Part II: Chapter 3
The Ceremony
Fabian felt a ball of nerves in the pit of his stomach. He fiddled with the edge of his belt, his fingers tugging at a loose thread as he paced. He was dressed in a rich blue uniform, the formal uniform of a general of Charon. A bright red sash crossed his chest, a sign of his royal standing. He didn't wear a crown today. Not that he cared to wear it anyway. It wasn't necessary while he was on his father's ship but he would need it later today. Today would hold a notable event: the fire ceremony of Kuya.
Every three years royalty and high-ranking nobles from planets across the galaxy traveled to Mars to participate in the ceremony. The purpose of the ceremony was to show unity amongst those living in the galaxy and also to pay homage to an element that was necessary for life. It was an opportunity to forge new alliances, rekindle old ones and to keep current with news across the galaxy. Usually Nikko would attend with the King of Charon but given the need for the princess's protection on the Moon, Fabian would take his place.
Fabian didn't mind. King Rupert intended to bring Mina with him to the ceremony this year and the two would have an opportunity to speak again. Perhaps that was why his heart was beating so wildly. King Harold of Charon had agreed to fly his ship to Venus and take the King, Mina, and their delegation with them to the ceremony. It would give the two kings a chance to discuss the potential courtship of Fabian and Mina while at the same time Mina and Fabian could feel out the courtship as well.
"King Rupert and Princess Mina of Venus." The announcer called as the doors of the ship opened.
Fabian felt his heart skip a beat as he caught sight of Mina. She was stunning. She wore a gown of white silk covered with golden embroidery that circled along the skirts and up the bodice. Her long golden hair was braided and pinned onto her head beneath a golden tiara. She wore diamond chandelier earrings that grazed the tops of her shoulders as she walked. She curtsied politely to King Harold and Fabian.
Fabian bowed back, giving Mina his best smile which she did not return.
"King Rupert! It has been many years!" King Harold stated as he clapped his hands.
"Too long Harold." King Rupert replied as he shook Harold's hand. "Who knew our two children would take such a liking to each other?"
"Princess Mina, you have blossomed into quite a beauty, much like your mother." King Harold said as he went forward, bowed politely to Mina and kissed her hand. "I can see why Fabian was drawn to you."
"Father—" Fabian began but Harold laughed and shook his head.
"My apologies. You two must want to spend some time together. It will only be a few hours to Mars. King Rupert and I have much to discuss. Go on you two." King Harold said as he and King Rupert climbed the steps to the bridge.
Fabian smiled sheepishly at Mina and offered her his elbow which she silently accepted. Together they walked down the large hall to the star room. The star room was at the back of the ship, its back wall was made entirely of glass so that those inside could see the wonders of the galaxy as the ship traveled. Fabian felt Mina's fingers leave his arm as the door slid closed behind them. They were alone at last.
"Mina? Are you okay?" Fabian asked, wondering if she was reconsidering his offer.
"He doesn't remember me. He doesn't remember anything." Mina whispered as she went to the window and gazed down at her planet that was growing smaller by the second.
Fabian didn't need to ask about to whom she was referring. He knew. He knew before he could stop her from going to Earth. Zoisite had told him when he and the delegation from Earth had visited the Moon the week before. "Mina, I'm …. I'm so sorry."
She shrugged as a tear trickled down her cheek. "Maybe it's for the best. I mean, what could we be in this life anyway? Father would never let me marry a warrior. He wouldn't even allow me to speak to one. The only place Kunzite and I could be together would be on Earth, back in our old lives."
Fabian watched her as she spoke. Tear after tear fell onto her shoulders, dampening the white silk. He wanted to comfort her. He found himself longing to take her into his arms, an urge he had never felt before for any other woman. He drew closer, watching her expression grow more somber.
"He just looked at me like I was…. like I was a stranger." She whispered.
"Mina." Fabian began as he put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't let this incident keep you down, that's what Raven wants. We have to stay focused. We have to keep strong. You're one of the strongest women I know."
"How can I be strong when it hurts so much?" Mina asked as she whipped around, her eyes full of tears. "That witch is taunting me. That is the only reason she invited me to Earth. She wanted to see my heart break for herself."
Without thinking, Fabian went to her, taking her into his arms as she sobbed onto his shoulder. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, wishing that he could comfort her in the way she needed. Even as he held her Pluto's warning echoed through his head. Was Mina his weakness? Was she his distraction? His desire for her was causing him to stray from his true goal: to reunite everyone. But then again, he was only doing this for her.
"Fabian…" Mina whispered in his ear after several moments of silence. "I… I don't know what to do."
"Neither do I." Fabian admitted as he reluctantly released his hold on her. "But we'll figure this out together."
"What if we don't, what if we are can't bring back their memories? What if we're stuck to live out the rest of our lives here?" Mina whispered as she pulled her head back just enough to look him in the eye.
"Mina, I lived out my last life focusing only on the 'what-ifs'. What if I had pulled my brother from the darkness instead of joining him? What if I hadn't stuck around so long with Queen Raven? What if I had done more to prevent my brother's death? What if I had just pushed myself more to do the right thing? And now Mina… now I think about the day I met you." He took her hands in his own as he looked straight into her wide, deep blue eyes. He tenderly touched her soft cheek, brushing aside her tears with his thumb. "What if I had spent more time with you on the Moon? What if I had left Charon with you that day? What would our life be like if I had fought for you instead of the Negaverse?" He whispered.
Mina's eyes searched his as he spoke. True, she had thought of the same things after he had left her on Charon that day. She had never truly bonded with Kunzite during the Silver Millennium, she had been too fixated on what happened to Fabian. Those same what-ifs had plagued her mind then as they plagued Fabian's now. Was it a cruel twist of fate that their roles were reversed? How could she reciprocate his feelings when her heart belonged to another? Did it? Mina felt her mind racing with memories of her last few days during their last life. She had reflected on those what-ifs then too.
"Fabian…" She spoke at last, still holding his intense gaze. "What are you trying to tell me?"
"To stop thinking about those what-ifs." Fabian replied honestly as his gaze softened. "I just want a chance Mina. We… we have a chance again, to do things maybe how we should've done them the first time. I won't be able to live with myself if I don't at least try. Mina, do this with me. I know we need to get your team back together, and believe me, I will do everything in my power to do so, but the second part of that is doing something for ourselves for once."
Mina gave him a half-chuckle. "You're asking me to be selfish?"
"You've been focused on taking care of everyone else for two lifetimes, Mina. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish." Fabian corrected as he tenderly touched her chin, lifting her head up so he could peer again into her eyes. "What do you say?"
"I can't forget about Kunzite, Fabian." Mina said as she met his intense gaze. "But I will give … us… a chance." She whispered as she put her hand over his.
Fabian grinned and with his other hand, wrapped it around her waist and pulled her to his chest.
Their lips met.
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Zoisite shuffled uncomfortably down the dark hallway of the palace. It was mid-winter and the hallways were dark and drafty. Piles of snow littered the ground outside, coming up to the windows that provided little protection against the fierce winds. He pulled his cloak up higher, shielding his ears from the cold as he climbed the stairs to the second level. This was where he and the other generals resided.
It felt odd to live in a palace again. His father was a delegate of Earth, sent around the galaxy to meet with other kingdoms on behalf of the royal family. Zoisite would often travel with him, learning his trade to hopefully one day take his place. His family had served the royal family of Earth for centuries, not always as delegates but as guards, advisors and warriors. Zoisite didn't have the communication skills his father possessed so he was sent to the training academy at a young age, hoping to join the palace guard. The academy was full of nobles and royalty from other planets, all training with Earth's elite warriors in hopes of acquiring the skills to protect their own kingdoms and people. There he met Kunzite, Jadeite and Nephrite. They bonded quickly and Endymion had noticed, being so close in age to them. The five of them became inseparable, living in the barracks together before finally moving into the palace. Only Zoisite hadn't been living in a palace for years. Life on Earth had him sharing a room with the other generals, much like life in the barracks only with air conditioning. The shift back to a large bedchamber was an adjustment.
As he came to his room the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. His door was open, cracked just wide enough to allow a sliver of light into the hallway. Zoisite put his hand on the hilt of the sword that sat against his hip. His fingers curled around it, pulling it out of its sheath slowly as he cautiously pushed open the door.
A woman stood before the fire, her pale cheeks covered with tears. "Zoisite." She whispered.
"Amy." Zoisite stated as he put his sword down onto the nearby bed.
She ran to him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she sobbed onto his shoulder.
"I can't believe you're here." He whispered as he held her. "How did you get here? Where did you come from? Are you okay?"
Her small body shook with sobs. "Zoisite, it's… it's father." Amy said in between sobs. "He's ill, very ill. He doesn't think he… he—"
"Shhh, it's okay." Zoisite said as he rubbed her back, holding her tighter against himself. He found his mind wondering as she spoke. He remembered this day vividly. Amy had come to him almost exactly the same way, upset over the news of her father's possible demise. In fact, he hadn't noticed anything different about this encounter. Did she still have her memories? The more she cried and clung to him, the more unlikely it seemed. The real Amy would've been upset but okay knowing her father did in fact recover. This Amy was nearly inconsolable. He felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as the realization sank in.
"Zoisite." Amy whispered as she pulled from him, wiping her cheeks. "I have something to ask of you. Do not feel obligated to agree to what I ask. I will completely understand—"
"Amy, I'd do anything for you." Zoisite said as he watched her. "Though I already know what it is you wish."
"What?" Amy asked, completely caught off guard. "You do?"
"There have been rumors." Zoisite said quickly, trying to cover himself. "Your father must be in grave condition for you to be here."
"He is." Amy replied as she ran a hand through her hair. "I never thought about what I'd do without him. I already lost mom. I thought… I thought he'd be around a very long time, and he might still, but just in case the worst happens… Zoisite, if I am to rule after him I must have a husband. I am not courting anyone, I don't even think we would have sufficient time for that. I must marry and if I must… I want my husband to be you." The color returned to her cheeks as she spoke. It was clear her nerves were settling in as her hands began to shake. She shuffled uncomfortably, as she wasn't accustomed to pouring out her feelings to anyone.
Zoisite tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, attempting to calm her nerves. How he wished he could comfort her in a way that he could've just days ago. "Amy, I would be honored, but why me? I'm a nobody." He asked, though he already knew the answer. Still, he had to follow his actions of the past.
"You're somebody to me." Amy whispered as she caught his emerald green eyes. "You're the only one who sees me as a person. I'm not just a princess but someone to talk to and listen to. Every time you'd come to the planet I didn't have to be proper and formal with you. You treated me like a normal person, like a friend. I've never met anyone else who has done that for me. I can be myself around you. I'm comfortable. I'm happy. I feel safe." She said as her cheeks flushed.
Zoisite grinned. Though he had heard these words once before, they still sent a rush of warmth through his limbs. His heart beat faster as he took her hands in his own and boldly planted a kiss on her lips, something he hadn't done the first time.
Amy met his kiss shyly, unsure of herself. It was her first kiss and despite the circumstances, she was glad it was with Zoisite. His touch alone was enough to calm her nerves. The thought of having him by her side for the rest of her life gave her comfort in a way she didn't expect.
"I promise you Amy, I will be a good husband to you. And I promise I will get you a proper ring and perform a proposal." He whispered as their lips broke.
"We must keep this secret." She said back to him as his hands squeezed hers. "I'm not old enough yet and we do not know what will happen to father. If he recovers then at the end of next year we can announce an engagement and have a real wedding."
"I will keep this secret, even from my closest friends." Zoisite promised as he brought her hands to his lips and tenderly kissed her knuckles.
Before Amy could respond she froze as the sound of thundering boots could be heard approaching.
"Hey Zoi we need to get—" Endymion suddenly appeared in the doorway, but paused as soon as he caught sight of Amy. His brow perked as he cautiously took a step back.
"Endymion… I think you've, um, you've met Princess Amy." Zoisite stammered as he sheepishly ran his fingers through his hair.
"Um, yeah… on Mercury, at her palace. Princess, what are you doing here… in my palace… in Zoisite's room?" Endymion asked as his blue eyes darted back and forth between Zoisite and Amy.
Zoisite sighed as Amy nervously clenched the skirt of her blue gown. "Endymion, you may want to sit down..."
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Mina shifted uncomfortably as she and Fabian entered the ballroom. The trip to Mars had seemed unusually short. She and Fabian spent the entirety of the trip in the star room, left alone to their own conversation with an occasional interruption from Fabian's staff, most of which Mina suspected were checking on their progress instead of the status of their appetites. She was grateful for their stolen moments though. The time alone gave them valuable time to come up with a plan. The plan they formulated was simple: pull everyone physically together.
If there was one lesson they took with them from Earth it was that their memories did not come on their own. They had to be stimulated. What could be more stimulating than being together again? If needed, Mina and Fabian would share key details from their past, details that hopefully would be enough to bring forth those memories. What frightened Mina was the possibility that it wouldn't be that simple. What if they simply looked at them like they were crazy? What if everyone didn't end up coming together? What if Raven was there and interrupted those plans? What if something more sinister was planned?
"Mina, you look gorgeous." Fabian said to her as she shifted uncomfortably again.
Mina sighed as she looked at herself in a hall mirror. Her cheeks were pale, made even more pale by the white silk of her gown. She pinched her cheeks for some color and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. Her braids had held up well during the long journey and still looked impeccable beneath her tiara. "I don't feel well, I feel like I'm going to be sick."
"You'll do great. I'm right here with you." Fabian replied as he put a hand on her waist, pulling her closer to him.
Mina felt the heat rise in her cheeks as he looked down at her.
"Just remember, we need to get everyone together. Don't worry about anyone else you might see tonight." Fabian said as they came to the end of the hall. The sound of hundreds of people greeted their ears, sounding almost like a hive of bees.
"Princess Mina of Venus escorted by Prince Fabian of Charon." The announcer called as they came to the ballroom.
Fabian squeezed her hand as they were announced. She gave him a nervous smile as he guided her into the ballroom, through clusters of other royals and nobles. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for a familiar face. There was the delegation from Neptune, each of them wearing shades of teal. Next to them were those from Pluto and Mercury, each wearing shades of blue and deep green with black. Across the room were several nobles from Earth, all noticeable by the rich red roses tucked into their tuxedo pockets. She suddenly realized that Endymion would be there tonight.
The thought of being on Fabian's arm and running into Endymion was enough to force her stomach back into knots. She had decided to accept Fabian's courtship offer over his. It wasn't like she intended to get married. Quite the opposite. She knew that there wouldn't be time in this life for a marriage but that wasn't the point behind her decision. She needed to bring Endymion to Serena. She couldn't do that if he was pursuing her on Venus.
In fact, one subject Fabian had carefully avoided was Serena. Mina had certainly noticed though she chose to keep silent. She knew that Nikko's relationship with Serena was a sensitive subject for Fabian. Seeing his brother alive again with the woman that technically, had drove him to the dark side, certainly would be a sore subject. She knew they would have to discuss Serena returning to Endymion one day, but not today.
"Mina, there's Raye." Fabian whispered to her as they came to the end of the ballroom.
"On it." Mina said back quietly as she smoothed out her white, silk skirt. "Meet me on the terrace in ten."
Fabian nodded, releasing her hand as she strolled over to Raye, grinning from ear to ear.
"Mina!" Raye smiled as she caught sight of her friend who was dressed in a purple satin gown. Her hair was down loose beneath a silver tiara set with rubies. She went to her friend, extending her arms for a hug.
Mina was taken back. It was unlike Raye to be so affectionate, at least not the Raye she remembered from the Silver Millennium or even their life on Earth. She smiled but cautiously approached her, returning her warm hug. "Raye, you look well." Mina said.
"Mina, do you... do you remember?" Raye whispered into her ear as they embraced.
Mina felt her stomach finally settle at her words. "Yes!" She whispered back as they parted.
"Oh, thank goodness." Raye sighed with relief as she exhaled deeply. "Serena looked at me like I had lost my mind. I haven't seen anyone else though—"
"Fabian and Femi remember... so does Zoisite. Darien doesn't and neither does Kunzite." Mina's voice broke as she spoke. It still pained her when she thought of Kunzite looking at her as if she were a stranger. The memory was still fresh, still painful.
"Mina... I'm, I'm so sorry." Raye said softly as she watched her friend's expression darken. She felt her own stomach churn at the thought of Jadeite. Time had been stolen from them not only in one life, but two. Unlike the rest of the scouts, they seemed to be on their own timeline, slowly progressing their own relationship that never seemed to go anywhere. She wondered if he would come with Endymion tonight and if he too, would see her as a stranger.
"It's not your fault." Mina replied as she shook her head, chasing away the tears that threatened to fall. "We don't know anything about Amy or Lita. I hope they'll be here tonight so we can get Serena and Endymion back on track. There won't be many opportunities to get us all together without drawing attention." She continued as she scanned the room again, hoping to find either Amy or Lita.
"Have you seen Raven?" Raye asked quietly as people began to walk around them, several stopped to curtsy or bow before continuing their conversations.
"Outside." Mina whispered and motioned to the terrace doors which were open, inviting in the cool summer breeze to break up the heat inside.
Raye followed her outside where it was almost devoid of people now that the sun had set. She leaned against the iron railing that separated the terrace from the stone courtyard below. The palace on Mars had no gardens as it set on the side of one of the largest mountains on the planet. Instead, mazes of stone walkways zigzagged up the mountain, broken only by red bushes and small rusty colored trees. Though the sun had set the sky had turned purple, a hue that would linger until morning.
"What happened Mina? Your silence worries me." Raye remarked as they watched a flock of ravens fly above them, circling the summit of the mountain.
"Raven has something planned. I'm not sure what, but I don't think it's a coincidence some of us have lost our memories. She sent Endymion to my coming out ball, a ball that I don't think he originally attended during our last life in the Silver Millennium." She said as she turned to face Raye whose expression was puzzled. "That alone has changed the course of my future here."
"What happened at the ball?" Raye asked, worried that Mina had already encountered Raven, alone.
"Endymion asked to court me." She sighed. "So did Fabian. Father is allowing me to choose between them but I can tell me wants me to choose Endymion. He made that sentiment known to me before we boarded Fabian's ship this morning." She said worriedly. "I haven't shared that with Fabian, please don't tell him—"
"Wait, what? You're engaged? To... Endymion?!" Raye asked, shaking her head as if she wasn't hearing clearly.
"Not engaged." Mina said as she rolled her eyes. "Look, it's beside the point anyway. Fabian and Endymion are not my biggest concern right now. We won't have enough time for anyone to get married in this life if the negaverse attacks when they did last time. What we need to focus on is getting everyone together so we can be ready when Raven comes."
"Mina, think for a moment. Raven won't attack us directly. She can't. We're all separated and don't forget, we're all royalty. We have pretty decent protection on our planets. She must be planning something else. Why else would she change the course of the events we lived through the first time?" Raye said as she turned a slow circle, staring at her feet as she tried to focus on everything Mina had just told her. "She's planning something."
Mina paused for a moment. She was right. Why would Raven send Endymion to her and encourage a courtship? What could be gained by that move? She knew Mina would never go through with it. Was it to cause strife between their kingdoms or did she want to prevent Endymion from even considering a relationship with Serena? "You may want to rethink the extent of her ferociousness. Don't forget she tried to kill Serena several times on the Moon."
"True." Raye admitted as she glanced at the other side of the terrace. A few couples lingered several hundred feet away, tied up in their own discussions. No one seemed to be paying them any attention. "But we have to be cautious. The sailor scouts don't exist yet. We don't have any power."
"That's problematic." Fabian said as he joined them on the terrace. Zoisite and Jadeite were with him, both dressed in their formal gray uniform of Earth.
"Jadeite." Raye whispered as he and Zoisite bowed respectfully to her and Mina.
"Princess Raye." Jadeite said politely. "Thank you for allowing us to attend today."
"Um... you're welcome." Raye replied as she looked at Fabian and Mina, confused.
"Mina, can I speak with you?" Fabian asked as Mina watched Raye's dark purple eyes grow larger and larger.
"Um, yes." Mina stuttered as Fabian took her elbow and guided her farther down the terrace.
"I'm going to look for Amy." Zoisite said, quickly excusing himself from what would certainly be an awkward conversation. He bowed again and quickly disappeared, leaving Raye and Jadeite alone.
"Jadeite." Raye began but he cut her off with a shake of his head.
"You don't need to say anything Raye, I remember." Jadeite interrupted. "Not that my memories change anything."
"It does for me." Raye said, taking a step towards him.
"Look at us Raye, really just think for a minute." Jadeite commented as he gestured over to Mina and Fabian. "We don't even have a chance. They do. They've already started on that path. Serena and Endymion, they've always had a chance, but me and you?" He shook his head and turned from her, looking back at the full ballroom. "It's just never a good time for us is it? We wasted our time during our last two lives. We came close, but never quite where we wanted to be. It's even more painful knowing that we've had two chances and came up short, but this third one will fail before we even had a chance for something."
"Don't say that." Raye whispered, feeling her voice break. "We have to at least try Jed."
"What can we even do Raye? I'm a soldier. You're a princess. We're not even on the same planet." Jadeite admitted as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "It's looking pretty grim."
"So you're just going to give up?" Raye asked as tears filled her eyes. Her cheeks flushed as her temper rose. "You're going to give up because it's just too hard? Jed, when has anything ever been easy for us?"
"What do you suggest we do then?" Jadeite asked as he stared at her, wide-eyed as she spoke. He took a cautious step back as her hands balled into two tight fists.
"Fight for me! You fought for Endymion, you fought for Beryl, you even fought for Serena and the Sailor Scouts!" Raye yelled as tears gushed down her cheeks. She lunged for him, punching his chest with her fist but he caught her wrist and pulled her into his arms.
He held her as she cried against his chest, struggling against him. She beat on his chest with her hands but he only held her tighter, pulling her closer and closer until she could feel his heart beating against her cheek. She slowly calmed, allowing him to hold her as she cried. "I'll always fight for you." He whispered to her, holding her still. "Forever."
"How sweet." Raven said from behind them.
Raye and Jadeite jumped as Mina and Fabian came running over. Fabian reached for his sword but Raven held up her hand, rolling her eyes at him.
"That won't be necessary little prince. I won't harm you... at least not today." Raven smiled as she smoothed out her dark red, satin skirts. She wore a grand ball gown, much like the other queens that had arrived for the ceremony. Her usual golden crown was on her head though her neck and ears were dripping with diamonds. She wore elbow length black gloves over which a cluster of diamond bracelets sat around her wrists. "I must admit, it feels good to be home again."
"What do you want Raven?" Fabian spat as he stood in front of Mina, blocking her from any potential attacks that Raven could send their way. He noticed Jadeite step in front of Raye as well, his hand on his sword, ready to jump. "You've had enough fun, haven't you? This is what you wanted isn't it? Back in control of the Earth? Endymion, obedient and loyal at your side? Serena not a threat, not even in consideration for your son's attention?"
Raven gave him a snide smile as she casually walked to the railing of the terrace, looking over at the darkness of the the mountain below. "Don't look at me as your enemy. We've done many things for each other. After all, that little orb brought my son back to me as you so eloquently stated and yes, the little moon princess is happily occupied with that mutt of a brother you have. You can think me for that one later." She stated as she turned to look at them. "But in the end, we both share one common interest: stopping the negaverse. They ended our lives here and they'll do it again. Watching everyone you love die once was brutal enough. Are you ready to live through that again?"
"What are you asking for, help?" Fabian scoffed as he looked over at Jadeite. He noticed Zoisite and Amy join them on the terrace, keeping a careful distance from Raven as they crept along the wall to join Raye and Jadeite.
"Oh, I'm not asking." Raven smiled as she looked directly at Amy and Zoisite. "Didn't you notice someone is missing? Two someones actually."
"Lita... Nephrite!" Raye said quickly as she turned to Amy who had turned pale.
"What did you do with them?" Fabian asked as Mina grabbed his arm, squeezing it to hold him back.
"If you want to see them again... alive... you'll do exactly as I say." Raven smiled as the fireworks began behind her, illuminating the skies, sending a wave of people from the ballroom outside to join them on the terrace. She stood immobile as clusters of people surrounded them, oblivious to the tension mounting between them.
"Starting with you little princess." Raven said as she turned to Mina who quickly lost all color in her face. Raven walked over to her, rudely pushing aside the nobles that stood in her way until she stood right in front of Fabian who didn't move from shielding Mina.
Raven's smile grew as her cold, dark eyes met Mina's. "I think we have a wedding to plan."