Chapter Twenty-Two

Memories of the Moon Kingdom

It was an average night in the Moon Kingdom. The reflections of the bright lights danced across the waters in front of the palace. The palace was bursting with guests from all over the universe. Every night, there were grand parties with dancing and conversation. Indeed, it was an average night in the Moon Kingdom—The Prince of the Moon and the Princess of Mars were fighting again.

They rolled their eyes as they walked down the hallway. Their friend, Princess Raye, jabbered on and on.

"I just can't believe him!"

"It really wasn't that big of a deal, Raye." Princess Lita shook her head.

"He said I was fat!" Raye exclaimed.

Princess Serena shook her head gently. "You're not fat. He's just trying to get a reaction out of you, and besides…" She looked over at her friend. "He didn't call you fat."

"He sure had to make a comment about how I ate a second croissant at lunch!"

The Princess turned around and put her hands on Raye's shoulders. "Raye, he's just teasing you."

"Whatever!"

The Princess smiled. It helped Raye's mood relent. "Come on, Raye. Just have a good time tonight." She started to walk down the hallway holding Raye's hand. "You always look so miserable at the parties. You need to lighten up."

"Yeah, Raye!" Lita giggled. "Nobody wants to dance with someone who looks like she's constipated!"

Raye smacked Lita on the arm. "What are you talking about? I haven't seen you interacting with anyone except that bodyguard of yours!"

Princess Lita blushed deeply. "There's nothing going on between Lord Eiji and me."

"Just like Mina says there's nothing going on between her and that Don Diego guy from her planet." Raye said.

The girls giggled just before they entered into the grand ballroom. Hundreds of people stood around the room conversing, eating, dancing, and having a good time. Everyone cleared out of the way for the Princesses. Lita veered off at the sight of a familiar face while Raye took off into the crowd. The Princess headed straight to the crowd and went to the front of the ballroom. Her mother, Queen Serenity, sat at the top of a platform on her throne. Serena walked up to her mother. Queen Serenity stood up off her throne and took her daughter into her arms. Serena hugged her mother then looked around the ballroom. Lita stood sipping punch with Lord Eiji of Ganymede, a moon of Jupiter while Princess Ami stood conversing with important diplomats from all over the galaxy. Princess Mina and Don Diego, a nobleman of Venus, sat at a table flirting with each other. Her eyes locked on a handsome blonde-haired man that walked up the platform. Serena stepped forward and hugged the Prince. Queen Serenity took the Prince into her arms next.

"How are you, General?" Queen Serenity smirked.

He nodded. "Fine, your Majesty." He bowed to Serena too. "Princess."

The Queen and the Princess watched the expression on the Prince's face. "You don't look fine. You look quite miserable, in fact," The Princess commented.

He glanced around the room. "I just don't like parties very much, your Majesty."

Serenity put her hands on his shoulders. "You are General of the Moon Kingdom. That also means playing the part in the ballroom as well as the battlefield." She gave him a gentle push. "Go find a young lady and ask her to dance."

The Prince walked down off the platform and intermingled into the crowd. There were plenty of young women to ask to dance, but he felt comfortable with none of them. He walked around for a while but eventually headed out of the ballroom towards the balcony of the palace. He walked a long ways down the balcony, but when he turned the corner, he stopped dead in his tracks.

"What do you want?" She hissed.

"Nothing, I just…" He took a step back. "I just wanted some fresh air, that's all."

"Are you sure?" The Princess looked back out towards the night sky. "Maybe you have some more insults to hurl at me."

Confused, the Prince walked past her but stopped and took a position on the railing a few feet away from her. "What are you talking about?"

She wouldn't answer him.

He pondered deeply then began to laugh. She looked over at him, irately, but he kept laughing. "You're mad about lunch."

She turned towards him with her hands on her hips. "Yes, and why are you laughing about it!"

"That's a ridiculous thing to be upset about."

Her eyebrows hunched and her fists clenched. "Being upset that you called me fat is not ridiculous! It's perfectly logical!"

"I never called you fat!" He exclaimed, angry that she would even propose such an idea.

"Well, you sure had to make comments about how much I was eating!" She jerked her head away as her eyes started to water.

"Raye, I was just kidding around…I…"

She turned back to him sharply. "Well, you may have just been kidding around, but you don't understand how it makes people feel!"

He fell silent. For the first time in his entire life, he saw Princess Raye of Mars, the battle-hardened and strong-willed warrior, vulnerable with any sort of feelings. She turned away. Her looks were something she always struggled with on the inside. The men of the court would always seem to ignore her—they never asked her to dance, and if she did have a brief fling with one of them, they ended up hurting her. "I don't appreciate you telling me how fat I am! Do you think I don't know?"

The Prince shook his head. "Raye, you're anything but fat." He looked back out to the night sky. "You're perfect," He whispered gently.

"What was that?" She looked over.

"Nothing." He glanced over for a moment then looked back to the night sky.

They stood in silence at the railing of the balcony for a long time. Their thoughts consumed them. Over and over again, he prayed for strength and courage while she pondered how she could speak a causal sentence to start conversation again.

She took a deep breath and spoke. "Nice night out, isn't it?"

He nodded. "Yes, it is."

Her eyes wandered across the sky towards the Earth. "The Earth looks beautiful tonight."

Taking a deep breath and opening his soul, he spoke. "I think Mars looks beautiful tonight."

Confusion washed over her face. "But Mars isn't in the sky at this time…" She looked over. He was staring straight at her.

"Kyoji?" She questioned, using his informal name, as he approached her. He stepped up to her. They had never been that close before. Her heart started to pound, and her body trembled. Her eyes curiously racked over him, but closed when he kissed her. She returned his kiss for a moment, but pulled back. "What are you doing?"

He looked terrified. "Raye, I…I'm sorry…I…"

She was irate! Her face flushed a deep shade of red, and she put her hands on her hips. "How dare you! Why would you do such a thing!"

He shook his head. "Raye, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you angry!"

Tears welled up in her eyes. "I can't believe you! This has to be the lowest thing you've ever done!" The tears fell down her face. "I can't believe you would kiss me just to tease me!"

"What are you talking about?" He started to get angry.

"Do you think it doesn't hurt enough?" She squeezed her fist. "A kiss is supposed to be between two people who care about each other!"

"Maybe I care about you!" He exclaimed.

Her anger relented instantly. "What?"

He stood silent for a moment. He took a deep breath. "Maybe I care about you."

"You care about me?" She questioned, skeptically. "If you cared anything about me, then why are you so cruel to me?"

He shook his head. "I don't know. It's just…you know, you're not the nicest person either!"

"We're not talking about me right now! We're talking about you!"

He rubbed his forehead and sighed. "Look, I know I haven't been the nicest to you, and you haven't been the nicest to me, but after all this time…" He looked up at her. "…you've captivated my heart." He looked away. "I mean, you're so passionate and strong…" He looked back over. "And beautiful."

"This isn't a trick?"

He shook his head. "No, I promise."

She slowly walked up to him, studying him with her eyes. She approached gingerly, but leaned in close to him and rested her head against his chest. Relieved, he wrapped his arms around her and took her into his embrace.

"You know, I've had a crush on you since we were children," She uttered into his chest.

"You've got a funny way of showing it," He said

She laughed, and he started to laugh with her as they held each other that night.

"Gosh, he is the worst person in the world!" Raye exclaimed to her friends. They rolled their eyes once again as they headed down the hallway.

"I think their fighting has gotten worse," Mina stated.

"Agreed," Ami commented.

Raye rolled her eyes. "Oh, whatever!" She parted from her friends. "I will see you guys later." She walked through a maze of hallways deep through the palace. Eventually, she reached a forsaken corner of the palace. Leaned against one of the pillars, The Prince gazed out the window. He looked over at the sound of footsteps, and he took the Princess into his arms.

"I missed you," She said.

"You saw me at dinner," He said.

She backed away from him and put her hands on her hips. "About that," She said, seriously. "That comment about my nose was uncalled for! I know we're supposed to act like we hate each other still, but that was just mean!"

He smiled. "You know I think you're nose is adorable." He leaned forward and kissed her nose. "Besides, what about that comment about my inability and impotence to lead the Army."

She shrugged. "You know I didn't mean it like that."

He cocked his eyebrow. "Fine, but did you have to say it that harshly?"

"Yes, otherwise, everyone will suspect something if we're not that mean to each other." She sighed. "I'm afraid even with all our efforts, this will not work."

"Why do you say that?"

She looked him in the eye. "They will never let us be together. We're each in line to our thrones. My Father or your Aunt will never let us be together."

He held her hands tightly. "I would renounce my title and live as a pauper before I would let that happen."

She nodded and hugged him.

She looked at her ring as it glowed in the moonlight. It was a simple silver band, and he wore one too. His hand clasped hers tightly as they carefully walked in darkness. They had just been married. Earlier that night, they left the palace in the middle of a party to say their vows to each other. Now, they were husband and wife in secret, and the rings marked their dedication and devotion to each other. They managed to sneak back into the palace without being detected. Some of the tension and fear of being caught fell off them. They walked down the hallways casually and in silence. Once they reached a familiar part of the palace, the Princess started to part away, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back. He let her by the hand to his room.

Again, the Prince and Princess were in their secret place. In their forgotten corner of the palace, they met with each other and stood out on the balcony. She was somewhat tired and moody, but he was playful and silly. He grabbed her, and she half-heartedly fought him.

"Kyoji, please." She tried to squirm away from him.

He held her tighter against him, and lightly kissed her forehead. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing," She continued to squirm. "I've just had a bad day, that's all."

He paused for a moment. "Raye, you know I love you, right."

She nodded, feeling her anxiety release. "I know."

"Then calm down." He kissed her. It was wonderful as she was engulfed in emotion. She fluttered her eyes open then jerked her head away.

"What's the matter?" The Prince gazed over Raye's horrified face. He turned around. "Queen Serenity!"

Before them stood the graceful and elegant, Serenity, Queen of the Moon Kingdom. His heart started to pound as the Queen stepped forward slowly.

"Queen Serenity, I…I…" The Prince stammered.

"How long has this been going on?"

The Prince sighed. "Six months, your majesty."

"Your Majesty," Raye stepped forward. "We didn't mean to deceive you…"

"Deceive me," The Queen interrupted. She almost laughed. "Did you really think you could deceive me with the way you to have been looking at each other lately?"

"You're not mad?" The Prince, breathed, almost wanting to laugh himself from the relief.

She giggled and shook head. "If anything, I am upset that you didn't feel you could talk to me about this."

"But, we thought it would never be allowed since we're both eligible to our thrones," Raye said. "I know my father would never allow it."

"Honestly now, I am not so barbaric as to oppose two people who love each other deeply." She took her son's hand then took Raye's hand. "Clearly, this is something meant to be."

The Prince looked solemn. "Aunt Serenity, we're married."

She nodded. "I figured so." She glanced over them. "Your hearts have become one."

"I'm sorry for such a disgrace," The Prince bowed his head.

"Never mind that. We'll figure out a way to present this to the people, but for now, we'll keep this between ourselves."

The Prince and Raye nodded.

As Sailor Mars stood watching her past unfold before her, tears stung her eyes. She looked up at Serenity. "What happened to us?"

The Queen was silent for a few moments. "You were both killed by Beryl when she attacked the Moon Kingdom." She closed her eyes. "You died in each other's arms."

"Did anyone know of us?"

Serenity shook her head. "No, your marriage was still a secret."

Sailor Mars pondered deeply for a few moments. "I never knew. I mean, Tuxedo Samurai and Kyoji Tsukiyama? They seemed like two different people." Raye sighed. "Tuxedo Samurai was so bold and outgoing, but Kyoji was so shy and quiet."

Serenity nodded. "Yes, but they are one and the same." She paused. "My son has led a difficult life on the Earth—full of sadness and pain. The Prince you loved is inside of him. You've just have to help him find himself again."

Sailor Mars nodded.

Serenity walked over to Raye. She held up her hands. There was a small white crystal attached on a string. Serenity put the crystal necklace over Raye's head, and backed away. "This is for you, Princess." Sailor Mars grabbed the white crystal and held it up. "What is this?"

"Look deeply," Serenity uttered.

Sailor Mars peered her eyes. She stared hard into the small cloudy white crystal. Soon, it started to glow, and Raye's attention was captivated by the insight she had into the depth of the crystal. Inside was a small, tiny little mass. Revelation filled her mind, but she couldn't believe it. "Queen Serenity?"

Serenity stepped forward and clasped her hands over Raye's hands. "You didn't know it, but you were with child when you died."

Instantly, tears poured from Sailor Mars' eyes. Serenity started to cry too. "When I found you dead, I still felt life-force then I realized that you were pregnant." I saved the embryo and put into this crystal."

Sailor Mars gripped the crystal tightly.

"When you're ready, you can transfer the embryo back into your body."

Sailor Mars nodded.

She was back in her own time. All the Sailors had been awaken and restored back to the present time. Raye was the last to join them. After a while of discussing what had happened, they all disembarked for their homes. Having a moment alone, she decided to check on Kyoji. Supposedly, the guys had put his body in his shed. She went to the shed, opened the door, and looked inside. The light was on, the covers were pushed to the side, but there was no body in the bed. She stepped out and shut the door, thinking. She knew in her heart where he was. She walked down the deck of the temple for a few moments. She headed into the buildings and weaved through the hallways. She stopped at a door way and paused, feeling the heat radiate from the room. She took a deep breath and opened then door, the heat instantly hitting her face. She watched through the crack in the door.

He sat stoically in front of the fire. His eyes were closed, and his chest barely moved to even breathe. Not wanting to scare him, she walked in slowly. She was impressed with her stealth, but nevertheless, he sensed her and woke up. He looked over his let shoulder at her. She shrugged her shoulders and slowly walked over. She sat down next to him.

He looked surprised as she sat down so causally. Her mannerisms were gentle, and her facial expression warm. She looked at him tenderly. "Are you alright?"

He nodded. "Yes."

"Did you meet with Queen Serenity?"

"Yes,"

Raye paused for a moment. His response to her was still short and reserved. She sighed for a moment and closed her eyes. "I don't know even how to start with this…" She shook her head. "Kyoji, I was wrong."

He looked up at her.

She opened her eyes again and looked at him. "I treated you so horribly." She shook her head. "I don't deserve you."

It was difficult for him to speak. "But destiny has knitted us together, we have no choice."

"There is always a choice." Raye sighed. "I was making wrong choices by running away from you." She sighed again. "And here and now, if you chose to leave me, I would understand it."

He looked at her, staring deeply at her for a few moments.

She started to cry. She hated the fact that she cried, but she could never help it. Talking to him was painful, and there seemed to be no hope for her. "I know I was cruel to you, but even before I knew you were Tuxedo Samurai, I did love you. I'm sure of it now. When you died, I…"

"Why did you have a relationship with both of them?"

Raye shook her head. "I was having dreams of Tuxedo Samurai. I did believe that he was of my past, but I…" She paused. "I wanted you in my future."

He looked away. "I had dreams of Sailor Mars. I didn't know who she was, but I believed that she was something from my past. But you were in my present." He dug in the shirt of his priest uniform. "I have truly loved you always." He handed her a picture.

Raye took the picture and looked. It was of her as a little girl, and she was sitting in the lap of her mother. It brought more tears to her eyes—she had no pictures of her mother; they were locked up in her father's house. She looked up at Kyoji.

"Keep it. I don't need it anymore."

She looked fearful—was he abandoning her?

He saw her fear. "I want to see you with my own eyes for the rest of my life." He sighed. "But, I don't know if you wish the same thing."

Emotion overflowed her heart. She reached out and grabbed his hand quickly. "If you'll have me, I want to be your wife someday."

She stared at her for a moment then gripped her hand back. "I cannot think of anything I have wished for more."

She leapt forward throwing her arms around him. "I love you." She almost laughed from the relief. Her heart fluttered when his arms came up and went around her. He hugged her tightly against himself. "I love you too," he whispered.

She pulled away from him to look at him. She was always awed by it—his eyes were happy. As they looked at each other for a few moments, it was awkward. They knew what was next, and they had done it before, but never officially as Kyoji and Raye. He was clearly afraid, for the last time made her angry, but they both leaned closer to each other in their fear. Their lips met gently. After their fear melted away, they backed away and sighed in relief. He turned his gaze back to the fire, but Raye rested her head on his shoulder before staring into the sacred fire.