Part II: Chapter 14

Reunited

Lita had left the celebratory ball, opting instead to wander the massive halls of the Earth palace. The planet wasn't so different from Jupiter. There were oceans and large mountains but Jupiter's oceans were deeper and the mountains much taller. The climate wasn't all dissimilar either. It would rain often to the point the planet felt practically tropical. The heavy clouds made the surface warm and humid but the nights were icy and cool. She loved it. She missed her home planet. She wanted to go home but Serenity had insisted she stay just a little bit longer. Lita had obliged but now, with representatives from her planet on Earth for Endymion's coronation she found herself wanting to return to Jupiter with them.

She pressed on, walking casually down long hall after long hall. The halls were mostly deserted, leaving her free to wander to parts of the palace that were usually full of people. Heavy, large portraits lined the walls, depicting Endymion's many ancestors and other notable figures within Earth's history. She marveled at the amount of crystal chandeliers that were present, cascading dancing lights on the walls and floors with each gust of wind from the open windows. The palace truly was beautiful and lavish. Raven may have been unpleasant, but she at least had good taste.

A large bang sounded at the end of the hall causing Lita to stop mid-step. She could hear shouting, growing louder as what sounded like several people, were running down the adjacent hall. She cautiously walked to the end of the hall and peeked around the corner. She could see Serena, her eyes wide in alarm. Before her Kunzite and another man she had never seen before were carrying a very bloody Fabian who was slumped between them. Behind them walked a dazed Mina, numbly following Serena who was shouting for a doctor.

Lita gathered her heavy pink skirts and rushed down the length of the hall. "Mina!" She shouted.

Mina's head snapped up at the sound of her name. She rushed to her friend, her eyes quickly filling with tears. "Lita! You're okay!"

"I'm so sorry." Lita whispered as she wrapped her arms around her friend, tears filling her own eyes. "I didn't know, I… I feel so guilty."

"No." Mina hushed as she held onto her. "You couldn't have known. It's not your fault."

"What happened to you? Are you okay?" Lita asked as their hug broke.

"It's Fabian." Mina's worried eyes followed Fabian who was being carried in a nearby room. Two doctors, still dressed in their tuxedos from the ball, rushed into the room after them. "He's badly hurt and it's all… it's all my fault. They only reason he was there was to save me." Her voice broke as she spoke.

Lita watched as Mina's bottom lip quivered. They could see into the room from where they were standing. Kunzite and the stranger had set Fabian down onto a long table. Serena was watching from a corner as the doctors pulled off Fabian's bent and charred armor. Blood covered his shoulders and most of his chest. They quickly set to work as Fabian grew paler and paler.

"What happened Mina?" Serena asked as she emerged from the room. She purposely blocked the doorway, keeping Mina from seeing what was happening behind her.

"He… he saved us." Mina whispered as she hastily brushed away her tears. "He saved all of us. They… they all did." She shook her head quickly, grasping to form what she had witnessed into words. Fabian was dying in front of her and the rest of the shadow warriors had likely faced a similar fate. All because of her.

"She's in shock." Lita commented with a look at Serena. "You should take her somewhere to relax. I'll stay here with them."

Serena pursed her lips but nodded as she took hold of Mina's shoulders and guided her down the hallway to her room.

Lita watched them until they rounded a corner before she turned back to the room. The two doctors were still at work. They had cleaned Fabian's wounds and were in the process of stitching a nasty gash on one shoulder. She walked over towards Kunzite and the stranger, keeping quiet as she watched the doctors work.

"Will he be okay?" She whispered to Kunzite.

"They won't say yet." Kunzite replied as he crossed his arms. "He's lost a lot of blood."

"I was wrong about him." The stranger commented as he numbly watched Fabian before him.

Lita turned to face the stranger. He was stunningly handsome. His wavy auburn hair was loose and hung down by his shoulders. His eyes were a rich blue. He stood almost as tall as Kunzite though he had a slimmer build. He seemed to sense she was watching him as his eyes turned to meet hers. She felt a jolt within her as their eyes locked. Was this Nephrite? Was this the man she had heard so much about?

"Lita." He spoke, cutting through the silence that had settled between them.

Kunzite uncrossed his arms, suddenly appearing very uncomfortable. "I'm going to let Endymion know what is going on." He muttered and quickly left the room.

"You're Nephrite." Lita replied as she suddenly began to feel self-conscious. She was still in her pink gown, the skirt full of intricate organza roses. The gloves on her arms suddenly felt very tight as a flurry of goosebumps rippled across her skin and her bare shoulders trembled.

"I am." He admitted. "And you… you look very beautiful tonight... princess." Nephrite commented as he gave her a respectful bow.

"Thank you." Lita replied as she smoothed out her skirts nervously. "Are you… are you hurt too?" She asked, noting the gash on his forehead, just below his hairline.

"It's just a scratch." He said with a shrug. "Fabian is more important right now."

"I think he's in good hands." Lita replied as she gestured to a nearby chair. "Let me see it."

Nephrite allowed himself to be steered onto the chair. He watched as Lita grabbed a cloth, soaked it in water and then walked to him. He felt her fingers brush against his skin as she pushed back his hair from his cut.

"It doesn't look too bad." Lita commented as she dabbed at the wound, cleaning it carefully.

Nephrite's eyes flickered upwards at hers but she grasped his chin and pulled his head back down.

"Sit still." She instructed as she continued to dab at his cut.

"Yes, princess." He replied with a grin.

"Thank you, for helping bring Mina back." She said after several moments of silence.

"I didn't do much." Nephrite admitted. "Fabian and the Shadow Warriors saved us."

"You were gone a long time." Lita commented. "I'm… I'm just glad you're back and safe."

"Me too." Nephrite replied. "I'm relieved to see you are safe as well, Mina told me that Queen Raven held you captive for some time."

"She did." Lita said as she finally finished and sat down next to him. "I am glad to be safe and getting back to my life. I want to go home soon."

"What awaits you there?" Nephrite asked casually as he watched her.

Lita hesitated. What did await her on Jupiter? Her uncle? Her tutors? Her few friends? To be honest, she hadn't thought of why she truly wanted to go home. On the Moon she felt like an outsider amongst Serena and the other princesses. She had similar sentiments on Jupiter. Perhaps she didn't fit in anywhere. "It's where I belong." Lita said finally. "I don't feel like I belong with the other girls. They all share a bond that is missing with me."

"That's not true." Nephrite said as he straightened in his chair. "You are very important to those girls … to all of us if I'm being honest. You need to give it time, your memories will return."

"I'm tired of waiting." Lita admitted as she shifted her weight in her chair. "What if I never get those memories back? What if, what if I'm not really meant to be with all of you?"

"Do you honestly believe that?" Nephrite asked as he turned towards her.

"I don't know." Lita admitted as their eyes met. She felt the familiar jolt that she experienced earlier. Was everything true? Did she once love this man? Had he been her husband in another life? "I feel like I don't know anything anymore." She whispered.

"Stay… please." Nephrite asked, never once breaking eye contact.

"They told me that you and I were together once." Lita said as she felt her heart racing faster and faster. "That we even married. Everyone — Serena, Raye, Amy, Jadeite, Zoisite and even Endymion told me how happy we were together and that… that we were deeply in love. Is it true?"

Nephrite hesitated as he studied her. She could see his eyes, still focused on hers, grow conflicted as he carefully considered his words.

"It's true." Nephrite admitted. "We were very happy together and yes, we loved each other. Lita, even if you don't remember me, I remember everything. I still… I still love you." He reached for her hand as he spoke.

Lita's gaze flickered down to his outstretched hand that was mere inches from hers. Bravely, she lifted her shaking hand and laid it down in his. His fingers closed around hers gently. His touch was warm and soothing. The goosebumps on her arms slowly dissipated as her racing heart began to slow. "I don't want to be a disappointment to you Nephrite." She whispered as she lifted her eyes to meet his again. "What if I never get those memories back?"

"You're still the Lita I fell in love with." Nephrite assured her as he squeezed her hand. "I'd wait forever for you if I had to."

Lita felt her cheeks flush as he spoke. She could feel his eyes on her, taking her in as her gaze fell to their hands. "I… I don't know what to do." She stammered.

"Stay." He urged as he studied her. "Stay … with me."

Lita inhaled sharply as he spoke. She could feel the sincerity of his words. His touch alone sent fireworks down her spine. She believed everything ever told to her about him in that moment. Was he truly as wonderful as her friends described? "I… I…" She stuttered as her eyes lifted back to his. "Is it so crazy that I want to say yes?"

He grinned as twinkle settled in his eye. "No…"

"He okay?" Endymion asked as he appeared in the doorway. His eyes were on Fabian, now surrounded by three doctors who were still patching him up.

"He should be okay." One of the doctors replied. "Though he'll have some nasty scars."

"Good, I'll set a guard to watch him." He said as he turned to Nephrite. "Nephrite! You're okay!"

Nephrite stood and bowed to his king before meeting him in a tight hug.

"Thank goodness!" Endymion said as he breathed a deep sigh of relief. "Our team is incomplete without you. Are you okay? What happened?"

"I'll tell you everything." Nephrite assured him as he cast one last glance at Lita. "But first, know that Jupiter is under Barrick's control."

"Damn." Endymion whispered as he glanced behind him at the hallway that led to the ballroom. "So the rumors are true, Jupiter is compromised."

"Not only that, I did hear one thing while I was Barrick's prison." Nephrite continued as his gaze intensified. "Your mother is on Saturn… and so is Serenity."

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Serena closed the door to her room quietly. Mina was asleep on her bed, having taken a bath and a strong sleeping pill to help her rest. Serena had sent a message to Venus, alerting the king that his daughter was safe. Now, as relief washed over her, she sank into a chair in the hall, sighing as her racing heart slowed. She could still hear the music from the ball, wafting down the hallway to her. The ball was still going strong though it felt as if midnight was nearing.

She felt a pang in her chest at the thought of Darien, still dancing with other princesses. Did he even notice she was gone? He never came after her when she left the ball. She had remained alone in the gardens with only Kunzite for company until Mina, Nephrite and Fabian appeared. Now several hours had passed and still, he had not come.

She felt her eyes begin to sting as she laid back against her chair, resting her head against the wall as she closed her eyes. Amara's words still rang in her ears. Raven had made sure that a marriage with Darien would be nearly impossible when she left. Why else would she have disappeared? Could she give up the moon to be with Darien? Would she still be Sailor Moon?

"How is she?" Kunzite asked as he quietly approached Serena, his lavender eyes rimmed with concern.

"Better. She's resting now. I've already written to her father, I'm sure he will arrive tomorrow." Serena replied softly as she cast a glance at the door to the bedroom.

"Good to hear." Kunzite remarked as he took a seat next to her. "I'll keep watch over her tonight. I don't think she should be alone. Barrick took her once, he could show up again."

"Thank you." Serena said as she felt a smile tug at the corner of her mouth. It was remarkable how even without his memories, Kunzite was still drawn to Mina. The urge to protect her still lingered as if an invisible force was still present, clinging to the past memories he no longer had.

"Something still troubles you." Kunzite said as he watched her. "Are you ready to talk about it?"

Serena shifted uncomfortably in her seat as he spoke. Was Kunzite actually asking her about her feelings? "I fear you may be biased." She admitted.

"It must be about Endymion then." Kunzite grinned as he put his hands on the back of his head and leaned against the wall. "Why don't you try? You might be surprised."

"I... I can't marry him." Serena whispered as she felt her throat begin to close, heavy with tears.

Kunzite's hand dropped to his side as he sat up, his eyes wide. "Wh... what?"

"If we marry one of us would have to give up our kingdom." She whispered. "Either I leave the Moon or he leaves the Earth."

Silence fell between them as Kunzite studied her. Serena felt tears roll down her cheeks as she shut her eyes. "It just feels like the universe doesn't want us to be together. After everything, maybe our story is only meant to be a tragedy, no matter how many chances we get." She whispered.

"That's absolutely ridiculous." Kunzite replied as he crossed his arms. "Endymion isn't going to let you go so easily and I thought you loved him. Why are you giving up now?"

"I can't let him give up Earth." Serena said as she angrily wiped away her tears. "It's no wonder his people want him to find someone else. I'm sure he hasn't even realized I'm not at the ball."

"Princess..." Kunzite spoke as he turned to face her, his jaw set firm. "Endymion is like a brother to me. I can tell you that I've never seen him look at any other woman like he looks at you. You needn't be worried that his eye would wander. He only sees you. He loves you, he'd do anything to be with you."

"That's the problem." She whispered as her voice broke. "He would sacrifice so much just for us to be together... but Kunzite, I can't let him do that." She glanced down at the ring in her finger. The diamond caught the glint of the light cascading from the chandelier above them and sparkled beautifully as her fingers moved. She pulled it off reluctantly and held it in her hand. "I should go... I need to go." She said quickly as she stood.

"Princess—" Kunzite said as he got to his feet, shaking his head. "Don't do this, it'll destroy him."

"His people need him. I can't be selfish." She replied as she went to Kunzite and dropped the ring into his hand. "I love him too much to let him give up anymore for me."

Kunzite stared at the ring that sat on his palm as Serena gathered her skirts in her hands. "Take care of him Kunzite." She whispered before she hurried down the hall, her shoulders heaving with sobs as she ran.

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Raye fussed over the hem of her skirt. It had snagged on her trip down the stairs and now the hem of her gown was buckling, hanging lower than the other. It was a simple gown of white silk, a color she generally never wore. The bodice was sleeveless but rimmed with violet beads that shimmered. The skirt was heavy and long, cut perfectly to shape her slender hips before sprouting around her knees elegantly, kissing the floor. She wore no jewelry except for the necklace Jadeite had given her, bearing his family crest. The necklace was tucked into the top of her dress with only the chain visible around her neck. Her long ebony hair was down and loose beneath a simple diamond and amethyst tiara that held strands of hair back from falling into her face. A cluster of flowers from the temple of Kuya were gathered in her shaking hands. The shades of purple and violet perfectly matched the beading of her dress and the jewels in her tiara.

She needed today to be perfect. The time had finally come. She had hardly slept the night before, scared that if she went to sleep she'd wake to find everything a dream. Instead here she was, on her way to the gardens of Earth just as the sun was to rise, ready to marry the man she was madly in love with.

Jadeite.

She felt her heart racing faster and faster as her feet carried her down one hall after another, headed towards the south end of the palace to reach the gardens. She had whispered to Serena the night before of her intentions and she was certain the news would've reached the other girls by now. It was important to her that they attend. She didn't need a large, lavish wedding like Darien and Serena were planning. She was a girl of simple taste. She wasn't sure who else would be waiting outside, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was that finally… after so many lifetimes, she and Jadeite would finally be together.

A smile tugged at the corner of her red lips as she finally reached the gardens. The rich navy sky had begun to turn a brilliant violet as the sun began its ascent into the morning sky. She could feel the cool morning breeze chill her bare shoulders. She lifted her skirts into her hands as she reached the stone steps to the garden. She carefully tiptoed down to the gardens, feeling her smile grow larger and larger as she approached a small gathering of people.

She could see all of the scouts and generals waiting for her. They all turned to smile at her as she approached. She could see the generals mixed in with them. Nephrite stood stoically beside a smiling Lita, his hand resting against her shoulder. Zoisite and Amy were linked arm and arm, grinning from ear to ear at her. Kunzite stood behind Mina who despite having just returned from her prison, was beaming at her friend. Michelle and Amara stood across from them, happily waving at her while Darien stood beside them, his jaw set firm. His deep blue eyes were cloudy and dull, a stark contrast to his expression just the previous night. She glanced around again, her eyes searching for Serena but didn't see her amongst her friends.

Her concerns melted away as she caught sight of a man at the end of the garden. At the end of the stone pathway, beneath the great oak tree of the garden, stood Jadeite. He wore a sharp gray tux. His short blond hair was brushed and styled back, perfectly framing his slender face.

Raye watched as his features curled into a brilliant smile as his eyes caught hers. She could see his perfect, emerald eyes, shimmering with excitement as she walked down the long path to finally meet him beneath the branches of the tree. Their hands locked just as a flock of birds passed overhead.

"Raye… you look so… beautiful." Jadeite whispered to her as he squeezed her hands.

Raye felt her cheeks flush though her gaze never left his. "Jed…" She trailed off as the sun began to rise, turning the sky from violet to a vibrant red. "We should've done this a long time ago."

"Perhaps, but finally the time has come. Are you ready?" He asked as he lifted her hands to his lips.

Raye shivered as she felt his lips brush against the back of her knuckles. "Yes." She answered.

Darien stepped forward, standing just behind them at the base of the tree. "As I am now king, I have the power to join the two of you, if it's still what you wish?"

"Yes." Raye said firmly without hesitating.

Jadeite nodded, keeping his gaze on Raye. "We're ready."

Darien nodded in acknowledgment as he turned his attention to the small crowd before them. "Thank you for coming to witness the union of one of my best friends, Jadeite… to another great friend, Raye. Throughout our lives… on Earth and during the Silver Millennium I have seen the two of you find each other. If there are two people in this galaxy that were made for each other, it's Raye and Jed."

Raye felt her smile grow as Darien spoke. She could hardly concentrate on anything he said. All she could focus on was the feel of Jadeite's fingers intertwined with hers. Her gaze never broke his as Darien continued.

"Jadeite, do you have the ring?" Darien asked.

"Yes." Jadeite replied as he reached into his pocket. He withdrew a small silver ring. A simple princess cut diamond sat on the band. It caught the rays of the morning sun and sparkled beautifully.

Raye felt her eyes begin to sting as Jadeite took the ring and slipped it onto her finger. It was a perfect fit.

"I've been wanting to do this for a long time Raye." Jadeite whispered as he glanced down at the ring on her finger. "Even though I'm not a prince, I'm not from a noble family and I don't have a lot of money, I can promise to always be faithful and true to you. Making you happy will be my one true goal from today… and for the rest of our lives. I love you."

Raye felt tears stinging her eyes as she felt pride swell within her. She had never felt more in love with Jadeite than she did in this moment. All of her worries melted away as he spoke. So what if her parents wouldn't approve? Who knew how much time they would have together? She made a promise to herself that she would spend her time with him to the fullest.

"Raye?" Darien asked as his attention to her.

"Oh yes…" She turned towards Amy who scrambled in the pocket of her dress for a full ten seconds before withdrawing a silver ring. She dropped it into Raye's hand with a beaming smile.

Raye took the ring and slipped it onto Jadeite's finger. "I'm sorry for making you wait this long Jadeite. I've been nothing but resistant to you from day one. I never could admit that from the moment I saw you, I knew you would be special to me." She felt a tear trickle down her cheek as she spoke. She could feel her body tremble as Jadeite's gaze softened. "I've never been able to share my feelings with anyone before I met you. You bring out the best in me and … I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Well then, there's not much else to say except that you are now man and wife." Darien stated as he watched Raye and Jadeite. The cloudiness in his eyes remained unchanged as he regarded them. His expression was pained, as if watching them together was causing him anguish.

The scouts and generals in attendance all broke out into cheers and light applause as Jadeite finally took Raye into his arms and kissed her.

Raye chuckled into his lips as his arms wrapped around her, lifting her up from the ground. She felt him spin her around as a shower of flower petals fell onto them, thrown by Lita and Amy who were cheering loudly.

On the roof of the palace, Barrick stood silently watching the scene below. He could see the scouts celebrating, all of them hugging each other and congratulating the new couple.

"That makes two." Idra commented as she approached Barrick. She glanced down at the gardens with a casual shrug. "Serena and Darien are up next."

"Maybe… maybe not." Barrick commented as he turned from the gardens. "My spies have gathered some new information. It seems the moon princess has finally realized she can't marry him without giving up her kingdom. While her friends are here celebrating, she has returned to the moon. Alone."

Idra's eyes lifted in surprise at his words as she glanced down at Darien, who could no longer watch the couple before him. He turned and walked back down the stone path to the palace, alone. "Well, the plot thickens." She said with a smile.

"On the contrary, this complicates things." Barrick commented. "If the moon kingdom doesn't fall to Serena then we've got a complication we don't need. Serenity is already stuck on Saturn. If Raven does her job, and kills her, we need Serena to take over."

"What about the Shadow Warriors?" Idra inquired as she crossed her arms. "They all escaped. They know we've taken over Jupiter. They were able to infiltrate our base once, they'll do it again."

"Oh, I don't think they'll bother us anymore." Barrick grinned. "If you didn't kill Femi, she's close to death. Your sister isn't likely to come again and Nikko is most certainly back on Charon since daddy isn't there to rule anymore. That means there's just one obstacle left…"

"True." Idra smiled as she twirled her staff. "The scouts and generals are all in the gardens. Serena is gone. Fabian's alone inside. Shall I take care of him?"

"I'll do it myself." Barrick said as his features turned into a cruel grin. "Then I think it's finally time I visit the moon and see the princess. I think it's time for a reunion."