Isolated and alone, he eyed the clear blue ocean, feeling a deep connection with the Earth. Why did he feel anger and sorrow as people destroyed what gave them life? They took for granted what should be cherished as a priceless treasure. In an instant, everything can change... For Mamoru, that was twelve years ago, the fateful day that stole his parents away and left him forever in a world of hate and cruelty.
No one wanted an orphan child, different than the other little girls and boys as he glared at people with cold, distant arrogance. He had no memories of the accident, but strangely the death of his forgotten parents felt strangely familiar, a terrible ache in his empty soul.
His sapphire eyes were dull with the lack of emotion, with years of cutting himself off from the rest of the world. He didn't need parents and their false hope of family or love. To feel nothing; it was his only barrier to a fall that would take him beyond any chance of climbing back up.
A back pack on his shoulders, Mamoru had traveled from city-to-city, looking for a job. A lot of people frowned at hiring a seventeen year old kid with no connections, but his opportunity came when a young man, close to his age, offered him a place at an Arcade. Education wouldn't be a problem, passing every entrance exam in the city of Tokyo, and giving him passage to the most elite schools.
Motoki, the son of the arcade owner, never asked a lot of questions. Mamoru was thankful for that. He didn't know if he would appreciate the prying into his personal life; 'What personal life?' he scoffed in bitter indifference. Mamoru had no friends, he preferred it that way as he threw himself relentlessly into his studies, hoping to become a doctor with enough money that he would no longer have to depend on anyone.
The first time he saw the blond haired teen, he felt a jolt of electricity that had punched him straight in the chest. Mamoru tried to ignore him like everyone else, but hazel eyes that seemed to laugh at everything around him, reminded him so much of a person he saw in his dreams and nightmares. 'No, I don't care. He's nothing to me!'
Jedite watched the dark headed man in shock, 'I know him!' He started to approach Mamoru, but a dark shadow caught his attention, a man leaning against a wall across the street. Jedite hesitated, suddenly wanting to run. Why was he afraid of the stranger that approached, his lavender eyes holding Jedite's gaze? True, lately he had been having strange dreams, but until now, thought that was all they were.
Stopping a few feet away, they stared at one another, Jedite tense and prepared to defend himself. The man smiled, as if he could read his every thought. "You're lost?" It was more a statement than a question.
"That tends to happen," Jedite replied evenly, sweat dripping down his back. The man lifted a brow, amused by the teen's defiant behavior.
"What is it you search for?"
"I haven't figured that out yet," he answered, surprised that he was being honest with the stranger.
The man nodded, already turning away. "Wait!" Jedite shouted, strangely wanting the man to stay. "Who are you?"
"Kronos..." The man almost left it at that, but decided to ease the kid's growing fear. "Kronos Tuskino." He had known the minute Jedite arrived in Tokyo, the boy close to remembering his past.
Tossing the kid a set of keys with an address, he vanished. Jedite stared at the strange gift, reading the note attached. "Pay me rent if and when you get a job. In the mean time, make yourself at home."
'This can't be happening. I don't even know the guy! Or do I?' Nothing made sense to Jedite anymore, but he wasn't one to turn away a free home or food. He found everything money could buy in the place, a television, game system, a gym in the basement and school paperwork enrolling him in Juuban High.
He was physically exhausted from his travels, needing to find something that he couldn't name. Jedite felt their was something he had forgotten, a promise. In his dreams, he kept seeing this girl, her hair like the wings of a beautiful raven. 'Wait for me,' he sighed. 'I swear I'll find you. Still, I can use a break for a little while and there was that guy. Why did he seem so familiar and what could have happened to make him so bitter and hateful?'
Jedite had grown up in a decent home, but with seven older brothers, he felt that one less mouth to feed would be appreciated by his adoptive family. Their affection no longer felt as if it were enough. 'Why am I always so restless?'
"Please, you have to find the crystal?" Her eyes were a beautiful gray, begging that he find and set her free.
"Wait!!!! Don't leave! Who are you? What crystal?"
Waking in a sweat, Mamoru stared at the full moon, confused and tired. It was one of several dreams that he had been cursed with, the images never changing. His heart clenched, and he wanted to scream in frustration. Mamoru had hardened his soul, but every time he saw this woman with long silver hair he felt all his barriers vanish. 'No! I refuse! I don't love anyone!'
Since he was six, the woman with long silver hair that fell to her feet, visited his dreams. Like a phantom, he wandered the cities of Japan, searching for this mysterious creature. Perhaps if he found her, Mamoru would finally be left in peace. 'Why can't I remember her or my past?' He had sensed her sorrow, and strangely Mamoru wanted to take it away.
'Great, I can't even solve my own problems. I have to forget about her! She's only a dream!'
Climbing out of bed, unable to sleep, Mamoru poured himself a glass of water and drank. He felt the cool breeze brush against his hot skin, drying the sweat that had drenched his sheets. He scowled. These dreams were hell on his laundry bill. 'Dammit, I need to find this woman before she drives me crazy. I can't see her face and she never says anything else.'
Sighing heavily, he glanced at the table, an article catching his attention. There was a big jewelry sale going on in Tokyo, bigger than normal. Still, perhaps he would find it... *The crystal.* He smirked at the irony. Mamoru had become quite the cat burglar, no security system too difficult for him to disarm. What baffled police, was the fact he never took anything. Mamoru only wanted one thing, the key to unlocking his memories. Perhaps then he would be allowed to feel once again? The terrible darkness was wrapping its fingers around his heart, his golden aura dimming for but a moment.
The jewelry shop was in an isolated part of town, normally passed by the occasional tourist. He had been watching this particular store for some time, surprised to see a mass of people fighting to get inside. The owner had marked everything 50-75 percent off. Mamoru stopped in front of the small building, trembling in slight fear. What if the crystal he searched for had been here? Would someone have bought it? He shook the negative thought from his mind.
Mamoru took a step forwards, prepared to fight his way through the crowd when he bumped into a young girl, her long silver hair tied back in a pony tail. She had been sadly walking out of the shop, her eyes glued to a piece of paper in her hands. He forgot his primary mission, his sapphire eyes glued to her silver strands. Curling at the end, they tickled her knees, but he knew without a doubt that if he released her hair, it would easily fall to the ground. 'NO! She can't be her! This girl can't be but fourteen! The woman in my dream is about twenty.'
It didn't occur to Mamoru that the woman had been that age since he was a young boy, nor did he spend the time to figure it out. He felt a sudden urge to make her smile or laugh. Mamoru gasped in horror. 'There is no way in hell that I'm going to feel sorry for her!' He seriously thought about deserting his hunt for the crystal, hating the rise of emotions this girl had caused.
His gaze darkened, a few people edging away from him. There was a steady stream of tears streaking down her face, her lips muttering something about studying harder. "My father is going to flip," she sighed. "I won't tell him!" Crinkling up the test into a tight ball, she tossed it, paying no attention to the person it hit. Starting to walk away, the girl missed the furious snarl. Mamoru almost threw it back, but found a better way to get even.
Uncurling the small piece of paper, he gaped. "A thirty?" He didn't know if he should laugh or cry for her. "With grades like this, I'm surprised you even bother showing up to class." He watched her freeze, turning to him in surprise. "Do I look like a trash can?" Crunching the paper, he tossed it back at her. 'Damn, did she have to have silver eyes? She looks so much like her!'
Her expression changed rapidly with her moods, silver eyes dancing in outrage. "Mind your own business, jerk!"
'The nerve of this girl!' Taking off his oakley glasses, he glared at her with such cold intensity that she staggered back. "I would if a certain brat wasn't throwing her trash on my head! Answer me something; did you flunk that test on purpose, or are you just that stupid?"
"Brat! Stupid!" she growled. "You... you are the most arrogant and conceited.
Mamoru watched her anger change to fear, growing in her silver eyes as he took a menacing step forward. His rage showed with each graceful movement, forcing her back until he had her pressed against the concrete wall. Mamoru couldn't recall a time he had been this angry, and she was only fourteen! Keeping his voice low, steady and dangerous, he carefully wrapped a strand of hair around his finger and leaned forward until he was a whisper away from her ear; "Never challenge me..."
Releasing her, he watched her walk stiffly away, trying to defy his warning. Mamoru knew she feared him, but it was more than just his unspoken threat that had alarmed her. Deep down, he could never harm the girl, but there was something about her that made him want to throttle, yet kiss her at the same time. Horrified, he shook any such thoughts from his mind. The last thing he needed was a girl, especially a minor that would land him in jail for the rest of his natural life!
Having wasted enough time, Mamoru became one with the shadows, placing a white mask on his face. He searched several of the cases in the back, but there was no sign of the one he wanted. Mamoru could care less about the rubies, pearls, or emeralds. All he desired was the Silver Crystal and the woman that would never leave his mind. 'Curse you! Why won't you leave me alone! I'd gladly give you all the stupid crystals in the world if you'd simply leave me in peace!'
Mamoru started to leave, but weak moans and the sound of bodies hitting the floor had him creeping towards the door. The hair on the back of his neck started to rise, Mamoru wanting nothing to do with this strange aura he felt. His blood boiled in an unfamiliar black hate, a part of his soul wanting to jump out and destroy all traces of this evil power.
He felt it all around him, reaching to caress his skin. Sapphire eyes observed the scene, recoiling in confused anger. 'What's happening to them?' There was a woman with red hair, standing in the center of the fallen customers. She was facing a smaller version of herself, the teen trembling in terror.
"Someone help me," the girl screamed, backed into a corner.
Mamoru tried to tell himself that it wasn't his problem and to leave. 'So why am I walking out there,' his fingers sliding his mask further up his nose. Reaching for his metal cane, he started to charge the monster, but stopped as the front door suddenly crashed open. Standing in the remains of the shattered wood, was a woman with long silver hair and a black cat by her ankles.
"Let her go!" she commanded. Mamoru trembled, having heard that voice, wanting to rush this girl and demand a thousands questions. With an iron will, he remained in the shadows, watching her enter the jewelry store and take in her situation.
"Who are you?" The monster demanded, tossing its captive to the floor.
The silver haired girl smiled, the affect wrecking havoc on Mamoru's nerves. He wanted nothing to do with her, but his blood ached and burned. Mamoru knew her, and he wanted to scream in defiant rage. Why were his memories refusing to come when he was so close? "I'm..." she hesitated. Stepping into a stance, "I am Sailor Moon, a Champion of Justice! How dare you attack an innocent girl and hurt people that have a love for jewelry. I'll never forgive you and on behalf of the moon, I'll punish you!"
'She's crazy!' Mamoru wanted to shout, withdrawing further into the shadows. 'What can one girl do, especially in a skirt that barely covers...' Mamoru wanted to grown in despair. His pants felt uncomfortably tight and he was starting to blame every silver headed female he saw. He glared at the heroine's back, furious that she was forcing him to feel emotions for the second time that morning. 'Is she the one?' He was so confused.
The monster attacked, using the fallen people to corner the girl. One managed to cut Sailor Moon, bringing tears to the young girl's eyes. 'Dammit,' Mamoru sighed. 'This is definitely no place for a girl. Why the hell is she fighting?'
Beyond his control, his fingers reached for a vase of flowers and threw the deadly tips at the creature. To his pleasant surprise, they pierced the thing's thick skin, drawing a greenish-black blood. 'I can't believed it worked!'
Now that he had the girl's attention, he gave her a salute before he jumped out the window and vanished. "Sailor Moon... I'll remember your name." Like the phantom that he was, he melded to the darkness, not looking back to see if Sailor Moon managed to kill the monster or not. His mission had been a complete failure, but at least he managed to watch an interesting show. 'I'll never stop searching for it.'
"Have you found them yet?" A female voice demanded. The man kneeling before her cringed, wishing he had a pair of ear plugs for every time she spoke. He'd rather listen to nails scraping against a blackboard.
Bowing, "Queen Beryl, I have not. Endymion, Serenity and their protectors have yet to awaken, making it impossible to track them."
Beryl glared at the stupid clone, wanting to infuse the darkness into the people she had been unsuccessful at locating. "I can't have my revenge without them, especially the four guards that protected Endymion! That arrogant bastard will bow before me, even if I have to turn all of hell upside down to do it!"
"As you wish, my queen."
Saturn glared at the black cat, but said nothing as his daughter returned home from school and went to her room. Luna had no knowledge of who he was, or that he knew exactly why she had appeared. Before the creature of Mau could follow Usagi, he snatched her up by the back of her fur, keeping her claws away from his arms.
Ten minutes passed before she just hung in the air, watching him for a chance to break free. "Are we quite finished with the tantrum Luna?"
"How..." Luna knew she had made a mistake, watching Usagi's father smile in pure amusement.
"Why did you come here, Luna?" The cat's silence was all the answer he needed, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "If I find one scratch on her, I'll..."
"You know!" Luna could only stare at Saturn in horror. Sailor Moon's identity was supposed to be a secret. To her knowledge, Usagi had told no one.
"Where are they?"
Luna knew it was pointless to lie, her head hanging in defeat. "All I know is that the police can't fight it and that I was told to find a girl with silver hair and eyes. She will help me find the others."
Saturn had felt small signs of the negaverse awakening, searching for it while his daughter was supposed to be in school or bed. "She's only fourteen Luna, with no memories of the past. All any of them ever wanted was a normal and happy life."
Luna sighed, her red eyes looking away from him. "They'll never be happy as long as they search for the dreams that haunt them. Haven't you wondered why Usagi's grades have been falling?"
"I'm aware of her nightmares, Luna. The past will not repeat itself..." he promised. Saturn allowed Luna to go after Usagi, already heading for the door. He needed to discover how powerful the enemy was and how rapidly it was growing.
Jedite sat in the classroom, tapping his desk in boredom. He had been in the city two weeks and already he wanted to leave. The people were nice enough. The class was unusually silent that morning, a few talking about a monster attacking a jewelry store. 'These kids are smoking something?'
"Hello." Jedite smirked, already knowing who the voice belonged to. From day one, she had greeted him with a friendly smile. He was American and spoke fluent English.
"Morning Usagi. You're actually on time this morning."
"Couldn't sleep. I actually did my homework."
Jedite frowned. Usagi did need to improve on her grades, but he didn't like how pale she looked. "What's wrong?"
"Have you ever felt like you were living in a dream?" Jedite gave her his undivided attention, ignoring Mrs. Haruna who had entered the class. "Strange, you remind me of a guy. He even has the same name."
"Why do you say that like a bad thing?" Jedite asked cautiously, feeling a twinge of fear shoot down his spine. Something was dangerously wrong, and Usagi was somehow in the middle of it.
Usagi laughed, covering her mouth when Mrs. Haruna sent her a glare. The last thing she wanted was another day of detention. "Jedite, I said he looked like you, not that he was. You're too much of a practical jokester to be that mean."
"Has he tried to hurt you?" Jedite asked in horror, leaping to his feet. Usagi stared at Jedite in shock, surprised to see him so serious. If she didn't know better, Usagi would have mistaken him for the enemy she had been fighting recently.
"Jedite! Is there something you'd like to share with the rest of the class?"
Instead of answering, Jedite snatched up his books and ran out of class. "I never..."
Worried about her friend, Usagi followed after him, finding him leaning against an oak tree across the street. "Jedite?" Quietly, she approached, startled to see tears streaming down his face. "Jedite!" He didn't notice her until he felt Serenity wrap her arms around his waist.
"I need to know," he demanded, whirling to catch her by the arms. "Did that man hurt you?"
"Jedite, you're not him and I'm sorry I said anything." Gently he brushed back her hair, unable to stop the tears. "He's a lot older for one, and second, his eyes are black instead of hazel."
"I'm walking you home," he stated, reaching for her bag.
"You're scaring me, Jedite! Why won't you tell me?"
"I would if I had the answers you needed!"
"It's too early to return home. Are you hungry?"
Jedite followed Usagi to her favorite arcade, the owner greeting her. To his surprise, he spotted the dark headed man from two weeks ago. He clutched at his head, a wave of dizziness slamming into him. The next time he blinked, he was on the floor, Usagi holding his head in her lap. "Jedite?" he heard the note of fear in her voice, and gently reached for her hand and squeezed. "Motoki called for an ambulance."
"No!" he protested weakly, trying without success to stand. "Usagi, I'll be alright." Jedite wasn't so sure anymore, but for her sake he had to try. The dark headed man was placing a damp cloth on his forehead. "Am I sick?"
Usagi stared at Jedite in disbelief. "You have a temperature of 105, and you're asking if you're sick?"
"I'm not going to the hospital," he growled, struggling to get up. Everything was spinning out of control and the dark haired man wasn't helping any.
"Are you afraid of needles?" Usagi asked.
"No, it's just..." Jedite stared at her helplessly, wanting to explain his confusion, but didn't know how.
"Do you need me to call your parents?" the dark haired man asked. Mamoru had recognized the silver haired girl from the jewelry store, seething with jealousy. Jedite, despite his condition, noticed this and smirked.
"Don't bother," Jedite said. "They probably aren't even aware that I left home nine months ago."
"You're alone," Usagi whispered. He gave her a strained smile, tugging on her long hair.
"Actually, I was hoping if you'd tag along and keep those nasty doctors from poking me too much."
"You really hate hospitals that much?"
"Take me home and I promise to tell you about it."
"Your boyfriend needs a doctor!" That word was like poison in his mouth, Mamoru wanting to strangle the blond kid. He had no explanation for his possessive desire, hating himself for it.
"He's..." Jedite jerked on her hair, glaring at the other man. Usagi tried to pull her hair loose, but another tug told Usagi that he wanted her to play along. Apparently Jedite didn't like the way Mamoru had snapped at her either.
"A bowl of hot soup and a couple days in bed is all the medical help I need." Jedite didn't know why he was being such an ass, but the pounding in his head and the feeling that he knew this man wouldn't leave him alone.
Mamoru was so accustomed to getting his way, that he could only stare as Usagi helped Jedite stand and take him towards the door. "Are you crazy? If he doesn't see a doctor, your boyfriend can go into shock or worse!"
"Mister, I've been taking care of myself since I was five. Perhaps you're right, but I haven't lived this long to allow a simple fever control me so easily." Jedite met the man's gaze, a rare understanding passing between them. For a moment, neither could speak or move, as if the veil that had been blocking their memories would lift at any second. "I'm going home."
Mamoru started to go after them, hoping that the sudden pang of loneliness would vanish. For that brief minute, he felt as if he had found something important. 'I don't care,' he tried to convince himself, allowing the barriers to his emotions slam shut.
Jedite knew she was frightened, the two of them struggling to make it home. Thankfully she didn't argue, silently carrying more than half of his weight. He saw the pain in her expression, and he almost asked that she stop and leave him. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to both, Jedite was allowed to collapse on his bed, Usagi tucking him in. He was shivering violently, sweat dripping from his bangs.
Quietly she went into his bathroom, returning with an ice cold rag. Jedite bit his lip, fighting back the scream of pain. Perhaps he should have taken that kid's advise? "Usagi... Sorry..."
"Shhh... Close your eyes and sleep, Jedite."
"Stay," he begged, not wanting to be alone. "At least until I fall asleep."
"Jedite, you're very sick. Are you sure..."
"I'll be ok, Usagi."
Usagi wasn't so sure, but did as he asked, constantly changing out the rag for fresh ones. "Why did you let him think we're a couple?" She wanted to feel the silence, to assure herself that he was going to be alright.
"Did you not hear the hint of jealousy in his voice?" Jedite chuckled. He curled tighter into his blankets, asking her for three more.
"Why would he be jealous?" He stared at her, wondering if she could really be so clueless. If he wasn't already searching for the raven haired girl, Jedite might have seriously considered asking Usagi out himself. She was every guy's fantasy.
Jedite never answered, already asleep. As he slept, she was waiting for him, turning her head to look at him. "Where are you?" he asked, longing to hold her, the beautiful woman always out of reach.
"Protect her," she whispered. A bright fire blazed around her, lifting her black hair like the wings of a raven. Her image faded, replaced by another. This time he was faced with three other men, one with silver hair, one with brown hair, and another with blond hair. The last to appear was the man in the arcades, his sapphire eyes missing the cold anger he had become familiar with.
This dream was different than before, each man nodding their head in his direction before they vanished. The dark headed man was the only to stay, his t-shirt and jeans turning into black armor, a red cape and a sword at his side. "Endymion..." Jedite gasped, a flood of images slamming into him. He stumbled back, unable to cope with the horror in front of him. "They have awakened."
"Wait! Endymion!!!!" Jedite screamed, jerking awake. Usagi was no where to be found. Instead he was staring at the man he had met the first day he had arrived in Tokyo.
"I sent her home," he said, his gaze never leaving Jedite's.
"Saturn..." Jedite whispered, trying to cope with a wave of emotions. "I..."
"You're the first to remember," Saturn told him, giving him a small cup of herbal tea. Jedite wrinkled his nose, but knew better than to refuse. Thankfully it tasted better than it smelled, the warm liquid calming his nerves.
"What happened? I remember fighting against the negaverse and Rei..." He bit back the sob, his fingers tight around the glass cup. Saturn gently removed it, letting Jedite calm first.
"In time she will be found," Saturn told him.
"Saturn, how well do you understand the negaverse?"
"Ask your question, Jedite."
"Usagi said I reminded her of someone that looked almost identical to myself; same hair and same name, but with different eyes. Is the negaverse capable of making a double of someone?"
"What you suggest requires a great deal of skill and power? The enemy would have to already possess the knowledge of Endymion's four personal guards."
"Beryl..." Jedite said, somehow knowing she was the one responsible for his impostor.
"Jedite, the negaverse has slowly started to awaken. If we act quickly, we can prevent the future from repeating the past. Despite her lack of memories, Usagi has chosen to fight."
"Not without me she's not!" Jedite growled, tossing back his covers. He was still a little weak, but the fever had left his body. "How long have I been sick?"
"A week."
Jedite moved through the large condo with a purpose, finding his old uniform in his closet. He pulled it on, loving the silk against his skin. "How often does she go out?"
"Every night?"
Strapping on his sword, Jedite met Saturn at the door, wanting and needing a good fight. "Endymion would kill me if I let anything happen to her."
"Is that why you're pretending to be her boyfriend?" Saturn asked, watching Jedite blush a deep crimson. "You tread dangerous ground with Endymion, Jedite."
"It's never stopped me before," he grinned, praying Endymion wouldn't tear him limb from limb.
Sailor Moon gasped, clutching at her side. She dodged another attack, finding herself facing the Negaverse General. If it weren't for his eyes, she would have easily mistaken him for her friend. "That wasn't very nice," he taunted, throwing his fist against her cheek. "Those flowers cost us a lot of energy!"
Blood trickled down her lip, adding to the many injuries she had already received that night. He punched her again, followed by a knee into her chest. "Sailor Moon!" Luna cried, rushing to help her friend.
Sailor Moon leapt in the way, feeling a stabbing pain in her back as she grabbed Luna in mid air. "I told you to stay..." she whispered weakly, spitting up blood.
"I'm so sorry," the black cat cried, licking at Sailor Moon's face. "Can you stand?"
"He won't let me run, Luna."
The General walked over to the fallen senshi, sparks flying from his hands. "I have a gift." Sailor Moon closed her eyes, knowing this was going to hurt.
"You're pathetic!" Sailor Moon's eyes snapped open, her gaze flying towards the figure standing a few feet away. "Doesn't the negaverse have better things to do than pick on little kids?"
"They're identical..." Luna gasped.
"Jedite," she mumured, her vision blurring.
She felt strong arms lift her off the roof, holding her close as the two men circled each other. Both were Jedite, but only one was her friend. Sailor Moon looked up, studying the features of her masked hero. He always seemed to appear at the right moment, her silent shadow.
Blood soaked his white gloves, but he remained, his gaze never leaving the man fighting the negaverse. Mamoru knew the one dressed in black armor, swinging his sword with an ease that stabbed at his memories. "Jed...ite."
As if hearing his name, Jedite glanced in the direction of the masked hero, saluting with his sword before he attacked. The Negaverse General threw several balls of energy, Jedite swatting them away like flies. This was child's play for him, breaking through his enemy's guard. As he swung his sword, the General vanished, leaving the three fighters alone on the roof top. "Coward..."
Sheathing his sword, he stood in silence, the wind blowing back his cloak. After he had calmed, Jedite focused his attention on Sailor Moon and the man that had yet to release her. Sailor Moon wanted to say something, but she had lost too much blood, her head heavy against her hero's shoulder. His grip tightened, Mamoru glaring at the blond headed kid. Without a word, he jumped off the roof, taking the sailor senshi to a place he knew was safe.