Disclaimer: If you recognize it, we don't own it.
Chapter 16
A Natural memory of a Prince, and hints of Venus...
As the door started to open to Nephltye's tomb, the servant of Apocalypse and Chaos attacked with a vengeance. Claws slashing at them they notice as how it seems to be collecting energy...still pausing, it takes Wolverine's yells to get them moving.
"Get going you two while we take care of the party crashers!" The feral mutant shouted as he and Jadeite began to work on defeating it. Magneto is to busy, providing shields of energy around them all, which has some resistance to the creature, angering it even further.
"Right be careful you guys!" Jupiter said as she ran through with Storm coming right after her. The two disappearing into the dark confines of stone as their own natural gifts end up lighting a path.
"Alright everyone let's try and hold off this thing!" Avalanche said as he got ready to pound the ground. He grins, as Wolverine shoots an annoyed look at him. It seems he had decided along with Pyro had wanted to help out and basically bulldozed their way onto the mission.
Of course it helped, that they weren't discovered in the jet until long after it had departed.
"No Avalanche your power will surely collapse the tomb; we need powers that shall not destroy the earth." Magneto said, "To use yours right now, would surely do just that and trap both Jupiter and Storm inside."
"Yes sir." Avalanche said lowering his arms, reluctantly. As much as he likes using his gifts, he has no stomach for the taking of life.
"Allow me!" Pyro exclaimed as he started throwing fire at the evil newcomer. The Flames turning brighter as they approach, from their creators call, and as they encircle they being in a fierce inferno, the young man can't help but smile. But that smile turned into a slight look of fear...his powers...unfortunately had no effect.
"Now what do we do?" Shadowcat asked. As she was half tempted to phase through something, because of the malicious laughter that the creature gives.
"Now you die puny child." The creature hissed.
-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-
Inside the tomb...
Sailor Jupiter and Storm were very carefully walking through the halls making sure not to set off any traps that might be scattered here and there. Stepping to the side as Storm uses the winds to fly over head, Jupiter barely manages to avoid a trip wire.
Still continuing on down the dark hall, they eventually came across a large room with an evergreen colored coffin sitting in the middle. Imbedded in its wood, or images of stars and plants wrapping themselves around one another, and as she stares at it, Jupiter can sense the one within...but yet she is hesitant...
"Do you think this is it?" Jupiter asked softly, as afraid.
"More than likely..." Storm replied, as she reaches out with a gentle hand and caresses the young woman's shoulders in a motherly sort of manner. About to respond, they are caught off guard at the sounds that seem to surround them...
Creatures that appeared to be made out of the very stars themselves have appeared in the chamber directly in front of the coffin like structure.
"Trespassers, be warned come any closer and we shall destroy you both!" The creature that looked like a lion boldly said as it paced within its confines, its expression is one of hunger but not for food...but for the kill.
Storm looked at the lion warily, and it began to hiss as it noticed the air around it and in the chamber, feeling charged. It comprehends what this silvery haired woman is doing when a bolt of lighting out of nowhere strikes at it with a warning shot.
Getting ready to leap and take out the intruders, it pauses as it overhears the next few words being exchanged.
"Storm wait I don't think these guys are evil!" The other one, whom is still in the shadows exclaims.
"How can you be so sure Jupiter?"
"I don't know, I guess I can just feel it in my heart that they aren't evil like the creature outside." Jupiter said. "That and the fact, they had warned us not to approach them or the tomb. More often than not, most creatures of the Negaverse just seek to attack and ask questions later..."
"Did you just call her Sailor Jupiter?" Another voice from behind them speaks. Turning around a gigantic crab seems to emerge from a chamber to their side. It's eyes gazing at them warily, as if wanting to confirm...
"Yes, I did. Why do you ask?" Storm says gently, as she notices other animals and beings coming from all around her. Several just looking at the two women with something akin to hope...
"Because we are the constellation beasts, Lord Nephlyte created us in hopes of protecting his home. But because of what happened all those years ago... Where I must ask for your forgiveness Princess...
"Why?" The Scout of Thunder replied softly as she listened.
"We had attacked you back then...we did not wish to for we knew it was against our Lord's true wishes. But we could not help but to obey his every wish. We sought to protect him and serve him as best we could. Even if it resulted in us being brainwashed when we tried to stop him..." The crab replied as it scuttled toward the lion who took over.
"It is all right and I do forgive you, back then it was not your fault, but Beryl's. You had no choice but to fight and I understand that now. But may I ask, what have you been doing since then?"
"We were protecting our master for you, as we have been for the last thousand years ever since he came back...we have been here with him. We knew from the one dream he managed to send us that all we had to do was wait until his beloved princess of Jupiter, comes to set him free. Now that you are here our task will soon come to an end." The lion replied, its eyes reflecting the gentleness where once laid nothing but malice.
"I am Cancer it is a pleasure to finally meet you mistress!" The crab said bowing despite its proximity to the floor.
"I am Taurus as with my friend it is a great honor to meet the one who has captivated our master's heart." The bull replied with a nod of its head. It's horns looking sharp and pointed as it reflects the light.
"And I am Leo, the leader of the group. I am greatly pleased that you have come to set Master Nephlyte free." The lion said with an almost purring sound of pleasure.
"Thank you all for your confidence. I feel honored that you would think of me in such a high of praise." Jupiter said stepping forward. "I don't even know if I deserve it."
"Why?" The bull asks as it comes over and nudges her with a gentle knock of its skull. Leo is by Storm, who can't resist and run her hands through its fur.
"After everything that had happened...does he...even remember me...or..."
"No matter what happened, Princess, our Master loved you with all his heart." Leo replied with a gentle growl.
"Listen to them Jupiter, they speak the truth..." Storm said with a smile. Her guard still up somewhat, she is now relaxed a bit around the presence of the great lion and his compatriots.
"But what about what happened during the Silver Millennium? He must hate me!" Jupiter cried out as she fell to her knees.
"Do not worry, Sailor Jupiter! Even as he was under Beryl's mind control we knew that he in no way held you at fault for what happened. Every time he looked at the clouds, despite her control, he always seemed to murmur your name. Despite the hate, somehow a part of him knew that it was a lie." Cancer said as its claws tried it best to comfort.
"In fact he looked forward to seeing you in the afterlife when all of the Moon Kingdom was destroyed. He was free and he could sense that so were you. But alas that was not to be! Because the witch broke from her prison and recaptured our master and his comrades and brainwashed them and us yet again." The bull replied as it gave her a little lick on her cheek with its tongue, causing her to giggle a little.
"Now he is looking forward to being with you without the threat of Beryl over his head." Cancer replied, with a grin or the semblance of one.
"But what of Apocalypse! He has aligned himself with an old enemy of the scouts and those of Earth. It is Chaos himself whom we battle, along with him. And even though he is bonded with Chaos he was one of great power already to begin with! There is one of his minions already outside trying to battle his way in here as we speak!" Jupiter stated.
"Then it shall pay for trying to do so my lady! Quickly awaken our master as we fight off the creature that threatens our very doorstep!" Taurus exclaimed as he and his brethren left the room, the stars reacting to the fear inside their hearts.
They will not lose their master again!
"They seem very loyal." Storm replied with a warm smile as they left to help the others.
"Yes they do, don't they." Jupiter replied with a triumphant smile, their words as well as Storms echoing through her mind. Give her the courage that she seeks.
Standing up, she walks over to the coffin and takes a big breath before she looks down into the part that is clear, with an almost tearful gaze of joy. She can see the man she loved as she once remembered him in all his glory.
"He certainly is handsome." Storm remarks, as Lita can't help but smile in response.
"He is isn't he?"
They can see an aristocratic looking face with closed eyes and a full head of auburn colored hair. He wore a forest green colored uniform and what appear to be black pants and boots that are far different, than what he wore while under the Negaverse's control.
"Come back to me my love so that I may once again feel the touch of your hands on my face." Sailor Jupiter whispered to no one in particular. Her tears are falling down her face, as she looks at his features. She doesn't notice the one drop that slides off her skin as she utters those words and touch the glass case.
The lid of the coffin blasts of with such force, as it catches the two women off guard, that even those outside could feel the vibrations.
-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-
Meanwhile a few minutes earlier outside the tomb...
The X-men and the brotherhood, were having a hard time weakening the creature as Mercury had always suggested so that they could figure out if it was really an ally who was transformed by Apocalypse and the being known as Chaos. The fight was going in favor of the creature when suddenly to the horror of the X-men and Brotherhood three more creatures appeared from behind them.
It was the smirk that Jadeite gave off that scared them even more.
"What's so funny Jadeite?" Avalanche asks from beside him.
"It is nothing my young friend it is just that the ladies must have found the room holding Nephlyte."
"How so?" Magneto responds tiredly as the monster has finally managed to drain some of the energy and it is quickly tiring him out. It was because of him that they have managed to hold on so far.
Those creatures behind us are what my friends and I called constellation beasts. They are of Nephltye's creation so do not fear." He said the last part loud enough for everyone around to hear.
"Oh please you don't really believe these puny creatures can stop me do you?" The creature said laughing.
"I wouldn't put it past them you see, you've never been on the receiving end of one of Taurus's horn charges yet! I should know because one time I really pissed Nephlyte off and Taurus was my reward." The general replies, rubbing his back side as if in memory.
"Why don't you show him what I mean Taurus!" Jedite said with a smirk.
"With pleasure, Lord Jadeite!" Taurus replied as he let out a roar. He then lowered his head and charged.
"Ahhhh!" The creature yelled as it went sailing backwards from the assault.
When he hit the ground; however, the entire ground shook with such force that it sent everyone down to the ground grimacing in pain, for some of their injuries were a little bit more that what they had thought.
"What the heck! Avalanche did you like completely ignore Magneto, when he told you about using your powers around this area?" Shadowcat hissed angrily as she looked at him from the tree she inadvertently phased through.
"It wasn't me I promise! I was minding my own business!" Avalanche replied as the young mutant girl approached him, holding his hands up in surrender.
"He is speaking the truth Shadowcat I saw him the whole time." Wolverine said amused at the young man's nervousness around the young woman. Shadowcat was Avalanche's one weakness...and did it show.
"Then what was it?" Pyro replied hazily as he trembles a bit in getting up.
"I believe...my friend just woke up." Jedite said as he made a fire sword appear out of thin air.
"So that means...it is now the second quarter and we've got the ball!" Wolverine said laughing in an animalistic sort of way.
"I like the way you think buddy!" Jedite said clutching the hilt of his sword very tight.
"Then shall we end this?" Magneto asked.
Nodding their heads, they along with those beasts return to battling the one creature, which begins to feel an almost nervous sensation...
Fear...
-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-
Back Inside...
Where Nephltye's tomb once was, the force of the blast had sent both Jupiter and Storm back up against a wall outside in the hall way and had also kicked up a huge amount of dust. In a slight daze, both Jupiter and Storm looked up as they could see a figure silhouetted by the dust walking towards them. He holds out his hands to both women who take it with gratefulness.
"You always did like to make an entrance Nephlyte!" Jupiter said with a smile and a bit of annoyance. But as he turned those dark eyes on her, she can't help but want to drown in their warmth.
"Would you have me any other way, my dear sweet Thunderheart?" Nephlyte returned with a cocky grin as she shakes her head no. Looking into her eyes, he can't help but place his hand on her cheek, for which she leans into as if by second nature.
"I hate to spoil this oh so joyous reunion but our friends are in trouble." Storm said as it brought the other to out of their reunion and back to the battle sounds that are now echoing from outside.
"Do you feel up to fighting Nephlyte?" Jupiter asked.
Nephlyte nods his head as a lightning sword appears in his hand. "Shall we go?" He asked, as his hand reached out for his hers. She takes it gladly and gives it a squeeze for which he returns. Looking at Storm who smiles and for whom the wind has already started to gather and to lift her up, they both respond with an enthusiastic...
"Yes!" With that the now group of three people left to join their other friends.
-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8
Outside the fight was once again being won by the evil being sent by Apocalypse and Chaos. Pyro and Avalanche were both out cold and Magneto was beginning to tire once again from over exertion of his powers.
Shadowcat was trying her best to aid the injured. Thankfully sensing the danger, Artemis, whom had arrived to help from his position on the jet, was psychically being backed up by Jean, Luna, and the Professor with aid from Cerebro. Through him, they were being protected and shields were over all of those who were unconscious. Now the only ones still wake and aware of the fight were Wolverine, Jadeite and a tiring Magneto.
"Give up now and I'll spare your puny little lives at least until my masters' get a hold of you." The creature laughed evilly.
"I don't think so! Jupiter Thunder Clap Zap!" A female voice said from behind the X-men.
"Ahhhh!" The creature screamed as yet again as it was sent flying backwards into a tree.
Those who are still awake look thankful as they all turned to see who did that. They grinned as their eyes were met with a sight of Sailor Jupiter, A tall auburn haired man and Storm, all three of which who crackled with living power.
"So I see that you're awake old buddy, old pal!" Jedite smirked as the general of nature saw him.
Nephlyte only smiled and gave a nod of his head, but just as suddenly had the smile appeared did he begin to frown. Raising his sword to chest level, he pointed it in the vicinity of his long time friend and roared out, "Lightning Storm!"
"No wait! What are you doing I thought he was your friend?" Storm protested, as did Jupiter.
But to their amazement, as they watched the attack scream towards Jedite it went right by him without even touching a hair on his head. It seemed that the real intended target let out a bloodcurdling scream that sent it to its knees.
"Yes he is my friend, but as you can see, when it comes to playing the distraction, he is the consummate actor. My attack was never meant to hit him as you could see Miss..."
"Muroe, Ororo Munroe, but I am also called Storm."
"I see... And as for you Jadeite it is good to see you in one piece as well, I think..." Nephlyte grinned, as the blonde general let out a mock cry of agony.
"You wound me, friend you wound me..."
"Now then let us see who it is that we have here and why it has come." Nephlyte spoke as he walked ever so slowly towards the creature.
As everyone drew near the creature it looked up into their eyes and began to cry.
"Please kill me I no longer want to be this way!" The creature cried, as it struggled not to lash out at them. Somehow that final blast of energy from the general had made it so that it retained some control over its memories.
"Nephlyte strike it in the back of the neck." Jupiter said with a gentle smile. Her heart reaching out to the poor soul trapped in that thing's body.
"Why?" He asked perplexed at her order of her sorts.
"Because that's how Zoicite and Mercury said the enemy is controlling them." Jadeite responded with understanding written all over his face.
"Very well then I set you free of your evil master creature!" Nephlyte yelled as he brought his sword down against the creature's neck.
Once done the creature began to shimmer and take on the form of a young girl in a sailor, albeit an illusionary one, in a scout uniform.
"By all that is of the holy of stars! She's a Sailor Scout!" Nephlyte exclaimed.
"Yes and thanks to you I am free of all that evil." The girl mentally, as she could not speak with her own voice, for they could tell she was beyond tired. "Even though I may stuck in this form forever I am indeed grateful."
"Who are you?" Jupiter asked softly. "And do not worry about your form...once we find our Prince and Princess they can return you to normal."
With an almost gentles smile of hope, the girl responds with a soft and exhausted look. "I am a distant cousin to Sailor Saturn, Sailor Ragnorok. I come from a solar system a few light years away from yours. My home planet was destroyed by Chaos and he said that my gifts could prove useful someday and as you can see he turned me into what you see before you." She replies as her illusion begins to fade.
"I would like to tell you more, but I'm tired...so very tired." The young girl said as she was beginning to fall asleep.
"We have to do something Chaos and Apocalypse may try to retrieve her, if she is truly cousin to Saturn you know they will!" Jupiter replied, nervously. But somehow she is comforted as Nephlyte turns to her and smiles.
"There is no need to fear My Thunderheart! Leo, Taurus and Cancer, I want you three to take this girl back inside and protect her until we return for her, hopefully with the Prince and Princess." Nephlyte asked of his three guardians.
"As you wish master! She will be safe with us." The three constellation beasts replied as they took the now sleeping girl back into Nephltye's tomb, to rest among the stars.
"Jadeite, would you mind doing the honors?" Nephlyte replied with a charming smile, that causes the now more relaxed Shadowcat, to swoon. Jupiter can't help but smile, for when she first met him all those years ago, she had almost done the same thing.
"But of course sir!" The blonde said as he raised his sword to chest level then shouted out. "Fire Lance!"
This caused the large rock to melt over the opening thereby sealing it from all who enter, until the Sailor Scouts and the Generals needed the aide of the one being inside.
After that the small group of people loaded up the hurt and unconscious mutants onto the X Jet and then took off for home. This time Storm did not have to worry about Jupiter, who was being distracted by their newest ally, causing her to forget that they were flying...
-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-
Several hours later, while most of the other people in the Institute were still asleep the three generals were wide awake and reminiscing about days long ago.
"Man it's been along time since we've been together hasn't it?" Zoicite asked sipping on a cup of hot coffee. He finds that is been a lifesaver in the mornings, for its natural caffeine properties has allowed him to learn more about the changes that the Earth has undergone since he last walked it, through the books that he is reading along with Amy and the others.
"It certainly has Zoicite it certainly has!" Jadeite said with a grin as he chucked an orange at the blonde, who caught it with ease. Their companion just shakes his head at their antics, but yet he can't blame them...for the first time in 2000 years...they are free.
"I still can't believe that the world still looks like it did when we were under that witch's control!" Nephlyte said placing his own cup of coffee to his lips. "Especially after what the girls told us...after our departure. I would have expected more destruction or something you know?"
"Tell me about it! Nothings changed." Jadeite replied, as he takes on a confused look.
"I think it was left that way since Serenity and Endymion haven't woken up yet. With them still asleep, I think a part of them still wanted something to recognize. Besides that you have to remember that most of the world woke up without anyone remembering anything about us." Zoicite said. "Amy told me, that is was the crystal's doing. Something to do with a seal that Serenity's mother had placed on humanity."
"He's right!" A timid and sleepy voice said as Amy walked into the kitchen.
"Amy, are you alright?" Zoicite asked as he pulled her into his lap. The smiles on the faces of his friends are causing the Ice Senshi to blush furiously at his affection.
"Yeah, I just couldn't sleep anymore!" She said blushing even further at the arrangement she found herself in. Zoicite wrapped his arms around her, as if craving her gentle touch. She couldn't help but respond in kind, and place a soft kiss on his lips, despite the groans and teasing remarks of his friends. Getting up a few minutes later, she grabs a drink, and with a gentle smile heads back to bed.
"You know seeing you two in that position takes me back to when Serenity and Endymion first met." Nephlyte said with a slight smile.
"Oh man, so spill already I want to hear this!" Jadeite exclaimed.
"Why you were there to? You should know as well!" Nephlyte said a little irate.
"Yes he was, but remember? He was too busy looking at the Princess of Mars to pay any attention to what was going on." Zoicite said.
"As were you, with a certain Ice Maiden, my dear general of the sea!" Nephlyte said laughing as a blush crept up over Zoicite's face. Luckily Amy had left moments earlier and hadn't heard the comment.
"So were you with the Princess of Jupiter!" Jadeite added.
"Yes but I was still ever vigilant in my task to guard the prince remember!" Nephlyte replied with a casual grace, that the other two envy a bit.
"Yeah, yeah, so spill already will you!" Jadeite returned, with an annoyed tone. "You know one of these days I am going to make you lose your concentration."
"Alright already just shut-up and listen!" Nephlyte said with a smile. "And in your dreams Jadeite, in your dreams..."
Flashback...
It was a beautiful morning on Earth and Prince Endymion was bowing before his parents with his Royal Guards on either side of him. It seems that today his parents wanted to see him about something that they claimed was an urgent matter though they would not tell him until he appeared. So here he was along with his men waiting for his parents to speak...as they finished up other matters. Watching as they turn to him, they smile warmly...
"Endymion, the time has come for you to learn the ways of diplomacy! We have been sent a letter from Good Queen Serenity informing us that if Earth so wishes it, we can join the rest of the planets in the Silver Alliance." King Dorian said with a smile that has been known to warm the hearts of many.
"So what does this have to do with me father?" Endymion asked, a little confused, as his four friends, look a little perplexed as well.
"Endy, what your father is trying to say is that we are going to send you and your guard, to the Moon Kingdom as the Earth's delegation in hopes that we might join them and the rest of the planets." Queen Gaia told her only son. "Besides, from what the Queen has said in her letter, each of the planets had brought their oldest with them as well. You will be the only one there without us...to aide you. We believe that you already can do this without us."
"Are you sure that I am ready for such a task father, mother?" Endymion asked looking from one parent to the other. "I have only negotiated battles and arguments between our people, and nothing more."
"We have the utmost confidence in you my son! I know you will do us proud! Besides, your teacher had exclaimed, that you were among the best of his students." Dorian said looking at his son with a proud gaze.
"Then we shall leave this afternoon and speak with Good Queen Serenity. Wish us luck!" Endymion replied as he and his Royal Guard stood to leave.
"Safe journey, my son!" Gaia said holding back tears of nervousness.
"Do not cry mother, for we are just going to the moon!" Endymion said before he and his men left the Earth's throne room. His parents are looking at one another, as they leave, with an expression of hope on their faces.
"May you succeed...for in a few years...it will begin...the end of all we know." Gaia replied softly, parts of the prophecy ringing through her mind. Clutching on to her husband's arm, he holds her tight as the hope for their people and their world rests on their son's shoulders.
Later that same night, Prince Endymion and his Royal Guard found themselves standing before a huge diesis with two thrones on them. One of the thrones was a miniature of the other and they were both made out of silver. As the delegation from Earth continued to look around a woman with long platinum purple hair stepped out of the shadows and took a seat in the larger throne.
"Greetings friends from Earth I am Good Queen Serenity. I trust your journey was a safe one?" Serenity replied, her violet eyes, shining with a wisdom, that the young men find, enthralling.
"Yes you highness it was indeed." Endymion said as he and his men bowed before her.
"You have no need to do that. After all you are guests here...where are my manners please allow me to introduce my daughter and her court." Serenity said as she waved for someone to enter from the side.
A second later and five young women stepped out from the curtains; some are hidden in shadow as others remain viewed.
"First, meet Princess Amy of Mercury!" Serenity said motioning towards a blue haired girl, who seems shy as she approaches them. Bowing, she steps forward and as Zoicite stares, he finds himself wanting to know if she was truly as gentle as she looked.
"From the planet Venus, Princess Mina!" Motioning towards a golden haired girl, with a red bow in her hair, she has on a dress of gold, and a bright and bubbly personality, that is as bright as her hair. Kunzite is bowled over as she focuses her blue eyes on him. "I believe your highness; Mina here is Captain of my daughter's guard, as is your friend Kunzite. Maybe they can exchange tactics and make both our defenses better yes?"
The Prince nods his head, and lets out a chuckle as Kunzite gives him a look of fear. Continuing on with the introductions, much to his general plea, Endymion looks sharply at his friend Jadeite can't help but let out a low wolf whistle, which annoys the young woman immediately.
"From the planet Mars, I introduce Princess Raye!" Serenity said motioning towards a black haired girl, who steps forward. Her violet eyes cool, and focused and all but Jadeite steps back as she seems to radiate heat. The blonde seems intrigued by her mere presence and tries to get closer to her beauty.
"From Jupiter, Princess Lita!" The Queen said motioning towards an auburn haired girl, who despite her height, Nephlyte was drawn to her grace, and gentle female beauty. The fact, that she was one of the Princess's guards did not deter him in the slightest.
"Regretfully, the outers could not join us today your highness, for which they send their apologies. But the two bid you greetings on behalf of the planet's Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto." The Elder woman stated with a gentle smile.
"Now allow me to introduce my daughter, Crown Princess Serenity!" She said motioning towards a young woman in the shadows.
At first glance, Endymion had to do a double take, for the Princess was a virtual vision of beauty to him. She had long hair, like her mother except her hair had a more silvery platinum look to it and fell even further onto the floor than her mother's. She was wearing a long silver gown with golden embroidery around the bust line, that served only to enhance her slender figure as she walked...no glided into the room. Endymion knew he had found his soul mate and judging by her blue eyes, which seemed to return his stare... so, had she.
"Greetings to you all I am Prince Endymion of Earth and these of my Royal Guards as well as personal friends, Kunzite, Nephlyte, Zoicite and Jedite and believe me when I say it is a pleasure." Endymion replied as he took the Princess's hand and brought it to his lips. Good Queen Serenity, noticing, can't help but smile as her daughter seems to get all flustered.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well young prince but I digress it is late and I'm sure you are all tired! I shall have some servants show you to your rooms then tomorrow my daughter and her inner court shall show you around the grounds." Serenity said earning a smile from her daughter and a couple of nervous groans from the inner court.
"Thank you your highness!" Endymion said as he and his men were lead away. But not without taking one last look at the young women who have caught their eye.
Over the next few months things began to get interesting. As Endymion grew close to Serenity, the Royal Guards grew closer to the inner court as well. Zoicite would constantly be found playing chess with Princess Amy or reading with her.
Jadeite and Raye although on the outside appeared to be fighting all the time really were madly in love with each other. Just getting them to admit it was the tricky part.
Nephlyte and Lita would often be in the kitchen learning different recipes to cook or dancing with each other. Both were looking extremely beautiful with one another, as others said it was about time...Jupiter deserved what he could give her.
Kunzite and Mina, despite their personality differences, would often be found in the training grounds practicing fighting techniques. But sooner or later, they would end up practicing something else entirely, that the Princess of Venus represented. Love...
Then all that came crashing down when Beryl entered the picture.
End Flashback...
"I'm sorry but I choose not to remember anymore!" Nephlyte said shaking the memory out of his mind. Not ready to face the memory of the day he betrayed her and Endymion against his will...
"It's okay what matters now are what we do here and now!" Zoicite replied as he gave his friend a reassuring slap on the back.
"You can say that again." Jadeite replied. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a fire priestess to go find!" Jedite said before getting up and leaving the room.
"Ten seconds..."
"For what?" Nephlyte asks as Zoicite starts counting. The General holding his hand up as he gestures for him to wait a minute...
"10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1"
Nephlyte jumps as a loud crash is heard. Hearing the irate steps and the fire alarm going off, Zoicite promptly holds out an umbrella over their heads as the sprinkler system comes on with a flourish. Awakening the others in the house rather rudely...
"Another cup?"
"Certainly..."
-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-
Europe...
Elsewhere in the Aegean Sea off of Greece, a large island has begun to rise up out of the sea and in the middle of it sat a large shimmering castle of orange crystal surrounded by a bright golden light.
All over the world, a sense of warmth enters the hearts of humanity...one that knows now enemies except for hate...
It seems that Love has arrived...
To be Continued...