**apologies for the wrong chapter posted below is the new one!**

Part II: Chapter 16

Division

Kunzite shifted uneasily as his eyes began to droop. It was just after midnight and he was on watch… again. Darien had asked his generals to rotate watch over Fabian until he woke and it was Kunzite's unhappy task this night. He snorted as he watched the prince slumber before him, taunting him. He didn't relish the fact that Mina had visited twice, never speaking to him but rather opting to sit next to Fabian, holding his hand while he remained motionless. He had promised Darien that he would talk to her but he couldn't bring himself to. It was clear who she preferred.

Outside the window an owl hooted. Kunzite rose, stretching his back as it hooted again. He crossed the room to look out the window. The guard was changing below, taking their posts for the night at the palace gates. Their green uniforms nearly blended into the darkness, only the glint from their swords and helmets were visible through the window.

"Hmmm… mmm." A voice muttered behind him.

Kunzite swung around, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword. He could see Fabian's eyes fluttering open as he groaned, most likely from the searing pain of the burns on his shoulders. Kunzite had seen many wounds as a soldier, but the ones Idra had inflicted on Fabian had made him sick to his stomach.

"M… mina…" Fabian whispered as his eyes popped open fully.

"Yeah… Mina." Kunzite muttered as he sauntered over to Fabian. "You're alive then. I'm sure she'll be pleased."

"Where… where am I?" Fabian asked as his eyes took in his surroundings. The room was simple. A wall of cabinets holding medical supplies covered the wall by the single window. The rest of the room was bare except for the bed he was on and two chairs along the opposite wall.

"Earth. The royal palace." Kunzite said as he crossed his arms. "King Endymion has graciously allowed you to recover in his home until you are well enough to travel to Charon… and then be your brother the king's, problem."

"Nikko?" Fabian asked as he slowly pulled himself to a sitting position. "He's king now?"

"Yes." Kunzite replied gruffly, recalling that just the previous week news had reached the planet of the old king's sudden death. Nikko was crowned without as much fuss as Darien received, then again, Charon was insignificant to the galaxy.

"Where's Mina? Is she okay? Is she safe?" Fabian asked, wincing as he moved his torso towards the door. Pain gripped his features as he panted, nearly breathless from the sudden movement. He glanced at his bandaged shoulders, they were already saturated with blood from his actions.

"No thanks to you." Kunzite said bitterly.

"It is my fault." Fabian whispered as he attempted to swing his legs over the side of the bed. He wobbled dangerously and winced as his hands clutched the side of the bed to hold him steady, sending another ripple of pain across his aching shoulders. "I should've been there earlier. I should've stopped him from taking her. I couldn't even make sure she got out okay. I wasn't… I wasn't strong enough."

"I would've stopped him." Kunzite replied as he met Fabian's gaze. "I would never have let anyone hurt her."

Fabian paused as he stared at Kunzite. His features turned grim as he nodded. "I see your memories have returned. Does Mina know? Have you told her or have you been waiting for me to wake up to tell me she's gone back to you just to see my face?"

"My memories have returned." Kunzite admitted as his expression remained hard. "And you took full advantage of Mina while I was blinded. You took her from me, she was never your girl in the first place. You had no right—"

"What do you want from me Kunzite? Do you want me to apologize for taking her? She wasn't yours. She was mine from the beginning, even before you showed up. If I hadn't stayed on Charon you wouldn't even be a factor here." Fabian said as his brow furrowed. "Our attraction is real… and like it or not Kunzite, I love her. She chose to be with me, not you."

"We can settle this now." Kunzite said as his hand went to his sword with a snarl.

"STOP!" Mina's voice cut through the air.

Both men turned to face a red-faced Mina who was standing in the doorway to Fabian's room. Her hands were full of fresh bandages and a pitcher of water that immediately crashed onto the floor in her rage. The pitcher shattered, sending water spraying all over the floor and soaking the bottom of Mina's golden dress.

Kunzite released his hold on his sword as Mina's face grew redder and redder.

She stepped into the room, her two hands balled into tight fists as she glared at both of them. "What is wrong with you? With BOTH of you?" She asked. Her voice was low, just barely over a whisper, tinged with rage.

Fabian, if possible, turned paler as he attempted to stand. His knees wobbled dangerously as they touched the floor and nearly buckled under his weight. "Mina…"

"Stop talking. You've said enough." She spat at him as she then glared at Kunzite. "And you… you …." She struggled to find her words as her shoulders shook. Tears filled her eyes though the glare plastered on her face remained unchanged. "How could you?"

Kunzite felt his stomach drop as her attention turned to him. "Mina, I was going to tell you—"

"When? WHEN KUNZITE?!" She screamed as tears rolled freely down her cheeks. "When the Negaverse attacks or when I'm walking down the aisle to marry someone else?!"

Kunzite winced visibly at the mention of a marriage but he knew better than to change the topic. "Mina, if anyone has a right to be upset, it's me. We had something together on Earth and then when we were sent back you just forgot about me and moved on."

"Forgot about you?" Mina asked as her face, if possible, grew redder. "I was a stranger to you Kunzite! You wouldn't even speak to me and you pushed me off you like I was a plague. What did you want from me? Did you want me to follow you around like a lost puppy while our enemies continued to plot and attack? I've never been that girl Kunzite and I certainly am not now."

"You're blaming me for not remembering?" Kunzite scoffed as he shook his head. "You did nothing to bring back my memories. You left the planet and suddenly I hear you're with Fabian and you're all but engaged?" His voice cracked slightly as he trailed off, still shaking his head.

"You don't understand Kunzite. I did what I had to do to keep fighting." Mina said as she watched him. "I have made many sacrifices."

"Sacrifices?" Kunzite asked as he chuckled. "Courting Fabian and attending balls and parties really seems like a big sacrifice."

"You don't know what I did." Mina said as she inhaled deeply. "You don't know anything about the things I've had to do and all of the things I've endured."

"I may not know every wonderful detail of your courtship with Fabian but I know this: Zoisite remained plastered by Amy's side when he realized her memories were gone. Nehprite hasn't left Lita's now that they're reunited. I see real dedication between them to stay and be patient while the ones they love look at them like strangers. That's real love." He looked at Fabian and then at Mina as he took a deep breath. He crossed the room and stopped at the doorway, looking over his shoulder at a quiet Mina. "I guess that's my answer then. Why fight for someone who doesn't love you?" A cruel smile crossed his features as he shook his head. "I hope you two are happy together." He whispered and then disappeared down the dark hallway.

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Raye smiled as she walked down the long hallway of the Moon Palace to the gardens. Her heart was beating wildly against her chest as her heels clicked softly on the marble floors. It was all she could do to keep from picking up the skirt of her dress and running down to the gardens and to Jadeite.

"There is some pep in your step this morning." Mina commented as she joined Raye in the hallway. She took longer strides to keep up with her quick feet, her smile only growing as she saw Raye's smile grow.

"Jadeite promised to have breakfast ready in the gardens." She beamed. "Technically this is our honeymoon."

"Oh?" Mina asked, feeling a pang in the pit of her stomach. She was happy for her friend. Raye deserved to be happy even if Mina's relationship with Fabian and Kunzite had gone to hell. "How are the two of you doing?"

"Good. I'm really happy. I'm thinking this married thing isn't so bad." Raye admitted, knowing that her friend, like the rest of the scouts, were curious about how their marriage was going. She knew their quick engagement and secret wedding had surprised them. "And he is very …well, he's wonderful." She smiled.

"Yeah, he is." Mina agreed as they reached the gardens. "Everyone can see how much he loves you."

Raye grinned at her friend and reached to squeeze her hand. "How is Fabian? Is he recovering well?"

"He will go to Charon soon to finish healing and to help his brother. He is doing very well considering the damage Idra did to him. " Mina said softly as she thought of Fabian and all that he had done for her. His gruesome injury was completely her fault and when the moment had come for her to show her appreciation for him, Kunzite had crashed the moment.

"And Kunzite?" Raye bravely asked, knowing that it was a sensitive subject. When all of them had traveled from Earth to the Moon the ride had been uncomfortably quiet. It was clear something had happened between Fabian, Mina and Kunzite but none of them spoke of it.

Mina sighed, knowing the moment had finally come. She was glad it was Raye she was talking to and not Serena. "He remembers everything. He is … understandably upset." She felt her voice crack.

"Oh Mina." Raye whispered as her eyes grew. "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know… every choice seems wrong." Mina replied as her throat grew tighter, clogging with unshed tears. "Fabian has done so much for me and I care a lot for him…"

"But you don't love him." Raye answered for her as she stopped walking and stood before her friend. She reached over and laid her hand on her forearm. "You need to be honest with him."

Mina shook her head as her eyes began to sting. "I… I don't know. I could love him, we haven't been together that long—"

"Mina, did you ever tell Kunzite you loved him?" Raye asked as her dark eyes bore into Mina's.

Mina hesitated as she thought. No, she had never told Kunzite she loved him but she did tell Nephrite. Her blood ran cold at the thought. She was so confused. Was it impossible to care for both men? She felt tears trickle down her cheeks at the thought. What had she done? Was she being fair to either man?

"I think you're letting other factors get in the way." Raye commented as she watched her. "You know you don't love Fabian but he's done so much for you that you feel obligated to be with him. I know it may not seem that way but you know that it's true. What you need to think about is, aside from the things he's done and the danger he's put himself in, do you love him? Do you see yourself spending the rest of your life with him, or is that person Kunzite?

Mina grimly nodded as she looked across the gardens. Jadeite was waiting patiently at a little table among the moon roses. "I'll figure all of this out. It's my problem not yours." Mina whispered as she watched Jadeite wave at her. She politely waved back and gave Raye a little push. "Go, before your food gets cold."

Raye gave her one last smile as she took off down the rest of the steps, giddly meeting Jadeite's waiting arms.

Mina watched as they embraced. Jadeite's lips skipped along Raye's blushing cheeks and he led her to the table, politely pulling out her chair for her. She was happy that the two were doing so well again despite the fact that once Raye's parents realized their daughter was married, there would be hell to pay. Their relationship truly was a marvel, after so much they finally were together.

"Princess—" A guard interrupted her.

"Yes?" Mina asked as she jumped, turning to face him.

"Princess Serenity has asked you join her in the Queen's study." The guard said as he bowed to her. "I am to gather all of you."

"Give Raye a minute at least." Mina asked as she gathered her skirts in her hands to climb the steps back up to the hallway. "She deserves at least a few more moments of peace."

The guard nodded and left, venturing back into the palace followed by a silent Mina. She hastily dried her tears as they traveled. She walked into the Serenity's study, her mind racing over what news Serena had that couldn't wait until their training session.

Serena was pale as the white walls of the study, seated at her mother's desk clad in a dress of white silk. Her hair was neatly combed but loose, spread across her shoulders and down her back like a golden waterfall. Her eyes were on her hands which were set on the desk before her. She made no movement to acknowledge that Mina had just entered.

"Hey, what's going on?" Mina asked, noting that she was the first to arrive. She couldn't help but notice Serena's empty expression. "Everything okay?"

"No…" Serena whispered as her lip quivered. "Not at all."

Mina sank into a nearby chair, her brow furrowed with concern as she regarded her friend. "What happened?"

"I can't even begin…" Serena whispered as her hands went to cover her face.

Mina noted the diamond Darien had given her was back on her finger. She smiled, knowing that things were finally getting back on the right path with Darien and Serena reunited. Perhaps things were finally started to look up. Perhaps they were all worried over nothing. "I see you're back with Darien, congratulations."

"What?" Serena asked as her hands fell from her face. "How did you know?"

"The ring." Mina said simply as her smile grew. "Though you shouldn't be so stressed. You're a modern woman living in borderline medieval times. I say you and Darien make your own way in this universe. Who needs those silly rules…"

"Mother is gone." Serena blurted out as tears filled her eyes.

"Wha… what?" Mina asked as she felt her blood run cold.

"She's… gone." Serena said softly as her eyes fell back to her hands. "Raven… she came to the Moon last night. She was too happy. I should've known something was wrong. She was practically jumped with excitement when she said… when she said…"

"No." Mina said with a shake of her head. "No… it can't be true. Did you see Serenity? You can't trust the word of a treacherous b—"

"Serena!"

The balcony doors were open, letting in the fresh morning air with gentle gusts of wind strong enough to ruffle the bright white curtains. Mina watched as Darien entered the study from the balcony, his jaw set tightly and his expression grim. Jadeite, Raye, Zoisite, Kunzite, Fabian, Amy, Nephrite and Lita followed in from behind them. Amy rushed to her friend, taking into her arms as the tears flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks.

Zoisite, Nephrite, Jadeite, Kunzite and Darien all stood along the wall, watching Serena silently. The room fell quiet as Serena's cries cut through the air. She clung to Amy like a small child, sobbing onto her shoulder as her friend held her, smoothing back her hair as comfortingly as she could.

"What are we going to do about this?" Jadeite asked Darien as his hands went to his hips.

Kunzite nodded in agreement as he turned to face his king. "Only say the word Endymion and we will go to Saturn ourselves—"

"No!" Serena said as she emerged from Amy's embrace. "We can't go to Saturn."

"She's right." Darien said as he crossed his arms grimly. "Their borders are closed. If I sent any soldiers to the planet, King Albert would take that action as a declaration of war. I can't start any unnecessary fighting when we have to save our men for the fight against the Negaverse…"

"What about Barrick?" Zoisite asked. "He must have some part in this. Raven never had a problem with Serenity. She wouldn't kill her. It had to have been someone else."

"We can't rule anything out just yet." Darien commented as he leaned against the wall. "But one thing we do know is we can't trust Saturn and we can't trust Jupiter."

The room fell into silence, broken only by the sounds of Serena's sobs.

"No, let me handle Jupiter." Lita stepped forward towards Darien, casting one uneasy glance at Serena as she spoke. "It's my planet, and I think it's time I went home."

"No!" Nephrite protested as he jumped, "That's crazy Lita, Barrick has control of your uncle—"

"My uncle, not my people." Lita corrected as she sighed, turning to face Serena. "He'll lose control if I finally step forward and take the crown." She said, fighting the nerves that were building. "I never became queen when my parents died because I was too young. As steward, my uncle was put in charge until I came of age. My uncle agreed to take control only until I wanted to take over."

"Barrick will put up a fight." Darien interjected. "It won't be pretty."

"My own armies won't fight against me. My people won't be against me. I'm their princess, they'll support me." Lita said firmly.

"I'm going with you." Nephrite said to her without hesitating. "You need protection."

"We'll come too." Amy said as she took Zoisite's hand. "We'll help."

"What about Charon? Can we trust them?" Kunzite added as he turned to a silent Fabian.

Fabian, who had sunk into a chair by the window, suddenly sat up as everyone's eyes fell onto him. "I haven't seen my brother yet, but Lita, you've got my support, if it counts for anything."

"Someone needs to find the outer scouts and check on Uranus, Neptune and Pluto." Darien added with a look to Raye and Jadeite. "Can you two ... take your honeymoon out there?"

Raye and Jadeite nodded in unison as they linked hands. "Anything to avoid your parents." Jadeite whispered to Raye.

"I'll stay with Serena." Mina said as she walked to Serena's side and comfortingly placed her hand on her shoulder. "Father would die if I left the planet again. He's already sending an army of guards to make sure I'm not taken again. They could come in handy with so many of you off planet."

"Good." Darien commented as he turned his attention to Kunzite. "Stay with Serena, protect her until I can come back from Earth. I can't be gone too long. I'll be back and forth as much as I can."

Mina shifted uncomfortably as Kunzite nodded, his face expressionless. She could see Fabian's eyes narrow at the thought of Mina alone with Kunzite on the Moon but thankfully, he kept his comments to himself.

Serena nodded quietly as she wiped her face. "Thank you. I've got to get affairs in order here before the grand council meets at the end of the week. I'll be expected in mother's place."

"One week, we will all meet there then." Darien said as he looked at the scouts and generals in the room. "Are we agreed?"

There was a series of nods from everyone as everyone filtered out of the room, going to their own rooms to pack leaving Darien and Serena alone.

"One week." She whispered as she went to his arms. "It doesn't seem like a long time..."

"Not at all." Darien assured her as he wrapped his arms around her and planet a kiss on her forehead. "I'll try to visit before then. We are getting married, with or without their permission. We should start making the arrangements."

Her eyes brightened at the mention of their wedding and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You don't think it's true do you? Mother can't be... she can't."

"We will find out." Darien assured her as he pushed back her hair from her face tenderly. "I promise you. We will find Serenity."

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It was late. The Moon Palace was quiet, the only occupants still awake were a few members of the royal guard, walking their rounds in groups of two.

Fabian kept to the shadows as he moved through the palace, carefully avoiding detection. He worked his way down to the deserted gardens lit only by the light coming from Earth. He could've made the walk blindfolded. He knew the layout of the palace and the gardens like the back of his hand. He crossed down to the second level to join two other cloaked figures already waiting for him in silence.

"You're late." One said as he approached.

"It took longer to get past the guard, they've doubled their numbers since the news of Serenity's death." Fabian explained as he came to a stop.

The first individual turned, throwing back the hood of his cloak to reveal long white hair and deep lavender eyes. Nikko.

"Brother." Fabian said with a nod. "How is the life of a king treating you? Is it everything you'd hoped it be?" He asked bitterly.

"Of course not." Nikko scoffed. "Serena isn't by my side. Our father was murdered by our own brother and —"

"That's not why we're here." The third individual said, cutting off Nikko with a glare.

Fabian watched as she threw back the hood of her cloak, revealing the soft features of her face. She didn't need to. Fabian knew those deep red eyes and dark green hair well.

"Pluto." Fabian said, fighting the snarl in his voice. "Thanks for your assistance in rescuing Mina. " He said as his eyes flashed. "I nearly died."

"Sarcasm isn't becoming of you prince although if it makes any difference, I couldn't have assisted even if I wanted to." She explained as she withdrew her garnet rod from her cloak. "I have been reinstated. I watch the gates of time once more."

"Great." Fabian said as he crossed his arms. Though he was still angry with her, Pluto's eye would be tremendously helpful to them. "That look on your face doesn't seem to be relief. What have you seen?"

"Anything but." She said as she cast a weary glance at Nikko. "I have brought you two together to warn you—"

"Warn us? Won't you get into trouble again?" Nikko asked as his brow raised.

"Only if I directly interfere." She said softly as she stepped closer to them. "As you may have noticed we have been set on a different path than before. The Silver Millennium as we remember it has changed."

"What can you tell us?" Nikko asked, his expression grim.

"The Negaverse is still going to arrive within the year but they'll find their path is much easier this time. A war will rip through the galaxy before then." Pluto said carefully as her eyes went back and forth between Nikko and Fabian.

"A war? Between who?" Fabian asked.

"The entire galaxy." Pluto replied. "Barrick has already created the wedge that is sperating centuries old alliances between the planets."

Nikko cursed under his breath as Fabian looked back at the Moon Palace, remembering the news of Serenity from earlier. The windows were dark, only illuminated by the candles of passing guards on their rounds. "Trista, what can we do to stop it?"

"Enough Fabian." Nikko said as he gripped his temples between his fingers. "This is not our fight. It doesn't have to be."

"I have to protect them. I have to protect Mina." Fabian insisted as he watched his brother throw up his hands in frustration.

"Leave her! She doesn't want you. She never has!" Kunzite shouted as his eyes narrowed at his brother. "You were a filler for a man that she truly loved and now that his memories are back she'll drop you fast. Actually, I take that back, she'll linger for a while because of how guilty she feels ... that is until Kunzite's had enough—"

"Why does it bother you so much? You loved a woman that didn't love you back and yet you still fought for her... several times actually. You have no business telling me what I can and can't do!" Fabian shouted back as he drew himself up to his full height before his brother.

Pluto watched as the two glowered at each other, their fists clenched tightly waiting for the other to make the first move. They were eye to eye, perfectly similar in height but Nikko was fair and his brother dark. Though their eyes were different they held the same dangerous glint within them. "Enough." Pluto interrupted as she took a step towards them. "Nikko, your fate is different than that of your brother's."

Nikko snorted but didn't back down. "That woman will be the death of you." He whispered to his brother as his expression began to soften. "You and I are alike in that we are never enough. You try too hard Fabian, in the end you'll only make it more painful for yourself. People like Serena and Mina don't belong with men like us."

"What's wrong with being different? We went to the darkness same as the generals did, only we're stronger and we're royal." Fabian commented as his dark green eyes bore into his brother's.

"We're too different. Our powers, our strength, our lineage, hell we come from the other side of the galaxy. Take your pick of reasons why you and Mina won't work out, believe me, she'll find one. We belong to the darkness brother. We flourished there." Nikko said gruffly.

"We may have flourished, but we weren't happy." Fabian commented. "I've never been happier than I am when I'm with Mina. That counts for something. That makes it all worth it. I love her Nikko, and if I have to fight Barrick and the Negaverse for her, I will."

Nikko threw his hands up as he turned from his brother, cursing again under his breath as he shook his head. "Damn you and your feelings Fabian—"

"You have a choice to make." Pluto intervened as she watched Nikko. "Your decision now will impact the path for this war."

Nikko paused as his eyes flickered back and forth between Pluto and his brother. He still wanted to punch his brother for being so lovesick and idiotic but he had a point, he had done much for Serena. The only difference between his situation and Fabian's was that he didn't care if her friends lived or not. He only wanted her. "What do we need to do?" He finally asked Pluto, knowing that he would live to regret his words.

"Kill your half-brother." Pluto replied simply as she turned from them. "Though I shouldn't have to tell you how difficult that will be." She said as she spun her rod, opening a portal just a few feet from her, spinning above the ground.

"Wait!" Nikko called as she walked away. "We need to prepare. What else can you tell us? When will it start?"

"When?" She replied as she turned back to them just before the portal. Her dark red eyes settled onto his as her expression, if possible, grew grimmer. "About ten minutes ago." She pointed her rod at the palace which was suddenly flooded with light.

Fabian felt his blood run cold as a blood curling scream cut through the air.

"You should hurry." Pluto said as she stepped into the portal and disappeared.