Wow! I'm glad there is still interest in this storyline. Thank you to all who have reviewed so far. I enjoyed looking through your comments :)

Now, on with the story...

Chapter 2

The blood trickles down my knuckles. It seems that even this training has lost its hold over me. The sky has returned to its natural blue, and as a result I am saddened. Still, I suppose I shouldn't be dwelling on this. There are more important matters that need tending to. I pick up my bag and start the short trek back to the palace. The air seems to be heavier than usual. Nephrite... my mind always seems to return to him. In the past he was the one person I was so close to giving everything to.

"I need to go back to Earth."

Those words had hurt more than I thought they would have.

"Then go."

I push the memory from my mind. "I don't need to be reminded of this…"

"Reminded of what?" Jadeite stands directly in front of me with a couple of books in his hands. When did he get there? Perhaps I just wasn't paying attention. "Oh, I apologize, Jupiter. That wasn't my place."

I take one step back. "What are you doing out here?"

He holds up one of the books. "I thought I'd find a quiet place to read."

I look closer. "An atlas?"

He nods. "Earth's geography has shifted quite a bit since the last time… well since I remember it anyway."

"Can you even read it?"

He shrugs. "I just need the pictures."

"What are you looking for?"

He smiles. "I just wanted to see if I could find the old Kingdom."

I turn. "It's been thousands of years though."

"I know."

I do remember the place that he's looking for. Truth is that I doubt it still exists. "Well good luck with that." I turn away.

I can still feel his eyes on me, even as I take the first few steps. "Why do you hate us?"

The question is simple, but it holds more weight than I'm sure he knows. Hate? I suppose I do hate the Shitennou. When I was younger, before all the memories, I used to think that it was impossible to truly hate anyone. I thought that there was always a balance to the world. Everything has both good and evil resonating within them. I was so naive. "It's not that I hate you, it is that I don't trust you."

I expect him to challenge my words with some immature comeback, but instead he nods with a smile on his face. "I guess that is understandable. We've only just met." I remember the look in his eyes when his arrows hit my body. The sting of betrayal never died. I remain guarded; something that I'm sure he can sense.

"I should be going."

He steps forward. "Look, I'm sorry if I've offended you in some way. Neo-Queen Serenity told us that in this life we threatened the peace of this planet."

It wasn't just this life you threatened. "Are you looking for sympathy?"

He shakes his head. "Of course not. No man looks for sympathy."

I roll my eyes. "I'm sure."

He can sense the tension between us. "I know it's not my place, but don't blame Nephrite. He loved Queen Makoto, and I don't think he told her before he left to fight with us."

"I'll be back, I promise."

I step back. "I'm not her."

"But you look just like her, right down to the marks on your wrists. The only thing you're missing are the battle scars." The wind gently moves between us. I avoid his gaze. There's nothing more that I want to say to him. Jadeite turns back to the forest. "On second thought, I know that you're not Makoto. She at least had the decency to respect us."

"Respect is earned."

He nods. "But I can see that your mind is already made up about us. Good day, Jupiter."

I don't say a word as he starts walking. How could he not remember what he had done? Betrayal is not something that is easily forgotten. The pain they caused is real and I'm having a hard time forgetting it. The truth is that whether I want to or not, I won't forget.

Mercury and Zoicite sit side by side in the library. It seems that some things won't ever change. I can see how close he's getting to her and I can't help but feel angry. I would never forgive myself if they had to go through that heartbreak again. Part of me attempts to reason that I'm just being paranoid, but my gut says otherwise. Regardless, I continue down the hall with a pile of documents tucked under my arm. The delegates of the world are meeting here tomorrow and there is much to prepare.

"Hey, Lita!"

I turn around to see Molly standing at the edge of the grand staircase with a little boy holding her hand. "Hey, what are you guys doing here?"

She smiles. "Visiting Serena, what else? Do you know if she's busy?"

"I think she's speaking with several advisors about the agenda tomorrow, but you guys can wait with me if you want. My office is across from the conference hall."

She nods. "That would be great."

After several moments I open the door to my office and motion for the two to make themselves comfortable. Molly and I aren't particularly close, but I remember who she was.

"So how are you doing?"

She smiles. "Just fine. Me and the little guy are getting on." I look down to the timid child. I must tower over him like a giant. He moves behind his mother's leg just as I kneel down closer to his level. "Come on Max, don't be shy. This is one of mommy's old friends from school."

I nod. "Last time I saw you was when you were a baby." Still, he doesn't move. "Hey, I have an idea. Want to see something cool?"

He looks at me with cautious eyes. I set the documents on the desk and clap my hands together. Both Molly and Max watch as a tiny dragon emerges from my hands. "Woah." The kid steps forward for the first time and watches as I manipulate the energy. The moment the dragon touches the ground, the current is complete. "Where did he go?"

I smile. "When electricity is grounded it travels."

He looks up to Molly. "Mom, did you see it?"

She nods. "Yes I did." Both of them take a seat while I straighten up my desk. Molly is a lot calmer than she used to be, but then again we both know why. I hand Max my mini computer to play with while they wait.

"Thanks, Lita."

I smile. "You're welcome. He seems to be enjoying himself."

She sighs. "You've probably just become his hero with that little electric dragon."

"Well, that means he'll never forget this place."

"Yeah that's true." She seems distant. "So how are you doing? Met anyone yet?"

I laugh. "No, I have a feeling I won't be as lucky as you were."

"I wouldn't give up. Love happens when you least expect it to." The air is slightly colder than it was when we first entered. I stand and walk across the room to the thermostat. "Has Serena forgiven me?"

I stop. "She never took offense."

She sighs. "I came here to apologize."

"I think she'll just be happy to see you."

"I don't deserve a friend like her."

I remember the last time Molly was in this palace. It was the day Melvin died. She cried and begged for Serena to bring him back, but when it's a person's time nothing can erase fate. The silver crystal grants humans long life and nothing more. Even in Crystal Tokyo, life comes to an end eventually, and while most of its citizens have lived for centuries, death can never be escaped.

"Don't be silly." Before I can say anything else, a light knock echoes from the door. "Come in."

The handle clicks out of place as Nephrite walks in. "Lady Jupiter I was wondering…"

Molly's eyes are fixed on the man in front of her. "N…Nephrite?"

He pauses. "I'm sorry, we haven't met. I'm afraid that I don't know your name."

She goes to speak, but I stand before she says a word. "Did you need something?"

Nephrite's attention turns to me. "It can wait until later. I apologize for the intrusion." His eyes never leave mine.

"Will it take long?"

He shakes his head. "No, but-"

I turn to Molly. "Excuse me for a moment."

"Lady Jupiter I can come back later."

I walk around until I am directly in front of him. "But you have my attention now. Take it or leave it."

He takes a deep breath and turns slightly. "As you wish."

I step past him out into the hall. He follows and closes the door behind us. "So."

He clears his throat and bows his head. "I just… wanted to apologize for earlier. You look remarkably like someone I know… or knew I guess."

I lied. "You don't need to apologize. I've already forgotten about it."

He pushes his hands into his pockets. "I… don't expect you to understand, but you look so much like... her..."

The memories start running through my mind. "It's ok."

He closes his eyes. "Do you know what happened? To the Silver Millennium that is."

"Luna and Artemis would probably know the most."

He nods. "I tried asking them, but they only remember bits and pieces."

There was a war that tore everyone apart. "They would know the most, besides Pluto."

He sighs. "This time and place is quite foreign to me. I'm not used to it."

"It'll grow on you."

His eyes drift away. "It's not the same."

For the longest time, all he does is stand there. I can't help but wince as my headache returns. My sudden movement catches his attention. "Are you alright?"

"Yes." I brush past him and reach for the door.

"Jupiter…" Before I know it his hand is around my arm. I pull it back.

"Don't do that."

He looks away. "I'm sorry."

I turn the handle. "Is that all you wanted?"

He nods. "Yes..."

And with those words he takes a step back as I walk in and close the door behind me. Molly still sits there with a look of confusion on her face. Serenity once told me that she and Nephrite had been close before his death in this life. Apparently there was still some good in him. I can't see him in the same light. To me he will always be the man who helped destroy everything I held dear. I killed him and yet here he stands. Pluto was right, death is not an eternal concept.

"How is he..."

I look to Molly. "It's a long story. I'd rather let Serena tell you."

In that moment I hear voices in the hall. I can only assume that the conference has finished. Still, security needs to increase. These meetings will be going on all week. I lead Molly and Max out into the halls, past the various advisors to Serenity herself. There are no words that could describe their reunion. Even as a Queen, Serena has never forgotten her old friends. I step back and turn to several guards. "Make sure all preparations for tomorrows negotiations are complete."

"Yes, ma'am."

I walk through the halls with my head held high. There's a light breeze in the distance. I can feel its touch even through these walls. In the distance are several voices emanating from the throne room. Today Crystal Tokyo is the center of the world treaty negotiations. As a result I am patroling the west tower with Hotaru. I'm sure the others have similar duties.

I'm not a huge fan of letting so many important people occupy the palace, but Mercury assures me that it is the safest place for the meeting. I can't relax. My mind continues to jump between our security plans. I watch everything, from the movements of the guards to the positioning of the senshi.

"The winds are restless today."

I turn to Saturn. "Is that bad?"

She nods. "It means the balance has shifted."

We both walk together past several guards lining the doorways. "Balance always shifts."

The glaive she carries is a recurring image in my memories. It is the reason we are still alive. I guess destruction has the potential to bring peace. The violence of this world never escapes me. Jupiter always rebuilt itself. No matter what we destroyed, it could always be replaced. I'll never forget the cries of battle. I take one more step before stopping at the edge of the balcony. There's a faint ticking sound in the distance.

"Can you hear that?"

Saturn closes her eyes. "Yes, but I don't think it's anything to worry about." We both continue on. Her steps are lighter than mine. I look up and see the sun setting behind the mountains. The sky is painted a beautiful scarlet and yet it feels as if it's out of place. That is when I feel it, the light sound of swift motion. I stop and turn, but my attention is quickly shifted. "What is that?"

In the middle of the sky rests what looks to be a black patch. I have little time to say anything in response before the ground begins to shake. Saturn looks to me before losing her balance. My instincts take over as a large ball of dark energy flies towards us. I pull Saturn back and take the hit dead on. My skin feels as if it is burning. Before I know it, Saturn recovers with her glaive in hand. She reaches to heal my wounds but stops after the realization that they are healing themselves.

"Jupiter?"

I drop to my knees. "Hotaru, get to the Queen."

She pauses for a moment. The others would have hesitated to stay, but Saturn and I share the same philosophy when it comes to our duties. If someone is bold enough to attack the Crystal Palace then the threat is more than minor. "I understand."

And with those words she vaults over the balcony and proceeds to cross the courtyard. This energy feels so familiar. Regardless, I force myself to stand. I've felt this before.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Energy from the dark crystal can be rather harsh to humans."

The voice is so familiar. I turn and summon the power of the storm. Standing in front of me with arms crossed is someone that I hadn't seen in over a thousand years. "Rubeus."

He smiles. "Well now. I guess there is no need for introductions. You must be Jupiter. Wiseman has told us so much about all of you senshi." I don't waste time. The lightning flies from my hands, but he disappears from sight. "That was rather pitiful."

Before I know it, I'm hit hard from behind. I can feel the rage mounting. "You coward. Face me head on."

His laugh echoes all around me. "A coward runs away, I merely hide in plain sight."

I clench my fists. "How dare you attack this place?"

"We only seek to take what is rightfully ours."

There's a split second when I can hear his movement. I turn in time to dodge the beam of energy heading my way. The thunder roars overhead now as I lunge forward and tackle him over the balcony. In the distance I can hear the fightning. Mars' flames climb the sky without mercy. I see them for a split second before focusing. I hold onto Rubeus, but I can feel his weight lessen beneath my grip. He disappears a mere moment before hitting the ground, leaving me to roll back to my feet. "Where are you?" Before I know what is happening, I'm struck in all directions by waves of dark energy. My transformation seems to be fading. "What's happening?" I fall back against the palace walls. Standing in front of me are Rubeus and several droids. I look down and realize that I've detransformed completely.

"Our dark crystal is a thousand times stronger than your silver one."

I smile. "Do you think that crystals are the source of our power?"

He laughs. "Don't lie, we know it is. Without it you're only human."

"None of us are really human."

He nods. "We know the story, but Nemesis will crush this planet and its Queen like it should have over a millennia ago."

Nemesis... the one planet that couldn't be found. If we had then maybe the Silver Alliance wouldn't have fallen so easily. In the past, I never held such distain for my enemies, but this is different. I reach into my pocket for my henshin stick, but it's gone.

"Looking for this?" My eyes widen as I see the one tool that I have used for centuries resting beneath his boot. A sadistic smile appears on his face as he stomps down. "Now you are powerless. I'll make you scream in terror."

Sparks still dance across my skin. "How dare you..." I don't know how, but I feel as if nature can still hear me.

A dark of energy begins to form in the palm of his hand. "The black moon will reign over this planet, and I'm going to love watching each of you fall."

"Jovians don't fall."

His attack comes again, and I'm ready to face it. Before I know what is happening, the storm roars in the distance. I close my eyes and try to call on my powers. The scars on my wrists glow as both the earth and the storm heeds my commands. "What is this?" Before he can say anything else, the ground shakes as roots break the surface and block his strike. For a moment, he stands there with nothing to say.

"I don't need a crystal to beat you."

He watches as I charge my fists with the lightning of the storm. "I'll enjoy watching you-" But he stops with a strange expression on his face. I quickly look around. There is no one else, but the droids. "It seems that you have survived the first strike. My Prince wishes to regroup. Luck is on your side today. I'm sure we will meet again, Jupiter."

I don't waste time in throwing my lightning. When my attack clears, there is no one in sight. My hands are still curled into fists. I take several steps forward. My breathing is slow, but heavy. My insides feel as if they are being torn apart. Something doesn't feel right.

"Lady Jupiter? Are you alright?"

I turn and see Kunzite rushing to my side. "I'm fine."

He steps forward. "Forgive me, but do you need-"

"I said I'm fine." My right hand instinctively touches my chest. It's as if I'm searching for a wound that isn't there. Regardless, I straighten myself. "Where are the others?"

He looks on. "Saturn and Mercury are with the Queen, but I don't know about anyone else."

I nod. "Find any guards you can and make your way to Serenity and Endymion."

"I should help you."

"No, there isn't time. We need to regroup. The delegates are our first priority."

"You're hurt-"

"Just go!"

Kunzite pauses before turning away. He hurries off into the palace leaving me to gather my thoughts. I don't want to trust him, but right now I don't really have a choice. There was pain in his eyes. It was far different from the bloodlust of the battlefield. The image of my sword sliding across his throat never leaves my mind.

I resist the urge to scream out in pain. My body feels like its burning. That is when I feel it; the light sting from my palm. Blood? A sense of nostalgia rushes over me. "Damn." Before I know it that same sting appears on the left side of my face. I touch my cheek and see the same unmistakable red. There's no way... These wounds are from the past. The only ones that couldn't be healed.

What is happening to me? I kneel down next to my broken henshin stick. The sting of my open wounds being touched by rain never escapes me. This is the familiar sensation of battle. The thunder roars as I stand and turn back to the palace. I remember when Rini first came to the past and told us that her home was in danger. She was so scared back then. I won't let that happen now. To declare war on Crystal Tokyo means to face the wrath of Jupiter. Even without my transformation the storm is forever on my side. Nothing will stand in my way.