Disclaimer: If you recognize it, we don't own it.

Chapter 7

Remembrance...

"Mercury"

"Zoicite"

Staring at one another, Mercury's gentle face to Zoicite takes on a look of fear. It is too late though as he yelps in pain, as the creature's claws pierce his neck.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!' Mercury screams out. The monster just chuckles as Zoicite goes unconscious. Then being dropped to the floor, the monster makes it move toward Mercury only to be halted as several playing cards glowing red explode upon its form.

"The Beast and I shall stall Mes beaux amis...get him out of the way." Gambit states as he launches another volley of explosions and the Beast wrestles the creature from behind. The two women nod and start pulling on the prone general. His long blond hair, curling and damp with sweat, causes Rogue to quip with a soft smile.

"He sure is cute..." Rogue replies gentle tone. "You have excellent taste..."

Mercury blushes and Rogue simply laughs as the two work to get him out. Lifting an arm over each of their shoulders, they begin to run towards the exit.

"COME ON!" Rogue yells as the girls take off. Nodding their heads in acknowledgement, for the quarters of the tomb are extremely tight. Beast leaps over as Gambit releases explosions at points of the tomb to bring it down.

"Hopefully that will kill it."

"Something tells me my furry friend...it won't"

The instincts are proven correct for as they take off a rumbling sound accompanied by a roar of rage emits from behind them. They hear as it struggles to get through the pounding it echoes as it chases after them. Struggling to battle the creature either himself or the Beast pausing long enough to destroy columns and anything else to bar its path, they continue to run. Catching up to the two young women who pull the prone man between them, they exclaim as the sounds of the creature following seems to be closer.

"Take him!" Mercury screams out to Gambit and the others. The Cajun responds by slinging Zoicite's arm over his shoulder as she and the Beast stay behind. "When you get out tell Magneto to seal the tomb!"

"What you will be trapped."

"Trust me I will not and neither will Beast." The young woman replies softly and with a look of reassurance. Somehow they believe her and continue exiting.

"What are you going to do?" The Beast replies as he looks at curiously.

"Can you stall long enough for me to scan it?"

"I believe so..."

"Good...because here it comes." Pressing her hands to her earrings and bringing out the Mercury computer. She works to discover a weakness in the creature.

In the meantime, as Rogue and Gambit exit with the General in between them, Gambit yells.

"Seal it now mes ami!"

"What about Mercury and the Beast!"

"Mercury said don't worry, she will be able to get them out! Just do it!" Rogue exclaims and the others move into place.

Magneto nodding his head is joined on either side by Sabertooth, Colossus and Wolverine. Calling forth the metal of the ground they work to seal, the tomb so that whatever else is inside can not escape. Squeezing it tight, as Wolverine slashes at the stone with his claws. Sabertooth and the Russian shove the stone back into the ground deep and unyielding.

Drawing upon the metal, Magneto creates a stronger than diamonds barrier, that locks it tight and never to be opened again.

"What do we do now?" Rogue whispers silently.

"We wait...ma cherie...we wait..." Gambit replies softly, as the others look towards the stone.

As they each pray for the return of those locked within, someone begins to stir.

"He's coming to..."

Green eyes open wide, and look around at everyone around him.

"W...Where is she?" He voices softly and weak.

"Mercury is down there with a friend. She wanted us to get you out first." Rogue says softly.

"Have...to...help her." He says and somehow, he manifests the ice sword once again. Magneto noticing this approaches the young man. "You can not...not in this state."

"Try and stop me..." He whispers. Focusing on his innate powers, the wind picks up and the cherry blossoms surround him. Trying with all his might, he grows paler and struggles to find her. Rogue at the gesture of Wolverine, walks forward, softly and without sound. Sliding the glove off of her hand, she whispers softly and so that he can hear...

"Forgive me..." As her hand goes through the blossoms Zoicite feels the young woman's hands upon his cheek and without sound he passes out, once more.

Weak as he was, Rogue cries out as she feels the onslaught of power rush through her body. For it was much stronger than what she was used to. But yet, knowing from the memories she has absorbed, she concentrates and disappears within the cherry blossoms.

Rushing to the aid of the fallen man, he lies there out cold once more. As the others stare towards the closed tomb, Wolverine picks up the young man and slides him up and over his shoulder. The others simply wait and watch.

Underground...

Mercury watches as Beast wrestles with the creature. As she scans the area, she is surprised as the power surge emerges upon the screen. Looking up, she sees a swirl of cherry blossoms. Expecting to see Zoicite, she notices her friend Rogue within its petals.

"Rogue..."

"I will explain later...right now..." She manifests the ice sword, and dives into the battle alongside Beast. Swirling and diving in an out evading its attacks, as she slashes at it. The monster of nightmares burns in rage, with each agonizing cut.

Finishing up her scan, she yells at her friends. "It's the same place as before, the base of its neck! It's a control switch!"

Backing away as the room seems to have dropped several degrees in temperature, they hear the young woman yell out. "Mercury ice bubbles FREEZE!"

As several shots of cold shoot out from Mercury, it surrounds and forces the creature to stand still. It gives Beast the time it needs to leap using the walls, to grasp Rogue and the ice sword, she manifested in her hand. As he swings around and the monster breaks free, the young woman, thrusts the ice sword deep in its neck with her free hand.

In pain and with a grateful stare, the creature collapses to the ground.

"Thank you..."

"I can send you to join the other in the ice palace. There you shall wait until the one who can heal you is awakened once more." Once again chanting in the language of Mercury, the young woman waves her hands with the crystal above its form and a sheath of ice encases it and disappears.

As it does so, the stone seal begins to rumble...

"How do we get out of here...?"

Rogue placing the gloves upon her own hand, looks to the others with the answer. "The teleport..."

"How did you know?"

"Explain later." Rogue says sheepishly. Taking Mercury's hand and then the other, both with the enormous Beast in the center, she smiles. "Go ahead."

Concentrating, Mercury begins to glow blue with the aura of her planet, for as the crypt like seal falls around them, Rogue then begins to swirl with Cherry blossoms. Swirling and merging together, the two and their friend vanish from the seal...

Reappearing moments later, Beast is in awe as are the others. Seeing Zoicite over Wolverine's shoulders, Amy runs to him fearful.

"Don't worry, he's all right. Rogue's mutant powers tend to have their side affects."

"What are your powers Rogue?"

"I can absorb a person's powers and or memories into my body. That's how I knew about your teleport. He knew as well...and he was going to use his to help you. I stopped him and went in his place."

Mercury smiles warmly. "Just so you know he might be a little annoyed with you when he wakes up."

Rogue smiles. "It's okay I think he will understand."

"Enough mes beaux amis...let us return to the Professor. I am sure; your friend would be much more comfortable after this place, where he won't be killed." The Cajun replies charmingly. Rogue stopping for but a moment, whirls and smacks Gambit on the cheek.

"I am not your love I am not your anything when are you going to get that through you think Bayou skull!"

Gambit sees stars as the young woman stomps away. The others just shake their heads as Magneto approaches the mutant from the south.

"When are you going to learn that simply does not work with her?"

"It is already working mes ami..." The Cajun replied. "It is already working..."

Shaking his head, Magneto simply strolls towards the X-jet as Sabertooth follows. The catlike mutant simply stares at Gambit, and growls, what seems to be an insult. Following with a smile and touching his cheek where her gloved hand connected. He strolls on right after them...

Approaching the jet, Magneto looks up to greet a friend. "Charles..."

"Eric...have you come around...?"

"For now yes..."

Satisfied with Magneto's response the others walk in. Momentarily waiting, as Logan with the young man over his shoulder, heads towards a chair. He is accompanied by a now worried looking blue haired young woman, along with two felines who observe as she touches the young man's cheeks.

"Keep an eye on him Amy..." Logan replied looking to the cats who nod their head. Luna chooses to stay with her and the young man as Artemis goes to discuss other things with the Professor and the one known as Magneto. They all watch as Logan heads towards the cockpit and soon he begins procedures to take off.

Nodding her head as the others enter and find seats, Amy looks curious for but a moment, as Rogue grabs the seat on the other side of her and Zoicite away from a certain red eyed individual who protests.

"Ma belle..."

"I ain't your beautiful anything swamp rat...NOW GO AWAY!"

Looking rather disappointed as he does, so, Amy looks at her friend who seethes.

"Rogue?"

"Long story...one I am trying really hard to FORGET!" The young woman yells as she glares at the Cajun who smiles.

"Oubliez-moi?" (forget me?)"

Trying not to laugh as the two seem to bicker back and forth in French, Amy and Luna both feel a little better for the relationship between the two reminds them of their Prince and Princess when they first met. It brings back happy memories that they treasure.

"I think Serena and Darien would love the both of you..." she words softly causing the two from the south to stop. Luna simply purrs as she hops into Rogue's lap, much to the surprise of the young woman.

"I agree they will." The cat says and Rogue laughs at Gambits reaction. They pause a few moments to explain, Artemis and Luna's origins to the Cajun, who after hearing it is relieved. Reverting back to the subject before, he is about to ask a question, but he is beaten to the punch by one who wishes to know as well.

"Who are they and why is that?" Rogue asks as Gambit nods his head in agreement.

"They are the Princess and the Prince and because you will remind them of them...they hated each other when then first met. Now they are very much in love."

Grinning as Rogue turns bright red. Gambit decides to leave it at that. The young woman's words being the last of their 'discussion'.

888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

Several hours later and at the School...

Zoicite stirs and opens his green eyes. Expecting to see death waiting for him, he sees cool silver walls and what appear to be various stages of equipment around him. Trying to move his right hand, he is startled at the weight he feels beside it. Trying to lift his head a little, he notices a wreath of blue hair, pale skin and soft pink lips.

His hand warm from being locked within hers, he studies the young woman, who is beside him.

"Amy..."

Gently and softly so as not to wake her up, he manages to free his hand, and gently, he caresses her face, to see if it as he remembers.

"Soft to the touch...I have missed you my ice princess."

Murmuring softly in slumber...she stirs a little at his touch. But she does not awaken.

"She has stayed with you since they brought you here..."

Looking sharply at the voice, he looks confused at the young woman with the black hair dressed all in gold.

"Do I know you?"

"I am Luna...I was advisor to Good Queen Serenity...but now I advise her daughter and the Senshi."

"I don't know why, but I should remember that. But all I remember is...her..."

Luna looks down at the confused young man, and looks thoughtful. Maybe the professor and Chibi were right. The need for the four generals was strong; it's possible the fates had brought them back for a reason.

"You remember Amy..."

"Yes...she is my princess...and I love her..."

Luna smiles gently. Remaining silent for it is for the best that he does not remember unless Amy decides to share. She approaches the young man, and he can't help but notice in her arms, she carries some blankets.

"It is late...I and the others had assumed that you would sleep well and I had brought blankets with me, to keep you from the chill.

"Thank you..."

Nodding her head, she hands him one and then as she spreads out the other, she drapes it across Amy's back.

She turns away, and walks back, but is stopped as he calls out a question.

"Why..."

"I think...it was for love...the love for her, your prince and this world." With that she leaves, leaving him be to his memories.

"My Prince...?" He whispers and the image of a young man with pitch black hair and deep blue eyes is implanted in his memory. "Endymion..."

Flashback...a little over 2000 years ago...

Zoicite, tugged at his uniform. Recently promoted to General, due to not only his powers but his logic and wit, he had been assigned to protect, the Royal Family. Specifically, the heir to the throne of Elysian, Prince Endymion...

"There you are General Zoicite. The Prince and the others have been expecting you."

"They have?"

"Why certainly." The servant replies, about to explain, he is silenced as a hand reaches out and silences the servant.

"The Prince wishes to explain it on his own..." Another man voices from behind. Taking a look, he sees a taller and much broader of shoulder silver haired individual approach along with two others.

The servant bows, and promptly leaves. Taking in each one of the three other faces, he recognizes them almost instantly. They are Kunzite, leader of the Prince's guard and Commander of the armies of Elysian. Jadeite, he is the one with his advanced network of spies keeps the royal family safe from any oncoming threats through the power of his spirit. Lastly Nephlyte, he is the one, who advises the Prince on the path that he chooses, using the powers of the stars as it merits.

Feeling a little like he is back at home, he simply remembers the times, that his family had stated, why can't he be more like his brothers. Or he needs to get bigger and become a better fighter.

Looking as they gesture for him to follow, he soon approaches a young man, a little taller, but around his own age. He stares at the thick black hair and the deep blue eyes that are lost in thought as he peruses over a book.

As they approach the figure looks up and smiles. "You must be Zoicite. I am Endymion."

"Greeting your highness..."

"Only do that when we are in court, here just call me Endymion, as the others do."

"Okay...why am I here?"

"The Golden Crystal has chosen you...there is a legend..."

"The one about the healing of the Earth?"

Nodding his head, the dark haired young man begins to recite...

A time will come, when the Crystal will shine. Instead of a Senshi, the Generals shall arise and there will be four. One of Knowledge, one of Nature, one of Heart and one of Spirit, and together they and the one who controls the powers of Earth will heal our world, through the power of the Crystal when all hope seems lost.

"But that is just a legend...isn't it?"

Looking at the others, the Prince reached down and picks up a sword. At its hilt rests the Golden Crystal which shines brilliantly at his presence.

"It is no legend...and it sent me an image of you. You are the fourth and final choice. Zoicite. You see...you are Knowledge, Kunzite is heart, Nephlyte is Nature and Jadeite is Spirit. I am the one who controls the powers of Earth..."

"But aren't those born of the planets female?"

"To be honest, from what I have read that is supposedly true..."

As the discussion begins between the Prince and his newest friend, concerning the topic, the Golden Crystal shines with approval...

Flashback ends...

"I remember...I remember everything now..." He cries out as with that one memory invading his senses, the actions that caused the downfall of his Prince and the woman that he loved now weigh heavily upon his heart.

At his outburst, Amy shoots up and looks at him, with a little worry and fear.

"Zoicite...?"

"Amy...why...why didn't you let me die?"

Looking at him softly, she doesn't say anything as she realizes that he remembers all that had happened. Reaching out for him, he tries to push her away.

"Don't touch me..."

"Zoicite please..."

"Just don't Amy...how could you stay...knowing what I done? I led an army to destroy you...and I killed Endymion! I killed my best friend!"

"That really wasn't you Zoicite. That wasn't the man I cared for so much who destroyed my friends and I, who murdered the man who was his friend. That was a monster inside of a shell."

"But it was! It was me... Just leave Amy...I don't deserve to be around you."

Watching his reaction as he turns away, her heart cries out in pain. Climbing up into the bed next to him, she wraps her arms around him. Constantly he pushes against her, she refuses to let go.

As he stops his arms come around her, and he begins to sob. "I'm sorry Amy for all the pain I have caused you. I am sorry..."

"I am as well Zoicite...I am..." She whispers softly. Her hands are holding him tight.

Unaware that they are being watched by the door, the Professor continues on his way.

888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

East Asia, the remains of Krakatoa...

The power emanating from the volcano once again roars to life. Despite being under water, lava begins to erupt to the surface of the ocean water. The affects being felt as far as the islands left from its wake of destruction. Those who live on them are surprised as the tremors disappear.

But as luck would have it a small plane flying above had witnessed, and scene the arrival of a new island, and gaze at what seems to be a palace of red crystal bursting from the fires of the volcano below...

Suspended somehow upon flames, the palace rests for the one who could walk within...