Chapter 10

"We decide to bring Kunzite back into our ranks before the other generals are awakened, and what happens? Ami's boyfriend almost gets killed this requiring healing from the Crystal," sighed Minako, "I think we should know by now that our plans usually don't go according to plan."

They all returned back to the Temple. Jadeite used his teleportation to bring back Zachariah's body after Sailor Moon used the Crystal to heal him. Now they all waited in silence to see what would happen.

Mamoru was silent. He was very eager for this man to wake up even after having such a traumatic attack. His general remained asleep and still, but breathed evenly. Though his body was no longer bleeding, evidence of his wounding was very evident. There was still blood encrusted in the material of the viciously torn fabric.

Mamoru may have been a little more effected by this then Ami in truly knowing who this man used to be. Relief did flood his body when the Crystal took away all physical damage, yet he was not sure how this warrior of his would react with all the memories returning like a flood. It blew him away when Ami declared that Zach already knew she was Sailor Mercury, and figured out all her closest friends were the senshi. It brought pride to him knowing even as a civilian, this man would keep their secrets.

The king had an idea that when the photographer woke, his memories would be completely unlocked. That and he would be making a beeline to the senshi of water and ice. Perhaps he did need Kunzite awakened. That would drastically help with getting his men ready for something bigger that was looming in their near future.

"Usagi," spoke Mamoru. The young queen looked to her soon to be husband. "Take the senshi to get Kunzite. Jay, you said he worked with Zachariah, correct?"

He nodded his head. "I don't know where his office is though, or what he may look like."

"I think we meet him already," spoke Makoto, "Tall, broad shoulders, long silver hair, muscles..."

"Sounds like him."

Minako nodded her head. "We're on it!"

Jay never saw women move so quickly as they followed their leader. He did not miss the lingering stare from Ami that remained on his sleeping friend. He knew that she was interested to know what he would do after he woke with memories returned in full. But orders were orders. She was doing what her superiors requested, not what her heart desired.

About ten minutes of conversation passed between the royal and his brother in arms before stirring took place with the man beside them who slept soundly. Zachariah's green eyes studied the warriors beside him and calculating the empty room. He was in the Temple he picked up Ami from, but there was no Ami. It was only his long time friend and childhood neighbor, Jay. Beside him was a man he knew from his past memories.

Endymion.

"My Prince," uttered Zachariah weakly. He remained laying on the ground.

"So you do remember," smirked the dark haired man. "How do you feel?"

"Not too bad. I'm a little sore."

But he was really curious to where his snowflake went. Ami was all he could think about, and now with these vital memories, he wanted to make sure she never left his side.

"If your looking for Mercury, she's not here." Jay leaned back and adjusted his sitting position. "She and the other senshi went to get Kunzite and bring him back."

"Kendal?"

Zachariah rubbed his eyes still trying to wake up. Why would they want to awaken him? Did something happen?

"They should be back soon," nodded his king.

Zachariah shook his head, "I don't think they would... Kendal and Nathan went out of the county to film a movie. They won't be back for a few weeks. At least until the spring comes."

Mamoru chuckled and looked to a side of the room, hiding his disappointment in his eyes from being seen from his men. "Of all the dumb luck..."

The senshi stared at the locked door and closed sign with no appearance of life in the studio.

"I guess he's not here," muttered Minako. "Drat. And I was looking forward to harassing him too."

"Well," commented Rei, " We have two Generals out of the four awakened. I think we should count our blessings that we have them to help with this new challenge rearing its ugly face."

"Agreed," spoke Minako.

There was silence before all the women turned to a very quiet senshi. One who seemed to become redder and redder with every step they took as they returned to the Temple. Her head was down and not looking at where she was going.

Usagi grasped her friends arm and looked into her blue eyes. "Don't be nervous Ami. I'm sure Zachariah won't treat you poorly. If anything, he worships the ground you set foot on."

The doctor in training shook her blue tinted hair, "It's not that," Ami uttered softly, almost a strain for all women in the group to hear.

"What is it?" Asked her leige.

Ami looked up and stared straight in the eyes of her long time friend, "I have no clear memory of Zoisite from the past."

"But you do have some form of memory, correct?"

"All I remember is ice and snow. I saw a lonely man in a kingdom of ice, but when I was there, it warmed up everything. I do remember him. I saw him in my dreams, and I saw that he cherished me. I could feel that in my dream. Isn't that strange?"

Usagi kept silent and smiled.

Ami looked down to the ground again, knowing now in her mind that Usagi has similar experiences just before her memories came back in a flood. It was now only a matter of time.

The temple was in view of where they were walking from now. Ami became very nervous. "He already told me that he wanted to marry me. And I know these past memories will fuel what he already feels."

"Then why not go with it?" Asked Usagi.

"B-because!" Exclaimed Ami flustered her face burning even more, "T-that makes n-no sense! It's completely illogical!"

Ami could feel her heart fluttering in her chest. What was this? Was her body having a panic attack? What was this man doing to her?! Already she was sweating and it was below freezing! Did her body realize this perspiration would soon turn to ice? People would ask her why she had these frozen beads of water on the back of her neck and on the sides of her face! Her mind continued to race until Usagi stopped walking, jolting her friend to stop with her as the rest of the group continued on.

The moon princess, now queen, looked into the frightened eyes of her friend, and she smiled reassuringly. "Everything will be alright. Don't be afraid to love someone who will put himself before you and take care of you."

Ami looked at her friend quietly.

Usagi smiled reassuringly as she hugged her friend, "You, my friend, need to loosen up a bit. All of us like Zachariah. He is very kind, considerate, and a good looking man who happens to have good income. I think you hit the jackpot."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

Ami nodded, feeling her fears begin to alleviate. Yes, perhaps she should enjoy this time and allow herself to enjoy this relationship. She already knew he has nothing but good intentions on protecting her and loving her, but why marriage so soon? Couldn't he wait to tell her maybe a year after they got to know each other more?

She began walking up the stairs to the Temple not minding her own business. Her foot caught an ice patch on the stairs. She closed her eyes when she felt her foot slip and her body begin to fall back. She braced herself; this was not going to be a fun landing.

She never felt an impact. Instead she felt strong arms and hands grasp her almost as if out of thin air, and then gently land on soft snow. She opened her eyes and saw him. He looked down at her, his face very close to hers. His eyes filled with concern. Ami gave him a quizzical expression. "Did I hit my head?"

He smiled down at her, "No, you did not,"

"How?" She finally asked.

He smirked, "I used my powers to teleport and catch you."

She gave a small smile, "Thank you."

"I love you," he spoke as a whisper.

Ami blushed and tried looking in another direction knowing where this was going to lead, "You're just looking for an excuse to kiss me. Aren't you?"

He smirked and gave her a full on kiss not caring who was around to see.

Behind him, some of the men and senshi turned around giving the two warriors of water and intellect their space. Minako and Makoto began placing their bets on who would come up for air first.

Ami's lips felt swollen after Zachariah leaned back from his kiss. He was very aware of the audience he had behind him and didn't want to give to much of a show. He whispered in her ear, "Let's elope this evening."

Her eyes were wide, "Excuse me?"

He nodded his head, "You were my wife a life time ago. And I desire you to be my wife in this life time too."

She began to full on blush trying to rationalize this in her brain. Nothing seemed to be computing. And this headache? Where did this come from? How she desired to forget this predicamen she was in now. She finally sighed and said, "I need a drink."

Ami felt a horrible headache, worse than the one she had the night she went on a date with the man of her interests. Her body was sluggish, and her mind was running even slower. Geez, how much did she really drink? Maybe that shot with Everclear that some person recommended was not the wisest choice to make! She didn't remember a thing! Her body was clammy from sweating out the alcohol, and she felt every limb screaming for rest.

She laid back in the comfortable bed and sighed. She grabbed the covers and curled them around her chilled body. She desired to warm up some with this cold weather still leaving a bitter chill on her skin this early morning. She snuggled beside the warmth she felt under the blankets and sighed as she drifted back to sleep. Her mind didn't register when two strong arms wrapped around her belly and torso and brought her closer to his body.

It was several hours later till a scream echoed in the condo of Zachariah Pemmington and shouts as to why they both were in the same bed, indecent, wearing wedding rings (she a diamond encrusted set and he a gold design-covered wedding band) on their fingers, and had a marriage license from the court house.

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