Nephrite opened the curtains over the windows and cracked open the windows. The fresh air poured into the house and a smile appeared on his face.
"The fresh air smells so nice in the morning," he sighed happily.
"Good morning, Nephrite," Cira said from behind him. He turned around and smiled at Cira. She wore an orange strapless floor length gown. Her blue eyes gleamed brightly and her butterscotch blonde curls swayed behind her. "The fresh air smells so nice," she noted as she filled her nostrils with the air. Nephrite shook his head then knelt before her. She tilted her head and looked at him, "you don't have to do that every time you see me. I didn't like it then and I don't like it now." Nephrite lifted himself from the ground.
"You are up very early," he said as he looked out the window at the sky. "The sun is up, but not high in the sky."
"I want to look for Celino today," she giggled, "did you forget?" Nephrite shook his head,
"I don't know where he is." Cira smiled at him,
"That's alright. We can look together." Nephrite nodded and held out his hand for Cira's. She slid her hand into his and squeezed his hand. He led her out the house and down the street. "Where should we start looking first?" She questioned.
"Where does your heart tell you?" He smiled.
"My heart says cookies," she giggled as she turned to him, "can we go get some cookies before we get started?" Nephrite nodded and laughed. For the first time in a long time he felt free and happy. He felt as if he belonged again and as if he could live a normal life.
"Jadeite," Beryl smiled as she caressed his cheeks gently, "you have served me very well."
"Thank you, Queen Beryl," he blushed, "I want nothing but your happiness."
"What would make me happy is if you destroyed Cira and the Sailor Senshi," she whispered in his ear then nibbled on it gently. Jadeite whimpered softly and quivered under her touch.
"I will do whatever you want," he whispered.
"Good," she smiled, "then go and fulfil your mission." Jadeite dashed from her quarters and out of her sight. "Men," she scoffed, "such easy creatures to control." She tossed her apple red locks over her shoulder and laughed loudly.
"Toshio," his mother called from the bottom of the stairs, "you have a guest." Toshio opened his bedroom door and saw Takashi standing at the bottom of his stairs with his mother.
"Come on up," he called to Takashi. Takashi thanked Toshio's mother then headed up the stairs. "What are you doing here?"
"I can't eat, I can't sleep and that cat is driving me insane," Takashi groaned as he rubbed his eyes, "have you guys found her yet?" Toshio jumped back.
"What? I don't know what you're talking about," he said. Takashi grabbed Toshio by his shirt.
"I don't have time for this game," Takashi growled, "have you guys found Mayu yet?" His eyes burned into Toshio's as if they were pleading. Toshio sighed and shook his head.
"No, not yet," he frowned then smiled, "but we'll find her. I promise." Takashi released his shirt then fell to his knees. "I miss her, too," he said softly. Takashi's eyes began to sting as he tried to hold back his tears. "Don't worry," Toshio smiled, "we'll find her. Akio is searching now." Takashi stood to his feet,
"What can I do to help?" Toshio shook his head,
"It's best if you just stay out of the way for now." Takashi hung his head. "Hey! I know," Toshio exclaimed, "let's go to the park and clear your mind." Toshio grabbed Takashi's hand and pulled him down the stairs and toward the park. They sat down on a park bench and sat in silence.
"I can see why she liked you," Takashi whispered, "you always try to cheer people up." Toshio smiled at Takashi.
"I just don't like seeing my friends sad," he explained, "it makes my heart ache." Takashi nodded. "No matter how much she liked me," Toshio said, "she loved you with her whole heart, Tuxedo Mask." Takashi's eyes grew wide and he stared at Toshio. "I know your glare anywhere," he laughed, "cold and disapproving." Takashi laughed and shook his head. Toshio's watch began to beep and Ren's face flashed on his watch.
"There is trouble on the outskirts of town," Ren said through the watch, "meet us there." Toshio nodded and jumped to his feet. Takashi jumped to his feet as well.
"I think you should stay here," Toshio smiled gently. Takashi refused and followed behind Toshio.
"Eclipse," Beryl's voice echoed through the town, "I am waiting for you. I'm on the outskirts of town. Show your face if you dare." A wicked smile spread across her face as she looked at Mayu and the three generals. "She'll come to save your lives and when she does I'll kill her."
"Cira," Nephrite grabbed her arm, "don't go. It's a trap." Cira turned and looked at him.
"My job has always been to protect this galaxy and that's what I'll do," she said to him.
"Then I'm coming with you," he exclaimed. Cira and Nephrite rushed to the outskirts of town and spotted Prince Celino and the Sailor Senshi on one side of the field. On the other side they saw Beryl, Mayu and the three generals.
"Sailor Senshi," Beryl shouted from across the field, "I have no intention of fighting any of you. I have bigger fish to fry."
"Beryl," Sailor Moon shouted back, "release Mayu and we'll spare you." Beryl tossed her head back and laughed.
"The little girl is here by her own will," she shouted back, "besides, she's my new pet."
"Beryl," Cira called as she walked closer to the field with Nephrite behind her, "you let them go this instant." Beryl's gaze shifted to Cira.
"Cira, it's been a while since I've seen this side of you," she smiled, "and Nephrite, a traitor to the end." Cira continued to approach Beryl. Beryl grabbed Mayu and held a sword up to her neck. "One more step and the girl dies." Tuxedo Mask attempted to move, but Sailor Moon held him back. Cira stood her ground and glared at Beryl.
"You will not succeed this time, Beryl," Cira growled lowly, "I will punish you for all your wrong doing."
"All I wanted was to rule the world with you," she growled back, "I clothe you and gave you shelter and this is how you treat me."
"You used me," Cira voice screamed out, "you used me and lied to me." Tears began to form in her eyes. "You kept me from my family and from my friends," she continued, "then you destroyed the universe I loved."
"Because you kept him from me," Beryl hissed, "you took Celino. The only guy I ever loved. After he met you he never looked at me the same. So yes, I destroyed your world, but you provoked me." Cira balled her hands up into fists and fixed her eyes on Beryl.
"I will do whatever it takes you stop you, Beryl," Cira hissed back, "and I won't stop until you're defeated." Beryl rolled her eyes then placed her hand over Mayu's chest. Pulses began to flow through Mayu's body causing her to cry out. "Let her go, Beryl," Cira growled, "your fight isn't with her."
"Then return home with me," Beryl smiled. Cira nodded and began to move towards Beryl, but Nephrite grabbed her arm and held her in place.
"If you go back now who knows what will happen to this world," his eyes burned into her pleading.
"Nephrite," Cira smiled, "you stay here and protect my daughter. I promise everything will be alright." She tugged her arm away from him and walked over to Beryl. Beryl smiled down and nodded at Jadeite. Jadeite lifted his sword and charged at Cira. His sword pierced through her stomach. Cira tumbled onto his sword and looked up at him. "Jadeite," she whispered and smiled at him gently, "I wish for your freedom more than anyone." She fell to her knees and reached up for him. He allowed her hand to touch his chest and tears began to pour down his face.
"I'm sorry, my queen," he cried as he looked down at her. Memories flooded his mind of his time within the Amaterasu Kingdom with the royal family. Beryl released Mayu and smiled triumphantly. Mayu rushed over to Cira and glared up at Jadeite, her silver eyes burned into his.
"Mama," she cried as Jadeite removed his sword from Cira, "no, Mama. I can't lose you again." She hugged her mother tightly as Cira's blood began to stain her clothes.
"My precious, Naiya," she whispered, "you've gotten big since the last time I saw you." She smiled gently at Mayu. "It's okay darling," she rubbed her back, "don't cry. Mama will be fine." Mayu looked up at Cira her eyes filled with tears. Cira wiped Mayu's eyes. "I have a gift for you," she whispered, "it'll help stop your changes." Cira held Mayu close to her and a fragment of the Legendary Crystal exited her body. It hovered over Mayu then forced its way into her chest. Instantly Cira changed back into Eclipse and the bleeding stopped. Eclipse stared at Mayu. "Promise me you'll take care of it," she smiled and held out her pinkie finger to Mayu.
"I promise," Mayu whispered as she wrapped her pinkie finger around Eclipse's.
"Now get to safety," Eclipse whispered not wanting to let Mayu go, "and tell Sailor Moon he promised he'd always find me. I'll be waiting." Mayu nodded and rushed over to the Sailor Senshi. Nephrite picked up Eclipse and glared at Beryl.
"Bring her over here," Beryl smiled, "it's time to go." Nephrite refused and Beryl smirked at him. She lifted her hand and the generals' weapons rose to their throats.
"Nephrite, please," Eclipse looked up at him, "don't punish them for her wrong." Nephrite looked down at Eclipse. "Let me down and go with the Senshi," her voice cracked. Nephrite let her down and held her hand.
"You will come back to us right?" He asked. She nodded and smiled. After he released her hand she walked over to Beryl.
"So nice of you to come back," she growled now knowing that part of the Legendary Silver Crystal was inside Eclipse all along. Beryl, the three generals and Eclipse disappeared from the field.
"Sailor Moon," Mayu grabbed his hand and looked up at him, "Mama says you promised you would always find her and she'll be waiting." Mayu let go of his hand and rushed into the arms of Tuxedo Mask. "I missed you so much," she cried as she hugged his neck and buried her face into his shoulder. Tuxedo Mask clung to her and lifted her off the ground. He spun around with her then set her back down on the ground. Mayu turned and looked at Nephrite. "Nephrite," she called to him with a smile, "I'm pretty sure you have something to do." She extended her hand toward him and smiled.
"You smile exactly like your mother," he laughed as he approached her. Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask jumped between her and Nephrite causing him to stop in his tracks. Mayu pushed between them and held out her hand for Nephrite.
"He's not going to hurt me," she smiled as she waited patiently for him. Nephrite knelt before her and accepted her hand then kissed the top of it gently.
"I won't ever hurt one that I was assigned to protect," he confidently smiled. He looked at Sailor V. "My prince, I am sorry for everything I've done in the past," he bowed himself before Sailor V, "I live to serve you and I'll die serving you." Sailor V laughed,
"Nice to have you apart of the team." Nephrite lifted himself from the ground and followed behind the Sailor Senshi as they left the field. On the way past the park he stopped.
"This is my stop," he smiled down at Mayu, "whenever you need me call me." Mayu nodded and waved bye as he disappeared behind the trees. A few more miles and they reached the Hoshi residence. They said their goodbyes and departed into their apartment.
"Takashi," Mayu looked up at him as he opened the door, "do you think we'll be able to save Mama?" Takashi nodded.
"Princess," Sol cried out, "I'm so glad you're safe and back to normal." He smiled.
"Sol," she smiled back, "I saw Mama today."
"Where is she?" He inquired.
"That nasty Beryl took her away," she groaned, "but we're going to get her back. We're going to storm the fort and save Mama." She threw her fist in the air triumphantly and shook it. "Beryl's going to rue the day she messed with me!" Sol fell back on the sofa and laughed wildly,
"I've never seen so much spunk before in such a little person." He cleared his throat then sat up and stared at Mayu and Takashi. "Have either of you recovered your memories though? If you're going to defeat Beryl then everyone must remember everything." Takashi and Mayu stared at each other. "I would like to meet the other Sailor Senshi." He pushed his glasses up on his face.
"Later today," Mayu said, "I'm exhausted right now." She grabbed Takashi's hand and pulled him into her bedroom. "We're going to take a cat nap," she smiled, "you should too." She closed the door and Sol looked around the empty room.
"Don't mind if I do," he chuckled to himself and transformed into a cat then curled up on the sofa.
"So Mayu is back," Luna smiled at Toshio as she sat at the foot of his bed, "I'm glad." Toshio nodded then turned and faced Luna,
"Is there something you're not telling me?" Luna's eyes grew wide and she shook her head. Toshio groaned and rolled onto his back. He thought about the words Mayu had said to him earlier.
"Mama says you promised you would always find her and she'll be waiting." Her words echoed in his head. "Could she be the one in the dream? The one I've been looking for?" Toshio jumped to his knees and bounced on his bed. Luna cracked one eye open and peeked at him.
"Cira," Toshio shouted, "I will find you and we will be together." He fell on his back and stared up at the ceiling. "But first we need to find the Legendary Silver Crystal," he sighed, "then I'll come for you." Toshio closed his eyes and allowed his mind to take him on an adventure. Hours later his watch began beeping and Ren's face appeared on his watch.
"Toshio," he said, "we're meeting at the control center. Mitsuo has something he wants to talk about with us." Toshio nodded and jumped from his bed. He grabbed Luna and raced to the arcade. He crept through the back door and down into control center.
"Toshi-chan," Mayu smiled at him her once green eyes were completely silver now.
"Mayu," Toshio gasped, "what's going on with your eyes?"
"Princess Naiya is beginning to fully awaken," Sol explained as he adjusted his glasses and stared at Toshio. The Senshi were seated on the floor behind Mayu. "Sailor Senshi," he began then smiled and placed his hands on his cheeks, "I'm Sol, advisor of the Queen and her parents before her." He eyed each of the Senshi carefully. "It has been brought to my attention that a few of you haven't recovered your memories," he removed his glasses and wiped them clean with his tail, "I unfortunately cannot blame you guys and girl for that." His eyes quickly shifted to Artemis and Luna. "Your guides should have awoken your memories as soon as all of you were found." Luna and Artemis hung their heads in shame.
"Awoken our memories?" Akio inquired.
"What does that even mean?" Mayu rolled her eyes.
"Do any of you remember the Moon Kingdom or the Amaterasu Kingdom and the events that occurred?" Sol questioned them and looked each of them in their eyes individually. Each Senshi avoided his gaze until he reached Mitsuo. "I would suspect you know something," he stared Mitsuo pointblank in the eyes until he adverted his gaze. "Humph, seems as if I was right," he shook his head then turned to Luna and Artemis, "you don't have all your memories either do you?" Luna still adverted his gaze and Artemis shook his head.
"If they don't have their memories," Toshio argued, "then how can you expect us to have ours?"
"Toshio, is it?" Sol stared at him. "Your memories may not be awaken, but I feel your heart is trying to." Toshio stared back at him blankly. "Before I can awaken your memory, I must first awaken your heart."
"Awaken my heart?" Toshio just sort of stared at Sol. Sol rubbed his neko ears.
"Yes, I perhaps could have done this with the princess, but I figured I'd start with you," Sol said as he extended his hand toward Toshio's chest. Toshio felt a warmth emanate throughout his body and a soft smile spread across his lips.
"Cira," he whispered, "I'll always find you." Sol withdrew his hand and placed it down at his side. Toshio's eyes flew open and he smiled. "She's the one I dream about," he said as his face began to turn red. "I want to remember her," he turned to the Senshi, "I want to remember us."
"But how do we do that?" Mayu inquired.
"We go to the moon," Sol smiled.