AN: Wow, two in one go. It's a short one this time, moving us from part 1 (introducing everyone and leading up to the Moon) to part 2 (Senshi x Shitennou goodness).

Disclaimer: Do you really think anything's changed in the past hour and change? No. Good.

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Nephrite studied the stars before rolling onto his stomach to look at the others. "It really is getting late."

Kunzite glanced up before nodding. "We will have a long day tomorrow. We should retire now if we are to be well-rested."

Endymion opened his mouth to argue, but a jaw-cracking yawn emerged instead. He flushed. "I think I will head to bed, then."

"A wise decision," the eldest said wryly. "I suggest that everyone else do the same. Alone, Jadeite."

The younger general gave him a hurt look. "Are you trying to imply that I was going to while away the hours before such an important mission with an unseemly liaison?"

"Yes," Kunzite replied. "And I am also implying that you will be in quite a bit of trouble should I find out that my suggestion was not heeded."

Zoisite laughed softly. "Good night, everyone," he murmured before vanishing off to his own rooms, grateful he didn't need any pointed reminders.

"Good night," Endymion echoed as he did the same.

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While the others had come to be aware of the fact that the princesses had been able to teleport to Earth without any difficulty, that did not negate the trouble they would have making the trip themselves. Nephrite and Jadeite both lacked the ability, and more to the point, the Moon itself was shielded against unauthorized incursions. They would have to make the jump during a specific time frame, and it would have to be under Hyperion's power. Only if the first meeting went well would that barrier be altered to permit them to journey back and forth themselves.

Kunzite was almost frazzled as he gave last-minute orders to various subordinates while mentally tracking the rest of their party to ensure everyone would be ready at the appointed time. They were to be accompanied by three trained ambassadors in addition to himself and the others, and one of them bore a potent dislike for magic in general and Jadeite in particular. The eldest general dearly wished the king had chosen anyone else to take that place, but it would have been seen as a slight and caused further trouble. They had initially intended to bring a typical royal retinue as well, but Endymion had refused, saying it would be an unnecessary burden on Hyperion's power and on their resources to bring staff that could be provided at their destination.

Zoisite appeared at his elbow. "There seems to be an issue with the transportation of some of the arranged gifts for the Moon Queen, and those involved refuse to listen to me. Let me take care of this business for you."

Kunzite rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I will go see to this gift problem, then. You know what the rest of the troops need to be told, of course."

"Indeed. Everything here will be done before you return." He winced before continuing. "There is one other thing."

"Please tell me it is something simple. Prince Endymion's garden burning, perhaps, or a sudden outbreak of leprosy. Anything but –"

"One of Jadeite's former lady friends is here."

"That. Why am I not surprised? I assume he cannot deal with the problem himself."

Zoisite shook his head. "It is the ambassador's wife."

"Of course it is." He waved Nephrite over. "There is an issue with the delivery of the queen's gifts, and those involved will not heed Zoisite. Make sure they listen to you."

Nephrite nodded. "I am sure we will be able to think of something."

Kunzite turned back to his third in command. "Finish up here as quickly as possible, then get everyone to the gathering point. I will deal with the ambassador's wife."

"I will."

Gathering his already thinning patience, Kunzite strode over to the pavilion the various nobles seeing them off were waiting in. "Lady Nessa, a word, if you please."

"Of course, my lord."

He disliked mincing around delicate issues, but he had no time for petty relationship troubles while trying to get a difficult mission together. "I am glad to see you here to bid your husband farewell, my lady. It must be difficult with him going away for so long."

"Oh – I –"

"Feel free to speak with him before we depart. I am sure he will be glad to be reminded of what is waiting for him here."

She glanced in Jadeite's direction, but the cooler head he had thankfully been wearing in the past few months continued to prevail and he kept his attention to the task he was working on. Her face fell. "I will, Lord Kunzite, thank you."

He permitted himself a tired sigh as he turned his attention back to the gathering party. Zoisite, true to his word, had finished giving out the various commands needed to keep the military in line, though he knew they would be besieged with various requests and issues even while at the Lunar Court. He even had the majority of their group assembled and ready to depart.

He'd had to explain about Princess Serenity and her guardians three weeks before, when the invitation to meet had finally come. Zoisite and Nephrite had been surprised to learn that the Senshi they'd heard so much of during their training had been women. Jadeite, strangely, had said little on the matter, though that made more sense given the revelations the previous night. Almost every moment since then had been spent getting ready, and of course with the time fast approaching they seemed like they were anything but. Still, it felt good to be acting again rather than waiting, hoping they would be enough to move their kingdom forward.

Hyperion gestured from his place in the middle of their transport space, and Kunzite nodded in response. It was time to travel to the Moon.

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AN: And that's that, written just in the time since the last one and thus un-beta'd. I'll look over it again in the morning, but we should be okay. Again, reviews please. Till next time!