Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon, it belongs to Naoko Takeuchi. I fully own my original character Lucy.
Key
"Speaking"
Thoughts/Memories/Premonition/Dream
"Speaking in Another Language"
Thoughts in Another Language
Lunarian
"The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them."
Ernest Hemmingway
~ Chapter 13 ~
~ Such the Sun, the Moon ~
The morning gave way to day, and with it the group of friends went their separate ways, promising to keep in contact and meet up later that day. Lucy and Usagi, dressed in civilian clothes already, decided to wait that evening for sleep and instead go out for breakfast and spend the day out. Luna and Artemis returned to the Command Center, Ryū tagging along with the two young women.
"Lu," Usagi hummed when they were halfway to a small diner, clearly nervous about the admission she was going to give her calm sister, "I just realized we need to stop by home to get our purses. We didn't bring them last night."
Instead of freaking out, Lucy simply stopped walking, patted the sides of her dress, and rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Of course. The one time we go out to eat we forget our allowances." She glanced up at Ryū. "I'm sorry, we really have to go back home. You don't ha–"
"I'd like to come, actually," he cut her off, rushing to add at her look. "It's fine, really. I like you, remember? That kind of validates me coming with you."
"Well if you're fine with it!" Usagi jumped it, pushing Lucy closer to Ryū when it was obvious the brunette was going to argue the point.
Lucy herself was quick to step back, face warm. She rounded on Usagi. "You pushed me." She said it as the fact it was. To which to blonde didn't deny it with a nod and grin. "Why?"
"I was aiming to move you out of the way. Pushing you into Ryū-kun was a happy accident."
"Happy–" Lucy turned away, already routing the way home mentally. "Nope. Usa, I am going to ignore the 'happy' bit of that comment. You intentionally did it."
"That too!" Chirped Usagi, keeping step with Lucy. She looked back at Ryū who seemed as red as Lucy. The Senshi of love and justice grinned. "You coming?"
"Y–" He swallowed thickly, following hurriedly. "Yes."
The walk was relatively uneventful, Lucy keeping her eyes firmly ahead as she talked with Usagi and shared a few words with Ryū, her blush taking longer to dissipate than usual. After learning and hearing her past, she felt freer than before, less constricted and more open. Which entailed Ryū and how she liked him. And it wasn't a question of how much he liked her– it was obvious with how he had tried since they met to make her fall for him– but it was telling him and being willing for the relationship.
Usagi being Lucy's sister entailed knowing and understanding this, but still wanting to hurry along the process like all eager, big sisters did. Lucy wished she wouldn't try to.
"So should we go in the front door or sneak in through the window?" Usagi asked with a clear, thoughtful look, truthfully contemplating the choices. "Mama will ask when we left, which entails lying, while the window is annoying climbing into when tired, but we could head downstairs and them know where we are in case something happened."
Lucy raised an eyebrow. "You've been thinking about this, haven't you?"
"Of course I have!" The blonde replied matter-of-factly. "I'm clumsy, and have trouble in school, but I'm not stupid."
"Never said you were, Sere." Placated the brunette softly, look and smile melding into gentleness. "It's just unusual, is all. You thinking this deeply on something so small is unusual."
"I used to all the time," Usagi look up at the pale, brightening sky in longing, Moon hanging on the edge of the skyline as a pale reminder of where the two hailed from once upon a time. "Setting traps to get to Earth and the best ways to get away without lying or getting caught."
"I remember those times. My home became quite the hotspot for you two once you told me who you were." Ryū huffed, eyes warm in mischief and remembrance.
"Aider and abetter of runaway princesses is a more fitting title than a lord of earth." Mused Lucy quietly, lips quirking. Beside her Usagi giggled, bumping shoulders with a wide grin spread, eyes darker with pinpricks of moonsilver when she looked at her sister.
The man's dry look seemed to say all to that before a ghostly smile cracked open, matching the brightness of his earth eyes, showing he agreed wholeheartedly. He reached out, taking her nearest hand, fingers interlocking together. A warmth settled deep in her at his touch, shoulders easing back, whole body softening.
Usagi noticed the moment it happened, as perceptive to Lucy as Lucy was to her, and raced ahead, slipping into the backyard. Lucy was thankful for that, sure that if Usagi had stayed that something stupid would have happened in an attempt to not let this become awkward in front of the blonde.
"Lucy," Ryū reached forward, taking a stray strand to brush it back, hand sliding down to hold her cheek. Her eyes slipped closed, leaning into the hand dusted with small callouses, hiding the tinged silver eyes she now owned. Lucy turned her face, lips pressing to the center of Ryū's palm. In reply, his breath tightened in his chest, having never thought to see her do that ever again, the last time being when they were older and married.
When he didn't speak, her eyes, much paler than a few minutes ago, opened to look. He stared at her, mouth popped open in the smallest of o's, longing clear. Her lips moved, spreading into a bigger smile. They formed a name, it old and freshly remembered. "Drakon," she whispered in soft favor, "what did you want to say?"
The breath left him in a rush, arms moving, one around her waist to pull her closer, other to hold the back of her head, fingers threading through the soft locks. Ryū leaned down, lips pecking the corner of her mouth, shifting up to touch her forehead, nose burying in her hair. Lucy's arms lifted, hands locking tightly on the elbows, lifting onto her toes.
"Phoibe," he breathed into her hair, "I've waited a long time to see you again, to hold you again, and I'm never going to let you go, not again, not as long as there are stars in the sky."
Her breath caught at the admission, memories thick on her lashes. She buried her face in his shoulder, tensed to hold back her sudden need to cry. Her memories were vast, both sweet and painful concerning him, ripping at her heart. Her exhale was slow, gathering her words to speak. When she did, they came out slow, deliberate.
"I will never let you go, either. This time, I'll reach for you, and I won't let go."
Ryū leaned down and, for a moment, Lucy thought he would kiss her, but instead he brushed her cheek. It was just as well, too, because Lucy also thought she wasn't ready to be kissed, even if a small peck, which she happened to be right about.
"Lucy, I l–"
Usagi came running out the door to them, holding their purses, grinning. "Okay! Got our money and told Mama and Papa where we're going."
Slowly, Lucy eased out of Ryū's hold, taking her purse and placing it over her shoulder. She grinned at Usagi, blush bright on her cheeks. Usagi's own grin was warm, eyebrows raised in the silent, "Any details?"
The responding blush and squeal was amazing.
Breakfast was an easy thing. All three talked, joked, and laughed. The sister's got to know Ryū further and he them, Usagi spoke of her childhood, Ryū of his, and Lucy of her first year with the Tsukinos. They laughed, throwing out jokes they knew, complaining over school, reminiscing on times pass.
After they parted ways, pay split in two, the sisters made way toward the park, a soft, vaguely husky voice sighing into Lucy's ear half-way there, Lord Drakon has changed little. Charismatic and caring as ever.Lucy sucked in a sharp breath, looking over her shoulders in alarm. Usagi didn't notice, a little ahead and skipping, humming.
Don't talk so loudly, Asteria. Another voice joined in with gentle admonishment, airy and fragile like a baby bird's new wings. She will hear you.
You two shouldn't talk at all, simply sigh and Lady Phoibe will hear you, hanging off her ears as you do. An older, matron voice spoke, exasperation clear. And hear you she has. And, here Lucy didn't know how she knew but she did, the voice directly addressed her, calm. Lady Phoibe, you may not yet remember me, but I am Hecate, the furthest star of Orion's Belt.
Oh, fiddles!The baby bird voice murmured. Well, it can't be helped. My Lady, I am Leto, the middle star of Orion's Belt.
Princess, I have missed you so, and I am the far left star of Orion's Belt, Asteria.
We are your loyal sightseers.
"Usagi?" Lucy's voice was a little high pitched, mind a jumble. She must have lost her mind or something along those lines. She was hearing voices in her head. That's terrifying.
In a moment, Usagi had returned to her sister's side, eyes clear in worry. "What is it?"
"I'm… I'm hearing voices." Her voice dropped low in a hiss, eyes wide, fidgeting uncomfortably. Usagi blinked, taken aback by the words, mouth opened to reply before she'd even thought.
We are not just voices, Princess Phoibe. We are the items you wear. I am your right earring, and I your left, and I your Moon barrette.
"Oh my god. You just turned white. You're not kidding. You're not–" Usagi whispered, grabbing Lucy's elbow, pulling her back towards the Game Center. "Luna may know something."
"I hope she does."
The two headed down the street, Lucy steadfastly ignoring the soft murmurs in the background in her mind. It sound muffled, as if the voices had walked away into another room, talking to the wall she was on the other side of. It rubbed Lucy the wrong way, and her memories nagged at her but she couldn't seem to piece this part together, the shards just out of reach.
"What are– what are the voices saying?" Usagi asked, faltering slightly, unsure of whether it was okay to ask about it.
"They're not talking to me anymore." Lucy replied, brow furrowing. "It's like they moved into another room and are muffled now."
"What did they say?"
"They introduced themselves."
"And who– what are they?"
"My earrings and hair clip. I think they said their names were Leto, Asteria, and Hecate."
"What is our life?" Usagi mumbled, pushing open the glass door of the Game Center. The bell jingled, and Motoki poked his head from the back, waving. "Morning, girls!"
"Morning!" Both replied, going straight into the game room.
There was no one in the game room, the games all running through their previews, waiting patiently to be played. Usagi looked down at the controls to the Sailor V game, mumbling the code to get in, unsure if she remembered it correctly. Lucy couldn't think of it at all, Luna having never let her see it.
Lady Phoibe, Hecate spoke up, making Lucy jerk in shock, the code is left, left, down, left, right, jump, jump, and a press of the start button.
"Usa, let me try." Lucy reached for the console, repeating the moves exactly as Hecate had instructed. The machine slid back to reveal stairs the two moved down.
"Hey, when did Luna show you?"
"She didn't. Hecate told me."
"Huh." The blonde had a thoughtful look. "I don't think they're threats if they're this helpful."
Of course we aren't! Asteria cried. Why ever would we hurt you or those who are of good?
"Me neither," Lucy agreed, ignoring the star's indignation.
"Girls, what are you doing here?" Luna asked when they came in. Artemis was beside the cat, curious. He bowed to them. "I thought you'd be off around town."
"Well, we were going to the park…" Usagi trailed, looking to Lucy who went on, "but, uhm, something happened. My earrings started talking. Hair clip, too."
I believe the term is barrette, Hecate murmured. I used the word earlier.
"Fine, barrette." Lucy sighed, not planning to change it.
Luna, if was humanoid, would have her eyebrows hiked to her hairline. Instead, she just seemed to imply that facial expression. "Do their names happen to be Leto, Asteria, and Hecate? Did they state themselves to be stars?"
"Yes," Lucy agreed, walking closer. "Are they really good?"
Luna dipped her head, purring softly in delight. "The three were your companions during the Silver Millennium. They spoke to you, and you to them. While the common language we spoke was said to be of the Stars, you truly spoke their language of galaxy-speak. Serenity did as well."
"Are you saying that what I'm hearing are literal stars?"
"Yes. Once you remember, eventually you can speak it too. You could hold entire conversations with them and not one of us would understand." Artemis joined, giving a low bow. "It's an honor to meet you finally, Princesses."
Her sister smiled at the cat, bending to pick Artemis up, scratching him under the chin. "I thought we already made introductions, Artemis."
"Lucy-chan, talk with me." Luna asked, walking away from the elder princess and white feline. Lucy followed, sitting down at the command console. Luna jumped up so as to sit level with the young woman. "What have the stars said to you?"
"They introduced themselves after startling me."
"And how did they startle you? When?"
"It was when Usa and I parted with Ryū after breakfast. They were talking about what he was like back during the Silver Millennium." Fidgeting, she looked away. "I thought I was going crazy."
You certainly are not. Leto soothed, voice sweet and balmy. If you were, we wouldn't let it last.
The brunette huffed, grumbling, "Good to know…"
Of course, was the snarky reply with an, Asteria, do not be rude!
"I suppose they are talking to you?" Luna inquired, gaze knowing.
Lucy jumped, giving a quiet cough, coming back into the moment. Luna nodded, moving down the console.
"It will take time to adjust to them being present, always just out of reach. It'll pass in time, and then you'll be able to do things with them while talking with others simultaneously." Luna purred again, a proud glimmer in her eyes. "You are remembering fast, which is good. Everyone's memories are returning, but slowly. It will be sometime before I completely know myself, or Usagi know herself, or any of us."
She is right, Lady Phoibe. And if you'd like, we can further help you to remember. But only if you want us to do so.
"Let me think on it," Lucy told them, watching Usagi come over with Artemis at her feet.
Usagi tilted her head, curious. "What did Luna say about the stars?"
"They're good, and only you and I can understand them."
"That's so cool!" Usagi grinned, stepping closer. "How do I hear them too?"
If she wears one of us, Hecate explained. She will then hear all of us. It is not the same for the others.
Lucy unclasped Leto, holding her out to Usagi. "Here, put Leto on." Usagi did so, eyes widening in excitement when the star introduced herself. "Did she say anything?"
"Yeah!" The rabbit jumped. "I like her. Oh, hello, Asteria, Hecate."
"Why not you two go on out, get to know your new companions while in the sun?" Artemis suggested, watching in amusement as Usagi went on with the stars, asking questions and explaining things.
"Good idea. C'mon, Lu," Usagi grabbed her sister's hand as laughter rung in her ears. "I'm in the mood for ice-cream, how about you?"
You just ate breakfast! There's always time for ice-cream, Hecate. Don't be a spoilsport. Not when it's cold outside, Asteria. You two ruin all the fun.
The sisters stared at each other, then began to laugh. "Okay, maybe when it's lunchtime," Lucy conceded as the stars continued to quietly bicker among themselves.
They headed for the park, talking to each other and the stars. Usagi returned Lucy's earring, putting her own back on. At the park, they mostly sat, watching people and softly talking to each other.
It was peaceful.
Ryū took Kohaku's knight, grinning as the monkey gaped, making a sound of shock in the back of his throat. Tomoko laughed from the counter, reading a passage from her text book, watching them from the corner of her eye. Hisao was off today, clearing the air of the typical tension left between the two blonds, much to the monkey's and witch's delight.
"That wasn't fair!" Kohaku whined shamelessly, pouting.
"Chess isn't meant to be fair." Ryū reminded. "It's meant to be tricky and underhanded."
"Still wasn't fair…"
Before Ryū could stop himself, he mumbled, "I wonder what your basis for comparison is."
"What was that?" Golden eyes turned from the checkered board to his friend.
"Nothing, talking to myself." The monkey wrinkled his nose. "Exactly. Don't fall in love, you'll go crazy."
"Already went crazy." He muttered, moving his bishop. Tomoko winced in sympathy as Ryū frowned. "Sorry. That wasn't very funny."
"Kohaku, as much as I love you," Tomoko sighed, closing the book and sliding it into a hidden nook, "that was disturbingly wrong."
"Why not we finish this game and then go harass Daisuke? He could use the company at the university." Ryū recommended, seeing a break in the monkey's defenses and stealing it. "Man must be driving himself crazy grading all those papers and preparing for the flood entrance exams."
"He can show me a couple more chi moves too!" Tomoko chirped, gray-blue eyes bright in excitement. "I'll go grab my things while you destroy his forces."
"Tomo, what do you– aww, Ryū!"
It wasn't until later, as he listened to Daisuke lecture Kohaku for jumping off the roof onto his back to surprise the man, he remembered something important. Something very important that Lucy needed to know right away, knowing her stars wouldn't tell her and not wanting to see her look of devastation he'd seen before.
"Shit!" He rose from his seat, running from his friend's office without second thought.
"Ryū!" Daisuke called, raising from his seat even as Tomoko put up a hand to stop the green eyed scholar. He turned to the pale woman, confused, "What's wrong?"
"He remembered something important." She said simply, turning on the desk. "Tell me more about chi energy."
He found her at the Crown Game Center, just about to enter. The man grabbed her hand, stopping her from moving further. She turned to him, alarm clear.
"Ryū? What's up?"
"I need to talk to you. Privately." He didn't even look at Usagi or Minako, face solemn. "It's important."
For a moment, she looked ready to tell him to go ahead and say it, that whatever it was, her friends could hear it too. She cocked her head, listening to the stars, maybe the levelheaded Hecate, Lucy nodded.
"Okay. Come on." She nodded her head down the street. "Tell me while we walk."
His smile was breathtakingly sincere. "Thank you."
"I'll be back in a few." She waved off her sister and friend. "Don't wait up, okay?"
"Of course!" Usagi grabbed Minako's hand, dragging her into the Game Center before the honey blonde could protest. It was in that moment Lucy noticed just how many blonde's she was surrounded with, which was quite a few. The younger princess shrugged it off, following after Ryū.
"What's worrying you?" She questioned when they got a little ways from the arcade. "You don't usually come running up like that unless it's something major."
Might as well come out with it directly. "Kunzite is being controlled."
The brunette wrenched back as if she was stun, feet stopping, staring like he'd grown a three more heads. "The man who tried to kill my sister and stole her boyfriend, that Kunzite? The exact one who helped destroy Silver Millennium and its peace?"
Careful, Lady Phoibe. Hecate murmured. He is being truthful.
"I don't believe it." She replied roughly, glaring. "Him and the others are evil, just as bad as Queen Beryl."
"They were being controlled by Queen Beryl's higher up." Ryū went on, willing her to listen, reaching for her hands. When she pulled further away, shaking her head, he took her shoulders, pulling her back. She turned her head away. "They doubted Endymion, and you, and Serenity, and Silver Millennium for a moment and it was their downfall. You know it's true. You talked with them all the time."
"You're lying." She spat, shoulders hunching up to her ears. "They– they were dark from the beginning, but I didn't see it."
You really should listen, my Lady. I don't recall Lord Drakon ever lying to you, Princess. Been rude to protect you, but never lied.
"Listen to what they're saying." Ryū urged quietly, searching her faraway gaze as it returned to right here and now. "I don't know what they're saying, but listen to them, please."
"You know about them?" Her voice was accusatory.
"Yes. I didn't know when they'd wake up though, so I never said anything." He confirmed. "And please, they know so much more than me, listen to them. Please."
Lady Phoibe, things could end terribly if you don't. Listen to us. Please.
"Fine." Lucy agreed after a long, hard think, relaxing her shoulders lightly. She still wasn't completely convinced, it clear in her gaze. "I'll listen, but only if you tell me why you're doing this."
Ryū breathed in relief. "That is all I need." He straightened, hand sliding down to her elbows. "And I'm telling you because I remember how crushed you were upon finding them on the other side of this battle. I can't let it stand. I hate seeing you so upset."
A blush bloomed across her cheeks. Her eyes turned away from him, biting her lip. Lucy glanced at him and nodded slowly, silently telling him to tell her what was going on.
"You need to get the gem off his brow." He told her. "Kunzite started to remember, and it's what made him take Mamoru's prone body. If you can get rid of the gem, you can talk to him, get him on our side."
"How do I get the gem away from him?" She asked. "More importantly, how do I make him side with us?"
"You have to come up with a way to free Kunzite. To get Kunzite on our side, do what you did a millennia ago- talk to him. The generals trusted you, because you were honest and trusted them." Ryū began to walk back to the Game Center. "Once he's with us, he can get the other three and between you and Usagi-chan you should be able to bring them back. The more on our side, the better."
A small sliver of doubt was in her eyes, just on the edge of her voice. "What if I can't save him? What then?"
"Then we have to hope they're someplace better."
"I don't think I'll ever forgive them for what they did." She admitted as they walked.
They won't expect you to. They won't expect any of the Senshi or Prince Endymion to forgive them. Just hope you can save them. Hope can do wondrous things, Princess. It's all you'll need. And a little trust. They will need it most.
"I can do hope, but trust will be hard." Lucy murmured. "I can try though. If Usagi can trust so wholly, then so can I."
"Good, because it's needed right now." Ryū pointed ahead to the skyline. From here, Lucy could see Sailor Moon chasing after the general they were talking about. "Hurry, before they kill him."
Lucy spun, looking up at Ryū who looked back. "Get to the center and stay there. I'll be back with Kunzite."
Transforming, she followed her sister and Senshi. She flipped her communicator open.
"Don't kill Kunzite! We need him alive!"
"Lucy? Where have you been?" Luna demanded.
"Finding out that Kunzite can help us get Mamoru back." Lucy replied, reaching her friends. "It's the gem that's controlling him. If we break it, we can get him to our side."
"How do you know this?" Rei asked, dodging an attack. "Who was it?"
"Ryū did, and the stars confirmed it."
Call my name in Lunarian. Hecate ordered. Do it!
"Stars?" Ami gasped, wrenched back by Makoto from a strike.
"She can explain later." Artemis growled through the comms. "Trap him now."
"Do we even know how to?" Minako demanded.
"I do." Lucy pulled Hecate from her hair, throwing the clip, "Hecate!"
A silver bow with intricate carvings fell into her hand, weight even and familiar. A quiver was on her back. Her fuku had changed, becoming a gown she remembered well. She pulled out an arrow as Leto ordered.
Do not worry. The star seemed to grin in her ear. My aim is true, and eventually yours's will be true again too.
"It better be." Lucy huffed, pulling back the string, taking a split second to aim before firing.
Kunzite was shocked by the quickness of her moments, unable to dodge the arrow. Like Leto had assured, the arrow hit its mark. The sound of a thousand shattering mirrors wouldn't have compared to the sound of the stone breaking, nor the expel of power that threw the six girls and general back.
Catch him, Princess! He won't be able to stop and our work will be for naught!
Lucy moved, placing Hecate along her back and chasing after him, catching Kunzite in his descent toward Earth. There was a wrenching sound, a pop like that of a soda bottle opening and pain spread up her arm from his dead weight. Lucy grabbed the man's other hand, hauling him up closer to her. Her arm hurt, throbbing with pain, though she doubted it was as bad as Kunzite's dislocated arm.
"You," she groaned under his weight, "better be worth it."
He is.
"I can tell." She deadpanned to the pleased star.
"Return to base." Luna ordered as the Senshi regrouped, Usagi moving to Kunzite's left to taking some of his weight. The others stood off, apprehensive. "We need to have a talk."
"I agree." Rei murmured, watching Lucy as a rabbit did a wolf. Lucy didn't like it very much.
Upon returning to the center, the ice had melted and people were returning to normal. The group dehenshined and, against the trio of stars ordering and Lucy's translating, cuffed the general to a pipe. Then Lucy was demanded by Rei to explain why they had saved the man and what she'd meant by stars. She did explain, telling them about that morning and her talk with Ryū moments before joining them in battle.
As she explained the stars, memories flashed in the eyes of her friends, bringing back knowledge they had yet to unlock. This was something she was glad about, knowing it helped them believe her. Even Artemis, unsure, nodded in understanding.
"Even if Kunzite trusts us, how can we trust him?" Ami asked. "He's our enemy."
"Think of him as a wayward friend." Ryū suggested, watching the aforementioned enemy. "One you don't want cuffed so he trusts you more when he wakes up."
"It's a good idea." Usagi agreed, already moving to do so. "And he can tell us about Mamo-chan."
"Wait!" Makoto grabbed Usagi's shoulder, pulling her back. "Let me do it. I don't want him to hurt you if he's faking it."
"He's not." Minako observed. "His heartbeat would give him away." She nodded. "Un-cuff him."
Makoto un-cuffed the man, sitting back on her hunches.
"He's in pain," Lucy added quietly, feeling the pain in his aura, and aware of his popped arm. "When I caught him, his arm came out of its socket."
"I'll put it back in place then." Makoto did so, taking his arm and pulling it out, before pushing forward. Kunzite snapped awake with a shout of pain, sending the Lightning Senshi stumbling back. "Whoa! Okay!"
He watched them with apprehension, hands clenched, teeth gritted, too backed into a corner to fight his way out. Kunzite sneered at them. "So you've caught me."
"Kunzite," Lucy stepped around her tall friend, hands up in a peaceful gesture. "Please, we want to talk."
"I won't talk to you." He sneered. "I'd rather–"
"Don't say that." Lucy cut off sharply. "I did not risk my life to see you fall, Kunzite."
His eyes narrowed. "I've heard those words before."
"Yes, from a young woman named Phoibe, a long time ago." She replied, crouching down to his level. "I'm her. If you remember anything, then it's Endymion and your friends."
His eyes narrowed. "You can't be her. She is dead."
"We were reincarnated. It's why you're here right now."
"Then you wouldn't remember anything."
Lucy wracked her brain, combing through what memories she had, trying to find a moment no one could simply recreate, a moment he never shared with another. Then it came to her. Lucy made sure to keep eye contact as she stated, calmly, slowly, "'I want to see Endymion happy, married to the person he loves, living a life he wants.'"
Kunzite blinked, once, twice, then nodded. "I never told another soul that. Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion had just met officially, and you were very unhappy with the whole thing. I wanted to ease your worry, and you ended up admitting similar about your sister's happiness."
"Kunzite," Lucy held out her hand to him, imploring him, "I want to help you. We all want to help you. But we need to be able to trust you, which means you have to trust us. Between us, we might, and I am stressing that might, be able to bring the others back, but before we do that, we need to know what's going on. With Beryl, the generals, Endymion, with everything."
"You won't like it, Phoibe." He replied softly, looking away, not yet taking her hand. Lucy waited for him to. Kunzite coughed, asking, "May I have some water?"
"Of course." She glanced over at Ryū. "Ryū, could you please?"
"Be right back." Ryū nodded, leaving to grab a water bottle. He passed it to her, and she handed it to the general, who uncapped it and drank half of it in one go.
"Thank you, uh," he looked confused for a moment, "Lord Drakon?"
"My name in this life is Ryū."
Realization dawned on the general's face. "You are all reincarnated? Like I was?"
"Yes." Luna mewed. "We have all been given a second chance, given a new life and start over."
"I do not think I have used my second chance wisely, nor my fellow generals." Kunzite set aside the bottle after capping it. Then, he took Lucy's hand, leaning against her. "Thank you for this, Phoibe."
"Well, you haven't yet given me a reason to distrust you," Lucy told him, "and your aura is honest. Torn, but honest."
She helped him to a seat, and stepped back. "Kunzite, I'd like to introduce–"
"No." He shook his head. "Don't tell me your names. She– Queen Beryl– could get a hold of me, and use what knowledge I have of you. I will tell you what I know, but don't tell me anything."
"Alright." Lucy patted his shoulder. "Do you know where the other three are?"
"I have them," he replied, reaching into his pocket, pulling out three crumbling gems. "When Princess Serenity unlocked the Silver Crystal, they were brought back. Due to their guilt of what we have done and caused, they turned into these stones. Nephrite, Jadeite, and Zoisite." He motioned to each. "I think I would have become one, as well, if I had died."
Lucy held in a wince, taking the gems. "Luna?"
"Already have cases." The black cat meowed, nudging the three containers closer to them.
Rei grabbed the cases, opening each for the brunette so she could place each in safety. She mumbled an apology to each, a little sorry for them. This happened to them all because they had a moment of doubt.
"And Endymion?" She asked him, ignoring the way Usagi had grabbed her hand, squeezing tightly.
"He was alive, the last I saw him. But barely. Whatever was in the Crystal entered him, sustaining him in a deep sleep to protect himself." Kunzite sighed, leaning, placing his head in his head. "God, I was such a fool to doubt him! To doubt all of you! If I had not, things may have turned out different."
"We cannot dwell on the past," Rei reasoned.
"It won't help us save Ma-" Makoto cut herself off, correcting quickly, "Endymion."
"No, you're right, it won't." He sighed, sitting up. "I will tell you what I know. Listen closely."
"We can't leave him here." Lucy said later, after Kunzite had explained the dark kingdom's plans: to gather energy and revive Queen Metalia, Queen Beryl making Mamoru her 'Prince,' to kill Usagi, and half a dozen other things that majorly disturbed them. He had fallen asleep an hour or so ago, exhausted from a lack of sleep for several years and waking up to see the chaos he had caused.
"We can't take him home, either." Minako argued. "He could be faking it. And while I know your healing abilities can sense the feelings and pain of others, we can't go off of that."
"What do the stars have to say? They've been quiet." Ami asked, cataloging the information into the mainframe. "Can't they see the future?"
"They can, but nothing has gone wrong yet." Lucy replied. "I can ask them what will happen, if you like. At this point, I'd imagine there are several different routes we could go."
"Ask them." Rei nodded at Luna's ask. "I'd like to know our choices, and the consequences."
"Okay."
Lucy asked. As far as they knew, him spending the next few days with Lucy and Usagi didn't do anything, just built trust between them, the same with staying with Ami, Makoto, or Ryū. They were willing to trust him while Rei and Minako weren't, which lead to him running away from them and getting captured by Beryl. The Senshi ended up killing him. On his own, he left, feeling he wasn't helpful with how they seemed to ignore him.
As Lucy told them what each star said, the girls nodded, looking a little surprised when she went on to talk about him running off out of feeling he'd be harmed and/or unable to help Mamoru further.
"Alright." Luna was certainly convinced. "He will come back with us. It seemed to have the greatest affect on his reactions."
Is this a good thing? Yes, Princess Serenity and you trusting him so readily is a good thing. The last fog near the end cleared with Luna's decision. Kunzite lives, as does the others. The four generals become one of our greatest allies.
A smile grew on Lucy's face. Usagi grinned back. "Did they something good?"
"Hecate said because of Luna's decision, everyone lives. The four are one of our greatest allies." Lucy explained to everyone, moving to rouse Kunzite. "This is more than good. It's great."
Luna purred in agreement. "All the more reason to help him."
"You're going to have to spend the night in our spare room." Usagi explained with a yawn, stretching her arms high. "Mama shouldn't mind, long as we come up with a convincing lie."
"How do we explain a random man suddenly needing a place to stay?" The younger asked dryly. "I don't think this is a common occurrence."
"It is not, you are right. But we can convince them." Luna nodded, looking over the general. "You cannot meet them in what you are wearing. Nowadays, wearing armor is more of a dress up than necessity."
"Here." Usagi rummaged around in her bag, pulling out the Lunar Disguise pen. "Use this. Just say something like, 'change me into a normal citizen.' Then you'll look like one. Make sure to imagine what you wanna look like."
Kunzite took it, looking around the streets. There were very few people, it getting late. But from what he had seen of Ryū and Motoki, he could make guesses. So he mumbled the exact words she'd given him, imaging himself dressed in slacks, a polo, and simple shoes with his hair tied back. Instead of a light show like with Usagi, his clothes just melted away into what he'd thought of.
The fallen general returned the Lunar pen to the princess, who returned it to her bag. Her smile was big and trusting. "We could say you're lost, and out of job, waiting for a friend to pick you up, only he's out of town."
"How long do you think that lie will last, Usa?" Silver-green eyes rolled in exasperation. "If Mama and Papa don't catch on, then Shingo certainly will."
"Shingo? Who are they?"
"He's our little brother in this life." The sister's said in unison. Usagi took over. "He's a pain, but we love him. Really smart, too."
"Surprised he hasn't found out you're Sailor Moon yet, Usagi," Luna admitted, having long since dropped trying to use their past names. If the stars have seen him staying on their side, then she has no reason to worry. "And I actually think Usagi's idea will work, Lucy."
"How so?"
"They kept you, didn't they?"
"I was twelve and was, and still am an, amnesiac."
"Exactly."
Lucy refused to argue with the feline's logic, instead shaking her head. "Okay, we'll go with that story." She looked to the man in question. "What do you think, Kunzite?"
"I think it is a good idea to try and we should go for it." Kunzite smiled a little. "I wasn't the greatest battle strategist, so forgive me if I don't have the best ideas. That was more Jedite."
"Doesn't matter." She shrugged. "This is you in the middle of it, so you have a say."
"Good to know. I didn't before."
"It's how we all get along so well. We talk and look at the options. Usagi may be the leader, but we all have a say."
"This is us!" Usagi grabbed Kunzite's hand, yanking him forward in excitement. Lucy followed slower, with a grin as Luna got to the door first.
"Mama! We're home and we brought a friend!" Usagi declared as they entered. "He needs a place to stay until his friend gets back in the country."
"Who is– oh." Ikuko froze in the kitchen doorway. "Well, hello." She held out a hand, smiling warmly, if a little unsure. "I'm Ikuko."
"A pleasure to meet you, Tsukino-san." He bowed. "Sorry to intrude. I've found myself without lodging when my friend left for America, forgetting to tell me his home was being renovated. Your daughters offered, even after I refused several times." The smile he gave was weak and nervous. "They certainly know how to not take no for an answer."
Ikuko's smile lightened. "That take that after me, I'm afraid. Come in, have you eaten yet?"
In a barely half an hour, the spare room that was supposed to become Lucy's (but she declined after it had been finished, both girls wanting to stay together) was fixed up and the family and guest were settled at the kitchen table with drinks, talking. With help, Kunzite built up a believable story and was soon being ushered off to bed by a mother henning Ikuko.
In the morning, Kunzite was present for breakfast.
The title of this chapter comes from the poem "Endymion" by John Keats, published in 1818, and retelling the story of the shepherd Endymion and the goddess Selene who fell in love with him. Interesting fact: it's written in rhyming couplets in iambic pentameter which is also known as heroic couplets, a fact that makes me giggle considering the story.
The next chapter will also have some of the poem as its title.
Fun Fact: I planned to have the Four Generels still die, but then I found a use for them, and felt bad for them when they realized just how bad they'd screwed up after remembering Silver Millennium. Kunzite looked ready to take Mamoru's body and run for the Senshi, okay? If it hadn't been for Queen Beryl, he may well have.