Part One Summary:

It has been seven years since the Sailor Scouts defeated their last enemies but things have since changed. Serena and Darien ended their long relationship, prompting Serena to move to the United States. Lita opened her own restaurant and bakery. Mina started a career as a news reporter. Amy went to medical school and is now a pediatrician. Raye took over the temple. But now the sailor scouts unite one last time to fight a new foe: The Shadow Warriors. A group of elite warriors that during the Silver Millennium, had protected the princess of the Moon, Serena. As the scouts slowly regain their memories from their previous lives, the realize the scope of injustice that the Shadow Warriors faced that pushed them to darkness. Nikko, the prince of Charon and leader of the Shadow Warriors had fallen in love with Serena, an act which was forbidden by the Queen of the Moon, Serenity. His banishment set forth a series of events that led the sailor scouts to form in protection of the Moon princess. As their battle ensues, it becomes clear that the Shadow Warriors are working for a greater foe: Queen Raven. Queen of Earth, mother to Endymion. Her darkness and life of deceit crushed her relationship with her son, a relationship she is trying to rectify by taking the life of his true love, Serena. As time passed it is revealed that Sailor Pluto had caused their breakup, driven by the desire to save Sailor Saturn's life. Despite their divide, Serena, blinded by incomplete memories of her love for Nikko, returned to Darien after seeing his sacrifice for her. As their battle unfolded it became apparent that not all of the Shadow Warriors were behind Queen Raven. Fabian, brother to Nikko and prince of Charon, never truly gave himself to darkness. He aided the sailor scouts from behind enemy lines and supported them in their fight. However Endymion's generals: Nephrite, Jadeite, Zoisite and Kunzite were also resurrected and each attempted to rekindle relationships with the sailor scouts that had been cut short during the Silver Millennium. Now, united as a team with the remaining Shadow Warriors and generals, the sailor scouts were able to keep Queen Raven's evil at bay but she had one last trick up her sleeve. Using powers stolen from Sailor Saturn, she casted a terrible spell, sending them all back to the Silver Millennium where she could take control of their futures. Using the Time Orb that Endymion (Darien) obtained, which allows the weilder to control memories, but is unpredicable, Fabian asked that everyone retain their memories during the Silver Millennium. The Earth is destroyed as everyone is sent back in time, hopefully, with the ability to stop the Negaverse and Queen Raven's evil plan but there is one foe they didn't know they had that has been watching and waiting all along. Now is his time to strike.

Part II: Chapter 1

Rebirth

Fabian's fingers tingled mercilessly as he groggily opened his eyes. That was the first thing he noticed. His entire body felt as if it had gone numb and was just regaining feeling again, almost as if he had plunged into a pool of ice cold water. He looked down at his hands. He could see himself opening his hands and balling them into tight fists but he could hardly feel it.

Groaning, he attempted to sit up and found himself nearly falling over as his legs, still tingling, struggled to balance his swinging torso. He gripped the edges of the bed beneath him and felt a sharp pain run through his head as his vision blurred. What had happened? Where was he? Was everything a dream?

He shook his head sending his dark locks into his face, shrouding his gaze. He looked down at his body. He was dressed in his dark blue uniform of the Shadow Warriors. Out of the corner of his eye he could see his dark armor and his sword. He brushed his hair from his face and look around carefully. He was in a comfortable room. A fire was crackling to his right, radiating warmth back into his limbs. The walls were covered with brightly decorated tapestries, intricately woven to depict the various kingdoms of the galaxy. The floor was covered with a bright blue rug, bearing the insignia of the moon.

His eyes widened as his knees trembled, wobbling dangerously. He was on the Moon. This had been the room Queen Serenity had given him when the Shadow Warriors had been assigned to protect the princess. He couldn't believe it. Raven's spell had worked but so had the Time Orb. The Moon was no longer a dusty ruin but back to its former glory. He could hear people passing outside his window, laughing and talking amongst themselves. There were people on the Moon again. Serena, Femi, Mina and the others had to be somewhere.

Hastily, Fabian pulled on his armor and sheathed his sword onto his hip. He pulled on his royal blue cloak, tied back his hair and all but ran from his room towards the gardens. If everyone had made it safely back as he had, this was where they would be. He panted as his boots pounded the cobblestone pathway, carrying him around the outside of the palace to the gardens. The smell of the moon roses greeted him as he entered the familiar area. The flowers were all in full bloom. The gardens were breathtakingly beautiful but Fabian didn't linger. He pushed forward to the lower levels of the garden.

"You made it." Femi remarked as he reached the bottom of the stone steps. Her hands were on her hips. She wore her usual deep blue dress beneath her shiny silver armor. Her staff was next to her, leaning against the garden wall. Her long blond tresses were braided and pinned onto her head. She was smiling. Fabian felt a sigh of relief overcome him as she ran to him and gave him a frighteningly tight hug.

"Can you believe it? That stupid stone worked! I have to admit, I thought all of you had lost your minds when you showed me that hunk of space rock—"

"Femi, where is everyone else? Where is Mina?" He asked as he pulled out of her hug and did a slow circle. Besides Femi, the lower garden was empty.

"I didn't see anyone else…" Femi remarked as she followed his wandering gaze. She could see the desperation in his eyes. "Give it time, they'll come."

"Wait." Fabian hushed as he put a finger to Femi's lips. Behind them he could her a light giggle, high and girlish.

"Sounds like the princess found her lover boy." Femi said as she pushed Fabian's hand away. "Some things never change."

Fabian turned towards the sound as Serena emerged, dressed in a long, flowing gown of lilac silk. Her hair was back in its traditional odango style, swept up into two buns with hair flowing from the bottom of each. Her skirts swung around her ankles as she giggled again, pulling a man into the gardens behind her.

Femi's jaw dropped.

A man, tall and fair with long white blond hair, held onto her hand, grinning from ear to ear. His silver armor shone brilliantly in the early morning sun, catching the sun's rays and reflecting them. A rich royal blue cape flowed from his shoulders, just barely kissing the top of the lush, green grass. His lilac eyes shimmered as they settled onto the princess before him.

"Nikko?" Femi whispered, as if she couldn't believe the sight before her.

"Hey…" Nikko said quickly, his hand leaving Serena's abruptly.

"You're… you're alive." Femi said softly, still in disbelief.

"Excuse me?" Nikko asked, his right brow quirked.

"What an odd thing to say." Serena said as she grabbed Nikko's arm, looping hers around it. "Did something happen that you didn't tell me about?"

"Not at all." Nikko replied with a grin. "I'm in perfect health."

"Of course… I must not be feeling well." Femi said as her gaze caught Fabian's. She smiled casually but her eyes were wide in alarm. "Perhaps I should go lay down. Fabian, can you help me?"

"S… sure." Fabian stammered as he took Femi's arm and guided her back to the stairs. He cast a quick look over his shoulder to see Serena walking deeper into the gardens with Nikko, giggling again as he whispered into her ear.

"What happened?" Femi hissed once the two were out of sight. "Didn't that dumb rock work? Did it malfunction? Did Raven do something?"

"I don't know." Fabian said as he sank onto a nearby stone bench. He ran his fingers through his hair, pulling it from the tie that held it back. "I don't know what to do. How many more of us didn't get our memories? What if… Femi… what if we're the only ones?!"

"Calm down." Femi whispered as she looked around them, making sure they were alone in the garden. "We just need to find the others and see what they remember. The fact that we are here and the scouts aren't tell me that we've come back to a time before the Negaverse hit our galaxy. That means everyone is still scattered, back on their own planets."

"There's no way we can all go to check on them." Fabian replied as he gripped his temples with his hands. "We're Shadow Warriors at this time. We are supposed to remain on Earth and protect the princess. We can't leave."

"We may be Shadow Warriors, but you're still a prince." Femi pointed out as she sat next to him, pulling his hands from his temples. "YOU can go to other planets on official Charon business."

"There is no official Charon business." Fabian replied with a blank stare.

"Jeez, do I have to do everything for you? Come up with some official Charon business. Lie. I don't care. Do what you need to, to get off the Moon." Femi replied with a roll of her eyes.

Fabian's eyes widened as he realized the meaning behind her words. "You're right… if this is the time I think it is… this is my best opportunity."

"Opportunity for what?" Femi asked but Fabian had already jumped to his feet and was jogging back up the stairs.

"Don't do anything stupid!" Femi warned as she watched him disappear.

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Mina huffed as yet another dress was shoved into her room, adding the total sitting before her, to fifteen. Fifteen beautifully elaborate dresses. The old Mina would've been overjoyed at the selections, giddily trying each one on before her grand gilded mirror in her bedchamber, modeling for her friends. However the truth behind those dresses were all she could focus on now. Her father certainly wasn't hiding his intent. Tonight's ball was to be a grand celebration. The princess of Venus was finally of marriageable age. A landmark birthday. Except Mina had already celebrated this birthday… and the ones after it. Yesterday, she had been twenty-three. Twenty-three with a promising career, a wonderful boyfriend, a powerful sailor scout with a bright future ahead. Now suddenly she was a teenager again and one being pushed to find a marriageable suitor at that. What was before her in this life but death? They all knew how this story was going to end. Even though the sailor scouts had been sent back to the Silver Millennium could they stop the Negaverse from destroying every planet in the galaxy? Could the generals resist the allure of the darkness? Could the Shadow Warriors? Could they remain a team? What of Queen Raven? Even if they were to defeat the Negaverse, would they be doomed to live out their lives in the Silver Millennium or would they return to the future? A future that with their success against the Negaverse, would undoubtedly change as well.

"Mina?" King Rupert asked as he knocked on her door and cautiously pushed it open.

"Yes, father." Mina replied as she stood, curtsying to him.

He opened his arms to her with a wide smile that made his amber eyes twinkle. He was a large man, standing well over six feet and had put on some weight in his later years, but he was still as imposing and strong as ever. His short blond hair, lighter now that white strands were replacing the golden locks, were nestled beneath a large golden crown set with rubies.

Mina felt her heart break. She may have left this life behind before… but her father had not been reborn in the twenty-first century. She hadn't realized how much she had missed him until this moment. She went into his arms, clinging to him like a small child, fighting the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks.

"Such a warm hug." King Rupert remarked as Mina nearly crushed him. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, smoothing back her blond hair as he spoke. "I worry about its intent. Have you done something Mina?"

"No…I just… I just missed you." Mina replied as she hastily wiped her cheek. She gave him a smile as their embrace broke.

"I was only gone a week." King Rupert replied as he straightened the front of his golden tunic. "But too long, you are right. It's always just been you and me Mina. I sometimes wonder if I should've remarried… I wonder if it was selfish to stay single after your mother passed but no one could've replaced her. I'll always remember her fondly. We had a great life together. A life that brought us you. And now… now it is your turn to find that happiness." He said as he sat down on the edge of her bed, gazing numbly at the sea of dresses before them. "I didn't realize I wasn't ready for this moment until now."

Mina felt her breath catch in her throat. The ball seemed so trivial now. She remembered this ball just as she remembered her father's words. It was fun but no suitors had struck her attention. In fact, just months later she would be sent to the Moon Kingdom to join the Sailor Scouts. The Negaverse's invasion was close.

"Don't worry father." Mina said as she sat next to him, laying her hand over his. "I know how special mom was to you. I remember how you two were together, so happy and content. I want that too."

King Rupert nodded as he squeezed her hand. "You have fun tonight Mina… just… just stay away from the princes of the lower kingdoms, you can do better."

Mina rolled her eyes as her father stood and glanced again at the dresses. "Your mother wore red to her coming of age ball, it is what attracted me to her and set her apart from all the other women there."

"I'll wear red then, for her." Mina replied with a sad smile as her dad nodded, fighting his own emotions. He then left without another word, closing the door to her room behind him.

"Red it will be. At least I can change that." Mina said to herself as her fingers skipped along the gowns to the rich ruby red gown that was dripping with intricate beading.

Two hours later Mina found herself walking down the winding hall to the ballroom. The double doors were closed, ready for her grand entrance. The ruby gown had fit her like a glove, clinging to her curves, the skirt sprouting just perfectly from her hips. The sleeves fell off her slender shoulders while the neckline plunged lower than her other gowns. She had opted to keep her hair down loose beneath her gold and ruby tiara. The loose ringlets dangled just above her waist, full and shiny. She wore a simple golden necklace, a trinket from her mother before her passing. It was the only jewelry she wore. The old Mina had worn a golden gown with lots of heavy jewelry for this ball. She had danced all night with many suitors, giggling with each one and reporting to her friends the details of the ones she had liked. This time Mina would find it hard to do the same thing, not with so much on her mind.

"Princess Mina of Venus." The announcer said as the double doors opened, revealing a smiling Mina. Mina gathered her skirts, significantly heavier with the golden beading, and curtsied to her grinning father once before descending the grand staircase to the ballroom floor. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, taking her in. She smiled politely to everyone, nodding to the faces she recognized all the while fighting the crippling feeling of dread in her stomach. All of these people that she knew and grew up with, even the princes that she danced with tonight, all had perished during the Negaverse's siege.

"Mina!" A girl near her squealed.

Mina spun on her heel, her smile widened as a girl in a dark purple dress bounced to her. Her long auburn hair was up beneath a simple silver tiara. "Elizabeth!" she exclaimed.

The two girls embraced.

"You look great!" Elizabeth remarked as she skipped her fingers over the beading of Mibna's skirt. "I'm so jealous!"

Mina's smile widened although her eyes grew sad. Elizabeth had perished on Saturn, her home planet, during the siege. "Thank you…"

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Elizabeth asked as she looped her arm around Mina's. "Smile! This is your night! Let's find you prince charming!"

Mina fought the sickening feeling in her stomach as Elizabeth led her to their other friends that were all excitedly talking about the various princes in attendance that night. She forced herself to smile for them as they all excitedly showered her with compliments. Mina hardly gave them any attention. She numbly smiled at all of them, hugging each one that greeted her and complimented their looks as she felt the anxiety building within her. She felt her breathing growing more and more shallow as panic was sweeping within, crippling her legs.

"Princess Mina, you are simply radiant tonight." A voice from behind her spoke.

Mina felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise. She knew that voice. She'd know it anywhere. She spun quickly on her heel to see Darien, clad in a perfectly tailored tuxedo. A red sash crossed his chest, an indicator of royalty. He bowed politely to her as the orchestra began to play the first song of the night. All around them couples went to the ballroom floor, spinning into their positions.

"Dar… Prince Endymion." Mina replied with a polite curtsey. She attempted to shield her excitement. Finally, a truly familiar face. A face she needed to desperately see for the sake of her sanity. "Thank you… and you look very well tonight."

"May I have the first dance, princess?" He asked as he extended his hand to her.

Mina grinned, knowing that this would be their opportunity to speak in private. Well, as private as could be expected at such an important event. "Of course." She laid her hand in his.

He guided her to the dance floor and immediately swept her into the crowd of spinning couples. His left hand went to rest on her hip, pulling her close to him as his other hand guided her along.

"Have you see any of the others?" Mina asked once they joined the dance. Her eyes scanned the crowd around them as if their friends were present amongst the hundreds of guests. None of the other princesses had attended her ball in the past. That didn't mean they wouldn't come now, especially with their memories of Tokyo still fresh.

"Others?" Endymion repeated as he gazed at her. "I am not currently courting any women, princess. I know my reputation may be perceived otherwise but I assure you, I am honorably looking for a woman to eventually marry."

Mina's brow furrowed as he spoke. She caught his gaze. Darien's deep blue eyes were set directly on her, oblivious to everyone else in the ballroom. A shiver ran down her spine. His gaze was intense as if he was taking her in. She had never seen him look at her that way before. In fact, the only time she had seen him look at anyone that way had been Serena. "Endymion, where is Serena?"

"Serena? The Moon princess?" Endymion asked as he gave her half a grin. "I am not sure. I have not seen her for many years. Our families aren't exactly on friendly speaking terms right now. The Moon is forbidden for all Earthlings. As Earth's closest ally my mother encouraged me to attend tonight's ball. I must admit princess, I wasn't intending to stay long but once I saw you come down that staircase… well, you are the most beautiful woman here tonight."

Mina felt her cheeks flush a bright red but not because she was flattered, she was embarrassed. She felt goosebumps trickle along her arms at Endymion's words. Words that felt so unnatural directed towards her. Words that made her beyond uncomfortable in that moment. "Thank you…" She stammered as she tried to hide her rosy cheeks. Perhaps he was just trying to be polite. Darien hadn't attended her original coming of age ball. At least, not that she noticed. He certainly hadn't danced with her then if he had been in attendance.

"If you haven't seen the others, why come here first?" Mina asked as they spun around the floor easily. She caught her father smiling at her approvingly. That wasn't surprising. Earth was one of the most powerful, and wealthiest kingdoms in the galaxy. An alliance, specifically a marriage, would benefit Venus tremendously.

"First? Well, I suppose that it's time I find a wife. At least start looking, if only to please my advisors… and my mother. I'm an only child, like yourself. A royal line with only one heir makes people nervous. Especially when the line of succession is so short." Endymion explained as he twirled Mina outwards, in sync with those around them, before pulling her back to his chest.

"Dar… Endymion, what is my cat's name?" Mina asked as she felt a nasty knot forming in her stomach. What was he even talking about? This wasn't Darien. Did he still have his memories or was something horribly wrong?

"Your cat? Princess, I'm not sure I understand the question." Endymion replied with a shake of his head. "Is this a test?"

Mina felt her heart nearly stop. Her breathing became short and labored as the realization sank in. He didn't remember. What if no one remembered? Had the Time Orb not worked correctly? How many more of them had lost their memories? Was she the only one? Was she doomed to live out this life until the Negaverse destroyed them all again, starting back at square one in a new century? Would that even be their fate if Raven kept her memories? Mina felt her stomach lurch. She was about to be sick.

"Excuse me." A deep voice said from behind her.

The song had just ended and the couples on the floor clapped as the next song started. Mina turned abruptly. There stood Fabian, dressed in a rich tunic of royal blue. A red sash crossed his torso, bearing the insignia of Charon. A simple golden grown sat atop his head, striking against his dark locks which were combed and held back with a black leather tie. He looked magnificent. Even during their previous life she had never seen him so regal. He grinned as they locked eyes.

"Fabian…" Mina whispered as the feeling of panic left her as quickly as a wave withdraws from the sandy shore. She reached for his hand, feeling several pairs of eyes settle on them. "Prince… Prince Fabian."

Fabian brought her hand to his lips and ever so gently brushed his lips along the back of her hand.

"May I cut in?" He asked as his eyes turned towards Endymion. Endymion gave Fabian a short bow, surprised at his intrusion.

"Certainly. I must have another dance later Princess Mina, if you will allow it." Endymion stated as he gave Mina a bow as well.

"Y…Yes." Mina stuttered, trying to hide her discomfort as he nodded and walked off the dance floor.

"Fabian." Mina spoke as Fabian took her into his arms and swept her gracefully into a spinning circle, immediately joining the flow of the other spinning couples. "Do you remember?" She whispered, hopeful.

"Of course." Fabian replied as his grip tightened on her waist, drawing her closer. "But not everyone does."

"Darien is clueless. He doesn't seem to remember anything at all. He said he hasn't seen Serena since she was a small child." Mina said softly, attempting to hide the tremor in her voice. "Who else have you seen? Where is everyone?" Mina inquired as the familiar panic feeling creeped back into her stomach.

"Serena and Nikko… they've lost their memories." Fabian stated as his dark green eyes settled on hers.

"Nikko? He's alive?!" Mina gasped. Her tone caught the attention of several dancing couples near them who turned to look, each with their own expressions of confusion.

"Yes." Fabian replied, sheepishly smiling at them, hoping to divert attention. "Keep calm Mina."

"Who else lost their memories?" She asked as her grip tightened on him.

"Right now I don't know." Fabian spun her outwards, following the other couples of the dance. Her heavy ruby skirts spun from her ankles, swirling around her waist once before he pulled her back against his chest.

Mina felt her heart skip a beat, she nearly lost her footing but Fabian's hold was strong. He held her straight as she caught herself.

"Mina, are you okay?" He asked quickly as his brow furrowed.

Mina nodded, mentally scolding herself as she found herself and got her feet back on the beat. "Yes…this is just all too much. Yesterday I was a news reporter with my own apartment and a pretty great boyfriend and today I woke up a teenager living in my father's palace on the first day he tries to marry me off. And… well… it's also been a while since I last danced."

"Kunzite wasn't a dancing man then?" Fabian asked as he spun her out again before drawing her back to his chest. He gave her a wide grin, trying to ease her nerves.

Mina felt herself smile despite her building anxiety. Kunzite… where was he? Did he still have his memories? Would he remember her and all of the moments they shared together? Her heart pained at the thought. "Not particularly, at least, not on Earth."

Fabian nodded knowingly as he watched her expression change. 'It'll be okay Mina. If there's anything that's still the same, it's your strong spirit. We'll get through this… together."

"You're right… we can't focus on the negative. This is just another challenge we have to overcome." Despite the growing lump in her throat, Mina smiled. She found comfort in his words and in his strong embrace. In fact, she was stunned at how well he moved and guided her expertly around the floor. Then again, Fabian was a prince. He had been brought up dancing and spending time amongst royalty. Though Kunzite had been a gentleman, he was a soldier first. Fabian was a prince and that manifested clearly in all of his mannerisms. It made her wonder why he had never attended the ball last time. "But Fabian… what are we going to do? How can we fix this?"

"I'm not sure that we can." Fabian replied. "We're scattered. The scouts are still on their home planets, the Shadow Warriors are on the Moon and who knows where Raven is. If she has her memories, that could be bad. She could come for us before we have a chance to unite."

"We can't let that happen." Mina said as her eyes scanned the room around them, as if Raven was lurking amongst the crowd, waiting to strike. "Fabian, we have to get everyone together now."

"That won't be easy. You forget, we are in the Silver Millennium. We can't just hop into a teleporter and travel the galaxy. We don't have the freedom here that we had on Earth. We're royalty, we have duties and expectations. Plus, you don't have your sailor scout powers and neither do the others, at least not yet. Add to that the fact we don't know who else has lost their memories. It won't be easy to get everyone together." Fabian remarked as he watched Mina's expression grow darker and darker.

"We can't just give up Fabian." Mina whispered, attempting in vain to hide the panic in her voice. "These are our friends. We are a team. Only together can we defeat Raven."

"I'm not saying we should give up." Fabian sighed as he spun Mina out again and brought her back to his chest. He felt her grasp tighten on his shoulder as her body trembled. He drew her closer, closer than propriety would allow. She relaxed against him slowly. "All I'm saying is that we have to be careful. We have to be coordinated and smart. Raven will be watching. The Negaverse is due to attack soon so we will also have Beryl to contend with. Plus we don't even know if we can get anyone to regain memories they technically haven't made yet."

Mina paused as the song ended and the couples on the floor clapped. She curtsied politely to Fabian who promptly gave her a polite bow. She then grabbed his hand and led him to the outside terrace, ignoring the scandalous looks from her friends in attendance. Once they were outside she turned to face a puzzled Fabian with the rich purple sky lighting up the night behind them.

"I know it's daunting. I know there's a million things that can go wrong, but Fabian, I also know that when we were all together, we were able to keep the darkness at bay. We were able to keep Raven from causing total destruction. You said it yourself, we will get through this together. Promise me you'll bring us together. Please. We have to do this." Mina pleaded as she looked him straight in the eyes.

Fabian hesitated. He could see the desperation in her gaze. He could feel it in her touch, by the fact she had broken with tradition and had left the ball. The princess he knew from the Silver Millennium had definitely changed. This Mina wasn't worried about propriety or rules or status. He felt himself smile. "I promise you I'll do all I can but Mina, we have to be cautious. It may feel like we have already gone through all of these events once but I promise you, we've created a ripple of change. Things won't be entirely the same. I'll do as much as I can, but we both know your father won't allow you to leave the planet without a reason."

Mina bit her lower lip as she cast a look back at the ballroom. Her father was already crossing the floor at a remarkable speed, headed straight for the terrace. Endymion had already won his approval given that he was of Earth. Fabian was another matter. Charon was a small kingdom. Her father certainly wouldn't like him based solely on the fact he was from a lower kingdom. "Well, you're right about one thing, my father won't allow it."

"Mina, do you trust me?" Fabian asked as King Rupert came to the terrace doors, positively livid.

"Yes…" Mina said slowly, unsure of Fabian's purpose.

King Rupert's weathered face turned bright red with rage as he came upon Mina and Fabian. "Mina! What are you doing! You mustn't be alone with any man. This is improper. I am appalled that you've—"

"Your majesty." Fabian bowed, cutting off the King. "Forgive me, I shouldn't have taken the princess away from the ball. It is improper, but I also know that I needed to make sure my intentions were clear to her, and accepted, before I spoke to you."

"Fabian—" Mina began but Fabian shook his head at her and looked straight into King Rupert's eyes.

"King Rupert, I would like to ask for permission to court your daughter." Fabian stated, ignoring Mina. His dark green eyes caught the King's and he held his gaze, unblinking as a puzzled King Rupert carefully evaluated his words.

"Mina, is this what you want?" The King asked as he tore his gaze from Fabian. His weathered features were sullen and unsurely as if he didn't think this moment would've come so quickly. "The Prince from Earth, Endymion, has already asked my permission to court you as well."

Mina glanced at Fabian as the color left her face. The old Mina had emerged from this ball with many offers from suitors for a courtship but she had declined them all, not liking any of them enough to pursue them. Now she had an offer from Endymion and Fabian. Neither had made an offer previously. She wasn't sure which offer was more appalling.

She cast a long look at Fabian. She didn't dislike him, in fact, she had often thought of what her life would've been like if he had left Charon with her that day, a lifetime ago. Their time together on Earth had been brief but those feelings had never left. A courtship would allow her to travel between planets. She would have an escort from her father's court but still, travel would be possible and largely unquestioned. Fabian was a genius.

"I…. I…" Mina's mouth gaped open like a fish.

"Perhaps you need time to consider?" Fabian asked as he cast a look at the King.

"Before you decide Mina perhaps we can consider a less traditional route. After all, you are my only child and heir to the throne of Venus. This is a big decision not only for you but for our kingdom." King Rupert said as he waved Endymion over.

He joined them on the terrace with a polite bow to the king, Fabian and Mina.

"I declare that the princess shall receive both of you. Not an official courtship, not yet. Not until the princess decides which of you she shall enter a courtship with. There is much to discuss between our kingdoms. Will this be acceptable?" King Rupert asked as he cast a glance at Endymion and Fabian.

Endymion's jaw clenched, as if he hadn't anticipated competition from anyone. He nodded once to the king. "I accept, your majesty."

Fabian's eyes caught Mina's, who nodded to him encouragingly as Endymion and the King directed their attention to him. He could feel Endymion sizing him up, looking him up and down as if he was beneath him and even appalled that he was a threat. "I accept as well, your majesty." Fabian stated as he caught Endymion's eyes directly. They both narrowed.

"Very well then. Prince Fabian and Prince Endymion, you have my permission to visit the princess and she, the two of you with an escort. In the meantime, Earth, Venus and Charon have much to discuss." King Rupert said as he put an arm around his daughter. "Enjoy the rest of the ball Mina. You too gentlemen. I shall let the others know that Mina is not accepting any more offers."

"Thank you, your majesty." Fabian bowed to the King and turned to Mina who was slowly regaining her color.

King Rupert grinned and left the terrace, clapping his hands to catch the attention of the announcer and to quiet the orchestra.

Mina was left on the terrace with Fabian and Endymion in a situation she could never have anticipated. She felt the heat rise again in her cheeks as both men's attention settled back onto her.

"Princess, I will return before the end of the week with my father." Fabian stressed the word 'week' as his eyes bore into hers.

Mina nodded knowingly as Fabian took her hand and once again brought it to his lips.

"I will write to you." Fabian whispered as he kissed the back of her hand and gave it a tight squeeze.

"Next week then." Mina nodded as Fabian bowed to her.

"I shall come the week after." Endymion said as he pushed aside Fabian. "Then perhaps you can accompany me to Earth. I would love to show you my home."

"I would like that." Mina smiled as Endymion took her hand and brought it to his lips as well. A visit to the Earth would mean she would see the generals. Kunzite and Zoisite and Jadeite and Nephrite. Perhaps their memories remained. A visit to Earth would also mean she would see Raven face to face beside a man who didn't remember their past. She wasn't sure what scared her more.

"Excuse me." Mina said as she gathered her skirts and rushed from the terrace, finally feeling the lurch in her stomach that had been lurking all evening. She was going to be sick.

Fabian was left on the terrace with Endymion who quickly turned to face him. "I'm surprised the princess is considering you. Charon is small and insignificant. She needs a man with actual power in her life. I suspect we won't be rivals long."

Fabian was taken back. Was Endymion actually considering him a threat? The words felt surreal as he spoke. It shouldn't be this way. Endymion was supposed to be on the Moon, seeking Serena's hand instead of Mina's. What had happened? What was he to do about it? "Princess Mina will find I'm much more likable than you." Fabian said with a sneer. "Good luck Endymion. May the best man win."

Mina stumbled past her guests, fighting to keep the rising stomach bile from climbing up her throat. This evening had been too much for her to handle. She didn't even know where to start with sorting through the mess she had suddenly been plunged into. What was she to do? How could she get Serena and Darien back together when Darien was trying to court her? And Fabian? What of him when her heart still belonged to Kunzite, a man that with the way things were going, probably wouldn't remember her? She made her way to the back of the ballroom just as another dance started when suddenly something caught her eye across the dance floor. She turned her head towards the glittering light which was a deep ruby on a chain of gold around a woman's neck that was seated next to her father.

The woman flicked back her long ebony hair as she raised her wine glass to the princess, an evil smile gracing her lips.

Queen Raven.