AN: So this is a teensy bit late- not because of you guys this time. Thanks for those reviews, by the way, they were really encouraging. No, this was late because up till today I was kind of stumped on how to proceed. Somehow most of this chapter just wrote itself this afternoon/evening. It'll probably be revised later, but for now this is what it is.

Disclaimer: Since Fate doesn't like me (unlike how it feels about some), I own nothing.

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So Nephrite was formally reintroduced to the others. Rei, again, had no good words for him, but Usagi, Minako, Mamoru and Zoisite were enthusiastic. Ami was still reserved, and obviously Makoto and Kunzite had already known.

Unlike Zoisite, he had no issues with immediately immersing himself in the group's business and was more than willing to join whatever training or battles arose. Despite his size, he moved with much of the same fluid grace as Makoto, and they would often spar for hours while their friends jokingly placed wagers.

They were friends for now. Any potential for a romantic relationship was kept aside for the time being, until Makoto had settled enough from her bad day. It was also clear that Ami and Zane were headed in that direction, but no one said a word in order to avoid spooking the two.

And the battles went on. Of course.

The Daimons were growing bolder in their attacks, targeting victims even in very public locales. This certainly complicated things for the secretive Senshi, who had to bear in mind that even one person knowing who someone was could put everything at risk. Zoisite and Kunzite's teleporting abilities were often the only thing that kept them from being caught out. As such, Zoisite finally admitted that he would remain part of the team.

It was Mercury's turn to do the interview now.

The preparations were made as before, and Mars was her companion. They both knew that the reporter would try to push the more timid Senshi into a corner, and she vowed not to allow it.

"So, Sailor Mercury," Akiyama began. "You were supposed to go last time, but something came up. What?"

"I was targeted by one of the enemy while I was in my civilian form. I sustained some injuries, so it was deemed best that I stay out of trouble. Jupiter was chosen to go instead."

"Do you know more about these enemies yet? Both Sailor Moon and Sailor Jupiter said very little on the subject."

"We still don't know much that we didn't before. Still, I'll tell you what I can.

"The monsters that are attacking are called Daimons- we found out when one of their commanders put in a brief appearance. They're formed from objects touched by the intended victim. Once that happens, the monster appears and does its best to steal that person's pure heart crystal."

"And what's that?"

Mercury shrugged. "Roughly what it sounds like. It's a crystallization of the goodness in a person's heart. Those targeted have particularly good hearts."

"And in doing this, what are they looking for?"

"Something called Talismans. I really don't know more than that, except that there are three in all and exist in pure hearts. What they do, what they're for, I don't know."

"So you really don't seem to have much more information now than you did a few weeks ago."

"No."

"All right. We'll set that aside till next time. What about the other Sailor Senshi that have reportedly been appearing?"

"Sailors Uranus and Neptune. They're like us, but we're apparently not on the same side right now."

"What are their goals?"

She shook her head. "I have no idea; none of us do. Whatever it is, they want the Talismans too. Maybe it's just to keep them out of enemy hands, but they're willing to do whatever it takes to get them."

"We never did find out what happened if the heart crystal was taken."

"Death," Mercury answered. "After a short period of time- we don't know how long- the person whose crystal is taken will die."

A moment's silence fell over the studio.

"That's pretty incredible," Akiyama said finally. "Almost hard to believe."

"Sailor Jupiter was targeted a few days ago and nearly died herself. Believe it. Now," she continued briskly, all business, "I need to issue a warning. Daimons we encountered before were object-based, and I said as much already, but when Jupiter was attacked we learned something else: humans can become Daimons. How it happened or even why, I only wish I knew, but it's possible and people have to be careful. If you see someone running away from another person, call it in. We can't recognize the humans as Daimons until they attack, and that time can be a huge difference."

"To the police, or to you?"

"To the police, at first. I obviously can't handle every street chase myself. Still, if I know the general area in which a monster may be attacking, we can respond that much faster if it is."

"All right. As a reminder, the Senshi's hotline is 736744." Akiyama studied the warrior intently. "Another question: who are these strange men that are appearing more and more?"

"Strange men, Akiyama-san?"

"Yes. They've reportedly been involved in Senshi battles. First there was only one, but now the latest count is three unknowns."

Mercury smiled. "They're not really unknown, but it's their business to decide if they want to reveal themselves."

"You revealed the other two Sailor Senshi."

"Uranus and Neptune have an agenda, and the people needed to know that. The 'mystery men' you want to know about are entirely our allies."

"But who are they?"

"A secret." Her answer was firm and uncompromising. "Remember, Akiyama-san, we are not profiting from this set of interviews except in spreading awareness. Do not think we'll share more than we want."

Akiyama leaned back. "Well, the mouse has teeth after all. We had heard you were the weak one, Mercury. What are your thoughts on that?"

Mercury laughed slightly. "We all have our weak points. Physically, that's absolutely true. I'm only a little stronger than your average human, so the others are way ahead of me. I'm an organizer and strategist first, as well as a healer. Those are my strengths."

"Healer?"

"Did you think these battles wouldn't get us hurt? When I was attacked, my spine was partially crushed and my right hip was shattered. Without healers in our group, we would never survive."

"So who healed you?"

"Tuxedo Kamen-sama, with some help of one of our 'secrets'."

"Have there been worse injuries?"

"When we went to finish the battle with the Dark Kingdom," Mercury answered, and her voice was so soft now, "yes. Much, much worse. We survived that day only because Sailor Moon beat their leader and destroyed them. I would not be here right now otherwise. None of us would."

"No one ever realized it was so bad, I think."

"No? The Black Moon Clan destroyed good parts of downtown Tokyo. By my count, at least several dozen people died. It was a terrible tragedy, and it should have reminded people precisely what we're dealing with." She leaned forward. "These are magical enemies, Akiyama-san. A human will have no way to deal with them, and those of us that can are few. People will die. It's unfortunate, but we simply don't have the resources to prevent every accident."

"Is there a way for you to get more?"

"More allies? Maybe. There would be at least one more I know of, but we don't know where to find him. Uranus and Neptune aren't on our side, but they do help in battle now and again. The other Senshi are unavailable or unknown entirely. Beyond that, I have no idea."

"What can be done for those that do lose loved ones?"

Mercury shook her head. "All we can offer is our condolences. We're not rich. We're only teenagers, after all, and we have to consider our own lives as well. We're doing everything we can, though. Sailor Moon would never accept anything less."

"How do the others feel about the potential loss of life?"

"Like I said, Sailor Moon never accepts a single loss. Even when it's inevitable, she takes it very personally. Most of the lives we save are because she was unwilling to give up. But overall? None of us like to lose people. Each person that dies is something we view as a failure. We're depended on, and somehow we failed."

"Is there some greater authority than you?"

"I don't know what you mean."

A shark-like smile crossed the reporter's face. "Someone must have put you girls up to this. Surely no children would choose such a hard path on their own."

"We still have our secrets, Akiyama-san, and that is one of the things we won't share. But yes, there are some that showed us the way." Mercury sighed. "We didn't have a choice, really. This is what we were destined to do."

"So you believe in things like destiny."

"Of course we believe in destiny. It's no coincidence, these things happening the way they do. Have you heard of many attacks beyond Japan? They're only happening near us. For whatever reason, the Senshi and our enemies were all drawn here."

"So what does that mean?"

"That whatever they're after is here. The Talismans are in Tokyo, Akiyama-san. And that means people will be hurt."

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"I'm impressed," Mars said as they left. "You were a lot tougher sounding than normal tonight."

"I was hardly going to let her squeeze our secrets out of me," Mercury demurred. "I did what I had to do."

"She thought you were a mouse."

The blue haired warrior shrugged. "She's not altogether wrong."

Zoisite appeared nearby. "Everything went well?"

Mercury nodded. Mars turned up her nose. "I thought Kunzite was coming."

"Kunzite-sama had some pressing business arise at one of his businesses. I was instructed to bring the two of you to Endymion-sama's apartment."

Mars glared. "I'd rather walk."

"You would lead anyone that was watching straight to him," the Senshi of Knowledge countered. "Be reasonable, Mars. He doesn't bite."

"I don't trust him."

"You don't trust anyone," she sighed.

The other girl began to retort, but stopped. "You're right. I'm… sorry, Zoisite. I can at least try to be nicer to you."

He lifted one brow. "Does this mean you will trust me now?"

"No. It means I'll be quieter about it."

He laughed softly. "That will do as well. Now, if you will just take my hands…?"

Mercury did without complaint, and Mars only hesitated a moment before doing the same. The transfer was more jarring than any of Kunzite's, but it was still swift and untraceable. She decided not to say anything about it, but she still edged away as soon as she could.

"How did it go?" Usagi asked as the three of them de-henshined. "It looked good, but what did you think?"

"It was fine," Ami answered. "Maybe Uranus and Neptune won't approve, but they should have thought of that when they were willing to let us die in order to accomplish their goals."

If it surprised anyone to hear Ami sound so angry, they didn't comment.

Mamoru nodded. "Regardless, I think you did brilliantly. And thanks for getting them, Zane."

"It was no trouble."

"Rei, did you behave yourself?" Makoto asked. Nephrite- he had insisted it was fine if they addressed him as such, saying he didn't like his name anyway- was sitting in front of her as she toyed with his hair. It was decidedly cute and couple-like, but it was another thing that was quietly ignored. "You didn't try to hit him or anything, did you?"

"No, I didn't try to hit him," she answered testily. "Like I'd damage a useful ride. It would be like slitting the tires on a car."

"He's not an object," Nephrite said dryly. She didn't pay attention. "Zane, doesn't it bother you?"

"No. It is an entirely practical viewpoint, and I do not blame Rei-san for her distrust."

Kunzite appeared a moment later, though he was still dressed for business. Another instant had his bland human features shift to his true face. Rei realized with a start that he was far more striking that way, that the Shitennou all were when they looked like their past selves. She proceeded to shoot the thought and bury it.

"I apologize for my tardiness. Ami-sama, I was able to see a portion of your interview, and I commend your courage. I know you must have found it difficult to speak in front of so many."

"Thanks," she murmured with a blush. "It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, though."

"Then you are remembering your own strength, and I applaud you for that as well."

And Rei had to shoot another thought when she realized how polite he was being and how generous it was to compliment Ami for something that most people would think nothing about.

Ami smiled. "I'm glad you think so."

Stupid conscience.

"So what now?" Makoto asked.

"I would suggest that we move to the clearing and do some training," Kunzite said. "The battles have made it abundantly clear that we are less than prepared. Each of you must expand your ability as quickly as you can."

"But what can we do?" Minako asked. "Without our Sailor Crystals, we won't learn any more of our old powers."

"Then learn to utilize what you have to its fullest potential. Increase your natural strength and agility. You have all been blessed with fine instincts for battle, but they must be honed."

"What about us?" Nephrite asked.

Kunzite met his gaze. "I met a Daimon alone and destroyed it. Would you be able to do the same?"

He shook his head, and Zane looked down at his shoes. "I know I could not."

"Then you will learn. Your magic is at its greatest potential already. You need only remember its use. Zane, you will also be enhancing your own strength. It was your downfall once; it will not be so again."

"You're being a little extreme," Usagi said.

"I beg your pardon, but I think not. You and Minako have yet to be targeted, Usagi-hime. Rest assured it will happen. How will the Daimon be defeated without you? These abilities must be relearned soon."

Nephrite studied his commander. "I'm told Zoi's already been attacked." Zane muttered a little at the nickname. "Can we expect the same? Or Mamoru?"

"We do not know, and that too is a reason to learn as quickly as possible."

"You obviously know whatever you need," Mamoru said. "What will you be doing while we're working on all this?"

"I will be teaching you, and I will be searching for Jadeite."

Rei froze, previous almost-charitable thoughts gone. "Why would you look for him?"

"He is one of my men as well, Rei-sama, and I will see them together again. The circle is strongest when it is whole."

She didn't give him a chance after that, storming out of the building as her friends called after her. Kunzite stopped them all.

"Kunzite, if I don't talk to her she's liable to hurt someone," Usagi answered.

"I understand your point, Usagi-hime, but I think it is time that Rei-sama and I discuss this fully."

"She has her memories," Ami said abruptly. "Each of us have remembered for whatever reason, so there's no way she could have failed to notice. She is psychic, after all."

"Drat," Usagi muttered. "No wonder she's mad."

"And I must be the one to deal with it," Kunzite reminded.

"She'll listen to me best…"

"Not now. I appreciate your concern, but this must be done."

Kunzite vanished without waiting for further argument.

"Which one comes back bloody?" Makoto asked as she braided Nephrite's hair.

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Rei wasn't particularly surprised to find him in her room when she reached the Shrine. "Go away."

"I think not."

"I don't want to talk to you, Kunzite. And I definitely don't want to talk to you about Jadeite."

"You did not tell us that your memories had returned."

"You didn't tell me a lot of things. I returned the favor."

"Rei-sama."

"What?"

"Jadeite will be returning. You must know this."

"I get it. I'll just wait till he does before I kill him."

A dark wave seemed to wash through the room. "You would do well to remember that I would not agree to such an action."

"Like I care what you think."

That blackness only increased. "I will tolerate no harm to him."

"You didn't stop me the first two times."

"Each time I was not myself. Nor was he."

She rounded on him. "I know what he was. I know what he became. He wouldn't be the same after that."

"He would let you kill him. I will not."

"It's not up to you, damn it!"

"It is." And now the darkness was absolute. Her room faded into obscurity around her. "Do you not remember what I am?"

"You're you."

"A vague answer. I am the Shadow Warrior of the Shitennou. I am not limited to powers of good, even now that I have been purified in the light of the Ginzuishou. I deal with the dark tasks. I could kill you."

"Yeah right." It was bravado, but Rei wouldn't back down. "You wouldn't do that."

"My vow is first to Endymion. Next to my men. After that I serve your princess. There is no vow I have made that protects you should you go against those promises."

"Am I not allowed to be hurt?" she shouted finally, tears beginning to form. "Do you really think I want to harm him? I just won't see him as anything less than he was, Kunzite! I would do it for his good!"

The shadows pulled back, and a softer expression finally touched his stormy face. "Then you have indeed remembered in all ways. He has been your friend, Rei-sama. He can be that man again. Perhaps the past has left its marks. Has it not done so to us all? Still, he is not beyond redemption. He will heal, and he will return to himself in all ways."

"I've always remembered him," she said, voice muffled as she covered her face. "Always. I Saw him even as a little girl. I knew what he meant to me. And when I saw him for the first time in this life… He was a shell. So I hated him for that weakness, because it was easier than admitting how much it hurt."

"Your sisters recalled the truth of their pasts only in the presence of their counterparts. How did you learn of it?"

"We're bonded just like you are. They couldn't all know without it spilling over to me."

"And during the battle with the Dark Kingdom?"

"I remember that too. The other versions of you, their being our allies. All of it."

Kunzite seated himself at the edge of her bed, and she reluctantly took a place at the table. "Why did you not say something?"

"I never share my visions."

"You still might have told me what you knew of Jadeite."

"So you could search for him sooner?" Rei asked. "No. As far as I'm concerned, he's better off as is."

"Then you do not desire his return?"

"It's not that simple."

"Tell me."

She sighed. "I do want him back, okay? Just… he's safer and probably happier this way. He won't run the risk of our past repeating itself."

"He would not make that mistake again. None of us would."

"I know that. I might not act like it, but I do realize we can trust you. Still, you should have all stayed away. It's best for your safety and ours."

"How is it best to leave you without allies?"

"You're just as much a threat either way. If you're on our side, they'll use you like they did before. You would be a way to hurt us. It's why I don't want the other girls anywhere near you. If they don't care, you can't hurt them."

"You legitimately suspected Zoisite."

"Zoisite's timing was bad."

He nodded, unsurprised. "Whatever you have Seen made you doubt his intentions."

"Why am I telling you all this?" she muttered.

"I imagine it is because I purposefully angered you enough that you would speak the truth to me rather than your evasions."

Rei lifted her head to glare at him. "You sneaky little- ooh, you're lucky I'm not stupid enough to punch you. Minako-chan might kill me for it, but it would make me feel so much better."

"You are welcome to try."

She snorted. "Like I said, I'm not that stupid. You found out what you wanted to know, so can you go away now?"

"I still have heard no assurances regarding Jadeite's safety."

"I might shout at him some, but I probably won't hit him. Does that count?"

"It will do for now. You should join us for training. We will be in the clearing."

Kunzite vanished as soon as the words were said, leaving her staring blankly at the spot he had just vacated.

She shook her head. "Sometimes I hate him."

"Because he tricked you into spilling or something else?"

Rei glanced up at her odango'd friend. "How long have you been here?"

"Not long. I had to come by foot, after all- Zane couldn't be persuaded to give me a lift when Kunzite had said he wanted to be the one to talk to you." Usagi plopped down on the priestess's bed. "So you've known all along."

"Surprised?"

"No."

"Mad?"

"No."

"So now what?"

"We follow Kunzite's suggestion," the blonde answered. "We train. We find the ways to defend ourselves and our world." She studied her friend. "He's right to want to bring Jadeite back."

"I know."

"Don't like it?"

"Nope."

"Neither did I."

Rei frowned. "Really?"

"I didn't even want Kunzite to fight. I told him as much several times when he joined the battle against Ali and En. I think Zane should have been left to his normal life. All of them should have. It didn't matter. They're part of this, Rei. Trying to hold them at a distance only makes it harder."

She sighed. "Yeah, you're probably right. Still, I don't want Jadeite involved."

"You will be nice when he comes back, won't you?"

"I don't know. Maybe. I think it depends on the situation."

Usagi rolled onto her stomach, head propped in her hands. "You already love him, don't you?"

"No."

"I'm not the only bad liar."

"Usagi…"

"You might as well tell me, Rei-chan. I'll find out eventually anyway."

"…Fine. Yeah, I guess so. I mean, I loved him even as a child."

"Which is why you're hardest on him. Why did you never tell me you remembered him for so long?"

"You had enough of a burden on your shoulders without my adding to it. Besides, I really did hate him for a long time because of what he did."

"So what changed?"

"Kunzite did, I think. Seeing what he was after the Dark Kingdom, realizing how much it had hurt him, I found it harder and harder to hold a grudge."

"You just couldn't bear to let him, Zane or Nephrite know that."

Rei laughed. "Pretty much."

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Kunzite made no comment when they joined the others in training. Instead, he set Mars to sparring with Nephrite while he took Sailor Moon to work with him. Jupiter was working with Zoisite and Mercury at the same time. Tuxedo Kamen and Venus were fencing.

The blonde looked anxiously at the general. "Why am I with you?"

"Your need is greatest, thus you merit particular attention."

"I feel like this is going to end badly. You're not nice when you're training people."

"I am hardly going to torture you, Sailor Moon. I am going to teach you."

"Maybe I should work with Venus," she muttered, edging away. She froze when he took her arm, pulling her aside. "Or not…"

"I am acting out of concern for you. If you do not care for it, then you may certainly request that Venus act as your instructor. However, I have far more experience in such matters."

She shrugged, obviously ill at ease. "I know, but training with you… it makes it too real, I guess? That I'm the weakest link despite my powers."

"You are hardly a weak link."

"You wouldn't single me out if you thought otherwise. Be realistic, Kunzite. I have no instincts for fighting. I have no real training to speak of. I've survived this long because of you and the others."

He reached out and framed her face. "I need you to listen to me: you are not weak. You need not depend on our presence; indeed you proved as much during the battle with Beryl. I am teaching you because someday the knowledge might save your life, yes, but it also might save one of ours too."

After a tense second, she finally smiled. "I guess you have a point. Whatever I can do to help myself means I might be in a position to help the rest of you too, huh?"

"Precisely."

Venus hurried over. "You shouldn't flirt with my best friend right in front of me, you know," she told her mate playfully. "So what's going on over here?"

"No trouble," Kunzite assured her. "We were discussing the use of training Sailor Moon further."

She raised one brow. "I thought it was obvious that it's useful for all of us to have more training."

"She took it to mean I believed her to be the weakest link in the team."

"Ah. Well. That's just silly, Sailor Moon. You survived plenty of stuff we didn't. You're more powerful than us too. He wants to teach you because he has something to teach you. Are you saying you know better than he does?"

"I already admitted I was wrong, Venus."

The other blonde nodded sharply. "Good. So let him teach you whatever it is he's thinking of. I'll go fence with Tuxedo Kamen-sama some more."

Kunzite watched her go with a faint smile. "Her interference was unnecessary, but I imagine it convinced you still."

"Yeah. She's good at that- the interfering, I mean." She grinned. "Such a busybody, that girl."

"Yes, I suppose she is. Now." He faced her again. "It occurs to me you are under the impression that I intend to fight you."

"What else would I think?"

Kunzite shook his head. "To be entirely truthful, it would take years of training for you to even have a chance against me in a physical battle. However, you need not fight monsters in such a way, and as such the training would be pointless. What you need is the agility to escape attack since you lack the brute strength to return it."

"…Which means?"

"You would do well to take up gymnastics."

She blinked a few times. "Gymnastics? You're taking me to the side for gymnastics? Everyone else is learning hand to hand, and you, what, want me to learn to do handstands?"

"Yes."

"Gymnastics it is." The Moon Senshi paused. "You do realize I'm a klutz, right?"

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AN: I imagine he'll find out if he didn't, hm? Anyway, again, thanks for those reviews this past week. It really did help remind me why I'm putting so much effort into this series. So, as usual, please review. Till next time!