, but the girl has been carrying it since we found her and hasn't let go of it since then, she is very protective of it but I asked her to leave it with me so she wouldn't lift any suspicions and that we would bring it here later today, so, here it is."

Haruka glared at Minako and shook her head "I can't believe you decided to take her out of the house when we asked you not to."

"Usagi asked me the favor," Minako raised her hands as a defensive gesture, "And it is was not a bad idea."

"There are people looking for this girl and you took her out, unprotected—"

"She wasn't unprotected, she was with us." Usagi snapped in Minako's defense, "This was the easiest way for her to meet Mamo-chan."

Mamoru sighed and rested his head on his hand. Every time there was an argument where Haruka was involved it could take hours to be settled if there was any settlement. Ami was sitting next to him and patted her hand on his shoulder in understanding, "How are you feeling with all this?" Mamoru turned to look at her and gave her a faint smile "I don't know. Things aren't clear enough for me to understand."

Rei sighed and raised her hand, stopping the argument between the three blondes "I think that is enough. The girl is already here and she has met Mamoru, she knows he is alive too so let's leave it like that. Now, we must put the pieces we have together and try to figure out this puzzle."

Haruka sighed with annoyance and began pacing around the living room "This girl has been looking for something we don't know, she is being chased by somebody we don't know, she is carrying something we don't know—the only thing we know is that she is related to you."

Mamoru looked at her and frowned "Related to me?"

Michiru stood from the floor and took Haruka's previous spot on the other sofa across Mamoru, Usagi, Ami, and Rei. Makoto sat next to Michiru with Minako by her side. Setsuna and Hotaru were sitting on the floor around the coffee table. "She has been mentioning that she knows you and that she has been fulfilling a promise made to you."

Mamoru looked more confused than a minute ago and knitted his brows as he tried to understand, "A promise?"

"She served as a maid at the Terran Palace and was a witness of your romance with Princess Serenity." Hotaru joined the conversation, "She was there the night the Moon was attacked and the Silver Millennium came to an end. She saw me bringing down my Silence Glaive."

Inside the bedroom, Megumi slowly came to herself and slowly opened her eyes and she stared at the white ceiling for a minute before realizing what happened and that she was now in a different place from where she fainted. She flinched, feeling the signs of a headache as she slowly sat on the bed and took a look around the quiet and murky room. Her eyes widened when she came to realize she was in the Prince's bedroom and felt her cheeks flush in bashfulness by the intimate gesture and could smell the same unmistakable masculine scent linger with more intensity on the sheets. "She recognized us all." she recognized the voice as Minako's coming from another room, "When I first met her she called me Venus," at this point, she was aware what they were talking about and how they were accompanied by more people. Megumi felt curious about what they would say, what the Prince would say and quickly got off from the bed and walked to the door Mamoru had left half closed. She stood behind the door and leaned closer to the open creak and listened to the conversation being held in the living room and noticed the other girls were now also there.

"Is there anything you remember Mamoru-kun? Do you remember her?" Makoto asked highly hoping he would say something that would help them understand Megumi's intentions but Mamoru's confused expression deepened the mystery. "I... I don't." he shook his head, "I don't remember anything, I don't know anything about the promise you mentioned," he turned to Michiru, then to Hotaru "I don't remember her at the Palace..." He finally made eye contact with his bride to be, "I don't—I don't know who she is... do you?" Usagi looked at him and bit her lower lip, "Not at first but, I do have a vague memory of having seen her somewhere—"

"We were hoping you would give us a hint of her past or what she could be doing in this time and era." Haruka's voice sounded discouraged by the lack of information, "Since she is very bonded to you."

"I wish I could give you the answers you want but—" Mamoru paused and shook his head again, "I do not recognize anything you just mentioned."

"We do have an idea of who might be after her," Setsuna looked at Mamoru, hoping to clear the fog of mystery even a little, "The night we rescued her, she was being followed by some demon-like creatures. Something possessed a couple at the park and went after her when we destroyed them a man appeared and threatened us."

"She could not explain much about this man, only that he was once Usagi-chan's lover or something..." Makoto said. Mamoru widened his eyes with surprise and raised a brow at Usagi, "I—I" Usagi blinked surprised as well, "This is catching me off guard!"

"He was highly ranked and he was once involved with Princess Serenity," Rei said.

"I thought I was your lover," Mamoru mumbled with slight jealousy and hurt, Usagi covered her blushing face "I don't know what to say."

"Princess Serenity was engaged during the Silver Millenium but the wedding never happened." Setsuna tried to make a little damage control but the tension was already too thick to be dissipated. Mamoru sighed, "Well, what do you know—you were engaged." he scoffed at Usagi who in return pouted her lips with annoyance "I was probably engaged to you and you rather prefer to give me a hard time."

"Okay, so this man—Serenity's fiancé..." Mamoru rolled his eyes, "What does he want with Megumi-san? Why is he here?" he was slowly becoming irritated for the incredible amount of speculation, "What is the relation between them?"

"We are not sure what he wants but I would dare to guess it might be because of this..." Michiru pointed the object on the table. Mamoru stayed silent for a minute, trying to remember what he could have possibly asked the girl to do, what could it be so important to make her promise him to fulfill such mission. At this point, he was too upset about it and not because he was angry at the girls or Megumi but at himself, for not having a single clue about anything. He pointed the object with slight disdain, "I don't know what that is," and stood up to start pacing around the living room just like Haruka did, minutes ago. He hoped the movement could help him clear his mind, put the pieces together and understand what they were talking about. Haruka pursed her lips, noticing his frustration "Should we consider her as an enemy too? We've been protecting the wrong person all along?"

Mamoru stopped near one of the windows and looked outside, "She is not an enemy—that I am sure."

"Mamo-chan..." Usagi looked at her boyfriend with much concern, it was strange to see him battling with his emotions so openly but to her, there was still something important she needed to know. "What did you see?" Her soft, worried tone reached Mamoru, but he kept showing his back to the girls and closed his eyes with a sigh, "Death." He let the heavy word sink in then he turned around to look at them one by one, before continuing "I saw corruption, destruction—a destroyed Palace." he lowered his gaze in thought and frowned, "I have been having a vision of a woman—calling out to me, pleading me to wake up and to help somebody... but I still don't understand why me? Of all people, why it has to be me, specifically?"

"This is getting more confusing." Haruka looked at him and crossed her arms, Mamoru mimicked the gesture seconds after, "When did you say this girl was found?"

"The day before the blackout happened." Haruka said, "Why?"

"Somebody threatened me. I heard someone whispering in my ear saying he was going to kill us all."

"He?" Haruka asked, with interest and turned to Michiru, "Could this man be the same after this girl?"

"Probably, but cause so much terror... for what?" Michiru shook her head and turned to Ami the minute she began to speak "Megumi san said they wanted a key-" the bluenette frowned. "She said this object belonged to its rightful owner—" this time, Minako continued and looked at Mamoru "The Protector of this Planet."

Mamoru ran a hand through his midnight hair, "Then we all been having some sort of premonition. You remember your past in its entirety I do not. I remember who I was, yes. I remember Serenity, my past in this life but—that's it. I don't remember what I did as Prince, I don't—" he frowned "I-I don't remember my life. I live as Chiba Mamoru, I do not have any connection to Endymion aside of the fact that I was once this person, but no longer am."

Behind the door, Megumi gasped with much pain and horror. Her eyes burned with tears by the words coming from the one person she so much wished to see again. It did not make sense to her, how a man who looked the same, sounded the same and even knew his name would not accept who he is. How they were alive and not remember anything that happened with them. She felt discouraged, heartbroken and made her question her existence and the real reason behind her survival. Despondent and depressed, she turned her head to spot something gleaming and calling for her attention, without caring anymore about the conversation unfolding in the living room, she turned and walked over to a table near the window and looked down at a crystal case resting on top. Her eyes widened when she recognized each stone, carefully placed on a velvety dark cushion "Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoisite—Kunzite. Those are..." Megumi closed her teary eyes. "I need help—I cannot do this on my own anymore." Her tears started to roll down her cheeks and one of them splashed on the case, making the quartz stones glow for a second. Megumi looked at them with amaze, not sure if what she saw really happened.

Usagi looked at Mamoru in silence, noticing his sudden change. This was one of the few times she has seen him slightly lose his temper concerning their true selves in their past life. It was true, what he said. Unlike her or any of the girls, when he got hold of the silver crystal he regained his memories and realized he was indeed the Prince to the Terran Kingdom once, that he had a romance with the Moon Princess and that his Kingdom protected the Golden Crystal, but he never recalled anything else from that point of truth, but now that a person from his past came to claim things from him and that life, his frustration for not remembering was catching up on him.

Usagi suddenly realized something she never imagined to see before. Mamoru was vulnerable, he felt trapped between a sword and a wall, very much feeling the same way, she was the day before. Like her, he did not want to go down the path that was put upon him as Prince, just like her as Princess. He, just like her, wanted to live a normal life, away from one that needed to battle for a reason to be together; a life here his nature and hers was not an impediment, an obstacle or crime. At this point, he was rejecting being Endymion as much as she rejected being called Serenity. His face showed it all, no matter how much he tried to dissimulate to the rest like he said, she knew him too well and knew by heart every gesture, every smile, every blink and also, every silent grimace. This man was her other half and she felt the urge to get him out of that turmoil of wonder and self-doubt, but she didn't know how. "I think the only thing left for us, is to wait for Megumi-san to tell us everything she knows," Her baby blue eyes never left Mamoru's deep sapphire ones. "Nothing good will come out if we squeeze the answers out of her."

"But the enemy—" Haruka widened her eyes in anguish but was surprised by Usagi's mature take on this, very different from the day before, "If there is an enemy, we will fight it—that is not to be argued," her determination made her stop to making any further comments. The blonde Princess looked at everyone in the room with the same serious gaze, "We have the pieces and with time we will assemble the puzzle, but right now, all we can do now is wait." she sighed softly and turned to Haruka and Michiru, "I can take Megumi-san with me, I can say she is a friend from work. I will talk to Luna as soon as I get home."

"She will stay here."

All eyes locked on a very serious Mamoru, "I may not remember her but she is the only one related directly to me. I should even consider her family."

"Mamo-chan..." Usagi whispered, astonished.

Makoto sighed softly and nodded in agreement, "Well, I don't think she will wake up anytime soon... we should give them some space." she stood up and grabbed her purse, "Nothing good will come out if we rush things, the important thing is that she finally found out Mamoru-kun is alive."

Rei looked at Usagi then at Mamoru and smiled sadly "I know the timing is not the right one. This is the reason why we didn't want to say anything to either of you—with the wedding and all..." Mamoru shook his head and gave the Priestess a small smile of understanding, "Nothing will stop me from getting married to Usa." he looked at a blushing Usagi "I don't know about you, I'm sorry, but I am still marrying you." the lightness in his tone and voice made her smile, silently thanking the playful comment. "Me too."

"Well, I guess that's settled then," Haruka patted Mamoru on the back as she always did as a friendly gesture and turned to walk away, "I was going to make you pay hell if you said you were calling off the wedding." she muttered while helping Michiru stand from the couch, Mamoru chuckled softly "Sorry to burst your bubble, it isn't happening." Haruka smirked and looked over her shoulder at him, "Good."

Setsuna turned to Usagi and held her hands for a minute, "Please call us if anything happens Usagi-san, keep us informed on her progress," Usagi smiled in return and nodded then turned to Minako first then the rest, "Thank you all."

"We are here for you, both of you." Ami looked down at her watch and widened her eyes, "Oh my, it's late! We should get going..." Makoto went and gave Usagi a hug "Call me if you need anything." Usagi smiled and returned the gesture, "I feel like I haven't spoken to you in such a long time." Makoto moved away and chuckled, "We all have had our share of emotional baggage but we will, soon. We still need to see the designs for your cake,"

Minako also gave the blonde a warm, sisterly hug "I will call you tomorrow, okay?"

"Yeah sure," Usagi smiled at Minako who was looking for her purse, "Are you going to stay here?"

"I don't know..." Usagi sighed, "I need to talk to Luna and tell her what happened, she's going to be upset because I didn't ask her or Artemis to come." Minako waved her hand in dismissal, "Don't worry, they will understand. I will talk to them, they are probably at my place."

"Thank you." Usagi gave her leader and friend a smile of gratitude. "Besides," Minako added as she crossed the long strap over her chest, "You need to be here in case anything happens."

"It pretty much depends if Mamo-chan wants me to stay—after all this, I am kind of worry," Usagi peered quickly at Mamoru who was talking to Michiru at the door, Minako arched her brow, "Oh please..." She leaned closer to give her friend another hug before leaving without saying another word.

O—o—O

After all the girls bid their goodbyes, silence finally returned to the apartment; a worried Usagi and a very serious Mamoru stood there with no words to share at the moment but only stares.

Sighing, Mamoru walked back to the living room and sat on the couch and looked at the clothed object on the table while Usagi went to the kitchen to turn on the coffee machine, knowing the bitter beverage would help him feel better. She patiently stayed there until it was ready, clearly feeling the tension in the apartment and thinking he would not say a word until he processed what just happened. Once done, she walked back to the living room and put the steaming mug on the table in front of him and waited in silence. She sat next to him on the sofa and joined him in the strangest staring contest, hoping the thing in front of them would lighten the awkwardness happening between them. It took a few more minutes for Mamoru to lean forwards and grab the mug to take the first sip. "You knew..." he finally spoke, breaking the heavy silence. "Yes," she answered without trying anything to justify what just happened.

Mamoru took another sip of his coffee and held her hand, "It's a blessing." he muttered, making Usagi smile "Even if that makes me know your deepest secrets?"

"It's a blessing," Mamoru took another sip and finally turned to look at her "You are a blessing," he looked down, "I'm sorry I wasn't of much help." he took a moment before looking at her again and gave her an apologetic look, "I don't know what is wrong with me."

"How can you even say that?" Usagi tightened her grip on his hand, "None of this is caused by you."

"But it is somehow related to me, apparently." he shook his head tiredly, "I never thought about how I could not remember as much as you do. I never—" he sighed, "I guess I just cared about us moving forward and not really thinking about the past."

Usagi looked at him with the most loving look, she leaned closer to him and combed his hair softly when she realized they were no longer alone when she turned and spotted Megumi standing in the hallway like a scared deer in the middle of a forest, "Megumi-san," she quickly stood up and walked over to her while Mamoru only looked at her but preferred to stay silent. The blonde smiled and invited her to join them in the living room trying to make her feel more at ease and confident enough to tell them more of what she knew. "Would you like something to drink?"

Megumi shook her head in silence, clearly nervous and avoiding any visual contact with Mamoru. With the tension boiling up again in the ambient, Usagi turned on her heel and walked back to the kitchen to put a kettle on the stove and boil some water for tea, despite the young woman's declined offer. She thought that it would be good for them to have some privacy to open up and talk without any mediators around asking too many questions she was not ready to answer. Mamoru took another sip of his coffee and put the still steaming mug on the table; without making any visual contact with Megumi either and took a deep breath "Michiru brought it, she said it's yours."

Megumi nodded and turned to see the object on the table, mentally thanking Michiru for keeping her promise. Mamoru sighed tiredly and tilted his head back on the sofa not really sure of what else to say at the moment.

"You still drink black coffee at nighttime—" she said softly, catching his attention "W-What?" he blinked startled, Megumi looked at the mug and pointed at it "That beverage, you always asked me to bring you some of that every evening to help you keep your mind clear."

"You remember things like that? Of myself?" Mamoru frowned with curiosity and wonder. Megumi nodded, "You used to stay up late every evening working or waiting for Her Highness to come and visit you, you constantly reminded me that it helped you keep your sanity." Mamoru hung his head low and smiled, accepting her words "It's funny," he chuckled softly, catching the girl's attention "It does sound like something I would say."

The gesture made Megumi lose some of the tension built up by meeting with him and she finally looked up and gave him a warm smile, "You were very good to me, Your Highness."

Mamoru turned to look at her surprised, Megumi nodded "Lady Aurea used to tell me that all the time, it surprised her how much you trusted me since you were always very jealous of your privacy." Mamoru frowned "Lady Aurea?"

Megumi felt strange being able to talk to him again and yet, he not knowing a single thing she said, "Y-You do not remember Lady Aurea?" Mamoru shook his head "To my misfortune Megumi-san, I do not remember anything about my life as Prince, just the fact that I was one, a long time ago." he lowered his head again and smiled sadly, "But well, I barely remember my past in this life too so... I guess it's even."

"How is it that you cannot remember?"

Mamoru pursed his lips and shrugged one shoulder, "I-I don't know... unlike the girls, I was revealed with the truth I needed to hear, I was too desperate to know who I was and never really thought about anything else."

Megumi scoot a little closer to Mamoru and looked at him, "Lady Aurea was Her Majesty's right hand and close friend, and your Godmother, she always looked after you like a second mother." she smiled and looked up at the ceiling in remembrance, "Oh how you loved to play jokes on her... I remember her scolding you, all the time."

Mamoru widened his eyes with amaze, "My... Godmother..."

"Whenever there was a meeting late in the afternoon and you did not wish to attend so you could meet with Princess Serenity, you always asked me to tell everyone you were feeling ill." Megumi giggled "And not once you were caught, well—only by the Shitennou."

Mamoru found it refreshing to hear this from somebody else, it was like unclouding a part of his life he completely ignored. His life apparently was like an open book to her, the nostalgia in her voice made him acknowledge there was deep trust between them in the past. He imagined if he was the same way he was now, a man too private with his life and a serious person minding his own life. "The Shitennou—" he trailed off and gave her a sad smile "They gave their lives to save mine."

"You gave yours to save ours," Megumi said softly, her brown eyes were filled with gratitude "I never had the chance to thank you, for saving me."

Mamoru frowned and shook his head confused; Megumi let out a soft, melancholic chuckle "If it were not for you, Your Highness, I would not be here now," she looked at him "You never lost hope, and even when I was the only one left you did not leave me behind." Her words captivated his interest, she had the answers to the many questions still echoing in his mind. What did he do? Where did he go and why? Mamoru narrowed his eyes in concentration, trying to remember "The only one left?"

Megumi nodded "Sadly, everyone at the Palace was gone. Lord Leonidas, Lady Aurea—Her Majesty our Mother Queen, His and Her Majesty too, every personnel went missing."

"The obvious answer would be that everything was caused by Beryl." Mamoru muttered, surprising Megumi "You remember Lady Beryl!" she looked at him wide-eyed. Mamoru nodded, "She too reincarnated into this world and freed Metallia—that is how everything started all over again."

Megumi frowned "All over again?" Mamoru nodded again, "The battle with her started again because we were all looking for the Silver Crystal without any recollection of why, but we all had our reasons." He exhaled softly and gave Megumi a soft reassuring smile, "She has finally been defeated," the words of victory relaxed Megumi, making lean back on the couch with great relief but then wondered that if Beryl was in fact, dead, then why was somebody after her up to this day. The Lord of War did not even get an opportunity to explain, he just pledged her to leave and to avoid any more tragedy, she complied. "I had parents then—" her thoughts were interrupted by the Prince's warm voice and turned to look at him looking back at her with so much wonder, "Do you remember my parents, Megumi-san?" She smiled and bowed her head to honor the memory of the Terran Royals. "I do, My Prince."

The question caught Usagi's attention, and was glad they were re-building their bond, her plans worked exactly how she wanted. She turned off the stove and poured two cups of hot water and sprinkled some green tea leaves to simmer and walked back to the living room. She put the first mug in front of Megumi and the other, kept it resting in between her hands on her lap.

"She was very beautiful and very kind," Megumi smiled softly, "She had strong character but ruled with a fair heart" she looked at him, "Everybody said you two were like two peas in a pond-you had a very special bond. His Majesty was kind-hearted too, he had a very joyful spirit and loved Her Majesty very much."

Mamoru smiled, listening to this girl talk about his family made his chest feel warm and nostalgic. Megumi looked at both of them, sitting next to each other and bowed her head at Usagi "I must ask for your forgiveness Your Highness."

Usagi widened her eyes "Megumi-san... no, we talked about this before..."

"I mistreated you—I failed your trust," Megumi closed her eyes and shook her head, "I should have known better,"

Usagi tilted her head, "You did nothing wrong Megumi-san..."

"Still..." Megumi said while still looking down "It is hard for me to believe I am here, in front of my Master after all this time," she looked up at him with tears in her eyes, "But I can see something is different."

"Different?" both asked taken back, Megumi nodded and looked into the Mamoru's eyes, "Prince Endymion was known to be the strongest soldier in our Kingdom and for having the sharpest skills to fight. But also, he was famous for his strong determination."

Mamoru sweatdropped, "It sounds like meeting this version of me is disappointing."

Megumi widened her eyes and shook her head, "Oh, no, no, no! W-What I meant is that people constantly mentioned the truth could always be found in his gaze."

Mamoru frowned, "Truth?"

"It was something constantly said by whoever met His Highness," Megumi nodded, "You were always very blunt and honest."

"He still is—painfully blunt and honest," Usagi blew her bangs and took a sip of her tea, making Megumi giggle. Mamoru sighed, dismissing Usagi's taunt he turned to the object on the coffee table, "What was the promise?" he frowned, "The promise I asked you to fulfill—"

"It was a promise I made to myself," Megumi turned to look at the object on the table, "I promise that I would protect your legacy and never let anyone forget you. You fought for this planet with every drop of strength you had left in your body and did ever leave me behind."

"Your loyalty amazes me," Mamoru said and extended his hand out to her "Your words move me to the core Megumi, thank you, for everything you have done, for my family... and for me," he wiped the tears running down her cheeks and pointed again at the coffee table, "And that, may I ask what that is?" Megumi blushed by his intimate gesture and grabbed his hand in return, ignoring the protocol that always kept her at bay with her emotions, "I am sorry I cannot say much Your Highness but—it is still not the time for me to speak."

Mamoru patted her hand and nodded, "I understand, I appreciate what you have told me," he looked at her "I will treasure it forever."

Silence fell in the room and by this point all three were beyond exhausted by everything that happened, Mamoru turned to Usagi and graced her cheek with the back of his hand, "Do you want to stay?"

Usagi smiled, "Can I?" Mamoru chuckled and rubbed his temples with his free hand, "Your question baffles me Usa," he turned to Megumi "I have an extra room where you can stay, besides Usa, you are my only relative."

Megumi blushed and bowed her head in respect "I am most grateful, My Prince." Her words were suddenly interrupted by a loud growl, making all three widen their eyes in shock, Usagi giggled with amazement "Megumi-san, was that you?" Megumi blushed in shamefulness and shook her head, "I-I am so sorry..."

Mamoru chuckled, he just met her and he already felt an endearing feeling for her. He wanted to look out for her and protect her the same way she has been protecting the memory of a Prince she clearly admired. He wondered in all the things she must have gone through all this time, the many days and nights she has spent alone, afraid, without a home and without knowing of his existence.

"I'll order something for us to eat," Usagi grabbed her phone and frowned "Ugh, my battery died." Mamoru took his phone out of his pocket and gave it to Usagi "Use mine, I'm too tired to even attempt to get off this couch to grab the phone."

Megumi looked at the devices with such curiosity and widened her eyes in wonder, "My Prince, what is that you carry?"

Mamoru smiled tiredly and tilted his head, touched by her respectful way to address to him "Megumi, you can call me Mamoru, that is my given name in this era." he chuckled "People will find it very strange if you address to me as Prince. I am not the Prince in Japan,"

"Japan?" Megumi frowned and shook her head, "This is no Elysion?"

Mamoru gave her a sad smiled and shook his head "Elysion is a sacred place that I protect from afar as Endymion. It is now known as a land of dreams."

"A land of dreams... so it no longer exists," Megumi said sadly "It was a beautiful place. The Terran Palace was famous for its gardens and greenery, its great fountains and magical atmosphere."

Usagi looked at them and smiled, "How does some Ramen sound?" Megumi widened her eyes, feeling foreign to the question itself "I—I do not know what that is Your Highness."

Usagi chuckled "Call me Usagi, just like Mamo-chan, that is my name now."

Megumi blushed and lowered her head, "I find it hard to call you differently, it would be as if I am denying who you are."

Mamoru smiled "Alright," he leaned closer to Megumi and grabbed her hands in a brotherly gesture, "You can call me however you like but, when we are with other people you will have to call me Mamoru. Is that alright with you?" The brunette widened her eyes and had to comply. Usagi hung up the phone and handed it back to Mamoru, and turned to Megumi, "Now that you are here, we must consider going out shopping."

Mamoru raised a brow at his fiancé "Wasn't all this ordeal done to keep her safe?"

Usagi frowned "You are not expecting to keep her locked in here forever, right?" she sighed, "She has every right to go out and see how much this planet has changed and let her live a normal life."

Mamoru narrowed his eyes, "You only want a reason to go out."

"Well—this is a good opportunity." the blonde pouted her lips "We can't expect her to wear that and look like that forever, look, maybe it will help to distract the enemy because they won't recognize her."

"Your lover? Yes, maybe." Mamoru rolled his eyes with slight annoyance but Usagi slapped his arm "Don't be silly!" her voice pitch went high, the most obvious hint when she was embarrassed. Mamoru arched his brow, "You have to admit it sounds—"

"What?"

"—Weird. Your, lover..." Mamoru couldn't hold it any longer and broke in laughter "It sounds like those cheap novels you find in the international aisle at bookstores. Burning loins and all."

Usagi laughed and shook her head, "Oh my god, I can't believe you."

Megumi chuckled, it was incredible how they remained the same together after all these years. It was a comforting feeling to see that even if she did not get to fulfill the promise she made to him, just by looking at them happy and safe, but there was still something missing, Megumi thought. The closeness lost between them? His loss of memory? No—she answered to herself in her mind. It was something else, something deeper, something that came from within. Then his words when he said somebody was asking him to wake up resonated in her mind, once again. It was true, back then, his energy was different, he was not as passive as the man before her. The truth was always mirrored in his eyes, she widened hers in realization:

'His eyes—his eyes are not the same.'

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell, startling all three. "Food is here, finally." Usagi smiled and went to grab her purse "There is money in my wallet, it's on the tray with the keys..." Mamoru said and looked at her "Put your purse away."

Usagi blushed and smiled as she did what was told. Megumi looked at Usagi picking the package delivered to the door and Mamoru walking towards the kitchen "M-My Prince?"

Mamoru turned and looked at Megumi walking towards him, taking him off guard when she grabbed the bowl plates from his hands "Megumi?" he asked puzzled; the brunette looked at him and bowed her head in deep respect "Allow me to be of service."

Mamoru blinked surprised "You don't have to, you are our guest."

Megumi looked at him with a serious stare "Please, Your Highness. Let me be of service."

"Uh—" the insistently called Prince let out a deep breath in defeat and stepped aside, "Alright."

Mamoru could not deny that it made him feel uncomfortable having somebody doing things he could easily do like setting up a table or pouring himself a cup of tea. The idea of this girl serving him was a little too overwhelming but he had to comply, at least for now. Usagi was the first to take a seat around the coffee table, followed by Mamoru who again, was surprised to see Megumi standing close to the kitchen "Megumi-san?" This time, Usagi noticed there was something strange going on, "Megumi-san come, sit with us, your food will get cold."

Megumi shook her head, "I-I cannot do such thing."

The blonde frowned "Why? It's just us."

"I-I am not allowed to eat close to His Highness."

Mamoru closed his eyes in slight exasperation, was he that obnoxious in his previous life? he began to question himself, no wonder why he was so reluctant to the idea of being a Royal again. Usagi glanced at him for a moment and then turned to Megumi again "It's alright Megumi-san. Come sit with us." The answer was a blunt no from the girl, who was still standing behind the kitchen counter. Mamoru put his chopsticks aside and stood up with a bowl in his hand and walked towards the counter, seating in one of the stools, he gave her a determinant look, "If you don't come to eat with me, then I will come and eat with you."

Megumi widened her eyes "Y-Your Highness..."

Mamoru paused and rested his elbows on the counter, the plate was just an adornment to prove a point with her "Megumi," he said in a serious tone, "Back then, you said I was good to you," he furrowed his brows "But, did I ever do something to make you feel inferior?"

"N-No My Prince." Megumi tilted her head down slightly "It is just that I know my place."

"And what place is that?" Mamoru shook his head, not accepting the situation "Do you think I would have told you to eat elsewhere if we were only the three of us say, in a secret place at the Palace?"

Megumi widened her eyes in realization. It was true, in all the many times she was there helping the couple to meet in secret, he never dismissed her with rudeness or treated her unkindly, instead, he was protective and kind towards her and often referred to her as his friend. "No."

Mamoru's face relaxed. Grabbing the bowl, he handed it to her "There is your answer then," Megumi blinked and grabbed the bowl with both hands carefully. "Megumi." He looked at her and shook his head disapproving her recent actions, "Don't ever lower yourself to me—ever. You have every right to be here and you are allowed to do anything around us." he arched his brow, "Now, can we go back to the table and have dinner?"

Megumi blushed and slowly nodded, "A-Alright."

Usagi was moved by his words and actions, it was obvious he cared for the girl despite having no recollection of her. Mamoru had a kind heart, a just heart and maybe because he understood the situation she was in. He knew the feeling of being alone in the world, something she didn't experience, ever. She slowly served another bowl of ramen and handed it to him with a smile on her face thinking how it could easily pass another three thousand years and she would fall deeply in love with the man sitting next to her.

O—o—o—o—O

At the other side of the city, Minako threw her heels across the room and slouched on her bed. Artemis and Luna were still trying to figure the situation while all she wanted to do was sleep. "So then, what will happen now?" Luna asked her, confused and worried.

Minako stayed silent for a minute and opened her blue eyes, "Well, she will stay with him."

"And?"

A little exasperated and overwhelmed, the blonde pushed herself up from the bed with her elbows supporting her weight and turned to both felines "We will just have to wait what happens."

Artemis waved his tail one side to the other, a peculiar characteristic when he was in deep thought "We do not have very much of another choice." he frowned "How did the other girls take it?"

"Well—" Minako exhaled and sat on the bed, facing them "Most of them agreed it was a good idea, but we already know who didn't."

"A little difficult."

"A little?" Minako raised a brow at Luna "It's true, we were kind of hoping that once she met Mamoru-kun, something new would come to light but he doesn't remember her and she fainted, so she was not present during the whole meeting."

"And Usagi-chan?" Luna asked, concerned. Minako tilted her shoulder and pursed her lips "She will stay there tonight, she was okay." sighing, she looked at the ceiling "I know she wants to help, but I also know this is not something she wanted."

"I don't believe any of you wanted it."

"I think it is just the fact of not knowing what the hell is going on." Minako rubbed her eyes, fighting her somnolence and some of her frustration as well "There are too many secrets that are half revealed, just when we think we will get somewhere there is something that blocks us from knowing the whole truth." shaking her head, she brought her knees up and hugged them, "This girl is carrying more things on her back besides that object. No wonder why she can't sleep."

Artemis turned to Luna "I guess all we have to do for now is to leave this to Mamoru and hope he will open the chest of secrets this girl carries with her."

"But—" Luna widened her eyes, "Things will have to continue their course as normal as possible." Artemis interrupted Luna, "They all have business to attend to. Minako is right about something, we do not know the reasons why this man is after her," he turned to the blonde "Right, Mina—" he widened his eyes, surprised to see the blonde deeply asleep on the bed; they were too into their own conversation they did not notice when she slowly cuddled on the bed and fell asleep.

Both cats left the room in silence and went to the living room to continue their conversation. Luna still showed a concern and Artemis noticed right away "Everything will be alright do not fret."

"What if it won't?" The black cat looked at him, "I am scared Artemis, there is nothing worse than a silent enemy because we do not know who that is, what it wants or what is it doing. We barely have any information." she tilted her head low, "I worry about Usagi-chan, she will always be my first concern." closing her eyes, she sighed heavily "Sometimes I feel so useless, being in this form."

"Luna..." Artemis saw her shaking her head repeatedly, "Queen Serenity asked me to look after her..."

"And you have..."

"You needed to be there to understand. Yesterday—" Luna sighed and closed her eyes, "She was unrecognizable. She was broken."

"And today, Minako said she was okay."

"That is the problem Artemis." Luna snapped with anger, her burgundy eyes met his green ones "Everybody thinks she will be okay, but she is vulnerable. That has been her problem all the time. She keeps things to herself and tries to resolve them but she cannot handle everything on her own."

"And what would you do as a human?" Artemis tried to reason with her, making her sigh again "At least, I could hug her. I could comfort her somehow."

"You know there is a reason why we are in this form, Luna." Artemis jumped to the couch and sat while looking out the window, "Queen Serenity granted us the power to become human while we were at the Palace, a place outside Mau we are condemned to be like this."

"You always so regal." Luna muttered with annoyance, "Is that part of being from noble class?"

Artemis widened his eyes and turned to look at her, surprised by her sudden behavior "What do you mean?"

"Being a conformist."

"What?" Artemis frowned, "What are you even talking about?"

Luna exhaled, "You are always so calm and collected, always have an answer for everything, never worry about anything."

Artemis narrowed his green eyes, "You think I do not worry about things?" the white cat moved from his spot close to the window and walked towards her "You think this is something I do not care about?"

"You never show any concern." Luna frowned, slowly letting her own anger and frustration come to surface "Always knowing what to do or what to say."

"Luna, that is how I was taught to address these types of situations." Artemis sat in front of her "Just like you, I was Queen Serenity's advisor, I addressed strained political situations, I had to be under stress all the time. Being all anxious and upset won't solve any problems, just so you know." his frown deepened, "Now, about my background? This has always been a problem for you. Why? I thought we had surpassed this. Why is it relevant all of the sudden? We have gone through so many things since then —why are you bringing this up? Because you think I like to be this way? Because you think I love being in this form? I have news for you dear, I do not." he turned to look away, "Do you think it is easy to be with you and not being able to embrace you? I have waited a long time to be with you and when we are finally together, we are not able to hold hands but we have managed." he stood up and turned on his heel, "We have managed, because that is what people who love each other do." without looking back at her, he stepped down the couch and walked away from her.

"Is that what you think lovers do? To manage things?!"

Artemis stopped "Usagi and Mamoru have—" he turned to look at her "They had to sacrifice everything they had to be together, it has not been easy. We all know that. Even in this era, they are so different from each other. She is a descendant of a divine lineage, he is a mortal and still—they have managed. So if they have had, why can't we? When I see them together, it just fortifies my love for you, because they are proof that love conquers all. We did not die, we did not sacrifice anything, we were given a feline form in order to survive. You say we are different, I just see two lovers trying their best to be apart by invisible walls—and it breaks my heart because there is nothing I would not do for you, to make you happy."

With that, Artemis turned and left Luna behind. The black cat stared into nothingness, processing what Artemis just said. A sting of guilt made her chest feel heavy with regret; against what she wanted to believe, he was right. The issue of being different had been behind them for centuries. Her rebel start at the Moon Palace always put her on edge every time she came to dealing a situation where she did not know how to address it properly. It was a common problem she faced during her first year serving as advisor and assistant to the Queen of the White Kingdom and she always envied Artemis' calm self. Artemis' family was well known in Mau, his father had been an advisor to Royalty, his grandfather had been an advisor to Royalty, his great-grandfather had been an advisor to Royalty in Olympus as well and the list went on. She, on the other side, was a girl who had to make her way to accomplish things. She came from a very modest home, and even her own family was surprised to hear what she wanted to do with her future. If only they could see her now, she thought.

She had broken Artemis's heart, again. She has been broken his heart for years and despite the differences, she points out constantly, he is still there, trying to win her heart. But this time, this time it felt different.

Every time they argued or were not on the same page with something, they would eventually give in and settle it. As advisors, they had also a rough start, she, always trying to prove a point and he always ignoring it by doing his job. It brought so many memories back.

O—o—O

Princess Serenity had just taken her oath to be the new Queen of the Moon Kingdom; her mother Queen Selene had just given the announcement of stepping down and allowing her daughter continue with the legacy while she arranged her departure. A new Alliance was in the making and she wanted it to be led by a young Queen, with new ideas and point of view.

Luna walked down the long hall towards the Princess' chambers, in her hands, she carried a tray with tea and biscuits when her path was soon interrupted by a man dressed in white. Since she got to the palace, Luna was not very fond of him and constantly found him too presumptuous and arrogant; just like anyone with some level of power or influence would. She knew he was also from Mau and that he came from a good household. His family was well known for being always suitable to serve Royalty and now, it was the young man's follow the tradition.

"You got up early," Artemis said, his soft yet authoritative voice welcomed her. Luna stopped in her tracks and tried her best not to show her dislike for him but her attempts were futile and with a sigh, she continued, "What do you want?"

"Just wanted to greet you, and see how you were doing—that is all. Since you came to the Palace your participation with the staff has been—quite remarkable."

"Such as?" Luna frowned.

"Your tongue, I would say." Artemis said softly, his face never losing his calm gestures, "You are one passionate Mauian."

"I believe anyone is allowed to have their own opinion on things."

"Yes, yes. I agree. Although, you might just want to hold some information to yourself. Take it as an advice. Your ideas won't work in this era and realm."

Luna stepped back, her frown deepened "What is that supposed to mean? You know what? —Nothing, never mind." She shook her head and continued her way, startling Artemis "What?" Luna stopped and turned "You are exactly as I thought you would be."

"Oh?" Artemis widened his eyes. "You think that you are where you belong, you did not even have to flinch to get an opportunity like this since all of your family has done what you are doing now and it is only natural for you. I, on the other hand, had to make my own way to be here. I worked for it, not just waited until it was my turn."

"There is nothing I can do to make you change your mind then, alright. I will go back to do my duties. I hope you have a lovely day." With that, the white-haired man turned on his heel and left a very anxious and furious Luna behind. She reached for the Princess' chambers, knocked on the door and soon after entered, letting the young Queen know she was there. The new Queen turned to look at her and gave her a warm smile "Oh, you are here early."

"I brought you some breakfast." The dark-haired lady commented, then, cursed under her breath and bowed her head "Your Majesty." For her, it was still quite difficult to remember all the formalities and etiquette rules that she needed to have towards the Royals. The gesture made the young Princess chuckle softly "I know it can be a little overwhelming to remember everything." Luna looked at her with a startled expression, "I beg your pardon?"

The young princess stood up and tied the silk ribbon around her robe and walked towards the table where Luna had put the tray and looked at the small delicacies perfectly arranged on silver plates "It has come to my ears that you have been struggling a little finding your place in the Palace."

Luna blinked surprised, and tilted her head low "I—"

"You must remember Luna, this is not Mau, therefore your duties and obligations are different."

Luna looked up but stayed silent, the young Princess continued, "Your point of view is a little—" she turned and looked at her "Too extravagant for them," she poured herself a cup of tea "I know your thoughts about Royals are a little out there—" she sighed, Luna tightened her lips when she realized what she had done. "But they are not that mistaken."

The mauian girl looked up at the Princess with surprise written all over her face, "Mother thinks you are a little inappropriate, rough around the edges but I find you quite refreshing." Serenity smiled, "Calm down Luna, what is with that face?"

"Y-You are not going to dismiss me?"

"Why would I do that?" the soon to be Queen frowned and took a sip of her tea. Luna tried to come up with a better set of words to excuse her behavior but her mind had gone completely blank. Serenity continued, "I have put great thought into the matter and I have spoken with people of my trust—your roughness is something I need in this new era, I need sincerity which is why I want you to stay with me and take a stand as my advisor when I become Queen."

Luna's burgundy eyes widened "Y-Your Highness?"

"You are rebel enough to make me see things not everybody can see. I do not want things sugar coated, you have a way to speak your mind, and I like that. Deep inside your courageous heart is a very brave girl who wants her voice to be heard. I want to listen to what you have to say and so others as well."

"I-I do not know what to say..."

"Luna," the Princess put her porcelain cup on the little table close to her window and looked at her, her rosy cheeks flushed against the soft warm light from the morning sun, her eyes so gentle and pure of innocence looked at her with grace. "You are meant to do something greater than just bring me my morning tea. I am petrified of becoming Queen of this Kingdom. I hardly even know how to guide an army and political matters, I have had an education but this something completely different—I know people who were born to be leaders, with a strong character and who would do a much better job than I will ever do. The Gods question my mother's decision but she believes in me. The strongest Goddess I know also believes in me and so, I want you to believe in me as well."

"It will be an honor, Your Highness." Luna bowed her head. The Princess smiled and took another sip of her tea "Wonderful. I have to be ready to meet a... suitor, I believe the one coming today is from Andromeda or so that is what mother says. I better start, so this can be over soon. Thank you for the tea, Luna."

"You do not want me to assist you, Your Highness?"

"I will ask Amadis to help me prepare myself for the meeting." Princess Serenity stood up and went to choose a dress for the occasion "Princess—may I ask?"

"What?" Serenity asked, while still looking for a gown.

"Who did you speak to, about—me?"

Serenity paused and looked over her shoulder, "Gaia, Goddess of Earth and my dearest friend. I believe you might have seen her coming to visit me very often. She is like a sister to me but also, being a Sailor Senshi makes her good with these things, she has a good eye and she has seen great potential in you. Also, Artemis, the Palace's new political advisor."

Luna widened her eyes "A-Artemis?" the name sunk in her chest like a ton of bricks, she had to admit that it was strange to be even mentioning him, since, she has always had a special idea of him. "Yes." Serenity answered, "He has put his recommendation and thinks highly of you. He believes you are more than suitable for the position and I agree with him. Despite being rather young, he has done very wonderful things with political negotiations lately. I also want him to be part of my advising court."

"Artemis..." Luna muttered surprised, as she left the Princess chambers never imagining the man she thought as uptight, was the same man that was giving her a new opportunity in life.

O—o—O

Luna felt awful, since day one she has been giving the poor man-cat a hard time. And he was right about something, just when they found each other and finally see themselves as a couple, her old habits would come to the surface. She considered going after him and solve things out or wait until morning to ask for his forgiveness. But, to mend a broken heart is going to take a little more than just a plain, 'I am so sorry Artemis...' —she thought.

A/N Latin translation.

*I never thought I would be standing in front of you again, my Prince.

**Your eyes...

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I do not own Sailor Moon just this plot and some of the characters.