Divinity: Fates and the Afterlife

Chapter Twenty Nine

AN: It's coming. I promise.

Also, I've been having a lot of trouble with FF all day today, it's been giving me a difficult time when trying to upload the file. The chapter was intended to be published twelve hours ago... then, the exhausting process of decorating the house for the holidays at my house pulled me into this swirl of never-ending madness and well, here I am, still having trouble. *sigh*

The girls had finally arrived at the restaurant, Minako was already waiting on a table at the terrace. She made sure to pick a place where they could have privacy despite being at a very hyped and popular place to dine, she had used her influences at the t.v. station to get them a reservation and a good spot to sit.

The blonde looked absolutely stunning in a deep orange mini shift dress with batwing sleeves and black and white striped sky-high heels. Her hair was braided all the way to her back, leaving her beautiful face exposed and only framed by her long side bangs. Her deep red lips smiled when she spotted Usagi walking with Megumi and waved her hand excitedly, "I love what you're wearing!" she wrapped her arms around her silver-haired blonde friend and then turned to Megumi with the same wide smile, "Yay! Megumi, you came! I am so glad you decided to join us!"

Megumi looked around at the crowded space and the modern decorations; the blown glass chandeliers in many shapes and colors and dimly lighted terrace, the greenery and flowers, the candles on every table, the fancy dining ware, the music—everything was new for her. "It is all so pretty..." she said with awe, Usagi nodded and leaned closer to her, "Right? I've never been here before. It's very difficult to get a reservation in this place... Minako-chan is a wizard to get us into these places."

Minutes after, Makoto arrived with Rei behind. Makoto had a more vintage approach with her high waisted, wide leg white trousers and her black silk thin strapped blouse, black heels and usual high and messy ponytail, "I'm here—bridesmaid #2!"

"Bridesmaid #3's is sorry for being late!" Rei raised her hand apologetically, her outfit, just like her personality was fierce. She wore a sleeveless deep red jumpsuit with leopard high heels, her hair was styled in a slick and polished low ponytail, also revealing her perfectly done makeup and deep burgundy lips. All girls turned to her with shock, "Rei-chan! You look amazing!" Usagi said; Minako blinked and nodded in approval, "No one could ever think you are actually a Shinto Priestess." Rei blushed and took a seat next to Makoto, "So, where's bridesmaid #4?"

"I'm here, I'm here!" she blew her bangs as she made her way to their table, "Oh dear, this place is crowded!" she smiled at the girls and waved at Megumi "Megumi-san! Hi!" The young doctor came in wearing a long, white tunic blouse with golden detailing on her sleeve cuffs and shoulders and faux leather leggings, matching them with black, strappy heels. Her usually perfectly combed hair had a messier, more rocker vibe to it, as she styled it all to the side.

"Look at you all chic," Minako smiled "There is nothing more for me to teach you—I'm so proud!"

"So much nagging had to come in handy someday," Rei giggled and turned to Megumi "Even Megumi-san came all fancy," she smiled, "How are you Megumi-san? I'm so glad you decided to come," Megumi blushed and nodded "Very well, thank you..." she blinked, not sure how to address her, "Rei," the priestess smiled "Call me Rei."

Megumi giggled "Rei."

"Oh, I bet it must be super hard for you to call Usagi or Mamoru by their names," Makoto looked at the girl sipping at her iced water "Well—to me, they will always be my Prince and Princess," Megumi smiled softly. Usagi smiled and nudged her playfully with her arm "You call us whatever you feel more comfortable—it's alright. I know Mamo-chan has given up in insisting you call him Mamoru."

"By the way, did he have anything planned for the night? Is the best man planning something for his friend?" Makoto asked, Usagi sweat dropped and shook her head as he put her drink down, "No, Furu-chan had to take the late shift tonight so he could have free tomorrow. So, he said he was going to sleep early tonight."

"Nope—not happening." All eyes were on Rei who was sipping her drink, "The Shitennou are probably with him as we speak."

"What!? Did they say something to you?" Makoto looked at her raven-haired friend, who chuckled in return, "I gave Jadeite this confetti popper—it was so funny, he had no clue what it was, I told him how to activate it as a celebration for Mamoru's wedding."

"A confetti popper?" Ami giggled, "Where did you get one?"

"Oh, I have a whole stash back at home for every birthday we had celebrated there over the years."

Rei looked down at her menu "Now, what should I order?"

"So you are getting along with them."

Rei blinked and turned to a monotone, slightly annoyed Minako. Rei knew the white-haired general was still the blonde's soft spot and kicked herself mentally for bringing them up to the conversation. Usagi was also aware of the feelings Venus once had for the general and even when time had passed and they had moved on with their lives, she knew it was still a sensitive nerve in Minako's heart. Sensing the tension, she tried to change the topic to avoid any collateral damages and turned to Megumi while holding the menu high up, "So, what are you going to order, Megumi? Everything looks so good, right?"

"It does, everything sounds very delicious..." Megumi nodded effusively, playing along with Usagi's plan as she looked through the many options.

"I mean, it's good you are getting along with them and all—it's cool." Minako shrugged her shoulders, "They are not evil after all... they were just—you know, brainwashed and tried to kill us and their own Prince but—whatever, the past is in the past." she muttered bitterly as she raised her hand to call for a waiter. Rei sighed and leaned back on her seat "Well, they are very nice and respectful, I mean, it's good to finally talk to them without feeling like I have to look over for my life—they're friendly." Minako sighed heavily, "Yes well—that friendliness could have been useful back then."

"Minako-chan..." Ami said softly "Why are you so upset?"

"I'm sorry—I'm sorry." Minako raised her hands defensively, "This night is not about them, is about my two best friends getting married tomorrow—finally!"

"That indeed is true."

All girls turned surprised to see Haruka and Michiru standing behind them, Haruka as always looking dashingly chic in her all so famous androgynous style of slacks and a blazer, contrasting Michiru's delicate deep purple organza mid length dress "Haruka-san! I thought—"

"We were not going to come?" The sandy blonde half smiled and wrapped her arm around the lunar princess' shoulders, startling her "And not celebrate with Odango-chan? Nah—not a chance." her playful tone was a drastic change from the last time they saw each other. Usagi was startled, she did not want to think it was an uncomfortable meeting but the way things were left after she dropped her at Mamoru's apartment made her think she was mad at her.

Minako sighed in relief, mentally thanking the couple for showing up. She knew Usagi could try and pretend that she was a tough woman but deep down, she was a girl with the kindest heart and wished Haruka wasn't so hard on her now when things were slightly different with everything they learned in the past couple of days. At this point, not even she knew how long this would last but they all had to make it work. Megumi and now the heavenly general's presence alerted her that something else might come their way, and they might have to fight but together as a team not like the outer senshi often worked.

"Where is Setsuna-san?" Minako looked around, Michiru tilted her head and smiled "She had to stay at home, she didn't want to leave Hotaru alone—you know how she is." she spotted Megumi sitting next to the princess and looked at her surprised "Ah, look at you—all different," she smiled "I knew there was a beautiful girl underneath all those dirty and ragged clothes." Usagi smiled "She was hesitant at first but had to trust me in the end, she looks lovely isn't she?"

Haruka tightened her arm around the blonde and leaned closer, startling her, "I'm sorry Odango-chan—for what I said, for how I reacted that night..." Usagi widened her eyes "Haruka-san.."

Haruka kissed the princess on her cheek and smiled "I am still going to keep a close eye on him, the moment he turns evil—I will not touch my heart to make him regret his decision."

Usagi finally managed to turn and looked at the blonde in the eye "You know that is not going to happen—right?"

Haruka sighed as charming as ever "You are my priority, I vowed myself to protect you and I love you very much, but like Michiru says—he loves you more and I want to stick to those words."

Usagi's eyes widened even more at hearing those words, "He loves me more..." she said breathlessly. Haruka chuckled and pulled back and took her seat between Michiru and Ami "So—you finally came out of your shell." she looked at Megumi, who was blushing at all the attention the girls were giving her. Michiru ordered for her and Haruka and nudged the blonde on her ribs "But look how beautiful she looks!"

Haruka snickered "Yes, yes, she does. If I hadn't a soft spot for Odango-chan here, I would totally pursue your interest."

Megumi blinked and flushed, Usagi chuckled and patted the maiden's shoulder "She is just joking, don't listen to her." Haruka smiled and raised her glass at the blonde, "For your happiness."

"For your happiness!" The girls raised their glasses to cheer for the soon to be a married couple. Usagi blushed and raised her glass in the end and took a sip thankful to have such wonderful friends in her life. This was the beginning of a new era, a new chapter in her life and for that, she was more than ready.

O—o—o—o—O

At the other side of town in a much less crowded and much more casual and relaxed place, Mamoru was drinking with his longtime friends like if time hadn't gone by. They all chose to stay at the bar due to the proximity and fastness their drinks always got served and also, to keep the feeling of being back in the old days alive—some things just never changed, no matter what. "I still can't believe this," Mamoru shook his head and took another drink of his beer, "All this happened while they came to 'keep the Princess in check'?" he air quoted his words with disbelief. Nephrite, being the politest of all five cleared his throat and sat straight on his stool "It is not like we planned it, they happened to be very polite, very nice."

"You—I can understand, you aren't as explosive as these two," he turned to Kunzite who was sitting next to the prince and Jadeite standing next to Zoisite "Oi, we are not explosive," Kunzite muttered and frowned, "I am still surprised you knew about this." Mamoru chuckled, "I am with Serenity, remember? She told me."

"Ah, so she spoke to your Princess—they like to gossip..." Kunzite took another chug of his beer "Interesting."

"Kunzite," Mamoru looked at him, "The way you two argued all the time—that pretty much gave it away. I found about it on my own, Serenity just confirmed it to me later."

"What?" Kunzite widened his eyes, Jadeite chuckled "Ahhh right... yes, you two wanted to rip yourselves apart."

"How is that going to be obvious?!" Kunzite frowned and looked at his empty beer mug, sighing "It makes no sense." Mamoru smiled, "It's like the little boy at school who likes a girl and doesn't know how to get her attention and starts to tease her just so she notices him..."

"What?" Kunzite frowned and shook his head confused; Mamoru finished his beer and asked for another two refills, one for him and the other for Kunzite, "You were that little boy teasing the girl you like to catch her attention."

The white-haired general shook his head still flabbergasted and annoyed, "That is..."

"Plain common behavior,"

"Stupid,"

Mamoru and Kunzite answered at the same time and frowned. The prince shrugged his shoulder, "You are as stubborn as ever... why are you so afraid of her?"

"I am not afraid of her,"

"So, when are you going to finally arm yourself with some courage and talk to her, eh Kunzite?" Jadeite joked, patting his friend's back; Kunzite turned to Zoisite hoping he might say something to the other blonde like he usually did but this time Zoisite just laughed it off, "No, sorry—I am actually with him on this one."

"Seriously, you need to do something if you ever want to at least count with her as a friend," Mamoru thanked the bartender and slid the refilled cold mug to Kunzite "And this goes to any of you."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Jadeite frowned, "I said I do not love her."

"Yes, you do!" All four said out loud at the same time. Jadeite blinked and waved his hand in dismissal. "Bah! What do you know?" he looked at Mamoru and sighed, "Well not you, but them," Zoisite took another drink and sighed, "How do their lives have developed in this era?"

Mamoru pursed his lips, "I am not the right person to tell you what has been of their lives... they all have become a professional in their respective fields of interest, they are still very close friends and well..." he trailed off, startling the blonde "What?" Mamoru turned to look at him, "They all have gone out with people... you know, romantically."

All four men fell silent, "I see..." Zoisite muttered, "Are they with someone at the moment?"

"No," Mamoru put his mug down "Ami, especially."

"Ami?" Zoisite blinked, confused. Mamoru sighed softly, "Mercury,"

"Why do you say that?" Zoisite frowned, interested the information he could gather from the prince, who was giving his blonde friend a query glance, "I don't know if she is still interested in a certain person from our workplace."

"Workplace?" Jadeite frowned, Mamoru nodded "We work together, we are both doctors."

"Hey, you were always very interested in medicine!" The blonde said excitedly, "So, you became one!" Mamoru chuckled and nodded "I did."

"Is he a doctor too?" Zoisite cut through Jadeite's friendly vibe and turned to Mamoru, "Does this man work closely with her?"

"Sometimes," Mamoru put his mug away and leaned his back in the bar "Am—Mercury and this person are interns at the hospital, sometimes they share cases, sometimes they don't. Sometimes we work together, sometimes we don't."

"What do you do?" Jadeite asked, ignoring Zoisite's sudden behavior. Mamoru exhaled heavily, talking about him would mean to remember the reasons why he is in his current dilemma "I'm an Internist—that if I am still a resident. Sometimes they assist me in certain cases but I am not currently working—not with anyone."

Nephrite frowned "If you are still a resident?" he arched his brow, "Meaning?"

Mamoru nodded and tapped the bar with impatience, "Days before the incident at the park, a patient arrived at the hospital in deplorable conditions. He passed away while on my watch and I am being investigated by the medical board."

"People die." Kunzite said bitterly, "Sometimes not even physicians can help people who are meant to die."

"That was somber," Nephrite frowned, "Even for you."

"That's the thing, this person was not meant to die Kunzite. He was possessed by the same shadows we saw working for the Andromedian," Mamoru sighed, "This person died and the reasons are too strange to be real."

"What are those reasons? Nephrite asked; Mamoru lowered his gaze "Unlike the victims at the park, this man could not be saved and collapsed internally."

"I am confused—what does Mercury's love interest have to—" Jadeite turned to a shocked Zoisite "Oh, sorry..." then turned back to Mamoru and frowned, "What does he have to do in all this?"

"He put a complaint on me. The board is studying the case and judging my integrity as a doctor because he presented reasons to be looked at." All four men fell silent, "He can do something like that?" Jadeite asked surprised, Mamoru nodded and took another drink of his beer "Anyone can, when a patient's life is in danger,"

"But they have to understand it does not have to do with you." Kunzite frowned, Mamoru pursed his lips, "Well, yes... but it doesn't work that way... so, in the meantime, I am working just a few hours a day and the rest I am at meetings with the board trying to defend my honor." Kunzite sighed with annoyance, "It is difficult to see dealing with situations like these..."

"Why?" Mamoru arched his brow, Kunzite looked at him "Your integrity being questioned, really? If anybody did that back then he would have been beheaded by the King's court."

Mamoru widened his eyes and sweat dropped "Oi, Kunzite—what's with your somber attitude?"

"It is true and you know it."

Mamoru gave his friend a querying glare, "The King was not a tyrant." Kunzite frowned, "I am not saying it because King Eros was a tyrant, I am saying it because you were not just his son, you were his right hand. You knew your work and you excelled in it, so whenever someone questioned your integrity as a political advisor theirs was put under a serious judgment given you gave such positive results with your work." Kunzite sighed heavily and put his mug down with a loud thump on the bar, "This does not make any sense. What the hell happened to society?" The white-haired man shook his head in disbelief, "What the hell happened to you?"

Mamoru looked at his closest friend with a serious glare, but Kunzite decided to continue for him "You were a man with authority and sharp skills, if there was a problem it took you little to nothing to find a solution or to come with a strategy to tackle the problem from its root or prevent it from even starting—people in Elysion looked up to you with admiration and respect because you were a good example of work and dedication. The four cardinal points respected your word—you were a leader, nobody could bring you down. By saying that you were a man with authority I do not mean to say you were a tyrant but you were there to support the King and advised him to take action with a fair hand on every matter. It was the first time in history a Royal Prince became a military commander and a political advisor to a King... you were your own kind Endymion, and now... well... I do not understand. As your right hand and as one of the Generals that worked side by side with you, finding you in this position where you have to stay back and wait for others to take action is outrageous to me because I know for a fact that it is not who you are and that is another good reason as to why I have been so mad at this era you are stuck in... it is like the Prince I learned to respect and followed with pride died and never returned."

Mamoru felt like he had taken a blow with a cannonball and was left with no air in his lungs; Kunzite's words while somber were brutally true. Now that he started to remember all the things he did as a prince, he could see what his long-time friend was trying to say and he understood his frustration partly because he felt it too. As a child, Endymion would escape his bedchambers in the middle of the night while he knew everyone was sleeping and sneak into his father's private library to read the many books he had about the history of warriors; at the age of nine, the young prince read about politics and religion, sword fighting and combat skills because he wanted to become someone like those warriors so bravely described in those books he loved and inspired him so much; he wanted to have enough power to protect his loved ones and kingdom and in the future, earn a place in those books as the prince who fought for his people and inspire others who dreamt and desired to be more in life, just like him. He wanted to break the standards of royalty and become a prince reliable to his people, someone they could look up to and feel with enough confidence to approach and talk to him about their problems and after much work and dedication, he succeeded.

The path he chose in life wasn't the best and it didn't come easy but every speck of it was worth it. The respect he had gotten over the years was earned fair and square that not even a man as unbreakable as Kunzite who swore to never look up to him as his prince and leader could deny and now, none of that existed in this present era. Mamoru knew it and the more he remembered the more he understood Kunzite's frustration and while he never felt minimized by the girls who clearly had shown more power than him in the past, he did admit there were times when he felt more like an obstacle rather than an ally—especially to Usagi. Sometimes, as much as he hated to admit it, Mamoru didn't feel like he was worthy enough to be with someone like her and as a man, not being able to do much consumed his ego and pride along with his undying effort to earn his rightful place in the world.

"I don't know how to answer your question Kunzite... I know it is not about who has more control over whom but I can't say much about it. They wanted me hidden, Gaia wanted me to me invisible to them—so did Ares, that is all I can really say... about what happened to me, I didn't know what I do now, I didn't remember..." Mamoru shrugged his shoulders trying to shake the uncomfortable feeling of pity overtaking him, "I evolved and blended with the ways of modern society—with this new world."

The somber tone in Mamoru's voice was enough for Kunzite and the others to understand what he meant when he said he didn't have things easy after he was reborn in this era. He had to learn things the hard way with less than half of his memories and just a speck of the power they well knew he had. As soldiers and guardians, but mostly as soul brothers, they silently admitted that what was done to their prince was low and degrading. It was appalling to witness the lengths they went to keep him sedated from reality all these years just to degrade his value to the gods. It infuriated them to see how his talents wasted and how the strong and fearless warrior prince they so much admired by heart was minimized to be an alibi in battle rather than the leader they knew he was.

There was a little sadness behind Mamoru's smile, after taking another drink of his beer he put the mug behind him "Nothing is like you remember and I am not saying it like it's a bad thing, but those days don't exist anymore—time has changed, that civilization doesn't—" he widened his blue eyes and stopped, startling the rest. Kunzite arched his brow. "Endymion?"

"Everything alright?" Zoisite frowned with concern, Mamoru nodded and turned to the generals "There is something I need you to help me with..." Kunzite sighed and crossed his arms, "Do you even have to ask? What is it?"

"I will be away for a few days after the wedding so I won't have much time to look into it until my return."

"What is it?" Nephrite frowned, Mamoru bit his lower lip thinking about the reportage he heard about from Usagi's father and rubbed his chin in thought before continuing, "There are two archaeologists who are causing quite to commotion these days, apparently they made a huge discovery... I don't know why but... it peaks my attention."

"A discovery?" Zoisite arched his brow with curiosity, "What kind of discovery?"

"An ancient civilization." Mamoru said bluntly "In this day and age, for someone to claim they discovered the ruins of an entire ancient civilization that is older than humanity itself is strange."

"I see..." Nephrite rubbed his chin in the same way Mamoru did, "You want us to find out more about this?"

"Do you think it has to do with what has been happening lately?" Kunzite arched his brow, Mamoru shook his head "I am still not sure, but there is something about it that triggers my curiosity."

"We will look into it and try to find as much information as possible, leave it to us," Kunzite nodded, Mamoru looked at his friend, thankful that he was back to being his old self "Thank you," he grinned with mischief, "You know, you can ask the girls for some help—that would be a good way to continue where you left on."

"Wait, is this a plan of yours to bring us closer? I thought you were actually being serious... damn it, Endymion!" Kunzite frowned, Mamoru laughed "I am being serious! I do need help with this matter but you know—they are soldiers too, you have to give them the credit they deserve."

"What do you think it is about—all this?" Zoisite tilted his head, "Do you feel it has to do with us?"

Mamoru pursed his lips and combed the dark bangs covering his left eye with his fingers, "I haven't felt anything strange since that day. But at this point, anything can be related to us... I wouldn't be surprised if it is,"

"What does the Princess say?" Jadeite put his mug on the bar and leaned forward, Mamoru looked at him and clicked his tongue, "The last battle we had was eight years ago. We thought we had fought Chaos—now we know we didn't but since then, we hadn't had any strange or threatening situations that required our power and attention—until now. During that period of time, we grew fond of our normal lives and Serenity was no exception. A month ago, I started having these strange visions and hear strange voices when nobody was around but I didn't want to say anything to her, I didn't want to worry her. We then found out Rei had an encounter with an enemy, Minako found Megumi and well—the rest is history... it's been hard for everyone, especially Serenity."

"Endymion, I am sorry but I really have to ask... how did you manage to fight?" Kunzite frowned, "You know, with little to no power?" Mamoru arched his brow with sarcasm, "Why, thank you. You haven't lost your charm—I see."

Kunzite narrowed his eyes, "You are very welcome. I mean, before the girl appeared... you did not have that sword, you did not remember anything—how did you manage to fight?" Kunzite shook his head, "How did you learn to use that power we saw coming from you the other day?"

"Ah... that," Mamoru pursed his lips as he thought his words very carefully because he knew he could cause a commotion, "Alright, this will sound strange but—" he sighed, hoping for the best, "I was taught by King Endymion."

Four pairs of eyes widened, Jadeite started laughing startling Mamoru "What?"

"You are King Endymion." Jadeite pointed his finger at him, Mamoru arched his brow "No... I am Prince Endymion."

Jadeite blinked, dumbfounded by the statement "Wait... no... I-I don't understand."

"Who is this other Endymion then? I did not know your name was popular..." Zoisite frowned, also, very confused. Mamoru shook his head and sighed a little exasperated, "It's not... okay, see? I told you this was going to sound strange. There is no other Endymion... this Endymion I am talking about is me but from the future."

"What?!" Kunzite snapped, Mamoru sighed heavily, "I told you... I didn't have it easy to be where I am now,"

"What are you talking about? Prince—King, present—future? You being you—what?!" Kunzite shook his head confused. Mamoru rubbed the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath, hoping to make some sense and nodded, "I once talked to my future self." he looked at his brothers, "I once crossed the Gates of Time and Space and went to a distant future with the help of Sailor Pluto so we could fight an enemy that was threatening this time continuum."

"What? When? How?" Jadeite shook his head in disbelief "What?!"

"You met your future self?!" Nephrite asked in shock "Is that even possible?"

"Well... no, it's not and it is not allowed either," Mamoru finished his beer and put the mug aside "But because my future self was not conscious—it didn't affect either of us... that much."

"Oi, this is getting too confusing," Jadeite huffed and puffed with exhaustion; Zoisite scratched the back of his head, still confused and very curious, "Alright, putting that aside—how did he teach you?"

"He told me what to do and how to channel my energy to attack an enemy," Mamoru said simply and frowned, "But he didn't tell me why I could do it, even him kept the truth a secret, bastard."

"That bastard is you..." Jadeite quirked a brow at Mamoru who was shrugging his shoulders in response, "I know, but still..."

"So, you will become King," Kunzite narrowed his eyes, "You will follow King Eros' steps and take the throne as rightful heir to the crown of Earth,"

"I don't know Kunzite, that was something Pluto told us it could happen years ago and also something even you told me it was going to happen," Mamoru sighed, "But talking about time and space is very complicated, what we saw back then of our future selves is just one of the many possibilities. The future is always changing and we weren't allowed to know what happened to take us to a point where I become King and Serenity Queen."

Jadeite scratched his nose "How do you know that for sure, that it is not what it is supposed to happen?"

"Serenity was supposed to become Queen by the age of 22—she's 24... among other things that didn't happen..." Mamoru said softly and looked away, opting not to mention the daughter they are supposed to have to avoid more confusion and questions. "I see—so this either can happen or not." Kunzite muttered; Mamoru nodded "Exactly. The point is, I did feel more like an obstacle than assistance at the beginning, I didn't know anything about me. I was this common thief lurking in the shadows, looking for a stone I didn't know what the hell it was or did—I had visions of Serenity and I didn't know it was her... it was all a big blur."

Jadeite chuckled "Alright let me get this straight... you are so strong you can make the future you help your past self to fight in the present?" he smiled with amazement "If that is not the power of a god, I don't know what the hell it is then," Mamoru widened his eyes startled and turned to look at him with a query glare, "I am not a god Jadeite."

"Yes, you are," Jadeite frowned "You are no hybrid; they may say you are a monster but now I see why they were so intimidated by your existence," he chuckled and shook his head "And to be one at your service, well—that is just amazing."

Mamoru looked at his friend and guardian with awe, he never thought about it. He never thought about the power that it is required to do what they did those years back and came to realize that it was him the only one who could detach from his body and contact them. Did the king from the 30th century had full control of the power Ares said he had? Was that kind of strength even possible? Not even Neo Queen Serenity could endure the battle, she, the Goddess of the Moon, the Monarch of the Lunar Kingdom and Heir to the powerful Silver Crystal. She was protected by it, yes, but she was unconscious while he on the other side remained suspended between two worlds—half awake, half asleep. He had that kind power.

Jadeite's words made him wonder that maybe there was still more for him to know that he already knew. There was a reason why he became King and not just because of a leap of destiny or because he was the Lunar Queen's husband. This was something else, it was the fate of the afterlife.

"Well, this is all too much to process in one take and I think it is time for you to go to sleep," Kunzite brought Mamoru back from his thoughts, "A very busy day is ahead of you and you must be fully prepared,"

"True, and you have to be on time—we cannot be the cause of your delay." Nephrite said softly as she stood up from his stool "You did it Endymion," he looked at his prince proudly "We all knew you would, one way or another." Mamoru smiled "Did you really?" he narrowed his deep blue eyes, "That is so kind of you..."

"Yes well—do not get too used to it." Kunzite nudged the prince's ribs with his elbow "We are not of those people who give compliments all the time." Mamoru chuckled and turned to grab his wallet, startling the white-haired general "What are you doing?"

"Okay—back then we didn't need to do it but in this era, when you go to an establishment, you have to pay for what you ordered." Mamoru said sarcastically but was soon surprised by Kunzite's hand pushing his wallet away "We got this."

"What?" Mamoru frowned, "You don't have any money."

Jadeite chuckled and turned to the bartender who was giving them their check, the blonde took it and waved his hand in front of him and a hint of energy sparked in his hand making the bartender look at them with a friendly smile "Thanks! Have a good night." Jadeite turned to Mamoru and wiggled his brows, "How do you think we lived in this world back then? Just how do you think we bought the attires for your wedding the other day?" he joked "And no, before you try to argue with me—it is not an abuse of power."

Mamoru looked at him wide-eyed "You just fooled the poor man!"

"No, I gave him money—in his head." Jadeite and tapped his forehead, "This is the way we can survive in this world if we ever plan to live in it... that until we find something else to do."

Mamoru shook his head and turned to walk away, "Wow..."

"I am with him in this one Endymion," Zoisite caught the prince's attention "We are not entirely human, at least not anymore—but we will find a better use for those powers."

"Please do, because it's unnerving to see you do things like this," Mamoru arched his brow and walked out of the bar. All five men walked in the direction of Mamoru's apartment "Are you going to stay at home or heading back to the shrine?"

"Well," Kunzite sighed, "Our belongings are at the Shrine so, I think we will have to go back but we will be here very early in the morning back at your place,"

"Is the girl staying with the Princess?" Nephrite asked, Mamoru looked for his phone and checked if he had any messages from her, since the music at the bar was a little loud and while it worked for them due the complexity of their conversation he could not hear his phone in case Usagi called or texted, "No, like you—her things are at my place."

O—o—O

After a short while, they finally got to Mamoru's apartment and walked inside "So... Endymion," Jadeite followed Mamoru to the kitchen while the rest went to lounge at the living room, already feeling more like back in the day. "Yes?" Mamoru said while getting a glass of water, Jadeite rubbed the back of his neck and sighed, "Who is the man that lives at the shrine with Mars?"

Mamoru closed the refrigerator door and turned to look at him while drinking his water in one large gulp "Are you finally admitting that you love her?" he grinned at Jadeite who was exhaling deeply, "I believe I am... but just to you."

Mamoru put the glass away and leaned on the counter, crossing his arms over his chest, "That man used to be Rei's lover—but he isn't anymore because he did something he shouldn't have done." The comment triggered Jadeite's both curiosity and protective character and widened his eyes "What did he do?"

"He was unfaithful to her, in the worst way possible," Mamoru looked at his friend and sighed, "I won't go into much detail because it is something that does not concerns me or you for that matter, it's her life, but he hurt her. The bastard broke her heart." Mamoru narrowed his sapphire colored eyes, "Jadeite, if you want to attempt anything with her, as her friend and yours—I will even pull out my royal credentials and talk to you as your Prince, your Commander or whatever... Do not hurt her, don't you even try because I will personally make you regret it so bad you are going to wish not having been brought back from Limbo or wherever you were lost in."

"I do not want to hurt her," Jadeite said in a more serious tone, putting all jokes aside; his eyes showed truth and determination. He wanted to know more about her and her current life and of course, the man that was obviously distressing her. "But it is just that she is always very gloomy when he is around, the tension between them is very obvious."

"It's much more complicated than you think, Jadeite." Mamoru pursed his lips "She cared for him, very much."

"Then why does he live there?"

"Like I said, it's much more complicated than you think." Mamoru shook his head, "Don't make any rash decisions, be considerate."

"Well, he is not happy to have us around, that is for sure..." Jadeite said bluntly "But I do not like him being there either, so..."

Mamoru chuckled "You're jealous—he's jealous. I get it. He's been trying to win her affection all over again but of course that is just but a pipe dream," he sighed, "Jadeite, please don't pressure her."

Jadeite smiled at him and shook his head "You all think I am this crazy man that just falls in love with random people but the truth is, Endymion, I did love that woman—you know, that one and I couldn't get over her, I suffered her betrayal but everything changed the minute I met this woman with the heart of fire. Even if things do not go as I would expect or want them to happen with her, at least I want to let her know that she is not alone—that I can be a friend to her."

Mamoru smiled and patted his friend's shoulder "You are not crazy Jadeite, sorry for giving you such a hard time."

"Nah—you are not perfect either—you have your sins too." Jadeite's grin widened "You did your share of crazy stupid things back in the day..." Mamoru blushed and turned to look away, "I-I don't know what you're talking about..."

Jadeite laughed, "Ah, sure you do! Just remember what happened when we all went to that pub on our first night in town..." Mamoru frowned and pointed an accusing finger at his friend, "Hey, you dragged me into that!"

"You got drunk first!" Jadeite raised his hands, "I just encouraged you a little—you didn't have to go all the way and stand on the bar and sing your lungs out to the ladies there... in the end, you got all the girls' attention and forgot we were even there. You sing pretty by the way... like an angel in heaven,"

"Jerk," Mamoru blushed with deep embarrassment, Jadeite patted his friend's arm, "Don't worry—I will not tell the Princess that you were quite the charmer, or that you sing..." Mamoru looked at him, "Thank you,"

"Now that I think about it, you used that pretty face of yours to your advantage very often and became quite the ladies' man once you understood what you could get in return..."

"Oi, Jadeite..." Mamoru's blush deepened, making the blonde crack a cheerful laugh. Not every day the stoic image of the terran prince could be faltered, so he was going to enjoy for as long as it could last. Kunzite leaned back on the couch and tried to get a glimpse of both men talking in the kitchen "What are you talking about over there?!"

Jadeite chuckled and shook his head "Nothing Kunzite, I am just making fun of Endymion. You know how crazy I am..."

Mamoru chuckled and shook his head. Jadeite's sudden confession was a different spin from his usual playful character; all those years they made fun of him because he was with an awful woman, a woman that never really cared for him and shred his heart until she was satisfied. They thought Jadeite was just being Jadeite by ignoring it but neither of them imagined he was indeed in love with her and that he indeed was heartbroken when she left him.

Jadeite was much more than the sarcastic funny man he always portrayed to be. He was the first to extend his hand to the prince and offer his friendship when he joined the army. The first who saw him like one of them and not a royal, he was an equal to him and he was fair. The terran queen did not choose him to be shitennou because he was funny; he chose him because he was strong-willed and had a kind heart and because he lived to serve to his purpose and when needed, he willingly risked it all. Maybe that is why he insisted him to protect Rei because deep down they both need each other and he knew he could make her happy. She needs to laugh again and he needs to feel secure and what better place to start fresh, than the future?

Love can be funny and smart like that.

AN2: I am thinking on taking a break for the holidays but I am still deciding whether I should stick to the normal publishing schedule every Friday or give you the whole wedding next week and then take the break-hmm... let's see...

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