The one thing that the pair did decide on was not to tell the other Senshi or the cats about having found Mamoru's Shitennou in comas at Juuban General.
They did manage to hack into Juuban General and study the Shitennou's medical charts. Ami found it heartbreaking that they were all registered as Yamado Taro one through four along with the month and year. There were approximate ages and a brief description of how they were found but nothing else.
There was nothing that they could find to explain why the four men were in a coma. But what worried them was a note in each of their charts that the hospital was trying to get government approval to remove them from life support.
"I'm going to say that we don't have much time."
"No." Ami rubbed her eyes. They had been studying the charts every way, but upside down but still couldn't figure out what was wrong.
"Much time for what?"
The voice made both of them jump. Spinning around they stared at Artemis who was sitting at the top of the stairs.
The white cat flicked his ears. "I knew you two were up to something. Spill."
Something in his tone made Ami obey. Something not connected to the here and now but from her previous life as a Senshi.
As she spoke, Artemis descended the stairs and jumped up onto the computer desk. He listened carefully. "This sounds like they were found a year or so after your battle with Galaxia."
Mamoru thought back. "You're right. Realistically they should have shown up right after. Not a year later."
Ami shook her head. "For now, I don't think we should concentrate on where they were. It may not matter. What matters now is the lack of time we have."
Artemis looked at the young pair before him. "You do remember that they were our enemies."
Mamoru ran a hand through his hair. "They were brainwashed. After Beryl…when they appeared to me, they were the men that I remembered. The good men. The men who stood by my side."
Ami spoke. "I don't remember really my relationship with any of them. Just vague hints." She blushed. "Maybe less vague in one case. And I don't know how I'm going to feel about the person that they are now, in this lifetime. If they even remember. But I must give them a chance. Not just because Usagi would expect it of me but because I would expect it of me."
Artemis smiled. "Good. I agree. Besides, we do have Usagi's Crystal as backup. But I think we need to start with your Crystals."
Ami's brow furrowed. "Crystals?" She emphasized the 's.'
"Yes. I'll explain on the way."
888888
Artemis sat at the foot of Kunzite's bed. Ami had hacked into the surveillance system and put it on a loop so that they could remain undetected. The installment had been recent since it was discovered that a janitor had been raping one of the female patients.
But they had to work quickly because someone could come at any moment.
"Bring out your Crystals," instructed Artemis.
Mamoru and Ami obeyed.
"Mamoru, you first. Concentrate on the Golden Crystal healing your Shitennou."
Mamoru gazed into the Crystal and imagined the four men, his companions, his friends, his betrayers…four simple, fragile humans…healthy and happy.
The Golden Crystal's light filled the room.
The monitors above the Shitennou's heads changed rhythms.
"We won't have much time now." Said Ami.
Artemis nodded. "Place your Crystal on his chest, above his heart. Think about him and your past."
Ami took a deep breath and plunged into memories that she'd never dared to explore before. Tears rolled down her cheeks but the light from the Mercury Crystal glowed brightly and seemed to be drawn into Zoisite's flesh.
The monitor went wild and Zoisite's eyes opened.
He looked first at Mamoru. "Master…"
The glassy emerald orbs turned to Ami. "My water nymph…"