Stormy nights were a difficult time for Nephrite. His connection to the stars was not as strong. It was as though he were walking around with cotton in his ears and a veil over his eyes. His sixth sense was impaired, and he had no recourse. Endymion relied on him to be his seer, and it simply would not do for his seer to be under the weather as it were. Nephrite knew that other seers of old were able to commune with the stars, even during the storms. He simply had to overcome this weakness. Just as the Teacher had beaten out every physical weakness, he had to flush out this spiritual weakness.

So on stormy nights, when others were huddled inside, staying dry, Nephrite braved the elements, ignoring the discomfort of his body, and attempted to listen.

Mostly, he ended up soaked to the bone. On occasion, his socks would be wet, and when things were particularly bad, he would come down with a cold.

Nephrite hated storms.

Still, he persisted. Shitennou did not give up. Nephrite knew he had to make progress. The rainy season would only last for another month, and his chances to train would be sporadic after that. So he was out in the rain again. It was mercifully light, but he still could not quite hear the voices in his head.

There was, however, something else, just at the edge of his awareness. It was not a voice, more of a presence. It was not the stars, this he knew. But it intrigued him, and it was the first thing he was able to sense in the storms. He decided to pursue it.

He reached out with his mind, attempting to trace the shadow. It reacted by withdrawing. Whatever it was, it was not background noise. It was definitely something. Nephrite reached out again. This time, he could sense definite power.

Just as suddenly, it was gone.

At that moment, a sentry came running up.

"General, there's been a breach!"

Inwardly, Nephrite cursed. He had been lax in his duties, but he could not let the sentry know. Besides, he understood know how the breach had happened.

"Yes. However, I believe the intruder has already escaped."

Stormy nights were difficult for Nephrite. It was cold, visibility was poor, and any tracks would be quickly washed away.

Nephrite hated storms.

But she didn't.

In spite of all the poor conditions working against him, he always managed to find her. He knew where she would go. So tonight, he made his way to the clearing, knowing she would be there. Endymion had not been distracted, so Serenity would not be joining him tonight. But when he felt the shadow enter his mind, he knew she was here.

Like some mythical woodland nymph, she danced barefoot in the glen, her footfalls unhindered by the wet grass, her grace and strength undiminished by the foul weather. Rather, she seemed to draw power from it. Nephrite had come to learn that this was the case. He always marveled at her, and how she thrived when he was so hindered. He could not help but admire her. He could not help but be enchanted by her. He could not help but be drawn to her.

As she heard him approach, she smiled, and the dance changed as suddenly it became a dance just for him. There was both invitation and mystery in her movement. She was fearfully powerful, and unbelievably beautiful all at once.

Finally, she came to rest, the same coy smile still on her lips.

"Enjoying the rain, princess?"

She laughs, a wonderful musical sound that echoes. "I get very homesick sometimes. I miss the storms on Jupiter." Her smile fades ever so slightly. "I can't leave the Moon very often, and certainly not for the length of time the journey home would take. So I have to come here to satisfy my homesickness."

Nephrite approached and took her hand gently. "I'm very happy that we may ease your burdens ever so slightly." In spite of the cold they both find warmth. The rain begins to ease before it finally stops. She smiles again.

"I love this time, just after the rain. It always seems like the trees take a fresh breath and are suddenly greener."

"We have more than trees my lady. Perhaps you might join me on a short walk?"

She takes his hand and they find their way to the royal gardens. Indeed, after the rain, it is as though all the flowers are more vibrant, brighter and more fragrant. They are nothing compared to the light in her eyes. She drinks all of it in.

"How lovely!"

There is a gentleness in Nephrite's eyes that few ever see. "Indeed," he comments softly.

She approaches the rose bushes. "So these are what Serenity is always hiding from us when she comes back."

"Ah yes, the prized royal roses. They are a sign of royalty, among their varied meanings."

"Oh, the flowers have meanings?"

"Indeed. Every flower in this garden has a meaning."

She inhales deeply, taking in the fragrance of the rose.

"So what else do these roses mean?"

"Well, that depends on the color. Red, for instance, other than being a symbol of royalty, is also a symbol of passion, while the white signifies purity. When placed together as they are here, they signify unity."

"I see, and the pink ones, like the earrings you gave me?"

He smiles. "Those are for friendship."

She blushes deep enough to match the earrings. But it's quickly forgotten as she moves on to another part of the garden.

"I've seen these before too. What are they?"

"Oh, the lilies? General Jadeite had them planted recently. They are a symbol of celebration. Very odd, considering how somber and reserved Jadeite frequently is."

She giggles, and Nephrite falls deeper under her spell. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing. It's just… well, I've seen Princess Mars keeping one of these in her private chambers."

Nephrite's eyes widen. Another puzzle piece falls into place. "Then perhaps you may have also seen General Kunzite's chosen flower elsewhere in the palace?" he asks as he moves to another bush. "These daffodils symbolize chivalry."

Jupiter's eyes widen again. "Yes, Princess Venus was having a pattern like this embroidered into a dress just the other day!"

They are both laughing openly now as they understand better the events of the past few months.

"And the hyacinth? That is General Zoisite's chosen flower. It means sincerity."

Jupiter's smile brightens even more.

"I've seen Princess Mercury pressing them between the pages of her favorite books."

Nephrite comes to her and holds her.

"What a fine bunch we all are, flaunting sacred decrees so that foolish young men may give beautiful young women flowers."

She places her head on his chest. "Flowers given are never wasted though."

For a moment, they are content to be in each other's arms. Eventually, they know they must part. It is always on their minds in these stolen moments together. She moves to leave.

"I've been away for too long, I must return."

Reluctantly, he lets go. She prepares to leave.

"Wait, one moment please."

Nephrite moves to hastily pluck a flower which he presents to her. She takes in it's fragrance, and a contented smile graces her lips.

"Thank you General. What is this flower, and what does it mean?"

He takes her hand in his.

"It's called the forget-me-not."

Her eyes widen before they brim with tears. An impulsive and impassioned kiss tells him that the message is received.