Earth Guardian Prince Endymion

By Senshi of Ruin and Mizu no Senshi

Act Fifteen Recap:

(Masaki’s POV)

“Masaki-kun, I’m surprised at you.” He declared, and then passing the ticket to Mamoru and their leader also stared at Masaki in astonishment whilst reading out loud the words printed there.

“Komoro Seiichi’s fiftieth concert? I didn’t know you were a fan?”

I know it is a little strange that I’m a fan of Komoro Seiichi’s, but listening to his music was always a source of escapism from my problems with my parents and I drew comfort from listening to it. What was wrong with that? I had acquired the concert tickets months ago, before I even knew Mamoru and the others and was determined to go.

Little did I know that the Dark Kingdom was targeting Komoro-san, too.

“So this is a concert hall?” Dark Mars mused to herself as her heels clicked loudly on the polished wooden flooring of the stage. The hall was deserted, which was a good thing, Mars thought darkly. Beryl had been furious at the latest failing so Mars had decided to set her sights higher than a kindergarten. Komoro Seiichi was a famous pianist, after all, and lots of humans would be coming to see him perform and wasting lots of energy.

When I saw Dark Mars leaving the concert hall, I had to investigate, but found myself face to face with Komoro-san himself.

“Can I help you?” he asked, his voice wavering in places and he was forced to repeat himself when all Masaki could do was stare dumbly at him whilst cursing his impulsiveness.

“I…” he trailed off.

Komoro-san smiled slightly, “I take it you’re not the piano tuner, then?”

We didn’t really get to talk for very long, as the concert was about to start. Komoro-san seemed a little full of himself, but what star wasn’t? He showed me back out to the main hall, but when the curtain went up…

“What? What is--” he trailed off as the Youma whirled round, and before Jadeite could react it conjured a ball of fire in its hand, just like the Senshi who’s powers it was formed from, and hurled it at the astounded pianist.

“Komoro-san?” Jadeite whispered as the man lowered his silver cape that had been acting as a shield.

“Komoro-san?” Jadeite repeated and then, in a louder voice, “Zoisite-sama?”

******

Act Sixteen:

“Zoisite-sama?” Jadeite repeated, unable to do or say anything else. Komoro Seiichi was Zoisite? Jadeite took an unwilling step back. He needed some time to think… some time to get his head round this revelation. He had been talking to the man not long before and he never would have guessed… why didn’t Komoro-san say anything?

His thoughts were interrupted by the Youma, whom, it would seem was furious about being forgotten. Snatching up its scythe it lunged forwards and Jadeite barely managed to bring his own weapon up to counter it. The sound of the blades clashing rung loudly in his ears, but his attention was still half focused on Zoisite-sama. This fact was reflected in the battle as the Youma struck again, managing to knock Jadeite’s sword from his hand and then placing a well aimed kick to his chest, sending the stunned blonde sprawling into the aisle. It emitted a low growl of triumph as raised the scythe above its head for the final blow… and stopped. Its eyes widened in shock and the scythe fell from its hand, ringing loudly as it struck the wooden floor.

Jadeite raised his head as the Youma fell, dead before it hit the ground. Zoisite-sama stood over it, kneeling down to retrieve the curved white sword that he had embedded in the Youma’s back. Sheathing it once more at his side he turned to Jadeite and extended a hand to help him to his feet.

Jadeite pulled away and immediately dropped to his knees before the Prince. “Zoisite-sama--”

“You shouldn’t have let your guard down,” Zoisite said with a flip of his cape to accentuate this.

Jadeite didn’t know what to say to him. Admittedly he had kept more or less silent when Zoisite-sama first appeared letting the others do all the talking and now he found himself at a loss for words. What was there to say?

Jadeite lowered his gaze, watching as the Youma’s body slowly turned to dust before his eyes. When he finally managed to look up at his Prince again he had de-transformed back into Komoro Seiichi once more.

“You should do the same” he said, a little coldly, “People are coming.”

Jadeite nodded, not sure what else to say or do so just obeyed this order. It was strange seeing Komoro-san like this. Before when Masaki had met him, he hadn’t hero-worshiped him. Granted he was a fan of Komoro-san’s, but it didn’t meant that he went to the extremes that female fans in his place might do. All he had cared about was the beautiful music that the pianist played, and Masaki couldn’t really give a damn about the man who played it. Of course, that was before. Now… he wasn’t sure. Before he had been a little apprehensive and nervous, but now he did not know what to say at all.

Masaki averted his gaze and stared up at the flames that were flickering their way up the walls. Now he was in his Earth form, the smoke was starting to affect him and he involuntarily coughed as he inhaled more ash and it burned his throat. He doubled over as another coughing fit overtook him. Around them people were starting to wake and outside Masaki could hear the screeching of fire trucks.

Already firemen were entering the building and guiding people to safety.

“You must keep this quiet” Komoro-san said softly, “You can’t tell anyone who I really am.”

Masaki met his gaze, “That” he answered, “remains to be seen.”

Komoro-san frowned, but was unable to reply as he was led from the burning building.

*****

There were reporters and television crews everywhere being held back by police. Masaki sat away from them, safely behind the barrier and in the back of an ambulance, a blanket draped around his shoulders. Around him, paramedics were treating members of the audience. Most had already been taken to wait for an ambulance to take them to hospital, but Masaki had refused explaining that he hadn’t collapsed and just needed a minute or two to catch his breath. They hadn’t been happy at this, but had left him alone anyway. Masaki decided that they had other patients to see, ones that were willing to accept treatment and was just grateful to be left alone with his thoughts.

“Komoro-san?” Jadeite whispered as the man lowered his silver cape that had been acting as a shield.

“Komoro-san?” Jadeite repeated and then, in a louder voice, “Zoisite-sama?”

He hadn’t seen Komoro-san since they had been ushered out of the burning concert hall. The pianist had been quickly escorted to a private ambulance whilst Masaki had to wait to be seen. He hadn’t wanted to be seen at all. His throat was a little sore, but apart from that he was fine. Unfortunately, the paramedics weren’t letting anyone leave the scene until the police had spoken to them. Masaki had sat down to wait with the others, but had found himself being shown to a private ambulance instead. This didn’t surprise him in the slightest.

“You must keep this quiet” Komoro-san said softly, just before a fireman reached them, “You can’t tell anyone who I really am.”

Masaki met his gaze, “That” he answered, “remains to be seen.”

As he suspected, a few minutes later Komoro-san joined him. He, too, had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders as he sat down beside Masaki.

“We can go in a bit,” he said, breaking the uneasy silence between them, “Tetsuya-kun is clearing it with the police now.”

“What did you tell them?”

Komoro-san shrugged, “That a crazy fan climbed up on stage and set light to everything. No one else remembers very much so the story should hold up. The press are having a field day as it is.”

Masaki nodded, “At least I know now why you said you had little need for security, Zoisite-sama.”

Komoro-san frowned, “Don’t call me that here and I meant what I said. You can’t tell anyone that you know who I am.”

“By anyone I assume you mean Mamoru-kun and the others.”

“It is safer if they didn’t know. They think you know as little as they do. It would be safer for you all if they keep on believing this.”

“I take it you mean the Dark Kingdom?”

Komoro-san nodded, “Their Queen, Queen Beryl, resents and loathes the past life. The Prince is a cause of her bitterness and hatred. She will tear apart the planet and all who get in her way. As long as my identity remains a secret the Earth is safe.”

“And you want me to help keep that secret?”

Komoro-san was about to reply when a man, whom Masaki could only assume was Tetsuya, came hurrying over to them.

“Seiichi-kun” he complained, waving a hand at the chaos that surrounded them, “Look at this! Look at all those reporters. What were you doing? You could have been killed in there!”

“Well I wasn’t, thanks to Masaki-kun” Komoro-san replied. “He managed to drag me off of the stage before the fire could spread.”

“Is this true?” Tetsuya whirled round to stare at Masaki, as though noticing him for the first time.

Masaki was about to reply, to deny this, but Komoro-san interrupted him, “Tetsuya? Can we go now?”

His manager sighed, “The police still want to talk to you, Seiichi-kun.”

“They know where I’m staying, right?”

“Yes, but--”

“Then we can go.”

Tetsuya sighed and threw his hands up in mock frustration, “Fine! I’ll go and arrange a car to take you back to the hotel.”

“Tetsuya?”

“What?”

“Masaki-kun is coming, too.”

“Whatever” Tetsuya shook his head and hurried away muttering to himself under his breath.

“You didn’t have to do that and I’m not coming back to the hotel with you” Masaki said once they were alone again, “I have things to do.”

“And we have things to discuss.”

Masaki met and held his gaze, “Is that an order, Komoro-sama?”

“No. I’m asking you as a friend.”

“A friend?” Masaki repeated sceptically, “As I said before, you are pretty full of yourself if you think that we are friends. We have only just met.”

He shrugged lightly, “You don’t have to come if you really don’t want too, but like I said, we have things to discuss.”

Masaki looked away, debating his answer. There had to be another reason for Komoro-san’s want to keep his identity a secret. What would one of the other’s do in his place? Masaki didn’t know. A friend… meeting Komoro-san’s gaze, Masaki could only see sincerity in his eyes. Masaki thought himself a very good judge of character most of the time and sensed that the rather arrogant pianist’s intentions were good and, because of this, Masaki voiced his agreement and followed Komoro-san to the waiting car. He could at least hear him out. If he didn’t like what Komoro-san had to say then he didn’t have to stay, and Komoro-san was the Prince after all.

She will tear apart the planet and all who get in her way. As long as my identity remains a secret the Earth is safe.

What did he mean by this and why did this statement fill Masaki with dread…

*****

Hot tears poured down her cheeks, her breath coming out in ragged gasps as she fled down the marble steps of the palace. All she could see was the image of her Prince in the arms of another. All she could hear was the sweet laughter of the unforgivable Princess who had tempted her love away. The Princess. Beryl’s heart clenched in rage as she thought of her. It was this rage that brought her back from the midst of her memories.

She opened her eyes, the throne room and the cold familiarity of it was comforting somehow. Her fingers scraped the top of her crystal as she stared lovingly into the image it held. The Prince… her Prince. Though her feelings for him in this life were somewhat muted, Beryl was sure that they would reassert themselves once she had him within her grasp. The Princess… though she could see no more of her than a shadow and hear a laugh like the tinkling of sleigh bells, Beryl hated her. Her nails dug deep into her palms until blood welled up around them as she thought of the hateful brat who had taken everything from her… everything that Beryl held dear. She had little memory of their former lives, but what she did remember was awash with pain and suffering. She had lost the man she loved before, but that would never happen again. Not when he was so close. With this, she reached out until her palm was pressed against the crystal, delicately stroking his cheek with one finger she smiled, before whirling around to face the four Dark Senshi gathered before her.

“You have failed the Great Ruler in your quests to gather energy and obtain the Ginzuishou” she said coldly, “That I can overlook for now. The Prince is your target. He calls himself Zoisite in this world, but in the past he was…” Beryl trailed off. She didn’t want to admit to her minions that she didn’t know. That she no longer remembered his face let alone his name, “Zoisite is the target” she simply repeated, “You must capture him alive and bring him to me.”

“The consider it done, my Queen” Jupiter said, turning away with the intention of heeding her Queen’s demands, when Beryl’s next words stopped her.

“Not now. We must wait and conserve your energy. You have already failed today” this last part was directed at Dark Mars who squirmed uncomfortably under Beryl’s gaze.

“You must bring me the Prince” Beryl ordered, “You have failed me too many times to count. I suggest that you do not do so again… fools.”

Jupiter snarled under her breath at being called a fool, but was loath to question the Queen. Beryl nodded in satisfaction at this show of agreement, requesting that they try to cooperate, and dismissed them from the throne room.

“Conserve your strength,” she repeated as they left, “You will need it.”

Hot tears poured down her cheeks, her breath coming out in ragged gasps as she fled down the marble steps of the palace. All she could see was the image of her Prince in the arms of another. All she could hear was the sweet laughter of the unforgivable Princess who had tempted her love away. The Princess. Beryl’s heart clenched in rage as she thought of her. It was this rage that brought her back from the midst of her memories.

Beryl scowled. Yes… she had lost him before but never again. Come the end of the week the Prince would be hers.

*****

The hotel that Komoro-san was staying at was a 5 star and Masaki hadn’t really expected anything less. He frowned at the anxious media who were gathered outside the double glass doors of the hotel with the hopes of getting an interview with the famous pianist. Komoro-san, it would seem, was not in the mood to talk to them and requested that they be let in the back way whilst Tetsuya dealt with the reporters. This request was heeded, but met with a few choice swear words from his manager before Tetsuya could be persuaded to leave the safety of the limousine and into the media swarm.

Komoro-san quickly got out and hurried around the back, followed by Masaki, but thankfully the reporters were too interested in what Tetsuya had to say than the fact their star was escaping.

“Is he always like that?” Masaki commented as Komoro-san led him into the lobby of the hotel, whilst ignoring the curious stares that several guests gave him.

“Tetsuya-kun? Yes, pretty much, but he doesn’t mean anything by it.”

“Has he always been your manager?”

Komoro-san nodded as they started to climb the velvet-carpeted stairs, “Ever since I first started playing the piano in public. I owe him a lot.”

“I see” Masaki was silent after this, until they reached a room at the top of the stairs. Komoro-san opened the door and gestured for Masaki to go inside.

The hotel room was very spacious and was furnished in polished redwood with a white leather sofa sitting in one corner of the room. A single bed was on the other side and various sheet music littered the floor. Masaki raised an eyebrow at this. He had imagined the star to be a little tidier.

Komoro-san didn’t think anything of this and sat down on the aforementioned sofa, whilst Masaki opted for a wicker chair opposite him.

“So” Masaki started the conversation off this time, “You want me to keep your identity a secret from the others even though you are the Prince and we are supposed to protect you. This Queen Beryl from the Dark Kingdom is after you because of something you did in the past life. What did you do that was so terrible?”

“I don’t remember. Like you I only have flashbacks. I know I’m the Prince of the Earth Kingdom and that you and the others are the Shitennou who protected me. I know that the Dark Kingdom wish to destroy our planet and that we have to stop them.”

“What about the Ginzuishou?”

“The Ginzuishou is a powerful weapon that is capable of terrible things. If it falls into the wrong hands then it could be used to lay ruin to the Earth.”

“And who exactly are ‘the wrong hands’?”

“Queen Beryl and Sailor Moon.”

Masaki was surprised at how much information Komoro-san was willing to give him and decided to press on with his questions. He knew that, in his position, Mamoru would want to get as much information as possible concerning the mission and even if Masaki couldn’t share this information with his friends he could still use it to his advantage when fighting the Dark Kingdom.

“Why Sailor Moon?”

“She and the Dark Senshi protected the Princess in the past life. The Ginzuishou belonged to the Princess.”

“The Princess will bring destruction upon this world…”

“If Sailor Moon gets the Ginzuishou then she could give it to the Princess. Is that what you are saying?”

Komoro-san nodded, “I’ve been searching for the Ginzuishou, but I’ve never found it. It is possible that the Princess already has possession of it.”

“No” Masaki shook his head, “If that were true then Sailor Moon would not be looking for it.”

Komoro-san smiled, “You learn fast.”

Masaki shrugged, “It is just logic to me. Tell me something we don’t know. How did you know who I was, but I didn’t know who you were?”

Komoro-san paused for a moment, “I was there when Mamoru awakened his powers. After that it was easy to work out who the rest of you were.”

“I see. Then why wait so long before showing yourself, you could have saved us a lot of trouble you know.”

He laughed at this and Masaki also found himself trying not to smile, “You were the Shitennou, the four heavenly guardians of the Earth Kingdom. Your duty was to protect the Prince, me, but to do that you had to learn to work as a team. I’ve seen how close you all are, even in your normal forms, and already you are strong enough to become a serious threat to the Dark Kingdom without my help.”

“What about Mamoru? Why is he the leader and not you?”

“Mamoru is reluctant when it comes to the mission. He does not believe in his powers and does not want this, even now.”

“You hoped it might awaken his magical abilities” Masaki finished, “Why is it that in Tuxedo Kamen form he has no powers?”

“I don’t know.”

Masaki thought for a moment, trying to assemble this information into some kind of order. Staring hard at Komoro-san, he was finding it more and more difficult to dislike the man. Despite his earlier reservations and Komoro-san’s slightly superior attitude Masaki knew that, as the Prince, Komoro-san had a lot more responsibility and that they should be doing more to help him.

“When did you awaken your powers?” Masaki asked.

Komoro-san was slightly taken aback at this, but answered anyway, “A year ago.”

“When the Moonlight Sonata first came out on CD,” Masaki remarked, “If you wanted to keep a low profile then why become famous?”

“I love to play the piano. It’s my escapism from the real world and the responsibilities that I have. Tetsuya-kun happened to know the right people and before I knew it…” he trailed off, his voice almost sad as he added, “But that isn’t important. The past life is all that matters. Besides” he smiled, “Sometimes it is better to hide in the open. Mamoru didn’t guess a thing when I saved him from the Youma, did he?”

Masaki smiled, “Mamoru-kun isn’t as observant as the rest of us.”

“So I noticed, but it was good to meet him. I can see that I made the right choice by asking him to be the leader.”

But you will continue to lead until there comes a time when I can fight alongside you properly

Masaki recalled Zoisite’s words to Mamoru with a half-smile. When would he fight alongside them properly? If this Queen Beryl was after him then the further away from them he kept the better. The Dark Senshi would also be looking for him and, it would seem, that Sailor Moon also held a curious fascination for the Prince.

A year ago… Masaki couldn’t even imagine fighting alone for even a day. Indeed, earlier today it had seemed strange without at least one of the others fighting alongside him. How lonely… even someone like Masaki who tended to be a little standoffish could appreciate just how terrible that must have been. Komoro-san appeared at ease with his past life, but he had, had a year to come to terms with it. Who knew what he had been like when he first found out? Masaki knew that, had he not awakened, that Mamoru might have seriously considered not fighting at all and he suspected that Komoro-san knew this, too.

“Masaki-kun, I’m surprised at you.” He declared, and then passing the ticket to Mamoru and their leader also stared at Masaki in astonishment whilst reading out loud the words printed there.

“Komoro Seiichi’s fiftieth concert? I didn’t know you were a fan?”

If only they knew… Masaki thought to himself and smirked at the look on their faces if he told them.

“You must keep this quiet. You can’t tell anyone who I really am.”

“That… remains to be seen.”

The others deserved to know, but Zoisite was his Master. He couldn’t disobey an order, could he? That was just it, Masaki thought. Komoro-san hadn’t ordered him to do anything really. He was letting him decide and not forcing him to hide anything from his friends.

“I’m sorry about the concert” Masaki said out loud, this change of topic startling the pianist somewhat.

“It doesn’t matter” Komoro-san replied, “Tetsuya will make sure you get a refund along with everyone else.”

“I wasn’t concerned about that. It was a shame for you.”

“There will be other concerts, Masaki-kun.”

“I won’t tell them,” he decided, and partly hating himself for it, “I won’t tell them who you are.”

“Thank you.”

Masaki shrugged, “Only on the condition that I can come to the next concert?”

Komoro-san smiled at this, “Just don’t invite any Youma next time, okay?”

They both laughed at this and Masaki found the rest of his doubts fading away. Komoro-san could be trusted and he would trust him. Mamoru and the others did not need to know who the Prince was. It was safer for all of them that way.

Masaki stood, “I should be going” he decided, “They will, of course, have heard about the fire and will be worried.”

“Do you want me to ask Tetsuya to call you a taxi?”

“I can walk.”

“Okay” Komoro-san stood up with him and walked him to the door.

“Will you be staying in Tokyo for a while?”

“Most probably. The Dark Kingdom seems to focus its attacks on this region.”

“I see” Masaki nodded, “In this hotel?”

Komoro-san shrugged, “As long as nothing happens to change that, but if it does I’ll let you know.”

“Thank you, Seiichi-kun.”

The use of his first name obviously surprised the star, as he said nothing in response and Masaki left things as they were. On the way out he had to push through a crowd of anxious fans wanting to know if Komoro Seiichi was going to be all right and Tetsuya trying to fend them off. He laughed to himself at this. Had someone told him about all of this yesterday he would never have believed it. Komoro Seiichi was Zoisite? The others wouldn’t believe him anyway. It was best to keep Seiichi-kun’s secret. It would be safer for all of them that way.

****

“The Prince. I think I’m in love with him.”

Luna sighed as Usagi’s words rang loudly in her ears. The Prince… Luna sighed to herself. She was partly relieved that her young charge should fall in love with Zoisite and could possibly forget about Tuxedo Kamen, but a part of her was worried. Queen Beryl would stop at nothing to obtain everything that she desired and Usagi-chan was so lonely. Usagi wanted someone to confide in and Luna was sure that her getting too close to the kings was not a good thing at all.

The plushie had met Usagi from school that day. She would have liked to say that it was because she wanted to see her friend, but this was not true. Luna had sensed the aura of a Youma and now, Usagi already transformed into Sailor Moon, they were looking for it and had been for the best part of the afternoon.

It was strange, Luna thought to herself as she ran alongside Sailor Moon; the Youma that they had followed to the dockyard did not seem interested in energy or the Ginzuishou. It was almost as though it was running away from them and, in the dark, it was doing a pretty good job at hiding from the somewhat clumsy Senshi of love and justice. Luna winced as Sailor Moon tripped over another crate and went sprawling to the floor, uttering a surprised squeak as she did so.

“Sailor Moon” the plushie scolded as the Youma melted into the shadows once more. “How are you going to rescue the Dark Senshi if you can’t even find one Youma?”

“But it’s so dark” Sailor Moon pouted, as she brushed some dirt off of her sailor fuku, yet the underlying sadness in her voice caused Luna to relent.

“I know, but I can’t help how I feel. I’ve been having dreams about the Prince for a long time, but now that I’ve seen him…”

It was true that Usagi had a lot of growing up to do, especially as she was the only Senshi not under Beryl’s influence, but this, at times, weighed heavily on the young girl’s shoulders and Luna fiercely wished that there was more that she could do to help. She hated feeling so useless. All she could do was advise and look out for Sailor Moon, but it still wasn’t enough. Usagi-chan needed her friends… she needed the Senshi more than ever and they were gone.

“Usagi-chan” Luna started with the intention of suggesting that they called it a night. The Youma was nowhere to be seen and as it wasn’t stealing energy, Luna reasoned that they could leave it be… for now.

This line of thought was snapped off when her charge uttered another squeak of surprise when the Youma leapt out in front of her, taking a swipe at her chest and tearing the pink bow from the bodice of her fuku.

“Sailor Moon!” Luna gasped, unable to make anything out in the gloom, despite her cat vision, apart from a shadowy outline. Sailor Moon could see no better, but it didn’t stop her from tearing her tiara from her head and shouting:

“Moon tiara… boomerang!”

The weapon shot in the vague direction of the Youma and Sailor Moon was rewarded by a gasp of pain from the beast in question. She cheered and held out her Moon Wand for the final blow when the creature darted away, too quick for the eye to follow and in moments it was lost among the crates and boxes that littered the ground like a maze.

“No” Sailor Moon wailed, “It got away.”

“You did wound it” Luna pointed out but this was no comfort to the blonde Senshi.

“I failed. You are right, Luna. How can I save the Senshi if I can’t even fight one Youma?”

“Usagi-chan!” Luna cried as the pigtailed heroine de-transformed and slowly started to walk away. Luna could offer no comfort, as she knew that the words that they had both spoken were truth.

******

Smoke seared at his eyes, pouring down his throat as he cried out for his comrades, though the screams of the dying blocked out even his own voice. Kunzite ran faster, icy panic gripping at his heart as his eyes darted wildly to the destruction around him.

The kingdom… the beautiful marble palace lay in ruins. The people crushed underneath fallen masonry. Smoke now covered the sun and blotted out the sky. It gave Kunzite a chill to behold and at the same time was familiar. With it came anger. Anger so immense that he almost crashed to his knees. The Princess… all was her doing…

“No!” a strangled cry escaped him as he halted in the palace grounds, staring at the huge marble pillars that had fallen during the battle. A scream caught in Kunzite’s throat as he recognised two of his friends lying lifelessly on the ground.

“Jadeite… Nephrite…” he whispered. Kunzite stepped forwards as his gaze locked upon a third person lying further away. In all the dust and smoke, Kunzite had trouble recognising him or even recalling his name. His sorrow deepened as he stared upon them.

The Princess had led them all to ruin and would do so again… Kunzite screamed until his throat was hoarse and searing in pain from the tiny dust particles that clouded the air around him and found their way into his mouth. He coughed, sinking to his knees as he choked on the air around him.

“Kunzite?” a voice caused him to look up as two shadows appeared among the ruins. With the sun blotted out by the evil that surrounded him, Kunzite could only see outlines of the pair who moved slowly towards him, hand in hand.

“Master…” he whispered, his voice having a hardened edge to it as he spoke, “Princess… All of this… how many more will suffer? Jadeite, Nephrite, your own people! When will it end?”

The Prince had no answer and Kunzite stood, unsheathing his sword, he took a step towards them, “Is this how it will be? Then so be it”

He turned away; he could never strike down his Prince, but all of this… He would never forgive him. The Earth’s destruction was caused by the one man who was supposed to defend it.

“Nii-san?” Ayame asked, as she handed her brother a cup of coffee, “What are you thinking about?”

Kisho shrugged, not being able to tear his gaze from the white full moon in the night’s sky. For some reason, it filled him with a curious sense of dread and hatred, but he couldn’t, for the life of him, understand why.

Kisho stood, readying himself to defend them, but Jupiter only laughed.

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to attack you. I simply came to see if you had reconsidered my offer.”

“How can I tell you, even if I wanted too? I don’t know who the Prince is.”

“Come on Kunzite, this is your little sister lying here. Don’t you want to save her?”

The past life and this life. Which was his true existence? A few weeks ago, Kisho couldn’t have answered that without a doubt but now… he did not know. As far as he knew, Ayame did not have a place in the past life. Had the past not been laid to ruin, Kisho knew he would not be living as he was now. He would not have Ayame… and because of the past he had nearly lost her…

Jupiter smirked, “Quite a feisty one isn’t she, Kunzite? And you obviously care for her…”

“Ayame! Get out of here!” Kisho shouted, but his sister ignored him.

“I said leave,” she repeated, even as Jupiter reached her. Though both girls appeared to be the same age, Jupiter had a presence that caused her to tower over the small and slightly built girl.

Kisho stood, as Ayame recognised the danger she was in and attempted to heed her brother’s advice of earlier. Jupiter, however, had something else in mind and grabbed a hold of the girl’s arm, forcing her to stay still. A triumphant smirk flickered across her face as Jupiter pressed her hand, which held the stone, into Ayame’s stomach.

Kisho transformed. He had no choice as Ayame started to scream as the stone was forced into her flesh. Drawing his sword he swung it at Jupiter knocking her away from his sister. With no one to support her, Ayame hit the floor, her body writhing in agony as her tiny hands clawed at her stomach as though she could somehow reach the stone and pull it free.

“Nii-san?” Ayame beckoned him and patted the space beside her on the sofa. “Please sit down. I hate seeing you so sad.”

Kisho frowned at this statement, but did as she asked.

“Why would I kill her? She is your sister despite her current form.”

“Nii-san” Ayame started, “That day… when I was attacked… you…” she broke off and stared into his eyes, desperately searching for an answer.

Kisho sighed. Ayame had recovered fine after her ordeal, but remembered every thing. It was dangerous, he knew, but Kisho couldn’t lie to her. He could be targeted in the future. For Ayame to defend herself she would have to be aware of what was happening or, at least, Kisho’s part in it.

“I can’t really explain,” he began, “Do you remember after mother died?”

Ayame nodded, “You told me there was a part of you missing. At the time I thought it was because our mom was gone, but you still felt like that even afterwards.”

“What you saw…” Kisho was cut off when Ayame spoke again.

“You don’t have to explain. I think I understand. You found the part of you that was missing.”

Kisho nodded, “I did, but with it comes a lot of responsibility and danger. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt. I’m sure our cousins in Kyoto would look after you--”

“No” Ayame cut him off again, “I’m staying. I know the risks, but you’re my brother and I want to protect you.”

“You can’t get involved. You’ll only be hurt.”

“I know, but you mustn’t let the missing part of you take you over. You are still my brother, no matter what you might think now. Someone has to be around to remind you of this fact.”

Kisho smiled and drew her into a hug.

You are still my brother, no matter what you might think now

“Master…” he whispered, his voice having a hardened edge to it as he spoke, “Princess… All of this… how many more will suffer? Jadeite, Nephrite, your own people! When will it end?”

Was her statement even true? Kisho did not know. The past life would repeat itself… this he was sure of. They had been reborn to fight against the Princess and the Dark Kingdom. Their present selves only existed as vassals for their past identities. There was nothing else… or was there? One day… perhaps there would be time… but not now. The mission was all that mattered. The Prince had betrayed them before and Kisho knew that he would do so again.

*****

“Today was a complete disaster from beginning to end. Just what in hell were you thinking?” the white plushie cat demanded as Seiichi paced up and down the hotel room. He felt restless, for reasons that he could not understand and he could only suppose that it had something to do with Jadeite’s visit.

“I won’t tell them. I won’t tell them who you are.”

“We can trust Jadeite” Seiichi replied to Artemis’s furious countenance. “He said he won’t tell and all we can do is believe him. I didn’t tell him anything important to do with the past life anyway.”

“Do you think he suspects that you have regained all your memories?”

“No. Like I said, Jadeite is perceptive, but he knows when to let things be.”

Artemis shook his head, “When will you grow up and stop taking stupid risks? Venus would never have behaved in such a manner” the plushie’s voice wavered slightly at the mention of his old friend and Seiichi was torn between comforting him and snapping at him.

“I told you I would help to rescue her” he assured the cat in the end, “And despite what you may think of me I always keep my promises.”

“Still” Artemis retorted, “I don’t think it was very wise to reveal your true identity to Jadeite. You might have been awakened for a year, but you have a lot to learn, Seiichi-kun.”

“I know!” Seiichi snapped, turning round to face Artemis, “The mission is all that matters. Anything that I do in this life is irrelevant, but I don’t see what possible--”

Seiichi cut off suddenly as he felt a sharp burst of pain in his chest. He gasped slightly and for a second his vision went black and white before his eyes. The pain blinded him and brought tears to his eyes. It felt as though someone had plunged a knife into his chest and had twisted it.

“Seiichi-kun?” Artemis called out worriedly as the pianist stumbled as the pain receded just as quickly as it had come on. He exhaled, feeling slightly dizzy as the world started to spin before his eyes.

“Kami-sama…” Seiichi whispered, even as the hotel room door burst open and Tetsuya hurried into the room.

“Right” he said, as Artemis hid behind a flower vase, “I’ve sorted out the refunds and we just need to set a date to reschedule. I was thinking some time in September? What do you think, Seiichi-kun? Seiichi-kun?”

Seiichi didn’t reply. He couldn’t. The pain was gone but he… he stumbled again and would have fallen had Tetsuya not reached him first.

“Seiichi-kun? Daijobu?”

“I’m all right” Seiichi snapped, the dizziness waning as Tetsuya led him to the sofa and bade him to sit down whilst he fetched him a glass of water. This Seiichi accepted gratefully, aware of Tetsuya’s disapproving glare as he did so.

“I told you that you should have gone to the hospital. Do you want me to call a doctor?”

“I’m fine. I just felt a bit dizzy, that was all.”

Tetsuya shook his head; “You’ve been rushing about all over the place lately. First was that business with the wild animal and now this. You need to take a few days off. I’ll clear it with the studio.”

“I told you, I’m fine” Seiichi protested and, indeed, he was starting to feel a little better though his hands shook as they held the glass of water.

“You’ve gone pale” Tetsuya snapped, “I told Zinan I would look after you and I’m not going to shirk my responsibilities. Get some rest.”

“Perhaps a lie down…” Seiichi trailed off and shook his head. How could he take time off? The mission was what mattered…

Tetsuya had now taken the glass from his hand and pressed a palm to Seiichi’s forehead, “You’re a little warm. If you were feeling unwell you should have said, Seiichi-kun.”

“And have you fuss over me like I’m a baby?”

Tetsuya sighed, “I’m just trying to look out for you. Now get some sleep.”

“Okay” Seiichi agreed reluctantly. “I’ll sleep.”

“Good. Now I’ll cancel all your appointments for the next couple of days, though heaven knows the media will have a field day.”

Seiichi shook his head in amusement as Tetsuya left the room muttering and cursing the reporters outside.

“Are you going to rest?” Artemis enquired softly.

“Of course not.”

“You should. If you really have as much confidence in Mamoru as you say you do then you can have a break you know.”

“I didn’t think you cared what happened to me?”

Artemis stared uncomfortably at the floor, “If you get ill then Venus will never be free, but if you don’t rest and Tetsuya finds out, he’ll cancel all your appointments for the next six months. Do you really want that?”

Seiichi shook his head. Despite the mission coming first, the idea of cancelling anything caused him to cringe. He hated to let people down and there were enough disappointments already these past few days, but he did feel a little weak. If he rested today then it would get Tetsuya and Artemis off of his back, Seiichi reasoned.

“Sometimes it is better to hide in the open. Mamoru didn’t guess a thing when I saved him from the Youma, did he?”

This was true, but Seiichi couldn’t help but wonder how long it would be before Queen Beryl decided to target the Prince directly.

****

Act Seventeen Preview:

“I don’t like it” Mars shook her head in disagreement, distracting Mercury from her own thoughts “I won’t be a part of it.”

“You have too” she warned as a reply, “Beryl-sama was adamant that we work as a team.”

Mars flipped a stray piece of black hair over her shoulder and turned away, “I have a better idea.”

“Well then let’s hear it?” Jupiter challenged.

“No. I don’t need any of you messing it up. You can carry on with your foolish quest if you like, but keep me out of it.” With these words she teleported away.

~~~~~

“Let me see” Naru started pacing up and down, obviously enjoying herself, “You’ve been moping about all day, you’ve been ignoring every thing I’ve been saying to you and you even failed to notice that ice cream truck we passed a while back.”

“Ice cream?” Usagi looked round in disappointment, “Naru-chan! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because if you eat too much and get fat then your mystery man will not love you anymore.”

“He doesn’t love me anyway.”

“So there is someone! What is his name? Do I know him? I can’t believe you been keeping something like this from me! We’re best friends, Usagi!”

~~~~~

“It’s Usagi!”

“I know that, but piglet suits you so much better.”

“How dare you? Come on, Naru-chan” Usagi whirled round with the intention of going back the way she came when her bag flew off of her shoulder and all the contents spilled out all over the street.

Her blushing deepening, Usagi knelt down and began to, furiously, collect all of her things up and was stunned when Mamoru-baka knelt down to help her. He smiled slightly as he handed her, her chemistry book. “You should be more careful, Usagi-chan” he commented coolly.

~~~~

“A Youma. Outside.”

“You are supposed to be resting. One of the others will be along in a bit to deal with it” Artemis ridiculed him.

Zoisite frowned, “It’s only one Youma and I feel fine.”

Artemis nodded; “Of course” he jumped down off of the sofa and looked expectantly at his charge. Zoisite sighed and picked him up before teleporting outside.

~~~~

“Well we have to do something” Nephrite snapped as again his attack failed, “This is now beyond stupid and I think that--” he broke off as, suddenly, the Youma surrounding them paused in attacking and stood perfectly still.

“What are they doing now?” Nephrite hissed angrily.

“Get ready” Tuxedo Kamen warned as silence descended upon the beasts, “ We don’t know what they are planning to do.”

~~~~

“You can’t leave” Venus grinned, taking a purposeful step towards him, “Our Queen, Queen Beryl, is dying to meet you.”