He dodged another blast, aimed his gun and fired. Rolling beneath a wooden bench, he watched in satisfaction as the creature smacked into it, too stupid to realize there was an object between his human objective. He knew it was pointless, but fired another shot at its forehead. It made him feel better, watching green blood spill to the ground. It hissed in fury, but he didn't stick around to gloat. This was one of several that was after him.

In all his years working for the German government, he never thought his line of work would some day be the deciding factor between life and death. How ironic? He didn't miss the people he had worked for, finally free to search for his younger brother. They had literally owned him almost his entire life.

Zoictie ducked down an alley, throwing himself in one of several trash cans. It smelled of rotten fish and shit, but if it kept him alive, he'd take a bath later. He heard the thing shriek by, but Zoicite knew better than to leave prematurely. Zoicite was the best at his line of work, always ten steps ahead of his target, and often of the very people that bought him from the orphanage several years ago.

He had the same eyes as his brother, only Zocitie's were often more on the green side than hazel. 'Jedite, I hope your adoptive family turned out better than this.' Leaning back against the metal wall of the trash can, he closed his eyes, holding an empty gun in his laugh. He wanted to cry or laugh, hating the twist fate had handed him. Zoicite had known for a week who he was, where he had come from and how.

Closing his eyes, he shut out the awful smells hitting his nose, going back to where it all began.

Zoicite was bouncing a ball off the side of the wall, lying flat on his back. He was bored, depressed and wanted nothing to do with the other children. His baby brother had been taken away, adopted by an American family two days before. Jedite had cried, wanting to stay with his older brother, but neither of the boys had a choice in the matter.

He ignored the stupid nuns, hoping to make the women hate him. The sound of feet approaching made him scowl, the blond headed boy rolling to his feet. He glared at the two men staring at him, a woman silently standing behind them. "He's kind of skinny," the woman sighed.

"You're kind of fat," he spat back, hating these people already. The woman's expression darkened, but a hand silenced her, the taller of the two men sending her a glare. She paled, immediately dropping her gaze and apologizing.

"I like your attitude kid. What's your name?"

"Go to hell," Zoicite snarled, already heading for his room. He couldn't explain it, but Zoicite hated these people, especially the tall one. The other man was about 71 inches tall, a scar beneath his right eye and a fat lip. To be perfectly honest, other than the taller man, they were all over weight.

"I would, but seeing as how I already paid for you kid..."

"You paid for me!" Zoicite roared, his eyes flashing murder at the nun. She looked away, unable to meet the justified rage in his gaze. "You actually sold me like a common slave! What the hell are you?"

"We needed the money," she whispered. "The children are starving."

"Lady, there's a place for people like you, and it isn't heaven!"

"Grab your things," the man ordered.

"What you see is what you get," Zoicite said hatefully, meeting the man's gaze. The man smirked, liking the cold hate form in the boy. In the next several years, they had fed this hate.

The fat, red headed man started to reach for him, but Zoicite quickly bit down on his fingers. "Never touch me! I may be a slave, but never think that I'll submit!"

"Leave him!" Their leader commanded, motioning for Zoicite to follow. "No one is to touch him unless I've ordered it specifically!"

Zoicite studied the man, realizing he was not to be taken lightly. There was an aura about him, a deadly and patient one. A limo was parked out front, cutting him off from the country he was born in. Zoicite said nothing on the way to the airport, on the plane, or as he was escorted into what looked like a prison.

"Welcome to Germany, boy."

Zoicite said nothing, followed by a heavy blow to the face. He glared at the fat man, his knee already driving into his most sensitive area. The leader whirled on the big man, clutching him by the throat with thin fingers. "Disobey my orders again and I'll personally use my last bullet on you."

"Yes... sir..." he wheezed.

"My name is Frank." He ran a finger through his brown hair, taking off his jacket and throwing it to the female that hadn't spoken since the orphanage. Frank glared at her, "I expect you suitably dressed and ready in two hours." She blanched, terror in her brown eyes. Without a word, she disappeared, leaving the two alone in the large foyer.

"We'll start again, and know that I don't tolerate defiance. I could care less how you address Ted and Arlene. Now, what's your name."

Zoicite remained silent, his stance arrogant and proud. Frank moved over to a cabinet, withdrawing several pieces of rope and a nine tailed whip. Zoicite refused to show his growing terror, backing away towards the door. To his horror, it was locked. "We can do this the hard way, or the painless way. I already know your name. Please, continue playing hard ball kid, I'd prefer it if you did.

Of all the things he should and could have said, Zoicite surprised himself when he responded in defiance. "Mickey Mouse!" Frank gave him a vicious smile, pushing a button on the side of the wall that lowered a few metal rings from the wall. Another button locked every door to the main foyer, giving them all the time for Frank to play.

"I knew you'd be a hard one to break. I've seen your IQ level and test scores."

At ten, Zoicite had learned to hate, always looking for a way to kill this man. That night he understood the full meaning of pain, but no matter how hard Frank tried, he never broke Zoicite. His back had thousands of marks from the nine tail, but after a year, Frank moved to electrocution. He lost count of the broken bones in his body, or the days he went hungry.

They taught him how to fight, hunt and kill, but Frank always managed to have him disarmed before they met in his office. Zoicite also learned what the bastard did to Arlene when she managed to piss him off. That night after the incident at the Orphanage, he had tortured her for hours.

Arlene once told him that Frank got off on pain, taking her with a savage brutallity when she was close to unconsciousness. It always hurt, Frank never giving her time to adjust. By the time he was eighteen, Zoicite and Arlene had become semi-friends, the blond headed boy going out of his way to shelter her.

As long as he did what Frank wanted, he was left in peace. Later he discovered that Frank worked for a network of Assassins, all hired out to the government who wanted certain people out of their way. Zoicite became the best, killing Ted by the time he was twelve. He hated the man as much as he hated Frank, nor did the leader seemed to care that he was one man short.

At fifteen, Zoicite managed to escape his beatings and punishment, infuriating Frank into mad fits for months. Frank had hoped to break the spirited boy, but instead had created a killing machine that was always waiting and watching. Never did Zoicite imagine that his chance would be ripped away from him, the entire house, with the exception of Arlene, slaughtered like pigs. They had come from the shadows, ripping and tearing flesh as if it were pieces of paper.

Arlene had learned that she was safe in Zoicite's room, wired in such a way that not even Frank would dare tempt fate by coming after her. One night Zoicite came charging into the room, grabbed her arm and led her out of the house. "Arlene, take what money you have and leave here!"

"They'll kill us!" She gasped.

"Arlene, return back to that house, and you will die!"

"What happened?" She had never seen Zoicite so worked up, his eyes searching wildly around him.

"Everyone is dead."

"...dead?"

Zoicite laughed at the disbelief on her face. "I didn't do it, if that's what you're thinking. Look, they don't know about you."

"Will you be..."

He shoved her towards the street, his expression cold. They had done this to him, and he saw the regret in her expression as she fled into the night. Zoicite lifted his head, feeling them approach. Assuring himself that Arlene was safe and free, he ran for his life. Zoicite hadn't learned how to survive in the past eight years to have himself suddenly murdered by some creature with claws. Apparently guns didn't work, but he knew how to use swords and knives as well. Would the creature get back up if he cut its head off?

Two days later, found Zoicite near the shipping yards, somehow having reached the cost of Spain. Riding trains and hijacking cars, the young assassin alluded the enemy, but they never gave up. Even when Zoicite thought he was safe on board a freight liner, hiding in the darkest corner of the ship, he heard the screams of death and fear.

Terrified, he huddled in a flour crate, praying for someone or something to save him from the hell he had fallen into. Zoicite, brought to mind the Silver Millennium, remembering familiar faces and her... God she was beautiful, and every night as he slept in the small crate, he fell asleep with the image of her alluring blue eyes. 'Ami...'

Saturn felt him near Japan, but hot on his trail was the negaverse. Beryl was desperate to snag Endymion's four generals, and Zoicite was the perfect target. Weak from the lack of food and water, they were close to capturing the determined man. Desperate, Zoicite had broken into a weapon's shop, stealing several knifes and two katanas.

The negaverse had managed to corner him, ten or twenty closing in on him. He knew what they wanted, and with skilled practice, he sliced through the ranks with a murdering frenzy. Zoicite hadn't made it this far to have them take or possess him. Black bands started to reach for him, wrapping around his arms and legs. He tried to cut through them, but it shattered one of his blades.

"NO!" Zoicite screamed in pure defiance, kicking at the demon trying to take over his body. He sent it flying into the others. After another thirty minutes, they manage to secure his ankles and wrists, all of them laughing as they began to take him over.

"Stop!" He was beyond terrified, watching the first wave touch his skin. Suddenly strong arms snatched him, vanishing and leaving the negaverse screaming in pure rage. Zoicite struggled to get free, but the arms tightened like around him like the jaws of life.

"Relax. The negaverse can't follow you here." Zoicite looked around, but could see nothing in the pitch darkness. "We're in between day and night, in the shadows of my world."

"Who are you?" Zoicite strained to see the man, but it wasn't until they entered a large house, that he released a gasp. "Saturn!"

"You are safe here," the Death God stated, already heading for the door.

"Wait!" Zoicite had never been dependent on anyone, at least not in this time. "Why were they after me?"

"Beryl wants revenge for the past."

"And the others?"

"Stay and find out," was all Saturn replied. "The Negaverse will not touch you here."

"Why?"

"They know my aura and fear it. Beryl has ordered all of the negaverse to stay as far from me as possible. This house is shielded by my power, already protecting one of the four she seeks."

"Why couldn't I remember until a few days ago?"

"It was Serenity's wish, but she couldn't guarantee that everyone would have better lives than the last."

"I can't say this was better, but I'm thankful."

Saturn picked up Zoicite's painful memories, his aura intensifying dangerously. "Zoicite, you are not a slave, but free to make your own decisions. If you wish to stay, then take advantage of the food and equipment I have."

"Thank you."

Jedite came slowly to his feet, doubt and uncertainty in his gaze. Did he dare to believe that his High Prince was standing in front of him? "Endymion..."

Mamoru gave him a reassuring smile, not surprised when the man broke into a huge grin and gave him a crushing hug. "Jedite!" Remembering that they weren't alone, Jedite turned to the priestess hovering a few feet away, her eyes dancing in amusement. "Do you mind?" Mamoru growled, trying to pry free.

"Usagi did say I was gay..." he teased, jumping away before Mamoru could punch him.

"I also remember someone telling everyone that she was his girl friend," he growled, a hidden promise in his voice. Jedite had enough manners to appear sheepish, but they both knew he wasn't the least bit sorry.

"Were you jealous?" Jedite asked hopefully.

"Jedite..."

"Have you met Rei?" Jedite interrupted, using the fire senshi as a shield. She rolled her eyes, but chose to greet Mamoru as he approached.

"You look familiar," she said, shaking his hand. Mamoru smirked, but didn't reveal anything.

"Pleasure to meet anyone that keeps Jedite in line."

"Hey!" Jedite protested, giving him a wounded look.

"We need to talk," Mamoru finally said. Jedite sighed, but told Rei good night and followed his retreating back. After they were alone, Mamoru turned to face the youngest of the four generals, thankful that they had saved him. "Usagi's been worried."

"I haven't seen her since we returned," Jedite admitted. "I think she's avoiding everyone."

"She's still fighting."

"Wha..." Jedite collapsed onto a nearby bench, covering his tired eyes with his hands. "The last time I saw Usagi, she told me to ensure that Rei was safe. That was a month ago."

"You haven't thought to check on her since?"

"She's never home anymore. Even Naru and Umino haven't seen her in awhile. Luna said Usagi needed time alone. Our last battle wasn't exactly pleasant."

"Usagi has a habit of taking on everyone's problems."

"I don't need her protection!" Jedite growled, wanting to shake some sense into Usagi. "Why can't she understand that this is everyone's battle; not just her own? We made that mistake, and we all know how that turned out."

"Don't remind me. I still don't know what happened after Beryl struck me."

"She was alone?" Jedite asked in horror. Mamoru nodded, his expression shadowed with regrets of the past.

"I think Saturn was with her, but everything depended on her."

"The negaverse is trying to capture us, Mamoru. Beryl will have her ultimate revenge if she manages to possess us."

"I've seen Makoto, and I think Nephrite is close."

"I tried to find out who adopted my brother," Jedite sighed, "but the nuns refuse to say anything. They're hiding something from me."

"We'll track them down. How much does Rei remember?"

"Not much, but she's eager for another round with the negaverse."

"Until they remember, we are to keep a close eye on them."

Jedite sighed, but nodded in agreement. Returning home, he unlocked the door, threw his keys on the table and headed for the kitchen. He was in the middle of drinking a glass of milk when he heard it, the unmistakable click of a hammer pulling back. "Turn around," the voice growled dangerously.

Step-by-step, keeping his hands visible, Jedite did exactly as he was told. Lifting his eyes, he gasped, dropping the glass in his hands. Their was a smile of satisfaction on the man's face, his hand lowering. "You... you..." Jedite pounced, but Zoicite was quicker and managed to pin his brother to the floor in seconds.

"Saturn told me to wait, but I never thought..."

Usagi woke to the smell of fresh eggs and bacon, feeling relaxed and rested. She smiled, knowing she was in for another full meal before she started her first day of school. Had the summer really passed so soon? She remembered talking with Mamoru before she fell asleep, finding him in the kitchen. There was a stack of pancakes, syrup, eggs and bacon. On the table were two plates and glasses filled with orange juice. "You can cook?"

Mamoru laughed, pulling out her chair and pushing her forward before he joined her. "Lone males tend to learn how."

"What happened to your parents?" She saw the brief sadness in his eyes before he willed it away, helping himself to some eggs. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"It's fine. They died a long time ago. When I was six, they were taking me to the mountains for a summer vacation. The car went off a cliff and killed them instantly. When I woke, I couldn't remember who I was or where I had come from. The doctors said my name was Mamoru, but it didn't feel right."

"Was it your real name?"

"A name is as good as the next, Usagi. The past is sometimes best left where it belongs."

"I can't quit fighting," she told him, her eyes staring at her untouched food. Mamoru sighed, moving his chair until he was beside her. Taking a fork full, he ordered her to swallow, watching the look of disbelief on her face before she complied.

"Eat first, talk later. You're far too thin now."

He gave her another bite, tempted to feed her the entire plate this way. Usagi laughed, taking the fork and finishing off her breakfast. Mamoru gave her a glance, silently asking if she wanted seconds. Shaking her head, she started to grab her back pack when she noticed the time. "Five am!"

Mamoru gave her a teasing smirk, one that meant trouble for her, and pure male amusement for him. "I thought you would enjoy a morning jog before school."

"Jog? As in I have to run?"

Mamoru cut her off before she could escape, slamming the door shut before she had it all the way open. "Usagi, you're fighting style needs a lot of work. First, you need to build on your endurance. After school, we'll work on your hand-to-hand combat skills."

"Martial arts?" She wanted to say no, then she remembered a deal she had made. "Are you better than Jedite?"

Mamoru frowned, wanting to ring his friend's neck. She caught the look and giggled, earning an attack of several fingers against her rib cage. "Stop!" She squealed, trying to escape. "I take it back, you're still the same bully," Usagi teased. Mamoru pressed her against the door, not relenting until she had apologized, pleading for mercy. Tears streamed down her face, her silver gaze sparkling like they had once done.

"I can easily take Jedite down, even if he is one of the best in martial arts."

"I thought..."

"He can use a sword, Usagi, but he's far better with his hands."

"That's not all he's good at," Usagi scowled. "That jerk!"

"You're still angry about the boyfriend thing; aren't you?"

"He said I have to beat him in unarmed or sword combat. Jedite told Rei the truth, but she goes to an all girls' school. It's awful. Everyone thinks we've been dating since the end of last school year!"

"Is Jedite your boyfriend?" Usagi studied him carefully, but Mamoru was carefully masking his true feelings. Was he jealous of Jedite? Strange, the idea made her stomach do a little flip.

"No. If only I could fight..."

"Usagi, did Luna ever tell you how powerful Sailor Moon was?"

"You know about Sailor Moon; about the Silver Millennium?"

What did he tell her? She needed the self confidence to believe in herself, but Mamoru didn't want to push her too fast too soon. "Haven't you heard the legends?"

"They're stories about me?"

"Of course; haven't you heard of books?" Tossing her a pair of jogging pants, he shoved her towards the restroom, waiting until she joined him.

"Ready?"

"Can't we wait until after school?"

"You'll be too tired then. Let's go. Oh, no more bad grades."

"But..."

Mamoru drug her outside, determined to break the cycle she was in. "We'll study at the arcade every afternoon before we train."

"I hate studying!"

"Get straight A's for the entire month and I'll treat you to a day at the amusement park."

"The new one?"

He laughed, teaching her how to stretch before they began. Mamoru kept it slow, reminding himself that she needed to build up to the fast runs he did every morning. After a mile, he stopped, Usagi gasping for air. "I can't believe you do this every day!"

"We'll keep it to every other day for a few weeks. Tomorrow we'll work on your muscles."

"Are you trying to kill me?"