Chapter 1: The General's Heart (Kunzite-centric)
Chapter Text
The General’s Heart (Kunzite-centric)
Aito had lost his first job after his disappearing act…
It was so strange, he could remember so little.
He graduated from university and then, his memory seemed to end.
It was a big blank…
He ended up getting a job playing the piano at some lousy crossdresser bar, but a job was a job…
He was surprised to be met by a blonde, who looked pretty and strangely familiar.
“Hello, you must be our new musician. I’m Izou, but the customers call me Izzy-chan. It’s short for Isabelle.”
“Shime Aito…” he muttered darkly.
“Come in, Shime-sensei. I know that this isn’t the usual type of bar for a pianist. We have a nice instrument; I hope that the setting won’t be too distracting. I promise it somewhat like a hostess club, nothing unseemly other than dressing in women’s clothes and flirtation happens. You can pretend we’re women if it helps. Some of the girls are quite lovely, aren’t they, Michelle-mama?”
“You’re just lucky I gave you back a job, even if it is only as a greeter. What were you thinking disappearing like that? If your regulars weren’t as confused, I would have thought you had run off with one. It’s your sob story that keeps you on, that and your face. Not all of us are lucky to have a face like yours.”
That had Shime’s attention. The missing part… what could have caused Izou to go missing?
“Michelle-mama means that I have a brother in high school.” Izou brushed off the reference to having gone missing, “I barely graduated after our parents died, only on marks anyway. I had to get a job to cover expenses after losing our parents. He has been held back much to his irritation. We still don’t know what happened; we just woke up in our apartment. The rent was paid though, but we had vanished.”
“Curious,” Shime coughed, “I know someone who experienced the same thing. The only thing they didn’t lose was their apartment. Can’t figure out what happened in that missing time, it’s like it was erased.”
“How strange, let me show you where the boys' locker room is.”
“Boys?” Shime frowned.
“Oh dear me, I’ve been a part of Dionysus Garden that I forgot civilian life even after a year away. The girls are like me, but the boys would be you and our security. When this place was built, they put in two sets of locker rooms. I figured you would be more comfortable with the security, especially if you’ve never been around girls like us before.” Izou admitted nervously.
“I see. I would rather store my stuff with the boys as you put it.”
“I’ll show you the way then.”
This would be a very strange job…
XoooooX
After about a week, Shime seemed to be getting into a routine.
The club opened at noon, with two shifts and functioned very much like a hostess bar, only that they were guys under that make-up instead of girls.
The customers seemed pleased that Izzy-chan was back, but disappointed that she functioned more like a manager than a hostess.
Every time he saw one of their customers grope Izou, it infuriated Shime for some odd reason.
He didn’t interact with people very much, having used his music to keep people at a distance.
He hated the look in his face when he thought about those sweaty men touching Izou, it reminded him strangely of Tenō-kun back when he was a music tutor to Tenō-kun and Kaiō-chan.
Was he jealous? Of some crossdresser he didn’t even know?
There was something odd about Izou…
He stayed late to make sure that the ‘girls’ left safely, and ended up being the last one since the security offered to walk the working girls to the station.
“You’re still here, Shime? Even Michelle-mama left already.”
“I just wanted to make sure you left safely,” Shime grumbled.
“Just give me a bit to change.”
Shime grunted and reluctantly waited.
To his surprise, Izou appeared in men’s clothes with his hair hidden by a hat.
“What do you wear a wig?” Shime blurted out.
Izou blushed, “No, I can’t go home in my work clothes. I live with a teenage brother and I don’t want to embarrass him. He hates that I work here… even if it’s how he can afford his school. If we hadn’t lost a year or so of our lives, I would have let him get a part-time job, but one of us should get into university. I promised when he graduates university that I would get a more acceptable job.”
“What sort of job?” Shime found himself asking as Izou locked up.
“Oh, I’ve always loved horticulture. I wanted to study it a lifetime ago, but I would be happy working in a Florist shop…”
“Ah, I see. Where do you live?”
“In Juban…”
“So do I, surprisingly. We can walk part of the way together.”
“I thought we made you uncomfortable, Shime-sensei…”
“So did I, but you seem different all dressed up.”
“It started off as a normal job. I was hired just to clean and was made to wear a maid costume because I was pretty. Eventually, based on my looks, I worked my way in as a hostess. I ended up with a lot of requests and tips but I always kept a distance. It was just a job, but I found I had a lot more confidence when I was wearing make-up. If I didn’t live with my brother Kazu, I would be different. I would be a lot more selfish but I have to be the responsible one. There are quite a few years between us, we don’t have a lot in common, but we’re all the other has.”
“I, on the other hand, have almost no one. I barely know my father, he paid for my education, but I don’t remember my mother. I remember hearing that my mother might have been his mistress, but there is nothing to support that.”
“That’s terrible, at least Kazu and I had wonderful parents, even if we lost them when I was in high school and he was in elementary.”
They found out that they lived on the same street and were only two buildings apart.
They worked the same schedule, so even though it was likely ridiculous, Shime and Izou made an agreement to walk together every night…
XoooooX
Shime had to call his break early…
A very rich client had shown up at the club and convinced Michelle-mama to let Izzy-chan look after him.
He couldn’t stand to see how the man pawed at Izou.
Izou just laughed the man off though.
“You like Izzy, don’t you?”
Shime flinched growling, “What are you talking about?”
“You’re gay, I knew that when I hired you. Figured you’d be safe. Izzy-chan is one of my oldest girls, like a daughter or a younger sister, perhaps. Don’t let her salaryman clothes fool you; Izzy’s a girl through and through even if she doesn’t know it. She has a gentle heart; she cares about the girls wholeheartedly, even the new ones. Being only twenty-one, it must be so easy for her remembering being that age, I can’t remember as easily. The girls who are new, require training and Izzy has always taken that duty with relish. It probably comes from being an elder sibling or else, she was a leader in a past life.”
Past life…
A flash of someone very much like Izou dressed in some sort of uniform hit him like a bolt of lightning.
“Yes,” Michelle-mama continued, “Izzy is popular with the customers, but she came from a private boys’ school and never dated. Being high spirted with a personality that rises to the challenge, we are lucky to have her.”
“Never been in a relationship…” Shime whispered in shock.
“Don’t let her work personality fool you, but she’s as innocent as they come. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was waiting for someone. I’d say it’s likely you. I’ve watched her when she isn’t busy with other duties she is aware of you right away, she always notices you, Shime-sensei.”
Those words had Shime’s attention, despite those perverts; Izou had eyes only for him?
That eased his jealousy somewhat, but he still disliked other men touching Izou.
XoooooX
Izou looked beautiful even in civilian clothes; there was a freshness to him then.
They had fallen into a routine of walking to work together.
One fall night, they walked outside to find rain.
“Izou-nii!”
“Kazu? What are you doing here? Do you know what time it is?” Izou snapped.
“Shut up, it started raining. I thought… you shouldn’t be alone. Besides, who knows what perverts might actually mistake you for a girl.”
“Kazu, you’re in high school. You need your sleep.”
“Geez, Izou-nii, it’s a weekend, duh.”
“The last thing you need is for anyone to get the wrong idea. My job is an embarrassment...”
“Then get a different job, idiot.”
“I’m too feminine to get a job as a host, and I need the tips. Come on, Kazu, just be grateful we can afford a good school and save for university.”
There was a different air to Izou, he seemed to be forcing himself.
“Who are you?” the kid asked rudely.
“The club’s pianist and a friend.”
“Are you one of those perverts?”
Izou smacked him, “Behave,” then he shoved Kazu down, “apologize.”
“Sorry.”
“How long have you liked guys?” Shime asked matter of factly.
Kazu spun around almost violent, “You bastard.”
“Kazu!” Izou said exasperated.
“I probably shouldn’t have cornered you like that, but your defensiveness is a dead giveaway. Your brother works hard, it’s not like he’s some kind of prostitute. You’re a kid still, so you see things rather black and white.”
The look in Izou’s eyes was shining, “You’re too nice…”
“I don’t say anything I don’t mean.”
“Weird foreigner…”
Izou smacked him again.
By now, they had reached their separating place.
“Tomorrow then?”
“No, it’s my day off…” Izou seemed to admit reluctantly.
“Oh right, mine too.”
“Why don’t you come over for dinner?”
“You’ve got to be kidding…” Kazu muttered.
“I’d like that,” Shime admitted.
They separated just after exchanging contact information with Shime staying behind to watch them.
There was something refreshing about those brothers.
XoooooX
Shime arrived with wine even though Izou’s kid brother was underage.
“Thanks…”
Shime was surprised at Izou’s nervousness.
“You’re the first of his work friends to come over…” Kazu snarked.
“Be nice, Kazu…”
Izou served curry and tea, ignoring the wine surprisingly.
“I was around it too much at the club, I appreciate the thought, but I prefer to cook with it rather than drink these days.”
Shime didn’t mind at all.
Kazu was seemingly surprised by Shime having graduated from Mugen and interrogated him.
Apparently, as an alumnus of Mugen, he couldn’t be all that bad…
It was interesting hanging out with the brothers…
The evening wound down, much to Shime’s dissatisfaction.
Izou escorted him to the door and went to shake his hand.
Shime took it, but pulled the slightly younger man into him and lightly brushed his lips. “Thanks. I have little memory of being around a family, so thank you.”
Then he slipped away, leaving a stunned Izou.
XoooooX
They headed to work together, but Izou couldn’t look at him much less talk.
That didn’t mean that Izou wasn’t watching him all night.
They didn’t get a chance to spend what small amount of break time with each other.
Izou was still silent and nervous when they closed up the club.
“In case you’re wondering, I don’t regret that kiss,” Shime said just as Izou locked up.
“Huh? What?”
“I said I meant that kiss.”
“So you’re gay?”
“Pretty much, just never was interested in a relationship is all.”
“Oh…”
“I might reconsider for you, Izou.”
Izou blushed, “Um…”
“If you think I’m not serious, then you need to pay more attention. I always was more dedicated to my music. I can’t seem to do that as much anymore, I wonder if something happened during my lost time.”
“I used to be able to keep a distance with my colleagues. Kazu used to be more spoilt, but he’s become more serious since he has to repeat the year. Whatever happened, I’m glad we were together. I don’t know what I would have done if only one of us had disappeared, losing Kazu would have crushed me. He’s all I have left. Our grandparents died when we were younger, Kazu was still a baby I think.”
“Were you close?”
“They were older and my parents were only children, so they spent what they could, my family wasn’t all that well off, but we did have high marks so we got into good schools with partial scholarships, which helped. Kazu pushes himself because he feels guilty about my having to give up university. Despite selling our house and taking an apartment, we could barely afford for me to finish high school. It’s sad that I only got a job on my looks, but it has been something I’m good at.”
“You’ve got to be kidding. Surely, you are good at more than that.” Shime frowned, grabbing his shoulder to make Izou stop.
“I probably just don’t have enough life experience to know.” Izou shrugged.
Unlike their previous walks home, Shime walked Izou to his door, much to the younger man’s nervousness.
Just before Izou could reach for his keys, Shime pulled him in for another kiss.
Shime was hit with a strange memory…
Kazu was wearing a strange uniform, almost military-like. They were watching a young man with black hair and a bit younger blond who were studying together.
Wait…
Why was Kazu there as well?
The only difference was the colour piping on their uniforms. The wait was Izou’s hair in a braid or a ponytail? It was hard to tell…
The look in Izou’s eyes was flirtatious.
“I think that Helios’ crush on our Prince is cute. It would bind the priesthood to the kingdom.”
“Yes, but I think the King has his sights set much higher, Aphros. He wants to tie us all the more to the other planets.”
“Anteros…”
“Tying us to the other kingdoms makes sense politically, of course.” A man with wavy brunet hair said as he stepped into sight.
“Ah Prometheus, what’s the news?”
“The Council and the King have decided. Prince Endymion is to court the Lunar Princess and we are to court her guard.”
Izou flinched, “You’re kidding…”
“No, they want us to further the relationship between Earth and the other royal families in Sol. They have already made a determination on who we are to court.”
Shime felt himself stiffen, “Oh really? Who?”
“You are to court the princess of Venus.” Prometheus deadpanned.
“You’re kidding; I’m too old for her,” Shime muttered darkly. “She’s barely old enough for marriage.”
The look on Izou’s face was pain…
“I am to court the Jovian princess. Really, she’d hit me with a lightning bolt. Those warrior women are intimidating, not like the demure things we have here.”
“What about Aphros?”
“The Mercurian.”
“At least she’s intelligent and not ugly.” The Kazu look-alike snorted.
“You’ve drawn the Martian Princess.” Prometheus snorted.
“Sunna help me, she’s the oldest, isn’t she? She’d sooner burn me to a crisp. Have they lost their wits?
“We will follow the Council’s decree, but I have a feeling this was a terrible choice.”
“Lady Alkippe will be crushed; she was raised with the expectation of being Endymion’s consort. It was cruel to raise her hopes like this. Doing that to someone with Martian blood is dangerous…”
The look in Izou’s eyes was nostalgic almost, “Anteros?”
Shime blinked, “What?”
“I think I saw something weird right now, I called you Anteros, Kazu was Eulabeia and I was,”
“Aphros…”
“Why did we see the same thing when you kissed me?”
“I don’t care.” Shime declared smugly, “That just means that we already were connected.”
With that declaration, he kissed Izou once more.
“Sometime, we should have coffee after work.”
“Like a date?” Izou squeaked.
“Of course.” Shime was smug, “See you tomorrow then, Izou…”
“Night… Shime-sensei.”
“Oh Izzy, its Aito.”
Izou’s hands were shaking as he let himself into the tiny apartment.
Luckily, Shime never saw his father and managed to get by without his money after his graduation from Mugen.
His father would not take his being gay well…
All the more reason to stay independent…
Chapter 2: The Rare Flower of the Heart (Zoisite-centric)
Summary:
kunzo from Izou [Zosite]'s POV.
Chapter Text
The Rare Flower of the Heart (Zoisite-centric)
Saito Izou was about to leave the greenhouse, when one of the teachers ran in.
“Saito-san, it’s your parents. There was an accident on the bridge.”
Izou trembled, no…
“Has anyone contacted Kazu’s school?”
“His homeroom teacher will bring him to the Azabu hospital.”
Izou nodded, “I better go then.”
“Do you need a ride?” the teacher called at his back.
Izou waved his hand; he needed the run to calm down.
Their parents were the only family they had; surely, fate wouldn’t be so cruel as to take them away.
Kazu was just a kid in elementary…
Izou ran into the emergency room and flagged down a nurse, “Two car accident victims were brought in, named Saito?”
“Ah, Saito Kaitaro was unresponsive on arrival. They sent Saito Kazumi to emergency surgery, but her prognosis isn’t good.”
Izou went cold, father was gone? What would they do? How would they pay for this?
Kazu and his teacher arrived soon after.
An hour later, the doctors came to say they had lost them.
Izou wasn’t even eighteen just yet, what was he going to do?
XoooooX
Between the funeral expenses and the hospital bills, they had to sell the house.
Even then they barely had enough to scrape by until graduation.
A tiny apartment where Izou could hardly cook and one futon, that was about all they could afford.
At nearly eighteen, the rules were looser, plus Izou spent all of March looking for a job.
Only to find one as kitchen help for an Otoko no ko club.
He started late, just after feeding Kazu and left his kid brother alone, so he could deal with kitchen duties.
The owner must have felt sorry for him.
He had some lessons learning how to apply make-up and how to wear women’s clothes. His hair was restyled to be feminine, so he didn’t need a wig.
It was embarrassing at first, but Izou soon felt freer in his new job. He was given the club name Izzy because Izou sounded similar to the beginning of ‘Isabelle.’
His body had always seemed rather androgynous, but with his training, Izou was becoming more relaxed and confident.
XoooooX
By summer, Izou was working on the floor.
He was a customer favorite, well Izzy-chan was. The longer he worked at the club, the longer his hair became. Wigs were so inconvenient and expensive, so he took plenty of advice on how to keep his hair.
His body had curves in all of the right places, so unlike some of the girls, he could wear almost anything. Plus, he was young enough to pull off a sailor fuku to Michelle-mama the club owner’s amusement.
While the attention was somewhat flattering, some of their customers were creepy due to their asking for real dates, numbers or blatantly for sex.
It was a good thing that such things were forbidden by Michelle-mama and that they had trained security that walked the ‘girls’ to the station for their safety.
Very few of the ‘girls’ actually left as girls, most left in male attire looking rather plain, which was for their safety.
Izou was more flashy and easier to recognize even in male street clothes, so he was the most protected.
His colleagues were pretty nice giving him tips, but they disliked his instant popularity…
Izou wasn’t there for that, but the money he made was mostly saving for Kazu’s university fund pass quicker. He was paid hourly as well as half of his customers’ bills. The hourly was mostly for bills; after all, Izou worked six days a week from six at night until after midnight since he didn’t ride the train, he sometimes stayed late.
Izou was lonely, he hadn’t had many friends if any during his school years and he felt a distance with his colleagues.
Most of them were part-timers who were only working there to pay for college anyway.
XoooooX
Izou woke up feeling like he had the worst hangover ever.
Kazu groaned beside him.
The apartment was messy and dusty, what happened?
Izou couldn’t remember…
Their phones were dead; it took forever to dig out the chargers because they weren’t where they were usually.
The food in the fridge was worst than bad, it took hours to clean the place up.
When Izou’s phone finally turned on, he was stunned at the date.
What was going on?
He stumbled out of the apartment only to half run into the apartment manager.
“Izou-san? Where have you been? You just up and disappeared. You and Kazu-kun vanished one day. Your boss was furious, put in a missing person’s report a year ago, I think it was. If your rent wasn’t paid on time, I would have had to turn you out, but I had such a soft spot for you two; I couldn’t manage it.”
“I think we need to get checked out, but first groceries and I have to check the bank.”
A year could have eaten a lot of Kazu’s college fund even if it was just rent…
Izou likely lost his job, but Kazu, had he really missed so much school? What were they to do?
XoooooX
Michelle-mama had slapped him first and then hugged him when he sheepishly showed his face at the club.
After a lecture about how he didn’t deserve her mercy, he was rehired, but only at the club’s receptionist, rather than as one of the hostesses.
This, of course, meant that he still had to be one of the girls; sadly, many of the girls he knew before he had disappeared had moved on, so in a sense, he was starting over.
That was alright, that meant he could mentor the new ‘girls’ by becoming a true oneesan to them…
XoooooX
A few weeks later, after an ad for a piano player, someone named Shime-sensei was hired.
He was really handsome and surprisingly had long silvery blond hair, as well as darker skin.
He wasn’t sure if Shime-sensei was actually Japanese.
The man was very strange, but Izou wanted to make him feel comfortable.
He didn’t know why he felt something different about Shime, but he almost wanted to be something called friends…
XoooooX
Then about a week after Shime-sensei started, Izou was locking up the office and found Shime waiting for him.
“You’re still here, Shime? Even Michelle-mama left already.” He frowned.
“I just wanted to make sure you left safely,” Shime grumbled.
“Just give me a bit to change,” Izou said nervously while he disappeared into the girls locker room
Shime grunted and reluctantly waited.
To sensei’s apparent surprise, Izou appeared in men’s clothes with his hair hidden by a hat.
“What do you wear a wig?” Shime blurted out.
Izou blushed, “No, I can’t go home in my work clothes. I live with a teenage brother. He hates that I work here, even if it’s how he can afford his school. If we hadn’t lost a year or so of our lives, I would have let him get a part-time job, but one of us has to get into university. I promised when he graduates university that I would get a more acceptable job.”
“What sort of job?” Shime found himself asking as Izou locked up.
“Oh, I’ve always loved horticulture. I wanted to study it a lifetime ago, but I would be happy working in a Florist shop…”
“Ah, I see. Where do you live?”
“In Juban…”
“So do I, surprisingly. We can walk part of the way together.”
“I thought we made you uncomfortable, Shime-sensei…”
“So did I, but you seem different all dressed up.”
“It started off as a job. I was hired just to clean and was made to wear a maid costume because I was pretty. Eventually, based on my looks, I worked my way in as a hostess. I ended up with a lot of requests and tips, but I always kept a distance. It was just a job, I found I had a lot more confidence when I was wearing make-up. If I didn’t live with my brother Kazu, I would be different. I would be a lot more selfish, but I have to be the responsible one. There are quite a few years between us, we don’t have a lot in common, but we’re all the other has.”
“I, on the other hand, have almost no one. I barely know my father, he paid for my education, but I don’t remember my mother. I remember hearing that my mother might have been his mistress, but there is nothing to support that.”
“That’s terrible, at least Kazu and I had wonderful parents, even if we lost them when I was in high school and he was in elementary.”
They found out that they lived on the same street and were only two buildings apart.
They worked the same schedule, so even though it was likely ridiculous, Shime and Izou made an agreement to walk together every night…
XoooooX
A very rich client had shown up at the club and convinced Michelle-mama to let Izzy-chan look after him.
Izou had gotten used to the pats and gropes from customers, but he was nervous. It had been a while since he had actually entertained rather than greeted.
He found he disliked it even more than before he disappeared…
Shime-sensei seemed to dislike it as well, if his tension was any indication.
Izou told Michelle-mama that he preferred his new position unless it was absolutely necessary and she promised to consider it even if it paid less.
XoooooX
They had fallen into a routine of walking to work together.
One night, they walked outside to find rain.
“Izou-nii!”
“Kazu? What are you doing here? Do you know what time it is?” Izou snapped.
“Shut up, it started raining. I thought, you shouldn’t be alone. Besides, who knows what perverts might actually mistake you for girl.” His brother said sticking his tongue out like a child.
“Kazu, you’re in high school. You need your sleep.” Izou retorted.
“Geez, Izou-nii, it’s a weekend, duh.” Kazu complained.
“The last thing you need is for anyone to get the wrong idea. My job is an embarrassment...” Izou admitted reluctantly.
“Then get a different job, idiot.” Kazu snorted.
“I’m too feminine to get a job as a host, and I need the tips. Come on, Kazu, just be grateful we can afford a good school and save for university.” Izou hadn’t exactly mentioned that he hadn’t quite gotten his job back from before they disappeared.
Izou was nervous, he hoped that neither his brother nor Shime-sensei noticed that he forcing himself to act normal.
“Who are you?” Kazu asked rudely.
“The club’s pianist and a friend.” Izou chided.
“Are you one of those perverts?”
Izou smacked him, “Behave,” then he shoved Kazu down, “apologies.”
“Sorry.”
“How long have you liked guys?” Shime asked matter of factly.
Kazu spun around almost violent, “You bastard.”
“Kazu!” Izou said exasperated.
“I probably shouldn’t have cornered you like that, but your defensiveness is a dead giveaway. Your brother works hard, it’s not like he’s some kind of prostitute. You’re a kid still, so you see things rather black and white.” Shime shrugged.
Izou’s was embarrassed but flattered, “You’re too nice…”
“I don’t say anything I don’t mean.” Shime muttered.
“Weird foreigner…” Kazu mumbled.
Izou smacked him again.
By now, they had reached their separating place.
“Tomorrow then?” Shime asked.
“No, it’s my day off…” Izou seemed to admit reluctantly.
“Oh right, mine too.” Shime sighed.
“Why don’t you come over for dinner?” Izou blurted out.
“You’ve got to be kidding…” Kazu muttered.
“I’d like that.” Shime admitted.
They separated just after exchanging contact information because Shime’s eyes took forever to leave his back, Izou knew that his friend was staying behind to watch them.
Izou didn’t know quite why he asked Shime over for dinner, but it would make a nice change.
XoooooX
Shime arrived with wine even though Izou’s kid brother was underage.
“Thanks…” Izou said as he tried to hide his nervousness.
Shime seemed as if he was surprised at Izou’s nervous behavior.
“You’re the first of his work friends to come over…” Kazu snarked.
“Be nice, Kazu…” Izou said coolly.
Izou served curry and tea, ignoring the wine surprisingly.
“I was around it too much at the club, I appreciate the thought but I prefer to cook with it rather than drink these days. I am not much of a beer or liquor drinker either.”
The true was after waking upon their return with a hangover from hell, Izou had done his best to avoid alcohol even if the customer would pay for it.
Shime didn’t mind at all that there was no alcohol….
Kazu was seemingly surprised by Shime having graduated from Mugen and interrogated him.
Apparently, as an alumnus of Mugen, he couldn’t be all that bad…
The evening wound down, much to Izou’s dismay.
Izou escorted him to the door and went to shake his hand.
Shime took it, but pulled the slightly younger man into him and lightly brushed his lips. “Thanks. I have little memory of being around a family so thank you.”
Then he slipped away, leaving a stunned Izou touching his lips with his right hand.
XoooooX
They headed to work together the next day, but Izou couldn’t look at him, much less talk.
That didn’t mean that Izou wasn’t watching Shime-sensei all night.
They didn’t get a chance to spend what small amount of break time with each other.
Izou was still silent and nervous when they closed up the club.
“In case, you’re wondering, I don’t regret that kiss,” Shime said just as Izou locked up.
“Huh? What?” Izou froze, nearly dropping the keys.
“I said I meant that kiss.” Shime said evenly.
“So you’re gay?” Izou blurted out, gay… was he actually gay or…
“Pretty much, just never was interested in a relationship is all.” Shime shrugged.
“Oh…” Izou said absently.
“I might reconsider for you , zou.” Shime teased.
Izou blushed, “Um…”
“If you think I’m not serious, then you need to pay more attention. I always was more dedicated to my music. I can’t seem to do that as much anymore… I wonder if something happened during my lost time.”
“I used to be able to keep a distance with my colleagues. Kazu used to be more spoilt, but he’s become more serious since he has to repeat the year. Whatever happened, I’m glad we were together. I don’t know what I would have done if only one of us had disappeared, losing Kazu would have crushed me. He’s all I have left. Our grandparents died when we were younger, Kazu was still a baby I think.”
“Were you close?”
“They were older and my parents were only children, so they spend what they could. My family wasn’t all that well off, but we did have high marks, so we got into good schools with partial scholarships, which helped. Kazu pushes himself because he feels guilty about my having to give up university. Despite selling our house and taking an apartment, we could barely afford for me to finish high school. It’s sad that I only got a job on my looks? but it has been something I’m good at.”
“You’ve got to be kidding. Surely, you are good at more than that.” Shime frowned, grabbing his shoulder to make Izou stop.
“I probably just don’t have enough life experience to know.” Izou shrugged.
Unlike their previous walks home, Shime walked Izou to his door, much to the younger man’s nervousness.
Just before Izou could reach for his keys, Shime pulled him in for another kiss.
Izou was hit with a strange memory…
Kazu was wearing a strange uniform, almost military-like. They were watching a young man with black hair and a bit younger blond who were studying.
Wait…
Why was Kazu there as well?
The only difference was the color piping on their uniforms.
Izou was definitely feeling flirtatious, when he teased, “I think that Helios’ crush on our Prince is cute. It would bind the priesthood to the kingdom.”
“Yes, but I think the King has his sights set much higher, Aphros. He wants to tie us all the more to the other planets.” Shime chided.
“Anteros…” Izou pouted.
“Tying us to the other kingdoms makes sense politically of course.” A man with wavy brunet hair said as he stepped into sight.
“Ah, Prometheus, what’s the news?” Shime asked boredly.
“The Council and the King have decided. Prince Endymion is to court the Lunar Princess and we are to court her guard.” Prometheus declared.
Izou flinched, “You’re kidding…”
“No, they want us to further the relationship between Earth and the other royal families in Sol. They have already made a determination on whom we are to court.”
Shime felt himself stiffen, “Oh really? Who?”
“You are to court the princess of Venus.” Prometheus deadpanned.
“You’re kidding; I’m too old for her.” Shime muttered darkly. “She’s barely old enough for marriage.”
Izou’s heart couldn’t stand the idea, Shime/Anteros was his…
“I am to court the Jovian princess. Really, she’d hit me with a lightning bolt. Those warrior women are intimidating, not like the demure things we have here.”
“What about Aphros?” Shime was stiff and wouldn’t look at Izou when he asked.
“The Mercurian.”
“At least she’s intelligent and not ugly.” The Kazu look-alike snorted.
“You’ve drawn the Martian Princess.” Prometheus snorted.
“Sunna help me, she’s the oldest, isn’t she? She’d soon burn me to a crisp. Have they lost their wits?
“We will follow the Council’s decree, but I have a feeling this was a terrible choice.” Shime sighed.
“Lady Alkippe will be crushed; she was raised with the expectation of being Endymion’s consort. It was cruel to raise her hopes like this. Doing that to someone with Martian blood is dangerous…” Prometheus was Anteros’ right hand, he was almost as good of a strategist as their General…
Izou found himself leaning into Shime and peering into those familiar eyes, “Anteros?”
Shime blinked, “What?”
“I think I saw something weird right now. I called you Anteros, Kazu was Eulabeia and I was,”
“Aphros…” Shime interrupted.
“Why did we see the same thing when you kissed me?”
“I don’t care.” Shime declared smugly, “That just means that we already were connected.”
With that declaration, he kissed Izou once more.
“Sometime, we should have coffee after work.”
“Like a date?” Izou squeaked.
“Of course.” Shime was smug, “See you tomorrow then, Izou…”
“Night, Shime-sensei.”
“Oh Izzy, its Aito.”
Izou’s hands were shaking as he let himself into the tiny apartment.
Aito…
He’d been kissed twice now and he couldn’t imagine what other experiences he might gain now that Shime had decided to pursue him…
Chapter 3: Hearts in full bloom (KunzitexZoisite)
Summary:
Izou has an identity/gender crisis and epiphany during a date and finally comes to a determination on where they fit on the gender spectrum. Aito learns a surprising truth about both of them.
Notes:
Partway through the chapter Izou [Zoisite] will have a change in pronouns and name identification, this is intentional.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Heart in full bloom (KuzitexZoisite)
Izou had agreed to go on a date with Shime-san and was nervously getting ready.
He had a few secrets he hadn’t shared with Shime; because he was terrified of losing him.
He stared in the mirror; there was a slight swell to his chest. He naturally had breasts which made his job easier. They had filled out more since high school thankfully, but his body wasn’t quite male.
His parents couldn’t afford to do anything to his body and raised him male because he had a penis. It wasn’t until he was older in science classes that he realized he was different. A boy’s body didn’t look like his…
Izou had never really had friends but that revelation, while hurtful had pulled him into a shell.
He had stopped buying men’s pants for himself and wore female underwear mostly sports bras outside of work to keep his chest flat.
Keeping Kazu from seeing his body was difficult but he was sure that Kazu had no idea. He didn’t have money to consider altering his body and even seven or so years later he didn’t know what he wanted.
He nervously tugged on jeans and a loose dark t-shirt over an undershirt to hide his bra.
A quick bun to hid his hair under a hat and he was ready.
Hopefully, he wouldn’t embarrass himself…
“You’re an idiot. I don’t care if Shime went to Mugen. You shouldn’t date a guy from that place. You know what creeps they are.”
“But Shime’s different…” Izou said softly as he slipped out of the apartment and nearly crashed into the pianist.
Shime pulled him into a kiss, one hand on the back of his neck and the other on his hip.
Izou blushed, “Are you sure you want to go on a date with Izou? It would be easier to,”
“Go on a date with Izzy? Wouldn’t you be more easily recognized?” Shime said dismissively.
Izou flinched, while true he didn’t wish to cause Shime problems.
Silently he let Shime lead him along.
They first visited a jazz bar where they listened to music and drank sparkling water.
“I’ve read about this place but never gone.” Shime said in a strange sort of explanation when they entered a building that looked like a warehouse but had a club-like sign with a single lily.
There was a clear piano but there wasn’t a pianist at present though there was music coming through speakers.
There was a bar as well as tables with chairs but much of the furniture was unusual.
Like something out of the Arabian nights or something.
“It’s a gay club but it caters to those who wish for more than just alcohol or dancing. Some people come here on dates but others come for discrete hookups. You’re vetted by the bar’s owner, a Tasuya I believe.”
“Oh…” Izou was certain this place was expensive, despite working in a sort of host club this was a far different scene then he was used to.
To the bartender’s amusement, Shime ordered them sodas.
“A bar and no alcohol? I’m crushed.”
“You must be Tatsuya…” Shime smirked. “We work at a club so we prefer not to drink.”
“Yes, I am Tatsuya and you two are?”
“Shime Aito and Saito Izou.”
“So, you two work at a club? What sort of club?”
“I am merely a pianist offering background music.” Shime shrugged.
“And you Izou-kun…”
“I used to work as one of the hostesses but now I mostly do welcoming and keeping track of who is entertaining who.”
“I see, so you work at a josou club. That’s different; I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of having someone with that sort of background here at Lily.”
“Leave you alone and you’re back to flirting.”
“Yusuke~!” Tatsuya sang out before hopping over the bar to hug someone who could only be his lover. “Natsu take over, will you?”
“Shime and Izou, this Ukimura-sensei, my lover. Yusuke is a writer… we were schoolmates and ran into one another by chance. He started visiting Lily soon after I built it.”
“It’s rather different…” Izou offered nervously.
“I tried the more common gay club and it was awful; too loud, dark and filthy. So, I built my own after my own eclectic tastes. I inherited everything in my early twenties after all, my grandparents passed away by my Second Year of High School at Mugen and in the middle of my university years there, my parents fell victims in New York in one of the plane crashes. The houses were too big for one person so I sold them, quit school and began putting Lily together.”
“If you can’t tell Lily is one part bar, one part lounge, one part love hotel and one part pool. There is a gay bath with massage parlor that is opening up soon but that was my in-put.”
Izou felt a bit jealous when Tatsuya leaned up for the taller man, Yusuke to kiss.
Did he look that enraptured?
“So, you play Shime?”
“Yes, and I believe I was a kouhei of yours, I went to Mugen as well. I was a tutor for two of the elementary students there. Both were talented but one was soon practically composing, haunting music that reminded one of the Ocean. She transposed a few pieces for the piano, likely because her only friend played.” Shime shrugged.
“Oh really? I’d love to hear. I bought the piano for myself mostly; I sometimes get the urge to play when I am here.” Tatsuya gestured at the instrument even as he leaned into Yusuke without embarrassment.
Izou watched shyly as his date sat at the piano and began to play.
The ethereal music painted a picture in his mind, of a storm in an unfamiliar world. It was almost sensual the way the wind and sea seemed to struggle, almost as if they were lovers…
When the music stopped, Izou was gasping. He felt turned on, an unfamiliar feeling.
Before he knew what he was doing, Izou was already running.
Shime-sensei was calling his name but Izou had to leave…
It didn’t take long for the larger man to catch up to him and make him stop.
Izou’s body was excited, he was terribly afraid that his breasts would give him away.
“Why did you leave?”
“I couldn’t stay…I don’t belong there…”
“What do you mean? The place was full of guys…” Shime frowned.
Izou pulled away hard, spraining his wrist and crossing his arms over his chest. His voice trembled, “I’m not like that…”
“Talk to me Izou…”
In that moment, Izou knew the answer to the question haunting him since that biology class. S/he closed hir eyes, “My name is Izumi…”
Shime was reaching for his hand when Izou spoke, he blinked, “What?”
Izay held hir head up, “I’m a girl…”
Shime sighed, “Michelle-mama mentioned something like that.”
“I don’t think we should meet like this outside of work. Kazu was right; I…can’t be in a relationship with anyone I know from work…”
“Kazu is a know-it-all closeted brat. You’re an adult Izzy, I like you.”
“You wouldn’t if you saw me.”
“We’ll put it to the test, come over. If I can’t, then we’ll just be friends. But if I find you attractive, then you’re mine.” Shime dared hir.
Izzy swallowed, “Alright but don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m different…”
Shime gently took Izzy’s injured wrist, kissing it, “I already knew that. That’s why I liked you.”
They made their way to Shime’s apartment building; it was a little newer than the one that Izzy shared with Kazu.
Once they were inside Shime’s apartment, Izzy slipped into the bathroom. S/he nervously dressed down to hir sports bra and panties, folding the rest of hir clothes and carrying them with hir.
Shime was surprised to see a natural swell to Izzy’s chest, even with the sports bra it was clear they were breasts.
The panties were sticking to his date; there was the outline of a cock, the tiniest suggestion of testicles and below that the painfully familiar outline of a female’s labia.
Shime didn’t know what to think, as he held out a hand, “I need to touch you.”
Izzy took trembling steps and was finally pulled into Shime’s lap.
“Take this off…” Shime ordered as he snapped a strap of the sports bra.
Izzy shook hir head, “I can’t. I hurt myself earlier. I had a difficult time removing what I did.”
Having primarily identified as gay and having zero sexual experience, removing Izzy’s bra was difficult.
Izzy had always had a feminine body but seeing breasts was surprising even though Michelle-mama mentioned that Izzy was a girl.
Izzy’s breasts were small but well-formed if Shime remembered his experiences with classmates’ porn.
“I looked male until high school, then my body started to feminize. They have gotten bigger, I’m one of few girls with actual breasts and mine are real. It was really hard to hide in high school…”
“Was that why you applied at an Okama club?”
“I was really nervous; I borrowed some of kaasan’s clothes to go buy some for myself and practiced dressing up and doing my make-up. I didn’t have the courage to apply until after graduation…I didn’t want to get in trouble and we needed money. It seemed like the best idea at the time. Hiding who I was in high school was nerve-wracking; it felt nice somehow to learn about that side of myself. Is it wrong that I want to be that person?”
Having identified as gay most of his life, an attraction to Izou… er Izumi who was both and neither was odd but he couldn’t look away from Izzyz.
Shime pulled his colleague into a possessive kiss, “Izzy…”
Izzy moaned slightly, “Shime…”
In their twenties with no sexual experience was a painful concept.
But sometime compelled Shime to run his hands up Izzy’s sides and then to cover those small but strangely appealing breasts.
Izzy cried out as hir breasts were touched with curious but gentle hands, it was different from what rude customers who ought to know better did.
Sex with customers were forbidden, some girls only obeyed enough to not do such a thing at the club. Izzy had born the molesting and informed Michelle-mama if any broke the rules which had both parties banned from the club.
This felt different; Shime’s touches and caresses were familiar yet not.
Shime didn’t think about gender or sexual identity at all, just how beautiful Izzy was and how much he wanted to touch the other.
The more hir breasts were fondled, the more drenched Izzy’s panties became. They were quite opaque now.
Izzy was straddling Shime’s lap, hir mixed genitals wet and dripping.
Shime broke the kiss to mutter, “We should do this in a bed…”
Izzy let Shime carry hir, holding onto the pianist. S/he could only trust Shime with hir body, because hir heart believed in him. Why s/he knew this Izzy didn’t know but s/he did.
Shime laid Izzy on his bed, undressed rather viciously before joining the younger on the bed. He held Izzy’s hands as they kissed for a while before he broke the kiss.
Izzy gasped when Shime’s lips touched hir breast for the first time, they were kissed, licked and suckled with a slight graze of those perfect teeth. “Shime…”
“Aito.” Shime corrected before moving to kiss and mouth Izzy through those panties. Until Izyz, Shime had never considered that he might be attracted to panties.
Izzy tried to be still, but s/he came in those panties soon after Shime began to touch hir there. S/he sobbed in a mixture of embarrassment and release.
Shime removed the drenched panties and began to clean Izzy tenderly with his mouth, familiarizing himself with his lover’s taste and texture.
Izzy was nervous when Shime began licking hir male genitalia but wasn’t fully enjoying it until Shime tentatively licked hir girl pussy.
Shime realized that Izz7 enjoyed when he licked Izzy’s girl parts rather than licking his cock and sucking on those small but still present testicles.
Izzy began whimpering, “Aito…more…please…”
“Tell me what you need Izzy…” it was a compromise name between Izou and Izumi for the moment.
“Touch me inside…?” Izzy begged.
Luckily as disconcerting as it had been, Shime remembered things from his sexual education class at Mugen. He slipped his long pianist fingers inside Izzy, listening to those gasps and moans as he caressed Izzy inside. Those silky walls were different from what he had anticipated fucking but this was Izzy, Izzy was special…
“Yes…so good…thank you…” Izzy repeated over and over as fingers thrust in to hir girl pussy and caressed hir inside, teasing hir female g-spot.
It was so much more intimate and enjoyable when Shime touched hir; masturbation had been awkward because s/he was shamed by hir body…
“You have four Izzy…”
“Four?”
“Fingers Izzy, fingers.”
“I need to belong, have me? I want you…”
Izzy’s legs were spread wide, taunting Shime with that interesting view. Izzy’s eternal genitalia were smaller than either would be on someone else. Also, Izzy’s male parts were brought forward some so they were more on the front of his pelvis than between his legs.
“Izzy, I didn’t bring anything…”
Izzy flinched, “Don’t you want me?”
“Wait Izzy, I think I have some condoms put away. I don’t want to test how fertile you are or not just yet. We’re not ready for that…”
Izzy reluctantly let Shime go, only to see condoms spilling out Shime’s pocket on the floor. Being lied to hurt…
“If you didn’t expect me to put out, then what are those?” S/he whispered even as s/he curled into hirself.
Shime bent over and picked the wrappers up, snorting, “Lily. That precocious Tatsuya, he must have slipped them in my pocket somehow.”
That caught Izzy’s attention, “Huh?”
“They are from Lily; I guess Tatsuya thought we might end up like this…”
Then breathless, Izzy watched as Shime slid the condom on. S/he was going to do it… hir rare periods and embarrassment kept hir from using tampons but he had used pads. This would be the first-time s/he had anything but fingers inside hir.
Shime lean over him, kissing, “Are you sure?”
Izzy nodded, “I need to…I want to feel whole…”
Shime rolled them over and lifted Izzy up, “Close your eyes and relax…”
Izzy was shy, nervous but obedient as s/he gave hirself up into Shime’s care. S/he choked on a moan as Shime’s thing began to stretch hir. S/e was tight down there despite Shime’s fingering, and s/he whimpered as Shime used hir hips to guide that cock into hir body. A strangled sound escaped hir lips when Shime met resistance and pulled Izzy down. S/he was practically sobbing when s/he felt Shime’s balls nestled against hir ass.
“So beautiful Izzy…” Shime groaned as he pulled them close enough that the older man’s mouth swallowed hir moans as they kissed.
Izzy slowly rocked hir hips down, hir slick pussy gripping Shime’s thing. S/he felt so full…and yet empty… it was embarrassing, to crave something just as large in hir ass.
Shime wrapped his hand around Izzy’s cock, stroking it in strong sure motions causing his young, equally unexperienced lover to come with a glad cry.
“Aito…”
The two of them orgasmed nearly together…
Izzy was the most vocal and reactive; hir pussy became slicker even as hir tiny balls pulled tight against hir body and hir prick spurt weakly.
Izzy sagged, ending up on top of Shime gasping for breath as hir breasts and prick were pressed between them.
Despite having previously identified as gay, there was something comforting about feeling both on him.
Slowly Izzy became aware of more than just hir sexual needs and turned to hide hir face in embarrassment.
Shime chuckled as he stroked that soft hair, “Izzy you’re more embarrassed now, than when you showed me your body? You are too adorable for words…”
“Don’t tease…”
“Have I not shown you how wonderful I find your body?”
Izzy peeked up at him, “Really?”
“I think I came harder than I ever have… your pussy is the first thing I’ve ever fucked other than my hand. Never felt the urge so strongly…”
“You don’t care that I’m not normal?” Izzy whispered.
“I don’t like normal people, they annoy me. You’re special, someday maybe we can consider our own family but for now Izzy, we have each other…”
“And Kazu…” Izzy reminded him.
“And the brat…”
Izzy would have snuggled in and gone to sleep but Shime carried hir into the bathroom.
Shime was careful to dispose of his condom and wash all of the mess that Izzy’s cumming had made, there was precious little unless you counted how wet the intersex Izou was between hir legs.
Izzy closed his eyes as Shime washed hir, he couldn’t remember the last time s/he let someone touch hir like this. S/e was so sensitive that it almost hurt to be touched but Shime managed to stroke and finger another orgasm out of hir body.
Once s/he was clean, Izzy was put in the bath to soak while Shime washed up.
Shime maybe a musician but he had a very sexy muscular body, manly too unlike Izzy’s.
Izzy didn’t start to relax again until he was curled up in the bath in Shime’s lap.
They kissed lazily as Izzy’s recently fucked pussy was soothed by the warm water.
When he started to doze, Shime dried them both off and carried them to bed.
Izzy curled up against Shime’s much larger body, “Night…general…”
General…
The sleepy title sent Shime into what felt like another flashback…
Only this time, Izzy was slightly different.
While his lover had breasts, though small, an important part of Izou’s anatomy was missing…
That small but perfect set of balls, no wonder the idea of being married to that Mercurian was unsettling.
It seemed that Aphros was afraid that nature of his body might be revealed…
Shime didn’t care; Izou was far more lovely…
He pulled the sleeping intersex close, kissing hir neck, “Sleep well…”
XooooooX
Shime could hardly get Izou, well Izzy out of his mind since they made love.
His shy lover had taken to avoiding him much to his annoyance; Izzy no longer waited to walk to work with him and irregularly returned his messages.
After the third night of this, Shime was determined that this wasn’t going to continue.
He cornered Izzy on a break, kissing the back of hir neck, “What color are they?”
“Color?” Izzy squeaked.
“Your panties I…zu…mi…”
Izzy trembled moaning, “Blue?”
“Do they match your bra?”
“Yes…”
“Show me…”
“We’re at work…”
“The office is empty, I locked the door and Michelle-mama is on vacation.”
Shyly, Izzy pulled up hir skirt.
Shime turned the desk chair around lifted Izzy onto the desk itself and tugged off those lace panties that had clung so deliciously to that ass.
Before Izzy could blink, Shime was licking that small but perfect little cock, rolling those delicate balls and fingering Izzy’s sweet pussy.
“Perfect…” he said smirking.
Izzy moaned softly.
“Show me your breasts Izzy…”
Izzy shyly tugged off hir peplum cream and grey blouse revealing hir matching blue bra.
“More Izzy…”
Izzy slid down the straps, with shaking hands leaving just the cups of the bra on hir breasts.
“Don’t be a tease…”
Izzy swallowed, reaching back to unclasp the blue and white lace balconette.
“Touch them…show me how you want me to touch them.”
Izzy gasped as Shime played with hir down there making hir wet and eager. “Aito…” hir hands trembled as they squeezed hir small breasts.
“So beautiful…tell me Izzy, how much you like when I touch you like this…”
“I need it…I can’t sleep without touching myself anymore…”
Shime teased hir into orgasm and then licked hir clean. “Come home with me and I’ll give you more than my fingers and my mouth.”
Izzy lay there gasping and was surprised when Shime redressed hir…
Only he smirked as he pocketed hir panties, “Just so you don’t change your mind. You can have themn back after you’ve ridden me…”
Izzy curled up in the office chair after he left; now s/he’d done it. S/he gone and broken Michelle-mama’s number one rule.
S/he felt a little guilty but s/he loved the feel of Shime’s hands on hir and in hir…
XooooooX
It was nerve-wracking walking down the street after midnight with no panties…
Shime had talked hir into wearing a skirt to his apartment and carrying hir jeans instead. A teasing comment about they should stay clean for when s/he chose to go home…
Izzy was surprised when they ended up on Shime’s couch and hir pervert lover had a hand under hir skirt already.
“Take your top off, I want to fuck like this…”
Shime was definitely perverted but hir body only was turned on more by it.
“Bra too?”
“I want to try fucking you with it on…”
Izzy obeyed, s/he’d left the blue bra on from before rather than the normal sports bra s/he wore to and from work.
Shime began to kiss and nibble at hir breasts through the bra, even as he fingered and stroked hir again.
It didn’t take long before s/he was begging for Shime’s cock again.
Shime was more prepared today because it didn’t take long before he was in hir and fucking hir girl pussy.
“Ride me Izzy, show me what a good girl you are.”
Izzy moaned and tried to obey.
Hir reward was Shime’s hands on hir breast and cock.
“Such a good girl…”
Izzy felt a rush of pleasure at being called a ‘good girl’…
Shime manipulated hir body into successive orgasms before he carried hir to bathe.
Izzy felt so safe and relaxed, hir heart and hir body belonged to Shime and s/he found it thrilled hir rather than frightened.
It would be some hours before s/he could leave either by choice or by ability...
XooooooX
It eventually came to the point when Izzy couldn’t bear to be parted from Shime, s/he needed his love and comfort physically to sleep.
S/he spent less and less time at the apartment with Kazu, s/he felt guilty but s/he couldn’t be hirself around Kazu. How could s/he explain hir body and its urges to hir younger brother?
As if sensing hir inner turmoil, Shime kissed her shoulder, “Mm…what’s the matter Izzy…”
“Can I…can I stay?”
“Of course…”
“I can’t sleep if we’re not like this…” Izzy admitted shyly.
“Me either, I need to feel you with me like this or I have to have a breast in one hand and a cock in the other.”
Izzy moaned slightly when Shime squeezed both gently.
“Come home with me every night. We can spend a lot of time being intimate…”
“I want that…”
“If it ever becomes too much, you can stay home…as my wife.”
Izzy swallowed Shime-sensei’s wife? Being made love to every day, keeping house, drawing bathes and pleasing Shime in every way? The very idea made hier almost cry, “Shime…you mean it?”
“Waking up to your sexy body in my bed? How could I dislike it? I would love to see you wearing nothing but your cute lacy underthings and an apron when I come home. Knowing you are waiting for more would make me extremely happy. I want you in my bed like this always…”
“What about Kazu?”
“Let the brat live on his own for a while, you spoil him too much.”
“Are you sure?” Izzy whispered.
“We’ll move you in on our next day off. You can be my girlfriend Izumi…”
“I’d like that…” Izzy said as s/he fell asleep…
“So would I, I hate the idea that anyone else has flirted with you or dared touch you. I want Izzy to be mine and only mine.”
Notes:
Technically Aito is Izzy [Zoisite]-sexual not gay. Izou/Izzy/Zoisite has not physically changed at all aside from no longer being a virgin. S/he still is intersexed but has chosen the proper gender presentation for hirself. This will cause a bit of an identity crisis in the future if and when they reconnect with Mamoru...
Chapter 4: A Shadowed Heart (Nephrite-centric)
Summary:
Daichi/Nephrite returns to his life pre-Dark Kingdom but has no memory of his time there. After realizing an entire year of his life has been lost, he struggles to put the pieces back together. Then he encounters a familiar and alluring person.
Notes:
Nephrite's Japanese name is Hashira Daichi; he is half-American
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
A Shadowed Heart (Nephrite-centric)
Hashira Daichi had inherited shares in a company that his grandfather had owned.
His American father had bought out the business and married his mother, taking her name to make the business seem to have stayed within the family but it had not been a stable marriage.
His father had many affairs and his mother shamed had taken her own life, with his grandfather dying of shock.
This happened with Daichi was fifteen; after his grandfather’s death and the selling of the family property had moved out and used what money he had to survive.
His father was a vile, corrupt man and Daichi preferred to avoid him…
XoooooX
Daichi woke up, on the floor of his tiny apartment.
The place was trashed, more so then usual.
His phone was broken as well as having his trash everywhere.
He felt like he had a massive hangover, only he didn’t remember going drinking at all.
Having lived on his own for ages, Daichi took care of himself.
This was ridiculous, who broke in and trashed his place? What possible good would that serve? He didn’t even keep his bankbook here, a lawyer friend of his grandfather kept it. It had stayed in the man’s possession since Daichi was fifteen, he just never asked for it.
He would have to track down Kuroki-sensei to get some money and figure out what was going one…
XoooooX
A year, Daichi had vanished for an entire year…
He ended up flunking a semester, only a bribe [donation] had kept him on the books of his university as well as the missing person report of course.
He would have to start his adult life practically from scratch, his rent was paid but he had definitely lost his previous job.
On the way back from negotiating to return to university the next semester, Daichi noticed a ‘help wanted, inquire within’ sign at the local game center…
Thinking 'what the heck', he headed into apply.
The manager Furuhata Motoki recognized his name and decided to give him a chance.
Living off his inheritance did not sit well with Daichi.
He still planned to save up his money and buy his grandfather’s company back!
XoooooX
Not long after Daichi started at the game center, a blond high school student caught his attention.
The kid felt familiar but Daichi couldn’t remember meeting him, was he from his missing time?
The kid didn’t have a lot of friends but seemed to fall in with a slightly younger teen with black hair who wore the same uniform.
They both felt familiar now that he thought about it.
“Ah Motoki-san.” The black-haired teen greeted Daichi’s sempai here at the game center.
“Mamoru, who is this?”
“My new classmate, Kazu-kun. He’s been away from school for a year, he isn’t so bad.”
“Nice to meet you Kazu-kun. You’re working hard at school, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Chiba-san makes sure of that.”
Kazu…
That was a lovely name for a lovely boy…
He ignored the princely figure beside Kazu, there was something that drew him to the young blond intensely.
It wasn’t difficult to walk away but the arrival of those female friends of Chiba’s turned his stomach, so he left.
XoooooX
Daichi liked to observe the taciturn Kazu; though he spoke rudely he seemed sensitive. Hino Rei-chan, who was never nice to him, could actually hurt the brat’s feelings.
He disliked that Hino but it was the huge girl, Kino that he most detested.
Both women tended to watch the awkward flirtation happening with Chiba Mamoru and Tsukino Usagi. Someone needed to break them up before they did something stupid…
Today Daichi was surprised when Kazu crashed into him...
“I’m…oh…it’s you…”
The kid’s first reaction of course was to get hard and weakly struggle to get away.
“Are you alright? You’re not hurt, are you?” Daichi asked curiously.
“Just let go…you have to let me go…” Kazu protested weakly.
“Oh? Do I? I think you want something else.” Daichi teasingly ground his thigh against the kid’s cock.
“Don’t tease me you bastard…” Kazu groaned softly.
“I think you want me to…” Daichi said pinching the kid’s ass.
“Daichi-san don’t tease my friend please. It’s not right…” Chiba protested, while looking a bit turned on.
“He likes it, doesn’t he?” Daichi smirked.
“You’re a jerk at times Daichi. Leave the kids alone.” Motoki snipped.
Trust the big brother complex to kick in…
Kazu struggled weakly but it was as if he couldn’t really make himself want to get away.
“Let me go…” he begged.
“Daichi…” Motoki growled.
“Alright Motoki-sempai, I wasn’t going to hurt the kid. Just tease him a bit.” Daichi sighed as he let the kid go.
Kazu was obviously freaked out when he was finally let go.
“Are you okay Kazu-kun?” Chiba asked when Kazu’s legs gave out and he fell.
“I…don’t know…” Kazu mumbled.
“Damn it Daichi, you scared the kid. Aren’t you supposed to be an adult?” Motoki complained as he smacked him.
“What’s wrong with the ice brat?” Hino sneered.
Kazu flinched, “Just shut up! I certainly don’t want help from some creepy priestess.”
“Why did we save them again?” Hino asked in a creepy undertone.
“Rei-chan, you’re being too mean. It wasn’t their fault. If it were us in their place, wouldn’t you hope that they would choose to help us and give us a second chance?” the blonde with the red bow said poking her.
“We did nothing, that was all Usagi. She didn’t want her precious Mamo-chan to feel the same anguish she did in the past. So, she did what she did. Clearly, they are clueless.” Rei snorted.
If seemed that Kazu was confused as well when he asked. “What are they talking about Chiba-san?”
“Who knows, you said they were weird, right?” Mamoru said.
“Take your pet and go. I think you two have caused quite enough of a disruption.” Rei grumbled.
“Rei-chan don’t be so mean.” Tsukino pouted.
On their way out, Daichi pressed a small slip of paper into Kazu’s hand.
It was of course, his phone number…
Kazu flushed, shoving it in his pocket but not before Daichi winked at him.
XoooooX
Daichi was just stepping out for a smoke break even if he were young for it when a text came in.
What did you do to me?
Daichi snickered as he sent a reply.
Do what kid? This is that Kazu right?
You bastard! You did something to me!
You ran into me and got hard doing it. Oh, did you
have trouble getting off after I had my hands
On you? Do you want my hands on you again kid?
I’m not kid you bastard.
You look like one in that uniform.
How old are you?
19
Only two years older than me, so what?
Act like one and get called one.
Shut the fuck up
You want my hands on you that badly huh?
What? I never said that you jerk.
Said the person who couldn’t push me away
I hate you
You want me
The hell I do!
Then why did you text me?
Because…
I want to see you.
Hell no!
Tell me you don’t want my hands on you again.
….
Tell me.
I don’t owe you anything bastard
But you want something
No!
Who gets hard when they crash into someone?
Shut up!
Tell me you want it.
Want what?
To be held down.
The answer to that question was nothing, which was all the more telling. He’d love to hold that beautiful boy down and ruin him for life. Making the pretty blond addicted to his cock and bossy ways would be wonderful…
XoooooX
Daichi ran into Kazu at the supermarket.
“I’ve never see you here before….” Daichi teased.
“Didn’t need to. Wasn’t on my own before.” Kazu muttered.
“Explains the premade meals.” Daichi snickered.
“Not my fault someone decided to move in with their lover and abandon me because they needed to be fucked all the time.” Kazu’s face was red at that admission.
“Sounds like someone’s jealous…”
“Shut up.”
Daichi paid for both of their purchases much to Kazu’s embarrassment.
He was surprised to find out they even lived in the same building.
Instead of letting Kazu leave, he half bullied him into coming with him.
Despite his protests, Kazu obeyed.
Daichi cooked for them and then forced Kazu to join him for dinner.
Kazu was clearly lonely and obedient despite his foul mouth.
Once they finished eating, Daichi grabbed the kid’s chin and kissed him.
Kazu froze at the kiss and weakly struggled.
Daichi rewarded the struggle by grabbing the boy’s cock.
Kazu stiffened and then moaned.
Daichi continued to roughly stroke the boy through his clothes.
It didn’t take much to make the boy orgasm…
Kazu was more pliant after that.
Daichi removed the kid’s clothes and used Kazu’s belt to keep his hands together.
Kazu whimpered when he was pinned to the floor.
“You want this, don’t you?”
Kazu shook his head. “No! Who would?”
“You like be dominated.”
“No…”
“Tell that to your cock…”
“I’m a teenager; we get hard and get off all the time.”
“Then why did you accuse me of making that impossible?” Daichi snickered.
“I didn’t…”
Kazu gasped when Daichi shoved a finger into that delicious ass.
“Loose…is that from playing with it or letting someone fuck you?”
“I wouldn’t let anyone…” Kazu started and then shut up.
“You can’t cum without this kind of stimulation on your own, can you?”
“Not true…”
Daichi wiggled his finger to find Kazu’s prostate and was rewarded with a dick twitch. “Should I make you cum from your ass?”
“Don’t you dare.” Kazu gasped.
Daichi began to pound the kid’s virgin ass with his fingers, “I think I want you to cum only when your ass is being pounded.”
Kazu whimpered. “Don’t…”
Daichi fingerfucked another orgasm out of the kid, he grabbed Kazu’s balls and squeezed just as the kid began to cum.
Kazu trembled and whimpered.
“You look so cute all submissive and covered in cum.”
“I’m not submissive.” Kazu protested.
“You certainly look it like that. Tell me, how bad do you want to get fucked?” Daichi smirked.
“Oh hell no, stay away from my ass.” Kazu sputtered.
“Are you sure? It looks so empty…” Daichi teased.
Kazu groaned at the word ‘empty’.
“I just want to fill that emptiness with my cock. I want to fill your ass so full you’re shitting my cum for a week.” Daichi snickered.
“Impossible…”
“Admit you want this and we’ll do it in a bed.”
“Never…”
“If you want to be deflowered on a floor, that’s your choice.”
Kazu twitched. “I don’t want,”
“To be fucked in a bed? Very well…”
Kazu whimpered when Daichi thrust into him.
The look in the teen’s eyes was awe, pleasure and wonder even if his mouth didn’t agree with it.
Daichi was naturally drawn to rough, dominating sex and it seemed that Kazu yearned for it as well.
After fucking Kazu into another orgasm, the kid’s third, Daichi decided as seductive as that ass was, the kid needed a break. He bathed them both and then tucked Kazu in bed.
“I’m glad it was with you…” Kazu admitted sleepily.
Daichi smirked, reading Kazu’s true desires and feelings to act on them rather than his own would be a fine line. He truly had no intent to actually force the kid; Kazu just wasn’t the type to be honest. Daichi would have to train him better…
Notes:
Kazu was not bullied or pressured into sex. He is just the type who is seemingly incapable of admitting or asking for what he wants. While these two don't have conscious memory of their past lives or even their time with the Dark Kingdom, on a subconscious level they know one another and denying their attraction is difficult even for Kazu who does not want to be 'gay'. Daichi does want to make Kazu comfortable enough to admit what he wants/needs in a relationship but he can read Kazu like a book.
Chapter 5: A Frozen Heart- (Jadeite-centric)
Summary:
Orphaned while in elementary school and raised by his brother Izou, Kazu pulled away and stopped letting others in. After a year long disappearance and missing memories, Kazu tries to reclaim his life. His old insecurities begin to resurface as his brother appears to find love. Meanwhile, two young but strangely familiar persons enter Kazu's life and leave strong impressions.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
5- A Frozen Heart- (Jadeite-centric)
“Kazu-kun, come with me. We’re supposed to meet your brother at the hospital.”
Twelve-year-old Saito Kazu was confused, “What’s the matter sensei?”
“Grab your things, we need to leave.”
Kazu felt as if he’d been shoved into a snowbank in his swimtrunks, his entire body had frozen.
His teacher was silent the entire way.
They met Izou-nii at the hospital and Kazu found him crying.
“Izou-nii, what’s wrong?”
“Papa’s gone…”
The chill only increased, Izou-nii never cried.
The doctor’s arrival and announcement that mama was gone too, stole happiness, joy and laughter from Kazu’s heart.
Without parents to take care of them what would they do? Izou-nii wasn’t a grown up, he was a student. They wouldn’t take him away,q would they?
XoooooX
Izou-nii had told him they had to move, at first Kazu was against it but niichan promised that they were staying together and even staying at the same school.
Izou-nii had always been quiet but this was different, he seemed to have become a different person since papa and mama died.
Kazu didn’t want cause trouble so he studied hard and got good grades, getting partial scholarships and even picking up odd jobs like grocery shopping for their older neighbors.
He saved it up to pay to join a sport, hoping to earn a high school scholarship to help Izou-nii.
XoooooX
Izou-nii liked to think that Kazu was some innocent kid…
Kazu was in high school so he had partied at least once, so waking up with a hangover while unusual wasn’t unfamiliar.
He just didn’t remember drinking…
What was even more shocking was that Izou-nii also had a hangover and that their apartment was trashed almost as if the tiny place had been robbed.
It took hours before Izou-nii declared the place was clean enough and was going shopping.
Kazu let him take a bath first and once he was alone, Kazu claimed the bathroom for himself.
This was weird…
It felt like he went to sleep as usual and woke up hungover in a trashed apartment, which made no sense.
Despite Izou-nii’s weird schedule, his brother always had breakfast and a bento waiting for him when he woke up.
He came home from cram school or a part-time job, which usually was helping out an elderly neighbor so he wouldn’t get in trouble at school, to find dinner waiting as well.
It wasn’t often he really got to see Izou-nii since his brother was usually sleeping when he woke up.
This was their normal routine since Izou-nii got that job…
Kazu hated that Izou-nii dressed up like a woman, his brother was no okama…
He just wished Izou-nii had more confidence and got a real job soon…
XoooooX
Finding out he had been missing a year was a terrible shock.
Being held back was the worst…
Luckily, Kazu returned about the time he disappeared.
The only thing he had to get used to was a new class full of students he didn’t know, his old classmates were second years after all.
Kazu was escorted into his new class and was asked to introduce himself.
Kazu bowed, “Saito Kazu. I’ve been… ill and I am just returning to school. I hope we get along.”
"Saito-kun, you may take seat next to Chiba-san." his new homeroom sensei said gruffly.
When he looked up, a painfully familiar ink-haired teen gestured at the empty seat beside him.
“Saito-kun, I am the class representative Chiba Mamoru. You can sit here.”
Kazu swallowed and made his way to sit at his newly assigned seat.
Who was this guy and why did he look at him so strangely?
XooooooX
Chiba-san helped Kazu out, helping him get back into school life.
Chiba helped him joined the fencing and karate clubs, where they were paired off most often. Kazu had always played baseball but had a natural gift for the sports Chiba wanted a sparing partner for. Apparently, they were both orphans and had essentially been transfer students.
Even dragging him down to the Crown Game Center where he was introduced to Mamoru’s weird acquaintances there…
“Hi Motoki-san.” The black-haired teen greeted Daichi’s sempai here at the game center.
“Mamoru, who is this?”
“My new classmate, Kazu-kun. He’s been away from school for a year, he isn’t so bad.”
“Nice to meet you Kazu-kun. You’re working hard at school, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Chiba-san makes sure of that.”
Kazu despised those pretty girls at first sight but that Hino Rei looked at him with such disgust and contempt it was creepy.
The others Mizuno Ami, Aino Minako and Kino Makoto were distant as well…
Only Chiba’s strange girl Tsukino Usagi was nice to him but then she seemed to force herself to pay attention to Chiba.
Kazu wasn’t blind, he noticed the blush on Aino and Mizuno’s faces when the taller brunettes looked at them.
The looks that Aino and Hino gave Chiba and Tsukino were conflicted and worried.
If they didn’t approve of this farce of a relationship, why did they allow it to continue?
Kazu was distracted by a foreign brunette guy, not much older than himself…
He swallowed, this was not good. He actually was attracted to someone…
XooooooX
The other boys tended to watch Chiba from afar, as if afraid to be his friend.
With the exception of one shy, timid blond named Asanuma who was the year behind them.
One day when Chiba had to meet with their homeroom teacher, Kazu cornered Asanuma.
“So, what is the story about you and Chiba?”
Asanuma cringed, “He saved me? I was attacked by some high school students and he pulled them off. We went back to his apartment and he cleaned me up.”
“So, you’ve worshipped him ever since.”
Asanuma hung his head, “I know…I shouldn’t. I haven’t spoken about my feelings. How could I? He has that girl Usagi…”
“He has no interest in her. He never reacts to her like you do to him.” Kazu said crudely as he poked Asanuma in the groin.
A hand clenched painfully on his wrist, “Don’t touch Asa-chan.”
Kazu flinched, “I wasn’t going to hurt him. We unfortunately have something in common besides your friendship. Besides, he likes someone else.”
“You like someone?” Mamoru frowned.
Asanuma hung his head, “Yes…”
“Oh, that’s nice… I mean wonderful. Who are they? Is it one of Usako’s friends? Ami maybe? She’s shy but sweet…” Mamoru blurted out.
Asanuma shook his head.
Mamoru continued absently, “Ah then it must be Minako-chan…she’s almost as pretty as Usako…”
“I have cram school. I’ll see you later…” Asanuma stammered before running off.
Chiba-san was oblivious.
“Who does he like? Usako? Why would he act like that?” Mamoru murmured in confusion.
‘Because you’re dense and even more airheaded then Izou-nii,’ Kazu thought but he muttered, “Who knows…”
“So, shall we meet the girls? Maybe Rei likes you; you should ask her on a date…”
Kazu snorted, “Are you kidding? Hino-san would sooner incinerate me. She keeps acting like I’m going to attack you or something.”
“Oh that? She has had some bad experiences with men, she’ll come around. I think you two would be cute together like Usako and I.”
“You’re crazy; I have no interest in any of Tsukino’s friends.” Kazu snorted.
He did however have a slight crush on one of the game center employees though, Daichi-san…
“They are all nice girls once you get to know them…” Mamoru insisted.
“I know you are trying to look out for me Chiba-san but please don’t try setting me up with one of those girls. I have a feeling they’d kick my ass and win…”
Mamoru snickered, “Maybe they would but that doesn’t mean,”
“Stop or I’m going home! Why does a conversation always have to turn towards those girls!” Kazu fumed, “What is so damn special about them? How are you going to get into university if you spend all your time drooling over a girl?”
He froze when he saw Daichi-san and those girls, he backed up embarrassed. “I think I’ll go focus on my homework. See you tomorrow.”
“Kazu wait! Kazu~!” Mamoru called out.
Kazu felt like an idiot, he didn’t want to admit to Chiba, any more than Asanuma did, that he was gay…
Kazu didn’t even want to be gay in the first place!
XooooooX
“So sexy…”
“Are you trying to make people believe you’re straight with that hair? You don’t fool me Kazu-chan. I know what you want… you want a man…”
“No…” Kazu protested.
A hand squeezed his cock, “This says otherwise…”
“No…”
“You can’t lie to me…
“I…”
“You’ve been watching me… I’ve seen how hard that makes you.”
“No…”
“It’s alright to be honest… you know I am the only one who can give you what you want.”
“That’s not true…”
“You don’t want bland sex with a woman, you want me to wreck you. You want me to have my way with you. You want a man…”
No…
Then Daichi squeezed his cock again, “You are quite the tsundare aren’t you? Refusing to admit what you want…that’s fine. I will make your body be honest.”
Kazu was tied down and stroked with alternating harsh squeezes.
Daichi wrung an orgasm painfully from him before he caressed Kazu’s hole, “I am glad I am your first, I am very possessive. I would castrate anyone who possessed you like this.”
Warmth dripped down Kazu’s balls to his hole, “I’m going to make you mine Kazu-kan…”
Kazu cried out as Daichi wiggled a finger inside him, “Don’t…uh…”
It felt too good, was this why Izou-nii spent so much time with that Shime?
Daichi stretched him but all the while talking dirty to him, tell him how good he would be and how much he would enjoy being fucked and how good he would look riding his cock.
Kazu protested weakly, but he was enjoying the feel of something violating his ass. He was weak to Daichi, he knew that but why did he need to be submissive to Daichi-san?
Daichi smirked, all the while talking dirty and finger fucking him.
Kazu came with a cry, “Dai…chi…”
He woke with a start, covered in cum. He cried into his pillow, why? Why him? Why were both he and his brother both sexually submissive anyway?
He trembled, he had enjoyed Daichi dominating him like that and making him feel pleasure that he was too stubborn to admit he wanted.
He wished that Daichi was here pinning him to the bed and touching him so forcefully. He had his body aching for that bruising touch…
Why was he alone?
He wanted to belong somewhere…
His heart was so empty…
Kazu curled in on himself and began to cry himself to sleep, even if he would deny he did so.
XooooooX
Kazu ignored Mamoru for the rest of the week out of vindictiveness.
He hated how obviously the slightly younger teen was.
Why was he obsessed with that Tsukino when he was clearly not attracted to her?
How could he not see how much Asanuma cared for him?
Besides, Tsukino was more attracted to girls that anything else…
A blind person could see how jealous she was of the intimacy growing between her friends.
His silent treatment was somewhat working because Mamoru was following him and trying to apologize.
“What did I do that was so bad? I just want you to be as happy as I am…”
“I am happy…”
“You need someone…didn’t you say that your brother had someone?”
“I don’t want one of those girls.” Kazu snarled.
“Then what do you want?” Mamoru prodded.
“Uf…” Kazu had crashed into someone, “I’m…oh…it’s you…”
He’d crashed into Daichi….
His first reaction of course was to get hard and he struggled to get away.
“Are you alright? You’re not hurt, are you?”
“Just let go…you have to let me go…”
“Oh? Do I? I think you want something else.”
“Don’t tease me you bastard…”
“I think you want me to…”
“Daichi-san don’t tease my friend please. It’s not right….”
“He likes it, doesn’t he?”
“You’re a jerk at times Daichi. Leave the kids alone.”
Kazu struggled weakly but he couldn’t really make himself want to get away. He was such a failure…
“Let me go…” he begged.
“Daichi…”
“Alright Motoki-sempai, I wasn’t going to hurt the kid. Just tease him a bit.”
Kazu was freaked out when he was finally let go.
He trembled, freaked out by how he had reacted to Daichi’s teasing and the feel of being held in his arms.
“Are you okay Kazu-kun?” Mamoru asked when Kazu’s legs gave out and he fell.
“I…don’t know…” Kazu mumbled.
“Damn it Daichi, you scared the kid. Aren’t you supposed to be an adult!” Motoki, the manager of the game center complained.
“What’s wrong with the ice brat?”
Kazu flinched, “Just shut up! I certainly don’t want help from some creepy priestess.”
“Why did we save them again?” Hino sniffed.
“Rei-chan, you’re being too mean. It wasn’t their fault. If it were us in their place, wouldn’t you hope that they would choose to help us and give us a second chance?” Aino chided.
“We did nothing that was all Usagi. She didn’t want her precious Mamo-chan to feel the same anguish she did in the past. So, she did what she did. Clearly they are clueless.” Hino snorted.
Kazu was confused. “What are they talking about Chiba-san?”
“Who knows, you said they were weird right?” Mamoru said absently.
“Take your pet and go. I think you two have caused quite enough of a disruption.” Hino grumbled.
“Rei-chan don’t be so mean.” Tsukino pouted.
On their way out, a paper was pushed into Kazu’s hand.
It was a phone number…
He flushed, shoving it in his pocket but not before Daichi winked at him.
Mamoru escorted him to his tiny apartment and Kazu all but threw him out.
Once he was alone, Kazu stripped and began touching himself.
To his horror, no matter what he did, Kazu couldn’t come…
It wasn’t until he clumsily fingered his own ass that he could make himself come…
He cleaned up and set that game center guy a nasty text.
What did you do to me?
Do what kid? This is that Kazu right?
You bastard! You did something to me!
You ran into me and got hard doing it. Oh, did you have trouble
getting off after I had my hands on you? Do you want my hands
on you again kid?
I’m not a kid, you bastard.
You look like one in that uniform.
How old are you?
19
Only two years older than me, so what?
Act like one and get called one.
Shut the fuck up
You want my hands on you that badly huh?
What? I never said that you jerk.
Said the person who couldn’t push me away
I hate you
You want me
The hell I do!
Then why did you text me?
Because…
I want to see you.
Hell no!
Tell me you don’t want my hands on you again.
….
Tell me.
I don’t owe you anything bastard
But you want something
No!
Who gets hard when they crash into someone?
Shut up!
Tell me you want it.
Want what?
To be held down.
Kazu shoved his fist in his mouth and whimpered, how did this Daichi know him so well? They had barely ever spoken…
XooooooX
Kazu ran into Daichi at the supermarket.
“I’ve never see you here before….” Daichi teased.
“Didn’t need to. Wasn’t on my own before.” Kazu muttered.
“Explains the premade meals.” Daichi snickered.
“Not my fault someone decided to move in with their lover and abandon me because they needed to be fucked all the time.” Kazu’s face was red at that admission.
“Sounds like someone’s jealous…”
“Shut up.”
Daichi paid for both of their purchases much to Kazu’s embarrassment.
The teenager was surprised to find out that they lived in the same building.
Instead of letting Kazu leave, Daichi half bullied him into coming with him and despite his half-hearted protests, Kazu obeyed.
Daichi cooked for them and then forced Kazu to join him for dinner.
Kazu was furious that he was exposing his loneliness and was obedient despite his foul mouth.
Once they finished eating, Daichi grabbed his chin and kissed him.
Kazu froze at the kiss and weakly struggled.
Daichi rewarded the struggle with grabbing the boy’s cock.
Kazu stiffened and then moaned, arching to press into Daichi-san’s hand.
Daichi continued to roughly stroke Kazu through his jeans.
It didn’t take much to make an unexperienced teenage boy orgasm and to his embarrassment, Kazu was more pliant after that.
Daichi removed his clothes and used Kazu’s belt to keep his hands together.
Kazu whimpered when he was pinned to the floor.
“You want this, don’t you?”
Kazu shook his head. “No! Who would?”
“You like be dominated.”
“No…”
“Tell that to your cock…”
“I’m a teenager; we get hard and get off all the time.”
“Then why did you accuse me of making that impossible?” Daichi snickered.
“I didn’t…”
Kazu gasped when Daichi shoved a finger into his ass.
“Loose…is that from playing with it or letting someone fuck you?”
“I wouldn’t let anyone…” Kazu started and then shut up.
“You can’t cum without this kind of stimulation on your own, can you?”
“Not true…”
Daichi wiggled his finger to find Kazu’s prostate and was rewarded with a dick twitch. “Should I make you cum from your ass?”
“Don’t you dare.” Kazu gasped.
Daichi began to pound Kazu’s virgin ass with his fingers, “I think I want you to cum only when your ass is being pounded.”
Kazu whimpered. “Don’t…”
Daichi ignored him as he fingerfucked Kazu into another orgasm, he grabbed Kazu’s balls and squeezed just as the kid began to cum.
Kazu trembled and whimpered.
“You look so cute all submissive and covered in cum.”
“I’m not submissive.” Kazu protested.
“You certainly look it like that. Tell me, how bad do you want to get fucked?” Daichi smirked.
“Oh hell no, stay away from my ass.” Kazu sputtered.
“Are you sure? It looks so empty…” Daichi teased.
Kazu groaned at the word ‘empty’.
“I just want to fill that emptiness with my cock. I want to fill your ass so full you’re shitting my cum for a week.” Daichi snickered.
“Impossible…”
“Admit you want this and we’ll do it in a bed.”
“Never…”
“If you want to be deflowered on a floor, that’s your choice.”
Kazu twitched. “I don’t want,”
“To be fucked in a bed? Very well…”
Kazu whimpered when Daichi thrust into him.
The look in the teen’s eyes was awe, pleasure and wonder even if his mouth didn’t agree with it.
Kazu was naturally drawn to rough, dominating sex and it seemed that Daichi yearned for it as well.
After fucking Kazu into another orgasm, his third; Daichi must have decided Kazu needed a break. The older man bathed them both and then tucked Kazu in bed.
“I’m glad it was with you…” Kazu admitted sleepily.
He would deny that admission but he was glad Daichi was his first; he doubted he could be with anyone else…
Notes:
Kazu was not bullied or pressured into sex. He is just the type who is seemingly incapable of admitting or asking for what he wants. While these two don't have conscious memory of their past lives or even their time with the Dark Kingdom, on a subconscious level they know one another and denying their attraction is difficult even for Kazu who does not want to be 'gay'. Daichi does want to make Kazu comfortable enough to admit what he wants/needs in a relationship but he can read Kazu like a book.
Chapter 6: Shadow and Ice (Nephrite and Jadeite-centric)
Summary:
Kazu learns something about Daichi's life and has a crisis of believe both in himself and in his lover. Daichi learns of this and hurries to reassure his lover. This draws them closer together and Daichi comes to a decision.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
6- Shadow and Ice (Nephrite and Jadeite-centric)
Kazu would say it was against his will that he let Daichi cook for him or check over his homework.
But that wasn’t true, being truthful or letting anyone in was difficult. Since losing their parents, Izou had turned into a ‘little mother’ even going so far as to get a job in a hostess club where he dressed like a woman. Thanks to that disgusting place, his brother had a boyfriend and moved out leaving him alone.
Around the same time, he literally crashed in Daichi who fucked his world up.
Kazu didn’t want to be gay, his first wet dream had been about a man. Being touched and kissed by a man, he was thirteen at the time and it scared him. It made him more withdrawn from his peers for fear that they would figure him out. He didn’t know that much about sex at the time and his imagination was limited.
Daichi seemed quite comfortable in teaching him as much about sex as he did cooking.
Kazu had looked up his lover online during lunch and freaked.
There was no way that someone like that would be interested in some scholarship orphan with a crossdresser brother.
He left school early claiming he was sick, worrying Mamoru but he didn’t really care.
Kazu ignored Daichi’s painfully familiar door and headed for his own apartment.
He let himself in, ignoring the dust and tugged out his futon before hiding in it.
Daichi couldn’t be serious…
Someone like that was surely only interested in a fling. Kazu would feel more alone then ever once Daichi-san decided to leave him.
He had stopped letting people in after their parents died but his brother left him for Shime-sensei and Daichi had bullied his way into his heart.
Kazu cursed and curled up into a smaller ball.
There was just no way someone like Daichi could really want him, he was likely just a plaything…
XooooooX
Daichi was surprised to be cornered by Kazu’s classmate Chiba.
“What did you do him?”
“Him who?” Daichi frowned.
“Kazu-kun.”
“His brother moved out, he was lonely and we’re neighbors. The poor kid can’t cook and can hardly do any chores. He’s more spoilt then I was. I cook for him, taught him how to do housework properly and check over his homework.” Daichi admitted freely, it was no one’s business if they were lovers. Daichi wasn’t ashamed of it, he just didn’t feel that admitting it to this kid was the right choice at the moment. He hadn’t discussed that with Kazu after all.
“He used his phone on break to look you up. Then he staggered out of the classroom looking ill. What did he find out?”
“Probably that my father is a rich piece of shit,” Daichi grumbled, “if it weren’t for his selfish behavior; I would still have my family.”
“So, he thinks that you’re using him somehow?” Chiba scowled.
“What? That’s insane. I saw what that did to my mother. I would never do that to anyone. Kazu maybe a brat but he’s a shy kid and lonely. Shit, I didn’t want him to know about me.”
“To know what about you?”
Daichi stiffened, it was that man-hating Hino Rei who said that.
“It’s private business.” Daichi said thinly.
“Then don’t discuss it in a game center.” Hino taunted.
Daichi then went to find Motoki and said that his neighbor who lived alone was ill.
Motoki failed to guess that the neighbor was Kazu whom he had told to leave alone.
Daichi grabbed food needed to make Kazu’s favorite cold soba noodles and sashimi.
He had planned to tell Kazu about himself but hadn’t found the right time.
Daichi had long ago taught himself how to pick locks and letting himself into Kazu’s apartment was child’s play.
He left the groceries in Kazu’s fridge and went to seek out his lover. He found him buried in a dusty futon under an equally dusty quilt.
“So, you looked me up.” Daichi said lying beside the curled up Kazu.
“Go away. I don’t want to see you.”
“I was going to tell you. I was afraid that you wouldn’t believe I’d want you since my father is a sex addict who doesn’t understand the meaning of commitment or decency. I despise him. Did you read enough to know my mother is dead?”
“Accident they said…”
Daichi snorted, “My father paid them to say that. It wasn’t true. She committed suicide. He started off having discreet affairs but gradually became more brazen when she didn’t complain. Eventually the shame became too much and she took her life by overdosing on her medication. My grandfather found her and died of a heart attack from the shock. I moved out immediately. I decided that I didn’t want to be anything like him. I threw myself into school, I plan to buy him out of the business my grandfather built and fire him. He ruined grandfather’s legacy, he doesn’t deserve our name. I want a relationship, with you built on trust. I know trust isn’t easy for you. You feel abandoned by your parents and brother, so you’re terrified that I might do that. Kazu, I won’t. I would never put you through the sort of pain and humiliation my mother suffered.”
XooooooX
Kazu was surprised because he hadn’t realized that Daichi had lost his mother unexpectedly and was half an orphan.
“Will you come out? I’m not with you because I’m bored, I’m not with you because I can’t get sex and I’m not with you because it would disgust my father. The latter is a side benefit I’ll admit. Kazu, I’m with you because I think you’re gorgeous, you’re smart, snarky, on rare occasions you speak your mind without a filter but mostly you keep to yourself. I like that I’m one of the few people who can read you, I know what you want even when you can’t ask. You’re lonely, I’m lonely, we’ve both been abandoned in various ways but it’s made us both stronger and weaker.” Daichi said quietly,
Kazu finally uncurled himself and pushed off the blanket.
Daichi pulled him into his arms, “You can be spoilt with and by me sometimes, I was worried when Chiba said you ran off. If you ever distrust me like that, promise you’ll call day or night. I’ll answer. I won’t torture you the way Okaasan was, I respect you. You may have a sexy body but you’re a whole person and should be respected as one.”
They were soon kissing, clinging to one another.
It didn’t take long before they were clawing at one another’s clothes and shoving them off.
Once they were both naked in Kazu’s futon, Daichi was content to thrust between Kazu’s thighs and under his balls.
Kazu on the other hand was not, “Daichi…please…”
“Please what?”
“I need…more…”
Daichi’s hands ran up and down Kazu’s side, caressing him, “I’m here Kazu…I’m here…”
“You’re not…everywhere…” Kazu stammered out, completely embarrassed by his need.
“Alright Kazu, I know asking was hard, do you have?”
“stuff? Yes…” Kazu fumbled under the tatami mat to find the lube he’d secreted there. Shyly, he handed it to the older teen.
Daichi kissed him hungrily, as he took the lube. “I’ll make it good for you…I promise…”
You better…” Kazu muttered.
Daichi kissed his way down Kazu’s slim torso, slicking his fingers as he began sucking the high schooler’s cock.
Kazu moaned, arching up a little as he felt Daichi’s mouth on him and his arse was breached with a familiar finger. Daichi’s fingers were a bit thicker and they stretched him just right, Daichi not only knew his body well but he knew it and himself better than Kazu did.
Daichi curled a finger just right and ran his nail over Kazu’s prostate.
“Don’t tease…I…”
“You need me…I know. I need you too…I just wasn’t going to push you today.”
“I don’t care today…” Kazu muttered.
Daichi quickly finished prepping the Second Year and moved up to kiss him as he thrust in deep.
Kazu whimpered and clung to him, “Ah!” he hated to admit just how much he needed Daichi like this. It felt so good to be filled and embraced like this, having Daichi like this was more intimacy then he ever thought he’d allow himself.
“You have nothing to be afraid of…you can ask me anything. I want us to trust one another. You’re mine Kazu, all mine and I don’t care who knows it. You’re gorgeous, sexy and I want to be the first and only person who knows what you’re like in bed. I can be quite possessive…”
“Me too…”
Then they began to couple in earnest, with Kazu clinging and rising up to meet Daichi’s thrusts wanting him as deep as he could go.
Daichi was older; he’d watched porn, read dirty books, found a weakness for yaoi and the occasional bara. He’d asked his grandfather’s lawyer to pay for prostitutes for his high school graduation present so he could watch them have sex in person but he’d stayed in the shadows. He’d been turned on by blondes and watching two guys have sex but not enough that he wanted to join them. He hadn’t felt an urgent need to possess either of them sexually…
With Kazu it was an insatiable need: to hold him, to fill him, to please him, to convince him that they didn’t need or want anyone else.
“Harder….”
Kazu was doing so well, for him to be comfortable asking for what he needed, much less begging meant a lot. “So, good…you like how I fill you…”
“Yes…shut up.”
Daichi kissed the surly teen roughly, his thrusts pistoning into that tight but delicious ass.
They fit so well, needing the same sort of rough sex. If Kazu ended up with a sore arse sometimes, Daichi had bruises and nail marks on his shoulders and back. Not that he cared about having Kazu’s marks on him, if felt familiar and welcome. Kazu was younger and despite his sexual insecurities, he still had to strip and change at school so Daichi was careful not to leave bruises. The last thing Kazu needed was to have his brother in trouble for hurting him.
Both were inexperienced beyond each other, their endurance had improved slightly. Kazu needed more stimulation to come, his favorite orgasms to manipulate out of the blonde teen was when his cock was already sore and sensitive. If he didn’t get that last one, Kazu slept fitfully even if he was dry by then.
Fucking Kazu full of his cum was equally enjoyable to making Kazu’s balls empty.
Daichi knew how to touch the beautiful boy, instinctively he knew how to give him pleasure and what Kazu needed.
He was more than willing to do that and more to keep him…
XooooooX
Once Kazu began to open up to him, the boy seemed warmer towards him. He treated Chiba respectfully but distantly. Unlike Chiba’s girl and her friends, he treated them with icy disdain.
He’d nearly caught Kazu humming to himself or nearly smiling, it sent a strange wave of nostalgia through him. He couldn’t remember why he felt that way or what drew him to Kazu, perhaps there was something to that past life business.
Yet he couldn’t imagine Kazu looking any different, that same pale blond hair and slim boyish build filled his dreams. He was sure they were separated only by death because he would never share Kazu, not having him near even at the foot of his bed was disconcerting. Kazu had always been his…
Perhaps, it was time to introduce himself to Kazu’s brother…
Kazu hadn’t really been back to that apartment since the day he’d picked that lock, Kazu didn’t mind if he had to stay up to work on his university assignments but Kazu had to sleep beside him. One hand on Daichi’s thigh, the other tucked against his heart…
Kazu looked innocent and peaceful when he slept.
That trust meant a lot…
Daichi often typed with one hand just to rest his hand over Kazu’s or even to stroke his hair. It was nice to not be alone anymore…
Notes:
I chose to give Daichi (Nephrite) a philanderer for a father to make him all the more determined to have a monogamous relationship and build his own family with Kazu (Jadeite). Kazu craves stability and loyalty after having lost his parents. His 'brother' leaving 'home' to build a life with Aito and giving Kazu time and space to learn to be his own person was really the best thing for him even if Kazu feels abandoned again.
Chapter 7: Behind the Mask (Mamoru-centric)
Chapter Text
7- Behind the Mask (Mamoru-centric)
“Papa! Watch out!” Mamoru cried when a truck swerved ahead of them and the trailer blocked the entire freeway.
The brakes screeched but the road was wet from the rain so they slammed into the metal trailer crushing the front seat.
The impact on the driver’s side flung Mamoru’s head against the door and seatbelt dug into his neck and hip.
The world was red and pain…
“Oh god! There is a kid, he’s alive. Someone help me! Anyone!”
That was the last thing Mamoru heard as he passed out.
XooooooX
He woke with a headache, the light from the window hurt immensely.
He couldn’t move really, it felt like he was tied down…
“Chii-chan! I’m here, Chii-chan. Asa-chan’s here."
“Helios?” Endymion asked. “Where is this place? Where are my knights? Where Anteros, Aphros, Eulabeia and Prometheus?”
Helios, or at least someone who looked like Helios stared at him blankly.
Then the familiar blond started to sob, pulling his hands from Endymion’s and fell out of his chair, practically crawling out of the strange room in his misery.
Unfamiliar people in strange clothing, appeared and began to talk at once in an unfamiliar language.
They didn’t seem to understand his words or his requests for his knights.
Eventually, Endymion turned away from them and gave up trying to communicate.
XooooooX
“Oh, you’re awake, Mamoru-chan. You’re safe. This is Minato-ku Municipal J ūban hospital.”
The young boy stared at her; he could not understand her words. She was speaking a language he didn’t know…
This time, it appeared that he couldn’t make his mouth work either…
He was frightened, was he kidnapped? Where were his parents? What about his guardians? Why was he alone? Where did Helios go?
XooooooX
It was sometime before he could bring himself speak, even then they could not communicate. Where was he? Everyone spoke the common tongue no matter what planet they were from…
“My name is Endymion, Prince of Earth. Why am I here? Where are my parents? Where is Anteros? He never far from my side…” he repeated often.
He was met with blank looks, why was he so grievously injured? Who dared attack the Prince of Earth? Had the assassins of the previous royal family struck again?
XooooooX
It was sometime before anyone could speak to him and then it was extremely difficult…
It seemed that the car accident had disrupted his ability to understand Japanese; he was determined to be attempting to communicate with a very archaic version of Greek.
Essentially, Endymion had to learn to speak, read and write all over again.
The world was not how he remembered it, nor was the universe. His insistence on being someone other than Chiba Mamoru fell on deaf ears…
He learned to keep it to himself…
The other planets while in the same positions roughly that he remembered were nothing like he had been taught in Elysian.
He became a university psychology-neurology project much to his dismay, the University of Minato had custody of him as they tried figure out how his language center could be so damaged. This didn’t mean that he wasn’t taught what other students his age were, they just spent much of his time trying to figure out how his brain had responded to the trauma of losing his parents and being so badly injured.
After figuring out what his brain had done, the university’s staff had explored how his rewired brain learned.
At fifteen, Mamoru had enough and petitioned the University’s law department to help him gain his emancipation.
It was successful so he came into possession of his parents’ estate as well as what the university had apparently been paying him for being a test subject…
Thanks to the university’s educational methods and his own inheritance, Mamoru tested into Moto Azabu High School, which was rare considering that it was considered an escalator school where one usually only tested into the junior high and progressed by completing subsequent grades.
Being Endymion felt far more real than being Chiba Mamoru, which he was careful to keep to himself…
This made making friends difficult for fear he would slip up, despite being essentially a transfer student by Moto Azubu’s standards, Mamoru was able to rise to being top of his class and earn enough respect to be named class representative.
Mamoru was lonely and he missed his knights, where were they and why was he alone?
XooooooX
It wasn’t until rumors of Sailor V spread throughout Azubu-Jūban that Mamoru began to have strange dreams…
“Endymion…you must find the silver crystal.”
“You must protect the princess…you swore an oath.”
It was a beautiful woman who seemed not much older than himself with silver hair and grey-blue eyes…
Queen Serenity…
If he found the silver crystal, would he find his memories? The ones before the Accident?
If he was reborn, was Sailor V one of the Princess’ senshi?
He would search for the crystal, he believed in keeping his oaths even lifetimes later.
XooooooX
Sailor V had become quite popular, a sort of local superheroine whose fuku reminded him strongly of the Princess Serenity’s senshi.
He was staking out a jewellery store when a crumpled test was thrown in his face by a blonde with her hair in odango-style buns.
He uncrumpled it to find it was a failing mark, his retort was scathing and her reply was just as sharp as she snatched it back.
He tried to put it out of his head, he just wanted to find the crystal as soon as possible…
However, the odango hair style was reminiscent of Queen Serenity, thought he was reluctant to believe that the reincarnated princess of the silver millennium was an idiot.
XooooooX
Fate kept throwing them together…
He didn’t remember everything about Endymion’s life just that he was a prince, that he swore an oath to the Moon Kingdom and that he had four renowned knights who were generals of the Elysian kingdom.
Interacting with Sailor Moon and her senshi as they awakened brought more memories, including visits to the moon and at least one ball.
Was his oath a romantic one? Was that why he remembered her in memories that so strongly were reminiscent of a courtship?
The Generals of the Dark Kingdom were painfully familiar, but the names they called themselves Jadeite, Zoisite, Nephite and Kunzite were not familiar at all.
What were they…
Anteros…
Aphros…
Eulabeia…
Prometheus…
Seeing them controlled like that was painful, it brought home his loneliness all the more.
XooooooX
Mamoru’s head ached, Beryl had attempted to control him as she had his Shitennou but Usako had used the Holy Sword.
There were no bodies of his Shitennou…
Despite Sailor Mars’ scathing comments about them not being worth searching for, he kept looking.
That is, until an exhausted Usako called out.
“You won’t find them. She didn’t kill them, she put them into status after we defeated them causing them to fail. I sent them back, but they won’t remember any of this. You’ll look after them, won’t you? They were your friends just like Ami, Minako, Makoto and Rei were mine…”
Mamoru hugged her, no matter the cost to her, Usako always put others first.
He was grateful, she hadn’t wiped his memories. He wanted to remember everything he did good or bad, since the loss of Chiba Mamoru’s childhood memories he was fiercely protective of every memory he had good or bad.
If Usako’s senshi could find her, then he would find his Shitennou…
No matter how long it would take, he would search for them.
He needed them, they needed him. He had been alone so long, seeing Usako with her senshi and her companionship did not take the place of his knights.
Usako and Minako's cats teleported to their location and returned them to Tokyo. Usako had sent her Senshi and his Shitennou ahead. Mamoru was alone with his thoughts.
XooooooX
His dreams were full of a blond in shadow, nestled against him on Earth in Elysium rather than the moon.
He was in a garden, at least one Shitennou was there.
Eulabeia…
Out of all of his Shitennou, why the knight of patience and harmony?
Something to consider out of his dreams…
XooooooX
“We have a new student. Introduce yourself”
Mamoru looked up and blinked.
Eulabeia…
The reincarnation of his knight of patience and harmony bowed, “Saito Kazu. I’ve been… ill and I am just returning to school. I hope we get along.”
When he looked up, Mamoru gestured at the empty seat beside him.
“Saito-kun, I am the class representative Chiba Mamoru. You can sit here.”
Kazu swallowed and made his way to sit at his newly assigned seat.
His dream must have been a sign that it would be Eulabeia who he would be the first to find.
The older teen seemed shy and uneasy, Mamoru remembered that feeling from his entrance into this school.
He would not abandon his Shitennou again.
XooooooX
Mamoru was determined to help Kazu out, helping him get back into school life.
Mamoru helped him joined the fencing and karate clubs, where they were paired off most often. Kazu had apparently played baseball but had a natural gift for the sports Mamoru needed a sparring partner for. Apparently, they were both orphans and had essentially been transfer students.
Mamoru even dragged him down to the Crown Game Center where he was introduced to Mamoru’s senshi acquaintances there…
“Ah, Motoki-san.” Mamoru greeted Furuhata who was the manager here at the game center. He still felt guilt about his hypnotizing and using Motoki while under the control of Beryl.
“Mamoru, who is this?” Motoki asked.
“My new classmate, Kazu-kun. He’s been away from school for a year, he isn’t so bad.” That comment was meant more for Usako’s senshi then Motoki-kun.
“Nice to meet you, Kazu-kun. You’re working hard at school, aren’t you?” Usako asked politely.
Kazu snorted, “Yes, Chiba-san makes sure of that.”
Mamoru barely registered that Rei looked at him with such disgust and contempt.
Ami, Minako and Makoto were distant as well… but seemed to be proceeding with caution since Usako had wiped his memories from his time as Jadeite.
Eventually Kazu left, part of Mamoru wondered if it was because he recognized Rei on a visceral level. He had watched mostly from the shadows when she awoke as Sailor Mars, could Kazu subconsciously despise her for thwarting his plans while he was controlled by the Dark Kingdom? Or did it trace back further? Mamoru remembered that Eulabeia and Rhionnon had dueled at the close of the Silver Millennium.
Whichever it was, he wanted to heal his knight’s heart and spirit but perhaps, that was beyond his abilities.
XooooooX
In this life, his Knight of Patience and Harmony was impatient, he was curt and he treated the senshi with distain. He was less perfect you could say…
Either that or his life had shaped him into someone as cold as his power, he needed someone who could melt that icy exterior and open up his heart. Perhaps, Rei could do it if Kazu would give her a chance…
He just had to believe that Kazu despite his rudeness was still capable of the kindness he remembered…
Chapter 8: Heart of the Sun (Ittou-centric)
Summary:
The other half to Mamoru's story.
Chapter Text
8- Heart of the Sun (Ittou-centric)
Asanuma Ittou was an only child, lonely until he was enrolled in Golden Star preschool.
Ittou was cornered during outdoor playtime by five bigger boys; some from his class, the rest were older.
They taunted him about his size, his girly face and even his blond hair.
It wasn’t the first time he’d been targeted like this and he was close to tears.
Normally, he stayed close to his teacher but during outdoor play he was shooed off so that they could have ‘adult time’ with the other teacher assigned outdoor play at that time.
Just when one boy was tired of using words and his hand moved to strike, Ittou cringed in anticipation of being hit.
Instead, there came a loud thumb and wail.
“Nana-sensei,” an unfamiliar voice called out, “Tat-chan is being mean again.”
Ittou cautiously opened one eye, one of his tormentors was on the ground holding his wrist.
A tall black-haired boy with blue eyes leaned over and held out a hand. “I’m Chiba Mamoru, are you alright?”
Ittou stammered, “Asanuma Ittou, I guess they didn’t hurt me.”
“Stick with me, they’ll leave you alone.”
XooooooX
Chii-chan quickly became Mamoru’s nickname and Ittou became Asa-chan, Ittou secretly loved the Disney animated movies and Chii-chan reminded him of a prince. They had become inseparable despite being a year apart.
Ittou cried harder than Chii-chan’s parents when he graduated from Golden Star Preschool.
Since their fathers worked together, their mothers took turns picking them up so their friendship continued even into elementary school.
They were best friends, often teased about being brothers but they seemed in their own world when they were together.
XooooooX
Ittou was hoping to spend Golden Week with Chii-chan but when his mother showed up early in his kendo lesson sent chills down Ittou’s spine.
“Okaasama, what happened? Is it Chii-chan?”
“The Chibas were in a terrible accident, his parents died on impact but Mamoru-kun was rushed into surgery.”
Ittou was led almost woodenly to the hospital where his mother managed to convince a nurse to tell them about Chii-chan.
“He’s out of surgery but he’s in a coma Asanuma-san.”
Ittou finally found his voice, “What does that mean?”
The nurse turned to answer him, “That means his body is sleeping while it decides if he can be healed.”
Ittou’s heart twisted, Mamoru had to get better. He just had to…
XooooooX
Chii-chan looked so small in that bed covered in wires and his head bandaged like that.
Ittou was driven every day after school, his father hadn’t gotten himself named as Mamoru’s guardian but a significant donation to the hospital allow Ittou to visit despite only being best friends and not family.
Ittou visited faithfully for an entire year before Chii-chan showed any type of change.
When his beloved friend showed signs of stirring, Ittou refused to leave.
Finally, Chii-chan opened his eyes.
Ittou sat up taking Mamoru’s hand in his smaller ones, “I’m here Chii, Asa-chan’s here.
“Helios?” then Mamoru spoke words that were vaguely familiar but it wasn’t Japanese.
Anteros, Aphros, Eulabeia and Prometheus seemed like Helios to be names that were repeated over and over.
All that Ittou understood was that his prince, his Chii-chan was broken.
Ittou started to sob, pulling his hands from Mamoru’s and fell out of his chair, practically crawling out of the Neurological Critical Care Unit in his misery.
All that repeated in his head was ‘Chii-chan is broken…’ and ‘Chii-chan forgot me…’
XooooooX
To his parents’ shame, Ittou had ended up in a nervous breakdown and had to be hospitalized.
So, all contact between Chiba Mamoru and Asanuma Ittou ceased.
It wasn’t until seventh grade that Ittou returned to proper school.
He had managed to stay on par with his age mates and tested into the Moto Azabu Junior High School, which tracked from the junior high to the senior high.
Since Chii-chan’s accident, Ittou felt half-gone and the final blow had been when Mamoru woke up and called him ‘Helios’ instead of Asa-chan.
Ittou’s psychologist treated him as if his lover died in that car accident. Jun-sensei was the first person that Ittou admitted he was gay to. They determined that Chii-chan was his first love and hypnotism revealed that the two of them had been lovers in a past life who had found one another again.
It would have been romantic if it wasn’t so tragic that Chii-chan forgot him, even realizing he was ‘Helios’ didn’t make Mamoru losing the memories of their earlier friendship easier.
Returning to a ‘real school’ wouldn’t be so bad, if the teachers had kept his past breakdown a secret, as Otousan wished.
By Golden Week, everyone knew.
He wasn’t obviously bullied but he couldn’t make friends either, not that Ittou really want to fill Chii-chan’s place.
It wasn’t until his third year that the cold shoulders turned malicious when Ittou’s other secret was guessed.
A neighboring girls’ school St. Teresa of Avila Academy or TA Academy had an attached junior high and after his third refusal to accept chocolates from the same girl, her brother took exception to his refusal.
All the boys began looking at him strangely, uneasy Ittou pulled away even more hiding during lunch and burying himself in his studies. He began leaving immediately after school to meet with a tutor rather than attend a cram school. Instead of pity, he met open hostility from some of his schoolmates with the others ignoring it or worse watching.
Even if it would displease his father, Ittou was nearly at his limit, either he would break again or he would transfer. Perhaps, he could finish school with a tutor and take online courses to obtain a degree from a university.
But he was currently cornered by that girl’s brother, he didn’t even recall her name but he would join the list of his tormentors along with those from Golden Star Preschool.
The circle of boys took turns shoving him and making Ittou feel a bit like a pinball. Eventually, they grew tired of that and Ittou was shoved to the ground instead.
Sensing he was about to be attacked in earnest, Ittou cringed waiting for the blow to fall.
But it didn’t…
Instead what he did hear were exclamations of shook and thuds of bodies hitting the ground.
Ittou began to tremble for an altogether different reason, he slowly sat up and caught sight of a painfully familiar profile.
Chiba Mamoru…
It couldn’t be…
His heart couldn’t…
His childhood friend and first love was here, he saved him again.
Ittou was speechless as Chii-chan helped him up, brushed him off and introduced himself in the most wonderful and painful sort of repeat of their first meeting.
“Asanuma Ittou.” Ittou stammered peering up anxiously hoping for one spark of recognition.
“Asanuma-kun,” Mamoru began.
Ittou flinched and his heart sank.
Mamoru touched his shoulder, “Are you hurt?”
‘just my heart,’ Ittou thought, he had hoped and despaired of meeting Chii-chan again. Instead of voicing that pain, he just shook his head.
“What was that about?” Mamoru asked.
Ittou sighed, “I refused chocolates from the wrong girl.”
He wasn’t about to ruin his reunion with Mamoru by admitting he was gay and more than a little in love with the boy Chiba Mamoru had been before his accident.
“Ah, why don’t you eat lunch with me? I just started at the high school in April, after three years here they seem to have firm friendships and I don’t really know anyone yet.”
He should refuse, he should transfer schools, he should leave but memories erased or not; clearly Chii-chan was still a prince, his prince.
Ittou wasn’t the same Asa-chan as he had been before Mamoru’s accident either. He forced himself to smile and agree because even if it broke him again, Ittou couldn’t refuse friendship with Chiba Mamoru.
XooooooX
He should have…
Mere weeks after re-befriending Mamoru and learning to call him Chiba-kun, rather than Chii-chan, Mamoru’s drawing of a girl in an outfit not unlike their loyal heroine Sailor V but with odango-style buns and long pig-tails sent chills down Ittou’s spine.
Soon after a similar girl named Tsukino Usagi began spending time after school with Mamoru.
The girl’s appearance made Ittou uneasy especially given her similarity to Mamoru’s sketches. Yet it was her friends the bluenette, the priestess and the giant brunette that made him even more anxious.
Mamoru became obsessed with Tsukino, spending more time with her and then he abruptly disappeared.
Just as suddenly Ittou noticed a familiar profile outside the Crown Game Center but the red eyes and intimidating aura had him keeping his distance.
He knew in his heart that the body was that of Chiba Mamoru but his spirit, what made him both Chiba-kun and Chii-chan had been erased somehow.
Tsukino didn’t seem to be able to keep away from him either.
Mamoru claimed to be ‘Endo’, a university student and best friend of the game center’s manager Furuhata Motoki.
Before even without memories of their shared childhood, there were still elements of Chii-chan in Chiba-kun; his sense of justice, his kindness and smile. Now he was cruel, manipulative and enjoyed keeping Tsukino off balance during their ‘dates’ at the game center.
Seeing Chii-chan’s body behaving so differently, so meanly was nearly enough to destroy Ittou again.
He prayed desperately to divine beings he vaguely remembered; Mali and Sunna. Ittou wanted Mamoru back the way he was, not this evil caricature.
XooooooX
Then Mamoru returned to school and joined him for lunch like nothing had happened beyond claiming his absence was due to illness.
Only he wasn’t alone, Mamoru was accompanied by a familiar blond teen a bit older than them by appearance.
“Asanuma-kun, this is Saito Kazu. He’s been out of school for a year due to illness. He was a year ahead of me but due to missing out on a year of school, he’s been transferred to my class.
Ittou wasn’t exactly surprised, there was something familiar about Saito-kun. He didn’t make him uneasy in the same way as Tsukino at least…
XooooooX
To his embarrassment, Ittou soon found himself a third-wheel or sorts between Kazu and Mamoru.
Kazu-kun was dragged to join all of Mamoru’s clubs like kendo and fencing, only to take them up with ease that made Ittou jealous. He wasn’t as athletically gifted…
Kazu and Mamoru were becoming best friends in front of his eyes, a place that used to belong to Ittou, becoming nearly inseparable.
Except when Tsukino and her friends were around, then Kazu was rude and tended to stalk off.
Ittou felt invisible because he never was noticed by any of them at those times.
Tsukino’s friend, the priestess who attended T*A Academy was clear in her distrust and dislike of Kazu, but having been treated with similar disdain Ittou nearly felt sorry for him.
XooooooX
One day, Kazu found Asanuma outside without Mamoru as the older blond’s shadow.
“So, what is the story about you and Chiba?” the seventeen-year-old first year snapped.
Ittou cringed, “He saved me? I was attacked by some high school students and he pulled them off. We went back to his apartment and he cleaned me up.”
“So, you’ve worshipped him ever since.” Kazu sneered.
Ittou hung his head, “I know…I shouldn’t. I haven’t spoken about my feelings. How could I? He has that girl Usagi…”
“He has no interest in her. He never reacts to her like you do to him.” Kazu said crudely as he poked Ittou in the groin.
A hand squeezed Kazu’s wrist, just inches from his groin.
Mamoru growled. “Don’t touch Asa-chan.”
Asa-chan? Mamoru hadn’t called him that since before the accident…
He was so stunned that he couldn’t speak for a handful of heartbeats.
Kazu flinched, “I wasn’t going to hurt him. We, unfortunately, have something in common besides your friendship. Besides, he likes someone else.”
“You like someone?” Mamoru turned towards him frowning.
Ittou hung his head, “Yes…”
“Oh, that’s nice…I mean wonderful. Who are they? Is it one of Usako’s friends? Ami maybe? She’s shy, but sweet…” Mamoru blurted out.
Ittou shook his head, his mind screamed, ‘It’s you! I love you!’ but he didn’t dare say it aloud.
How could he call him Asa-chan and not know him?
Mamoru continued absently, “Ah then, it must be Minako-chan…she’s almost as pretty as Usako…”
“I have tutoring. I’ll see you later…” Ittou stammered before running off.
Why did he put himself through this? He should never have accepted Mamoru’s friendship again.
Kazu looked pained and possibly apologetic when he hurried past him.
Ittou just wanted to cry.
‘Don’t call me Asa-chan if you don’t remember me. It’s me Chii-chan, it’s Asa-chan. I still love you…’
Chapter 9: Reunion
Chapter Text
9- Reunion
Izzy was surprised to receive an abrupt message from Kazu.
Dinner. Monday. 6 pm. The apartment.
After over a month of silence, Kazu had texted hir.
Izzy paid the rent and other miscellaneous bills like their phones of course and left food money while Kazu was at school. They rarely saw one another even when he still lived there due to his schedule.
Michelle-mama had decided to open another shop and had recently appointed Izzy manager of the club giving hir more responsibilities, including hiring.
Aito-san had been pleased, anything that kept Izzy from interacting with customers too intimately was good news.
They kept the same schedules but had introduced more theme nights that coordinated with the ‘girls’ clothing.
Since Monday was their usual night off and well, the shop was closed, it wasn’t difficult for them to meet Kazu for dinner.
They were both startled to find Kazu wasn’t alone when Izzy let them in.
In the kitchen was a familiar brunet with his wavy hair tied back, he looked American but also as if he were Japanese as well.
At the table was a startlingly familiar black-haired teen with a princely bearing.
Before they could stop themselves, both Aito and Izzy knelt with their head bowed and their right hands fisted over their hearts.
“Master.”
The dark-haired blinked before responding in a familiar language that most certainly wasn’t Japanese.
“You know me?”
“You are Prince Endymion of Elysian, Earth’s Golden Kingdom.” Aito said respectfully, “Anteros, Knight of Purity and Affection at your service,e Master.”
Izzy swallowed, “Aphros, Knight of Purification and Healing. Master, I am not as I was… I am still loyal but…”
“My Prince, my lover is Saito Izumi and I am Shime Aito in this life.” Aito said gently as he took hir hand, “In this lifetime, Ampros is a woman.”
XooooooX
The longer Kazu’s schoolmate, his brother and that Shime spoke in that vaguely familiar language, the more he understood.
Before Daichi could stop him, Kazu snapped, “His name is Izou and he is my brother.”
His brother flinched, but Aito reached over to squeeze his hand and Izou swallowed, “I was born intersexed, the vitamins I used to take were hormones meant to suppress my female anatomy from maturing. After they died, we couldn’t afford them. Once they were out of my system, I underwent a second puberty. Hiding my body from you has been so difficult, I was afraid you would think I was a freak. Before I had difficulty understanding my body, but Aito-san has helped me learn to accept my body as beautiful. He doesn’t see me as a freak. Aito-san cares for me even though my preferred gender identity is female. He is my soulmate Kazu…please understand.”
“And Kazu is mine…” the ponytailed brunet smirked after setting a tray of prepared dishes down on the western style table. His arm wrapping around Kazu’s waist and his hand slipping into the blond teen’s left back pocket to give him an embarrassing squeeze.
“Daichi!” Kazu snarled.
Daichi leaned in, whispering in his ear, “You know you like it when I grab your ass.”
“Not when we have company!” Kazu glared.
“So, you do like it and you’re happy to have company.”
“Shut up, you arrogant ass,” Kazu muttered.
“So, you are gay then…” Shime chuckled.
“Shut up! Just because you went to Mugen doesn’t make you perfect or all-knowing!” Kazu retorted.
“Wait! You’re all gay?” Chiba sputtered.
XooooooX
Izzy and Aito snickered.
Then Aito frowned, “Master, did you forget? Eulabeia may have been the youngest of your knights may have been your knight, but he was Prometheus’ shield-bearer and squire first, before named a General, I found Aphros after his having been thrown out due to his supposed disfigurement being discovered. I trained him myself, but he too had a gift for both magic and battle. Although we did become lovers during his training, he earned his rank on his own honorably due to his own merit.”
Chiba frowned, “But I remember the four of you courting the Princess’ senshi…”
“At your father and the council’s insistence, not our own free will. The Senshi were not interested at all, their hearts already belonged to another. The council even chose which Senshi we were to court. The Venusian was much younger than I, the idea was ridiculous even if we were both leaders. Assigning an ice user to a fire warrior was asking for trouble…” Aito just shrugged.
“What about me?” Chiba flinched.
“You were originally intended for Lady Alkippe, a daughter of the Martian Ambassador at the council’s declaration yet, in the end, they decided that you needed to court the Moon Princess to reunite the two kingdoms. However,”
“But what were my feelings?” their Prince pressed.
“That is not for me to tell Master, you respected the Moon Kingdom and wished for an Alliance, but you did not wish to do so the way we were ordered to. The Princess was young, sheltered and inexperienced. There were few if any men on the Moon and she was overwhelmed with being courted. The Queen was resistant and then reluctant after her consort died while our council was irritatingly smug. I always wondered about that… after all, Queen Serenity of the Moon Kingdom was technically in exile from Earth for apparently being the reason for the darkness that came with her return to Earth.”
“Were we in love though?” Chiba’s frown deepened.
“No Master,” Izzy glared at Aito, “While Lady Alkippe pined and you were courting the Moon Princess, your heart belonged to another. If we have been reborn, then perhaps they have as well. After all, Master’s Father is not here to insist that we court them once more. Your feelings towards the Moon Princess was always more brotherly then romantic…”
Kazu snorted, “This is why they seem so forced when they are together, after all, even I can tell Tsukino likes girls. Only a fool would be oblivious that Aino and Hino are lovers just as Kino and Mizuno are, but Mizuno is shyer about Kino showing her affection.”
“How do you know?” Chiba scowled.
“Aino and Hino converse without speaking aloud while Mizuno interacts with Kino like a girl would a protective boyfriend. As for Tsukino, she is always calling them pretty or beautiful. She identifies a lot more with Aino and Mizuno, likely she needs a more dominating protective girl. Probably an older one like our Kazu needs a man…” Daichi said smugly.
“A man?” Kazu snorted. “You’re not twenty, which means you are still a teenager.”
“And you’re not illegal.” Daichi purred.
The others watched as Kazu shivered.
“He isn’t very much like his former self beyond his appearance.” Chiba mused.
Aito and Izzy chuckled.
Daichi snorted, “He has some things in common. He just is shyer, less forward in admitting his needs and wants. Kazu needs someone who can give him what he needs even when he can’t ask for it. Luckily for Kazu-tan, I can read him easily, I give him what he wants and won’t ask for. This dinner was my idea because I wanted to say that there is no need for you to pay for two apartments. You can continue to pay what would be his share, I live just down the hall after all.” His face took on a naughty expression, “Besides, Kazu definitely prefers my bed.”
“Who said I wanted that?” Kazu blurted out.
“Let’s see, I cook for you, we do laundry together and you sleep better in my bed. Besides, I would be free tutoring, I am a Uni student after all.” Daichi teased.
“You’ll look after him?” Izzy asked quietly.
“I’m not a child, Izou…” Kazu grumbled.
“If you can’t call me Izumi, then can you call me Izzy?” Izzy replied softly.
“I’ll think about it,” Kazu muttered.
“It would be my pleasure…” Daichi smirked.
“Pervert.” Kazu blushed.
While Izzy was a bit uneasy about his little brother in a relationship that was clearly sexual, but s/he couldn’t say anything. After all, it only took two months for hir to become Aito-san’s lover and move in with him.
But when Kazu looked up at Daichi, he instinctively leaned into him, relaxing and his eyes had a worshipful aspect.
The interactions between Kazu and Daichi made it obvious that they were attracted if not physically involved.
For all his ‘surprise’ Chiba-san, their Prince was aroused watching them.
Other than Daichi noticing and appreciating the differences between Eulabeia and Kazu, it was hard to guess what memories the two of them had from Elysian.
Perhaps, somethings were best forgotten…
Eventually, Daichi invited them to eat.
Izzy was surprised that the food was well prepared even though it seemed to be growing cold.
XooooooX
Eventually, Izzy, Shime and Chiba left leaving Kazu and Daichi alone.
“We were those people?”
“Prometheus and Eulabeia? Yes, the memories are hazy though. The ones I remember most have you. I was one of those chosen for military service and showed raw talent early. I noticed your skill as a boy, and you became my squire when I became one of Endymion’s knights. Eventually, he too saw your skill and you became a knight. Later rising the rank of General on your own merit. You were more than a mere squire, you were like a diamond, unique. Having you back proves that our souls were tied together…”
“Even if I’m different then you remember?” Kazu ground out.
“You’re Kazu, you were Eulabeia, but that’s not the same thing. You’re a snowflake Kazu, at first glance they are all the same but magnified they are each unique.” Daichi said holding that beautiful face in his hands, “It’s the shell that is the same yes, but your personality is solely Kazu. I’m always learning something about you, that makes it interesting. I had nothing and no one except my grandfather’s lawyer until you. Now I have a family, something I haven’t since my mother and grandfather died.”
“Are you sure it’s enough?”
“I’d give up my dream to reclaim my grandfather’s company if I had to, to prove it to you. You are worth more than my revenge.” Daichi said solemnly.
“You’re serious…”
“I met your err… sister, her lover and told our master that I want to live with you as your lover. Would I have done this if I wasn’t serious? I’m determined to have both if I can if not having you is enough. I don’t care if I don’t remember anything else, as long as I have memories about how we met and fell in love once. We’re writing a new chapter, the story of Prometheus and Eulabeia is over but Daichi and Kazu’s story is just beginning.”
With that Kazu was pulled into a bruising kiss and carried to his bed, they eagerly stripped off one another’s clothes.
Chapter 10: Dark Moon rises, Shitennou make a stand
Notes:
Half is a retelling of my Black Chapters from A love with thorns and half is scenes with Shitennou or Asanuma Ittou's POV. So, this is a very long chapter. Idk if anyone actually cares but here it is!
Chapter Text
10- Dark Moon rises, Shitennou make a stand
Asanuma’s interest in the occult was amusing, and due to his familiarity with Rei, Mamoru didn’t mind attending the cultural festival at St Teresa of Avila Academy. However, Mamoru was surprised that Asanuma would want to visit this place.
The incident that sparked their meeting just after reuniting with Kazu, Asanuma was about to be attacked by the brother of a student here.
But all of that seemed forgotten…
There was unusual energy converging at this place, according to Asanuma.
Aito, Izzy and Daichi were unable to join them due to their work schedules, leaving Mamoru (who felt more like Endymion than ever after reuniting with his knights) and Kazu.
They watched cloaked by crowds of visitors as the Senshi arrived with that strange girl who had pulled a gun on Usako.
Kazu seemed to grow more on edge the longer they were at the school, then Asanuma took off running.
They arrived in time to see Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury taking on an enemy without Usako or the others.
Mamoru had a terrible feeling…
Then, Mars was encircled by a Dark Fire…
The other Senshi arrived in time to defeat the Dark Fire wielder, only to have someone called ‘Rubeus’ disappear with Rei, Sailor Mars.
There was a look of horror on Minako’s face, she looked gutted.
Mercury had that look of self-blame as if she were responsible, Usako looked shocked and Kino was obviously torn.
Asanuma and Kazu turned to him, “What was that?”
Mamoru sighed, “We’re going to have to have an emergency meeting.”
Kazu immediately pulled out his phone and sent mails to his sibling and Izzy’s lover Aito as well as his own lover Daichi.
Mamoru ordered delivery for them; this would be hard on Usagi who was so emotionally connected to her Senshi. But especially for Minako, who Mamoru had begun to realize after learning about his Shitennou’s relationships that the Senshi weren’t interested in them or vice versa, was intimately involved with Rei.
XoooooooX
Mamoru was grateful to have been reunited with his Shitennou just before this enemy appeared, while his knights did not have their powers, he had their guidance.
Aito was still the tactician that he admired, it had taken some getting used to that they were different from how he remembered them. Especially, since to him, the Silver Millennia felt much closer. He had no memories before his waking up in that hospital, it had taken some time to realize that the first face he saw upon waking was Asanuma. His trauma at being in a strange place that spoke a strange language and being alone had made it hard to remember those early days in the Juban Ward Hospital before being transferred to the University where he became more experiment than person.
Mamoru was more self-sufficient; he had learned skills that Endymion would never have done or needed to do. Mamoru could clean and do some cooking, but often he was eating at the Crown Ice Cream Parlor next to the game center or picking up conbini food from convenience stores such as 7-11.
Something that upset Izzy, it had taken some adjustment in regard to the reincarnated Aphros’ feminine identity.
His knights had realized that the Senshi had been reborn, mostly Kazu and Daichi of course.
Explaining that the girls that Kazu disliked so much were Senshi, the ward’s heroines hadn’t gone over well. Kazu still didn’t like them.
Mamoru skimmed over the previous battles with the last enemy, explaining that a new enemy had appeared. He mentioned that he saw the Senshi and their princess as allies,
It was nice to not be facing an enemy alone, even if the Senshi were the main combatants.
XoooooooX
Mamoru was going to bow out of the Chess Tournament, but Aito had said that he had an impression that the Black Moon would appear.
This had the Shitennou clearing their schedules to join him as an entourage, a familiar and comforting presence.
Mamoru sensed all wasn’t as it seemed with that Berthe Thayer newcomer, she radiated an aura of power. When her match-up with Mizuno was announced, Mamoru as well as the Shitennou intended to watch that match.
Unfortunately, Mamoru was stuck in a match of his own. Daichi and Kazu volunteered to observe the girls' match.
Daichi was surprised that this Thayer person was openly taunting Mizuno, the normally shy and unconfident bluenette seemed to find her strength.
It was interesting to see how supportive the Senshi were of one another.
Mizuno won the match and demanded her compensation, the return of Sailor Mars.
Her opponent said that the match wasn’t truly over and ran off.
Mizuno and Kino raced after her.
By the time that Daichi and Kazu caught up, Mizuno had been captured and Kino was down. Sailor Moon managed to defeat the enemy who called themselves Berthier, but a vaguely familiar redheaded enemy taunted them before escaping with Mizuno.
Leaving Kino to look as gutted as Minako by the loss of their suspected girlfriend.
XoooooooX
Daichi had observed the kidnapping of Mizuno as Sailor Mercury but didn’t explain themselves very much when Kino was practically collapsing at the game center.
Convincing his boss that he wasn’t a threat to Kino was a bit annoying, the only person he flirted with was Kazu who was more receptive but blushed when he did.
Kino tried to protest.
“Come on, I never bother the female customers and I only tease Kazu-kun. Someone needs to get her home. Besides, she might need someone with meat on their bones who wouldn’t fall over in a stiff wind. Usually, you seem the type to slay dragons and fight oni, but today you look very ill. Give me directions to your place and we’ll see about getting you on a couch at least.” Daichi shrugged.
Kino chose to trust him, giving him the directions.
She was quite tall and heavy for a girl, but it was muscle and bone rather than fat that made up her weight.
Daichi carried her inside, laying her on the couch before in a very strange twist of fate, he made himself at home in her kitchen.
It didn’t take long for her to drift off…
Daichi fully intended to return to the game center, but Kino-chan was too ill and clearly had no one to take care of her. Especially if her roommate was away… well, kidnapped since Mizuno's alter ego was Sailor Mercury.
He heated up water for tea and made her porridge as well as watering all of her plants.
She seemed exhausted and like his Kazu, she had no one to take care of her presently. Unlike Kazu, she seemed like she could cook…
There were cookbooks that were well used but had notations in them that showed adaptations to recipes as well as a rather surprising spice collection, a fine set of knives, and decent pans. Clearly, she had inherited a rather spectacular kitchen…
He would leave, but only after he was certain that she would be alright without anyone to check on her…
He wasn’t attracted but he felt a strange kinship with her.
XooooooX
Mamoru had left Kazu as his eyes in the game center in case of any trouble, though he did not explain what that might entail.
There was something strangely comforting about being with Chibi-Usa and Asanuma-kun. Mamoru couldn’t put his finger on it, but he felt more at peace now than at any moment before.
Chibi-Usa was, of course, unwilling to part with them but he promised to meet up with her later if she let him go. Sadly, she bid them goodbye and hugged them both to their surprise before shutting the front door.
Mamoru texted Usako that he was returning to the ice cream parlor and to meet him when she was finished.
Once Usako arrived at the ice cream parlor, Kazu joined them, and he instructed both Kazu and Asanuma to make sure that they were left alone before claiming the most isolated table.
“Are you sure it’s safe to trust them?” Usagi frowned.
“Kazu has some memories of our shared past.” Mamoru insisted, “They have the same honor and strength of character they always did.”
“Before Beryl…” Usagi said sadly.
Mamoru winced, “Yes, but she’s gone.”
“And what about Asanuma-kun?” Usagi frowned.
Mamoru coughed, “You wouldn’t remember him that much, the Priests and priestesses of Sunna never travelled to the moon temple where the Silver Millennium Kingdom was based. His name was Helios, and he was chosen from birth for the Priesthood. His training was as grueling as my own because he was marked as a future High Priest. He doesn’t seem to have his memories, while Kazu has some. He doesn’t remember the fall of the Silver Millennium, but he is uncomfortable around Rei. I think he subconsciously remembers what happened…”
Usako winced herself, as if she were remembering that Mars and the knight that Kazu had been, dying at one another’s hand.
Mamoru shared what Asanuma found because of his interest in UFOs and how there were sightings where and when both Hino and Mizuno were kidnapped. He was certain there was a connection…
“Don’t let them be in danger, unlike us… they don’t have powers.”
“You didn’t fully take them, did you?” Mamoru frowned.
Usako pouted, “Of course not! Unfortunately, I used some of their power to allow me to send them back with no memories. I didn’t seal their powers, but I did exhaust them, so it may take some time before they manifest…”
“Okay…” Mamoru noticed Kazu getting irritated and Asanuma worried. “I will go check on them…”
Meanwhile, Usako went to get another drink…
XooooooX
“Enemies? Kidnappings? Dangers? Powers? What could they mean Saito-kun?” Asanuma whispered.
Kazu rolled his eyes, “If you don’t know, I don’t have to enlighten you.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Mamoru asked startling them.
“We,” Asanuma began.
Kazu snorted.
Asanuma sighed, “I was curious about your conversation.”
Mamoru chuckled, sharing a conspiratorial glance with Kazu. “Don’t worry Asanuma-kun. You’ll figure it all out eventually.”
XooooooX
Daichi was getting ready to leave when he noticed one of those large green glowing discs in the sky. Wasn’t Master’s companion Asanuma calling them ‘UFOs’ and hadn’t they appeared when one of master’s friends disappeared?
There was a large clash of thunder overhead and then, the glass door exploded.
Daichi was stunned to see a mannequin version of Kino-san rush past him and lunge at her.
Kino woke at the crash of thunder and being tackled by one of the enemy’s ‘pawns’. It began trying to strangle her with surprising strength.
Daichi began to fruitlessly attempt to pull it off of her.
Kino knocked her communicator open and gasped, “Usagi, Minako. The enemy.”
Daichi was thrown off, momentarily distracting the pawn giving Kino time to transform.
Kino must know that he was a Shitennou, and he would keep her secret.
“Idiot! I appreciate the chivalry but you’re weak without your powers. Jupiter Star Power!” still unsteady on her feet, she had no choice but to call on Jupiter to give them time for Usagi and Minako to arrive.
Daichi didn’t understand what she meant by powers, she like the other Senshi appeared to have some knowledge of him in this lifetime and had an aura of wariness. Had they met during his disappearance that he had developed amnesia in regard to?
Daichi was uneasy when Kino seemed to taunt their unseen enemy.
Even ill, Kino showed surprising strength as she hurled her attacker out of her apartment where it crashed into a neighboring building, flashed into one of the strange enemy’s ‘pawns’.
“Is that the best you can do to impersonate me?” Kino snarled.
Mocking laugher was heard over the storm, “A worthless fool that doesn’t know to die?”
“Who are you?” Kino growled.
“I am Petz, the eldest of the Akayashi sisters. I will return the favor for my dear sisters.”
Kino’s anger boiled, much like the great storm on Jupiter. “You took Mercury and Mars!” she leapt recklessly into the sky.
All Daichi could do was watch helplessly from the balcony of Kino’s apartment
Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus’ way was blocked by those weird ‘pawns’ of Black Moon.
“The Pretty Guardian in a Sailor Suit, Guardian of Love and Courage, Sailor Jupiter! I will make you feel so much regret, it’ll leave you numb!” Kino spat.
“You’re rather lively despite being affected by the virus. Are you sure you have the strength to face me?” Petz taunted.
Tsukino called out to Daichi, “Tell Mamo-chan, protect Chibi-Usa…”
Kino ignored Petz’s taunts and cleared her path of pawns by casting Flower Hurricane and Sparkling Wide Pressure.
Only to have Petz strike back with Dark Lightning…
Daichi watched as Kino was captured as Sailor Jupiter, but there seemed a strange peace in her face as if she realized would soon be reunited with her lover.
Daichi had never really expected to meet the ward’s heroines Sailor Moon or Sailor Venus…
He had never heard of them before his disappearance, but they had been on everyone’s tongue upon his return.
His boss Motoki made a lot of money as the sole provider of Sailor V and now Sailor Moon merchandise…
What did Kino-san mean when she said he was useless without his powers? He didn’t remember anything about powers…
The enemy Petz was defeated by Sailor Moon as her predecessors had been before, but Sailor moon let out a cry of dismay while Sailor Venus only stood there in what had to be horror.
Daichi wondered how he might feel if he had to watch Aito, Izzy, and his Kazu taken from him.
XooooooX
Daichi had stayed at Kino’s long enough to clean up and to secure the apartment’s broken glass
door with a tarp and some strong tape. There was a monsoon after all…
Then he met up with his fellow Shitennou and his master Mamoru where he had imparted his experience. After agreeing to escort the inconsolable Tsukino home and check on Chibi-Usa.
Mamoru looked amused and pained when he mused that his powers would return when Sunna and Mali deemed it.
They had spent the night at Mamoru’s only for their master to be invited to a meeting at Hikawa shrine.
After the loss of three Senshi, Aito was insistent that their master not be alone.
The two younger Shitennou and Asanuma accompanied Mamoru
Since Mamoru had informed them about the Senshi and their advisors, they weren’t that surprised that the cats could talk. It was strange but if reincarnation was possible, cats could talk.
Aino-san was on a knife’s edge emotionally, it wasn’t that surprising that she was harsh with all of them.
Daichi was defensive when she asked what he had heard and over the storm, he hadn’t heard much aside from Kino and Petz.
Daichi restrained himself from snorting when Asanuma asked if their enemies were aliens.
But when Aino-san turned her frustration onto Chibi-Usa, Daichi felt the wrongness of that.
The appearance of that black earring that Daichi remembered all three of the enemies that Senshi had battled wore had sent Chibi-Usa into a panic.
It was his master, Mamoru, and Asanuma who managed to calm the pinkette.
The two of them were oddly protective of the girl, with Aino-san stalking towards them only for Mamoru to hurl a rose like a dart that she cleaved in half with a sword.
Aino rudely asked if the girl was an enemy only for her to protest.
Since Chibi-Usa seemed incapable of giving them anything, Aino declared that they couldn’t get along and stormed off.
Usagi and the cats seemed startled when Chibi-Usa wailed, “Auntie Mina!”
Daichi and Kazu exchanged glances, the tiny pinkette usually addressed the girls as onee-san, not auntie.
The white cat seemed perturbed as they promised to talk to their charge.
Then their master announced, “I think Asanuma-kun and I will take Chibi-Usa home. Daichi and Kazu will escort Usako and Luna to the command center.”
“What good will that do? Like Kino-san said, I’m useless without my powers.” Daichi grumbled.
Usagi gave him a pained smile, “They’ll come back. I’m sure of it. Both of yours will…”
Kazu gaped at her in confusion while Mamoru hauled Asanuma and Chibi-Usa up.
Reluctantly, they all went separate ways…
XooooooX
The night before the public channeling after Artemis had passed on what knowledge she had; Mamoru had summoned his knights.
Depowered or not, he still wished to rely on their guidance.
“I dislike that you are involved with the Senshi while we are powerless to protect you, Master.” Aito paced.
Despite it being Mamoru’s place, Izzy was serving them tea.
It was difficult to compare Izzy to Aphros, while they were similar in features, Izzy carried themselves quite differently.
“I have been feeling very uneasy as of late as if a great doom was encroaching on us.” Aito pronounced with the same grave finality that his past self would have.
“I feel like this enemy is setting up something much bigger than we can imagine,” Daichi mused.
In the fuss with Chibi-Usa, no one had requested the earring from Mamoru.
Aito picked it up from the coffee table, “I sense a distortion of time and space from this stone...”
“Does this mean they crossed space-time to get here?” their master asked.
Aito shrugged, “I am unsure, I have impressions, but not my full powers.”
Daichi seemed relaxed at first glance, but his face was devoid of emotion. “Master, we will support you even if we can only be your eyes.”
Aito frowned, “They will no doubt come for Venus next since she is the last of the Princess’ Senshi. You must protect her with your power…”
Mamoru gave a sardonic laugh, “My power? I have no power. I have a tuxedo, a cape, and a mask… I wonder why I was reborn at all.”
“We were of course reborn to protect you. I refuse to believe that you have no power.” Izzy said with more confidence than they appeared to have.
“I know that I must support her…”
Mamoru was aware that his Shitennou exchanged worried glances…
Aito knelt, “Master, you must believe in your own power. You have a true heart and Sunna has always blessed you. You see things, you told us that you have visions. Sunna and Mali allowed you to be reborn. I am confident that the Princess will one day be queen, you will serve at her right hand as you have since she was awakened.”
“I believe that you Master will rule as King,” Daichi said firmly, “You will be King Endymion of Earth. That has always been your destiny…’
As residents of the Juban-Minato ward, they were all familiar with the park in question and began to make plans.
Mamoru knew Minako, Luna, and Artemis well enough to make some predictions as to how they would handle this.
Between himself and the Shitennou powers or not, they were going to provide back-up…
XooooooX
“Earth is now entering the Age of Aquarius, the Water Bearer.” Miss Calaveras intoned.
Mamoru recognized a few persons in the audience beyond the cats, Minako, and the Shittennou. The student president of Saint Teresa of Avia Academy, Umino and Naru were there as well.
“It is the beginning of a cosmic millennium…” the Black Moon mouthpiece continued.
Mamoru was not surprised to see Asanuma here despite not inviting him given his interest in aliens and the occult. Nor was he terribly surprised to see the student president of Rei’s school there as well...
“It shall be an age of reformation.” Miss Calaveras announced.
Aito seemed disconcerted, was this an awakening of his powers?
Mamoru worried if his General was ready for that…
A reluctant Luna was forced to fill both Mamoru and Artemis in that Chibi-Usa had stolen the Legendary Silver Crystal. Unfortunately, Mamoru had a more immediate concern.
“Luna, Mamoru, something is wrong,” Artemis informed them through her own collar communicator.
Mamoru passed this on to his Shitennou.
“We want to redirect Earth down the proper path. The bearers of the White Moon mark will bring about disaster,” Miss Calaveras said in Rubeus’ voice, “by using the Legendary Silver Crystal.”
A miasma had filled that area of the park…
The only ones not affected were the cats, Mamoru, Minako, the Shitennou, and Asanuma.
“Don’t accept the White Moon. Smash the Legendary Silver Crystal.” The audience spoke in unison, similar to when Izzy as Zoisite had hypnotized people.
Izzy looked around horrified…
“Oh, hell no!” Minako snapped running into the hypnotized crowd. “This is a hoax, don’t be fooled. Wake up.”
Aito was walking towards Izzy who was sinking to hir knees and holding hir head.
Kazu was obviously concerned but didn’t move aside from a glance at Mamoru and Daichi.
Mamoru slipped behind a tree with Daichi watching his back.
The hypnotized crowd turned towards Minako as if magnetized but in a very creepy way.
“It is no use. I, Calaveras, the second of the four Akayashi sisters will never let anyone escape from my mind control.” The Black Moon operative said in what might be her own voice. “All of Earth will be under our control.”
Mamoru had ‘transformed’ and threw a series of rose darts that damaged and disconnected the television cameras. While he trusted Luna to use Ami’s computer to put up a video transmission disrupting signal.
Artemis called out, “Now Minako!”
Minako held up her transformation pen and called out, “Venus Star Power.”
Aito and Izzy were oblivious to the transformation. Mamoru was armed only with his rose darts, but his Shitennou was certain that he couldn’t be discounted.
Minako finished her transformation and said defiantly “The Pretty Guardian in a Sailor Suit, Guardian of Love and Beauty, Sailor Venus. In the name of Love, I will punish you.”
Mamoru held rose darts in his fingers, “I am Tuxedo Kamen, Guardian of Earth and Ally to the Senshi.”
Calaveras ignored Mamoru, “There you are, Sailor Venus, I was just thinking that I wanted to show you some interesting channeling.”
Umino, Naru, and Rei’s schoolmate president Sarashima sagged and then projected above their heads were Petz, Bethier, and Koan.
“Planet of Love, Venus. Give me the power of Love!”
Mamoru was no priest, but Minako hadn’t been showing much love recently and he worried slightly that Sunna would not grant her guardian powers. The coldness reminded him of Aito when he was under Beryl’s control.
“Rolling Heart Vibration!” Minako held her hands palms facing and her thumbs nearly touching, a spinning golden heart appeared between her hands and she directed it at the shades of Petz, Berthier, and Koan. Her next attack was likewise new, “Venus Wink Chain Sword!” her Venus love-me-chain appeared attached to her holy sword, and she yelled out, “Love and Beauty Shock!”
Mamoru rained down his rose darts in a seemingly inexhaustible shower.
Both Minako’s chain made up of golden hearts, the rotating golden heart attack, and Mamoru’s roses passed right through the shades of Petz, Berthier, and Koan.
“My turn,” Calaveras declared mockingly, “the Akayashi Sisters’ Spirit Energy Attack! Take this!”
The attack was aimed solely for Minako.
She gasped, “I feel like my body is being torn apart…”
“That is the end of you, Sailor Guardians!” Calaveras said maliciously.
Mamoru was surprised when the Venusian’s voice turned cold once more, “What did you say?”
“Currently, Rubeus-sama is about to get rid of Rabbit and Sailor Moon.” Calaveras shrugged.
Mamoru stepped back as Minako coiled her love-me-chain around herself and used it to reflect the energy being used against her. This could not end well for Black Moon…
Then he felt a sense of danger and found himself teleporting.
XooooooX
One minute, Mamoru was backing away from Aino-san and the next, he was gone…
The cat Luna appeared worried.
Aito found himself reaching out telepathically to her. ‘Master has gone to the Princess’ aid.’
‘Then Minako is alone…’ she whispered back.
Aito rose to his feet, smiling, ‘Not alone.’
The air around them greyed and instantly, Aito and Izzy were at Minako’s sides.
“You can see the spirits, but they aren’t fully here, the attack is actually coming from Calaveras. Only she is manifesting it in four locations.” Aito told the irate Aino-san. “Leave her victims to Izzy, she will break the connection between the medium and her human pawns. I have very little of my powers, but I will attempt to put your attacks in phase with her.”
She brusquely agreed.
Aito put his hand on her back, resting it between her shoulder blades, “Go ahead, attack. But focus on Calaveras. You have to distract her.”
Aino closed her eyes and took a deep breath and when she did, the world and time had returned to their normal state.
Calaveras was still laughing about how Sailor Moon and Rabbit were going to fall and that she, Venus was going to be destroyed.
Aino’s holy sword was held aloft, her Venus Love-Me-Chain was swirling around her head still seemingly attached to the sword.
“Venus Love and Beauty Shock! Rolling Heart Vibration!” both attacks manifesting from her sword and aiming for Calaveras.
Before Aito, on his left, Izzy letting out soft whimpers of pain…
Aito watched as Venus’ attack seemed to dim just a bit and then slammed into a surprised Calaveras whose laughter seemed to choke her.
Once the Black Moon medium recovered, she sent another attack at her, but stronger this time…
“I will send you to join your friends shortly.”
“My apologies,” Aito murmured, “I can only shield one and Izzy needs it, so she can concentrate.”
Aino’s exclamations of pain were harsher this time as if Calaveras’ attack was stronger.
Now would really be a good time for Sailor Moon to appear.
XooooooX
Mamoru found himself between Usako, Chibi-Usa, and Rubeus.
A glowing ball of red began to grow and then was hurled at the girls.
Immediately, Mamoru launched roses like a hive of angry bees.
Rubeus’ energy attack had been deflected, he bore an injury on his left cheek and one of his black earrings had shattered.
“You’ve injured me.” The camouflage pants-wearing redhead said with furious surprise, “You’ll realize the power of Rubeus’ crimson flames!”
“Chibi-Usa, we’re going to lose both battles unless you do exactly as I say. Give it back. Right now. I know you have a very good reason and afterward, you can tell us all about it. But if you want to help your mother, you have to give it back.”
“Master!”
The world had turned grey, and time seemed to move slowly, Mamoru could hear Aito in his head…
“You can protect them. Hold out your hand, concentrate.”
Mamoru could feel power in his hand, he held it out and aimed it at Rubeus, before yelling, “Tuxedo la Smoking Bomber!”
Energy exploded from his hand, dissipating Rubeus’ attack and the redheaded Black Moon operative vanished in a flash of light.
Mamoru wasn’t certain if Rubeus chose to vanish or if he had vanquished him himself…
He didn’t have time to care, when he pulled up Usagi and Chibi-Usa, he was pleased to find that Usagi not Chibi-Usa had the brooch.
Mamoru said quickly, “Usako, you must transform and then follow me. Minako is fighting alone and she’s not herself…”
Usagi’s only response was to nod and then call out, “Moon Crystal Power Make-up!”
Satisfied, Mamoru was already running back to Minako’s battle with Chibi-Usa in his arms.
Calaveras had attacked Venus and had blown Aito, Izzy, and Minako backward.
Usako had already transformed when they saw Minako was in trouble. Usagi’s voice calling out, “Moon Twilight Flash!”
Minako glowered, “You’re late!”
Usagi said defiantly, “I don’t know if you’re an alien or something, but I won’t let you hurt my friends ever again.”
Mamoru had handed off Chibi-Usa to Asanuma, Daichi, and Kazu before helping Minako who brushed him off and Aito to their feet.
How like a general, Aito clearly had a plan and was moving to shield Izzy.
Mamoru joined Minako in guarding Usagi’s back.
Usako was oblivious to the Shitennou, "For love and justice, the pretty Guardian in a sailor suit, Sailor Moon! In the name of the Moon, I'll punish you!"
Calaveras glowered, “Don’t get in my way!” she sent one of her energy blast attacks at Usako who summersaulted out of the way.
Aito had one hand on Izzy’s head and then he yelled, “Now, Sailor Moon!”
Mamoru was instantly aware that all of the previously hypnotized people had collapsed and were now sprawled all over the grass.
Whatever Aito and Izzy had done, it worked.
Usagi nodded, “Moon Princess Halation!”
Calaveras let out a shriek of defiance as she was vanquished by Usagi’s attack.
Immediately, Minako collapsed…
Izzy and Aito were also seemingly weakened.
Mamoru, Asanuma, Kazu, and Daichi began to look over the crowd of now fully aware and free people to make sure they were fine and to tell a story about how Calaveras had been kidnapped by Rubeus. Mamoru was able to describe him of course…
Immediately, the crowd began to be full of murmurs of agreement…
Aito cursed and Mamoru realized that Izzy had fainted.
Despite fate and circumstances requiring the use of Aito and Izzy’s powers, their bodies weren’t ready for it. Mamoru may have acquired an actual attack, but he was now as exhausted as his Shitennou.
Mamoru asked Daichi and Kazu to escort Aito and Izzy home, promising to inform them of what his next plans were. He kept Asanuma with him because he had Chibi-Usa…
Speaking of Chibi-Usa, Usagi who was holding onto Minako for dear life, as if she could hardly believe she was still there, was talking to the girl.
“Chibi-Usa, what were you planning to do by taking my brooch, the Legendary Silver Crystal?”
Chibi-Usa’s eyes shone with tears and she stared sadly at them while holding onto Luna-P, “I knew that no matter how many Legendary Silver Crystals I got, I couldn’t use them…”
Usagi and Luna let out gasps of surprise.
The pink-haired girl continued, “And I knew that the past Legendary Silver Crystal could only be used in the past. Having the past Legendary Silver Crystal and the future Legendary Silver Crystal together is very dangerous. I was taught all that. But even though it’s dangerous, I thought if I had both of them, then maybe with that power, I might be able to help. So, I came here.”
Usagi whispered confused, “The past Legendary Silver Crystal and the future Legendary Silver Crystal…”
Luna frowned, “Chibi-Usa, what are you saying?”
Chibi-Usa reached for her pendants, pulling out the silver key and what looked like Usagi’s Legendary Silver Millennium Crystal, “Help me, Sailor Moon. Please save the Earth of the 30th Century!”
They could only look at her in confusion and shock…
XoooooooX
Daichi had reluctantly left his Kazu to watch over Izzy and Aito to rejoin his Master and Asanuma at the shrine.
When he arrived, Aino-san was skulking in a corner, while Tsukino had both cats in her lap.
Daichi had taken a stance as a guard over Mamoru and Asanuma who still had the pinkette close.
Chibi-Usa took a deep breath, clutching both her key and the dim crystal, “I crossed time and came here from Crystal Tokyo in the 30th Century. I thought you wouldn’t believe me if I told you and I didn’t want to change the past by saying anything if I could help it.”
Chibi-Usa’s eyelashes were pearled with tears, “But it’s not a lie. It’s true. There was a sudden explosion in Crystal Tokyo, and my mom… because of me… so I don’t know what to do…”
Asanuma let Chibi-Usa burst into tears and cling to him.
“The 30th Century…” Luna murmured.
“Could it be that Black Moon…” Artemis began, “Chibi-Usa, who attacked Crystal Tokyo? Was it, Black Moon?”
“I’m not sure,” Chibi-Usa sniffed.
“Could Black Moon have taken Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter to the future? Is that why I can’t track them?” Artemis pressed.
“I don’t know, I don’t know!” Chibi-Usa sobbed.
“Tell us, we can help you!” Artemis insisted.
Luna hissed and shoved him off Usagi’s lap.
“Chibi-Usa, if you can take us to the future.” Aino-san said with flashing eyes, “I’m sure we’ll understand everything if you do. If you just take us to the future…”
“We can’t all go.” Daichi snorted. “Aito-san and Izzy-chan need time to recover. Kazu and I have no powers, Kazu won’t leave Izzy. I hate to let Master go without our protection… the others won’t like it either.”
Tsukino seemed stunned at this turn of events…
“Right now, I can’t go back to such a scary place…” Chibi-Usa said trembling. “It’s too late.”
By now, both Asanuma and Mamoru were trying to soothe the pink-haired girl.
There was something weird about how protective they were of the pinkette.
Mamoru glared at Artemis and Aino, “Let’s stop here.”
“I know they just want to help you, but you can take your time.” Asanuma rubbed her back.
“We’ve struck Black Moon a blow they will have to recover from. Calaveras was vanquished, I might have seriously injured Rubeus and they failed to acquire Minako. This was their first real defeat at our hands.” Mamoru said gently. “Just think about it for now…”
“Okay…” was the girl’s whispered reply.
Tsukino swallowed, “Chibi-Usa, let’s go home. We can get plenty of rest and… discuss this later…”
An impassioned plea to save her home and actually returning home were clearly two different things, Chibi-Usa was not ready to return home just yet…
“I want to stay with Chii-chan and Asa-chan…” Chibi-Usa said out of the blue, shocking them yet again.
Tsukino just looked stunned.
XooooooX
Normally, letting an elementary student stay over with a 9th and 10th grader would be highly frowned upon.
Nevertheless, the two only children found themselves responsible for Chibi-Usa.
While they fed her, and drew her a bath, luckily for Mamoru and Asanuma, she shyly threw them out of the bathroom.
Asanuma seemed shy and silent the entire time and his face was bright red when he was pushed into the bathroom after Chibi-Usa emerged wearing one of Mamoru’s t-shirts. In his arms was a towel, washcloth, and some of Mamoru’s clothes.
Mamoru seemed undecided as to where she would sleep, he hadn’t had visitors that stayed over before.
Even his Shitennou had returned home if they visited…
Chibi-Usa toyed with the hem of Mamoru’s shirt as well as her pendants.
“Don’t be a baby. Here, come to bed.” Mamoru sighed.
In the end, he had procured her a pillow and made up a bed out of two quilts that he placed beside his own…
Mamoru felt very sad and lonely as he tucked her in, “So you came from the 30th century alone then?”
Chibi-Usa shook her head, “No, with Luna-P.”
Luna-P; the large ball with cat ears, a crescent moon mark, and an antenna that heavily resembled Usagi’s Luna…
That couldn’t be a coincidence…
“I see…” Mamoru murmured. “What kind of a person is your mom…”
“My mom…” Chibi-Usa seemed very sad, “She’s beautiful, gentle, and strong…”
Mamoru wiped away her tears, before speaking, “I’ve always thought, if you really want to do something, you can’t run away anymore.”
There was a gasp.
Mamoru glanced over his shoulder to find Asanuma in the open doorway, wringing his hands and looking away. Confused, he just continued. “You came all this way without running away… I think you really are strong…”
He found himself kissing the top of her pink hair and then turning the light off before leaving the door open a crack.
By then, Asanuma had moved to the hallway but turned the light on.
“Chi… Chiba-chan, you’ve been very concerned about Chibi-Usa lately…”
“You seem to have a connection to her as well, Asanuma-chan.” Mamoru shrugged.
“She loves you, you know that, right?” Asanuma asked quietly.
Mamoru blinked, “Huh? She’s only in elementary…”
Asanuma laughed hollowly, “Age has nothing to do with it. She still has a heart, Usagi isn’t the only girl to have been interested in you. Teresa of Avila Academy even has a fan club for you.” Then he coughed, “I’m sorry… for some reason, I just… I guess the heat muddled with my brain.”
Mamoru stared after him, what did that mean? Were Asanuma’s memories awakening?
Asanuma had wandered into Mamoru’s living room, he stopped mid-step. “I know Chibi-Usa said she wanted to stay with you, but I was probably an afterthought to her. Would it be better if I left?"
Mamoru felt a chill at the idea of Asanuma leaving, he found himself reaching out to grasp the blond’s hand, “Please stay…”
“I know I’m always so insecure… I wish I could be brave like you. I always feel safe when you’re there. Don’t go away and leave me, Chii-chan…”
Mamoru wanted to promise to stay but he was sure that he would have to visit the 30th century soon and wasn’t it reckless to bring Asanuma who had no powers? He sighed, “Given Chibi-Usa’s request, I am afraid I can’t promise.”
“She only asked for Sailor Moon…” Asanuma protested weakly.
“It doesn’t matter, Minako can’t protect her alone and since we lost Rei, she has become too reckless.” Mamoru found himself pulling Asanuma into his arms, “I can promise that I will do everything I can do to protect you.”
Asanuma changed the subject, “So, your birthday is coming up. What do you want to do?”
“My birthday?” Mamoru sputtered in surprise.
“August 3rd…? Do you want a proper party? We can invite Aito, Izzy, Daichi, and Kazu. I’m sure they would come. Hopefully, we have Usagi’s friends back by then…”
“A party? I don’t remember having a proper party… who knows, it might be fun.”
Asanuma’s face shadowed for a brief moment, “We’ll have to fix that. You have to have at least one memory of a birthday party.”
They found themselves curled up on the couch together, Usagi and Mamoru’s relationship with her the furthest thing from their minds.
XooooooX
Daichi and Kazu as well as Asanuma joined Mamoru in Ishi no Hashi park at the clock fountain where Chibi-Usa had dropped from the sky.
Asanuma was clearly distraught by the idea of their Master, Prince Endymion going to the future.
Luna and Artemis were perched on the shoulders of their respective charges Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus.
Chibi-Usa swallowed before turning around and blurting out. “Okay, you cannot let go of my hand! You hold on tightly, understand?”
The expectant travelers nodded in slightly confused acceptance.
Chibi-Usa removed the large silver key from the chain on her neck and toyed with it.
“Chibi-Usa, what is that…?” Usagi asked.
“This is my time key.”
“A ‘time key’? So that means you can use that key to bring Master to the 30th Century?” Daichi frowned.
“Yes, it might not be my best idea to bring you with me to the 30th Century, but I can’t face them alone and you are our only hope.” Chibi-Usa said sadly but didn’t explain as she waited for them to grab hold of her and each other.
There was a brief goodbye between Daichi, Kazu, and Mamoru. Asanuma however said nothing…
Chibi-Usa held her Time Key aloft and called out loudly, “Time Guardian! Tear open the sky and open the time door to me! I pray in the name of the one true God of Time, the Father of the Space-Time Continuum!”
The sky was literally torn open with a loud crack, similar to the one that Usagi and Mamoru remembered from just before Chibi-Usa landed on Mamoru.
Chibi-Usa ignored the loud sound and continued, “Chronos! Protect us and guard us towards the right path to take. Illuminate our path with light!”
There was a flood of blinding light and they were all being pulled up.
Before Daichi or Kazu could stop him, Asanuma had leapt up and grabbed their master.
The last thing they saw before the sky slammed shut was that Tsukino’s hand had separated from Chibi-Usa’s.
Daichi and Kazu looked at one another in horror.
“Aito is going to be furious, and Izzy is going to panic.” Daichi grumbled.
Reluctantly, they headed back to Aito and Izzy’s apartment.
XooooooX
Aito was exhausted and trying not to use his powers when he felt something was terribly wrong. His master was in danger.
He reached out painfully with his mind and connected with Tsukino’s.
‘Use the Legendary Silver Crystal to find your path!’
That brief connection sapped his strength and he passed out.
Izzy saw hir lover collapse and panicked, what in Sunna’s name was going on?
XooooooX
Daichi and Kazu knocked on the apartment door, Kazu seemed the most discomforted by what had occurred.
Daichi suspected that Kazu felt guilt that he had been unwilling to join their master. The two had been mostly inseparable since they were reunited, after all, they were classmates despite the year difference in age.
Izzy seemed panicked when she pulled open the door, “What is going on? Aito passed out… where is Asanuma?”
“He’s gone. He joined our master at the last minute. But…” Kazu began.
Izzy dragged them both inside just in time for Aito to regain consciousness.
“They are safe. Tsukino used the Legendary Silver Crystal to find the path.” Aito was holding his head by his temples.
Izzy resumed her fussing.
“So, our Master who has only recently gained powers, has been joined on a journey to the 30th Century by an unstable Sailor Venus, a distraught Sailor Moon, two talking cats, and a child from the future?” Kazu summed up the situation in a grumble.
“So it seems…” Aito said with a wince.
“We can’t do anything!” Izzy sighed, looking distraught at her helplessness.
“Izzy, we protected Sailor Venus. For all her faults, Sailor Moon desperately needs her.”
Aito stiffened, “Our Master is in trouble!”
Kazu grabbed Aito’s hand, “Use my strength. I might not have powers, but I have energy.”
Aito closed his eyes, his hand resting on Kazu’s head and he reached out.
a green-haired woman twisted and clenched her shadowy hands, the shadow crystal cocoon squeezed them causing his master and his companions to let out cries of discomfort and pain.
“Anyway, this will all be over soon. Chiral and Achiral will create an explosion by means of a chemical reaction. I believe that in your time, this is called a nuclear reaction. At any rate, you will all be destroyed. Too bad, it might have been fun to toy with you a little longer.”
Their Prince was indeed in danger, they were trapped in that strange dark crystal.
The only mind that Aito could reach was Asanuma’s.
‘Ittou… that isn’t really crystal. You can break through it.’
To his relief, the last thing he saw Asanuma borrowing Mamoru’s cane and using it like a Kendo shinai to smash their prison.
Without their powers restrained, he suspected that his master and Aino-san would defeat the enemy.
How exactly Aito could reach through time and space to the future to contact Tsukino or Asanuma, he didn’t truly understand. But he was grateful, forgotten in this time or not, Aito since regaining his memories was just as devout to Sunna and Mali as he had been in his past life.
XooooooX
While the Shitennou hadn’t been at Ishi no Hashi park when they were returned by Pluto, Mamoru wasn’t entirely surprised when not long after they had put Chibi-Usa to bed, they appeared.
Asanuma hugged a startled Aito, “Thank you! Your wisdom helped me save Chii-chan!”
Izzy as usual prepared them tea as well as serving snacks, while Asanuma and Mamoru caught them up on their adventure in the future.
Daichi was smug, “I told you that you would be King Endymion.”
Mamoru was discomforted, “I met an astral projection of myself and I saw Usako’s future self entombed in the Legendary Silver Crystal. She also was adversely affected from being in the same room as her future self.”
“So, despite being unable to use it and it being in Chibi-Usa’s possession, Tsukino as Neo-Queen Serenity has a deep connection with that crystal.” Aito mused. “Does anyone remember how it came into being?”
Asanuma’s voice took on a strange tone and when they looked at him, his eyes had turned golden. “After the final betrayal of the Steward’s family, when they stole the Golden Crystal from the Guardian and left her for dead, her soulmate third Princess Astarte of Venus called out to Mali and Sunna for her life. From the future consort of the Silver Millennia’s tears, the Legendary Silver Crystal was born. The crystal and their love cause the quickening of life as well as the return of the soul of the former guardian.
Princess Selene of Earth who was raised Lady Aine of Venus and was chosen by Sunna as Guardian, was returned to life Blessed of Mali. Supporters of Queen Gaia of Elysian joined the order of Mali on the Moon, from the exile came the Silver Millennium Kingdom where the now Queen Serenity ruled in exile. Her kingdom and authority was first recognized by her brother by marriage, the King of Pluto.”
There were a few moments of silence before Asanuma regained consciousness.
The Shitennou and Mamoru had prayed in awe, the Priest of Sunna had spoken with her voice.
This was something that was unheard of in this age.
The experience though Asanuma didn’t remember had exhausted them, the excitement of having seen the future had worn off.
Having assured themselves that their prince and the priest were well, the Shitennou reluctantly left.
Mamoru carried Asanuma to bed, they could clean up properly in the morning.
XooooooX
Mamoru was unnerved to find Chibi-Usa was not in the bedroom when he woke up…
Nor was she in the bathroom, all of her things were gone including Luna-P.
He hurried to dress before waking Asanuma, half-bullying him into getting ready before half-dragging him to Makoto’s apartment.
They heard Luna on the other side of the door when they arrived, soon after an exhausted Usako threw open the door.
“What is the matter?” she glanced around, “Where is Chibi-Usa?”
Mamoru coughed, “She isn’t here?”
Usagi shook her head, “The door was locked…”
“Can you call home? Just say you woke up and she was gone, you couldn’t find a note, so you thought she might be at home?” Mamoru asked anxiously.
Usagi let them inside while she went to find her phone.
Minako emerged from Makoto’s bedroom yawning, “What’s the matter?”
“Chibi-Usa, she might be missing. She slipped out of Mamoru’s apartment…” Usagi said as she looked for her phone.
Artemis appeared with it and Usagi was less than gentle retrieving it.
She fumbled to dial her house, but eventually got the number right.
“Hello Kaasan, is Chibi-Usa there? She slipped out while I was sleeping and didn’t write a note. I hoped,” Usagi paused. “…oh, so she isn’t there? Well, she can’t have gone too far, right? I’ll just go look for her. I’ll let you know when I find her, I’m sure she’s fine…”
There was a sickening feeling, and she was feeling impatient…
“So, she wasn’t home?” Minako frowned.
Usagi shook her head, heedless of the teenage boys in the genkan, she dressed quickly while Minako disappeared into the bedroom.
Mamoru and Asanuma turned around blushing, while the elder mailed Aito that Chibi-Usa was missing and they were returning to the future.
Usagi was putting her shoes on and making sure she had the Time-Key when Minako reappeared.
Then the strange human four-some hurried towards the park they returned too, with the cats in tow; well, riding the shoulder of their respective charge that is…
Usagi repeated Chibi-Usa’s words from the other day to open a portal into Sailor Pluto’s domain.
Asanuma had a sense of unease as if some event of great disaster was hanging over them like the air before a thunderstorm.
XooooooX
Ittou was left alone in horror.
Mamoru had slipped away not long after they discovered that Chibi-Usa was missing. He had shielded her with his own body when she was attacked by Diamond and a hooded man.
Daichi’s voice had sounded in his own mind warning him not to look at Diamond who had been overly interested in Tsukino.
Tsukino had heard the warning too late, Sailor Moon’s scepter had fallen from her hand, she had been levitated before being encompassed in a ball of red light.
All three had disappeared.
Ittou had been nearly deafened by the sound of Chibi-Usa’s scream.
The moon scepter that Mamoru had retrieved was shattered, just like their hopes.
Mamoru was in silent shock at the time, Aino had been screaming in rage and Chibi-Usa’s cries had quieted.
Ittou had to navigate them back to the Crystal Palace where he was forced to inform Diana and King Endymion what had transpired.
Chibi-Usa had been left alone, perhaps, the worst thing they could have done. After seeing her mother and aunts injured in the future, she had seen Sailors Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars kidnapped as well. It was so much trauma in so little time…
After losing his true love in a car accident that stole Chii-chan’s memories, only to have a mental breakdown, Ittou had been reunited with Mamoru only to have him taken over by some strange entity. Powerless or not, Ittou couldn’t bear to be separated from his soulmate and had recklessly followed them to the future.
He should have stayed with her, perhaps, she wouldn’t have left.
He had realized that something terrible would happen only too late.
There had been a space-time quake…
King Endymion had explained what happened…
Pluto was injured and Chibi-Usa was gone.
Ittou had sagged in Mamoru’s arms murmuring that she had done a crime against time and her soul.
Only for Chii-chan to disappear after her.
He had a sickening sense of dread that whatever horror Chibi-Usa had done to herself, that she had done some wicked thing to Chii-chan…
In the middle of his reminiscing and recrimination, Tsukino returned with Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter.
They had been discussing the situation with Pluto who was leaning heavily on the frame of the Space-Time Door while seated on what passed for ground in this place.
Aino ran into Hino’s arms, “Usagi, Ami, Makoto… Rei… I never lost hope, I had to believe that we’d be together again.”
Hino pulled her into her arms, “You aren’t alone anymore.”
Aino crumbled, “I tried so hard. But how…”
“Neo-Queen Serenity lent us some of her amazing power.” Usagi said, “She helped us.”
“It wasn’t just her…” King Endymion said confidently.
The five Senshi from the past gasped, with Minako and Ami turning to look at him in surprise.
“Yes, your own power helped too, Sailor Moon. It was in part to your dedication and confidence, you called on your inner strength. You summoned the Silver Crystal’s power enabling it to work in this Time. Well done, you should be proud of yourself.” King Endymion continued.
Usagi frowned, “Wait… where are Chibi-Usa and Tuxedo Kamen?”
King Endymion’s expression was gentle but pained, “Small Lady wandered deep into the Space-Time Continuum and was lost; we think that is what is causing this tempest. Soon after we discovered, rather Asanuma discovered, that Mamoru disappeared as well. We think he went in search of her… however, neither of them has a key to return and Sailor Pluto had not yet recovered enough to search for them.”
“You used the last of your strength to rescue us…” Usagi whispered in horror.
“I will find Small Lady,” Pluto said stubbornly. “I was her friend, and she was lost on my watch. I owe her… I promised that I would always be there for her and then this happened.”
“Space-Time storm or not, I have to find them. Please… let me go!” Usagi begged.
“You can’t go!” Pluto said as she leaned heavily on her staff, “It’s too dangerous. We don’t even know where in space-time they are.”
“I don’t care how dangerous it is. If Mamo and Chibi-Usa are out there,”
Smack!
“You think you are the only one who wants to run out and look for them? Get in line! I should have known he would do this! I should have stopped him. I should have realized that she might try to run away again, especially after losing you. Unlike all of you, I don’t have power. I shouldn’t be here…” Ittou chastised Tsukino.
“You sensed that Chibi-Usa was in trouble before any of us…” Luna said kindly.
“Luna has a point,” Aino mumbled. “You had us looking.”
“You have always been so perceptive.” King Endymion said kindly. “As well as brave…”
“I’m not brave at all…” Ittou protested.
“I have seen your heart, Asanuma… I know you very well. Perhaps, better than you know yourself…” the King of 30th Century Earth murmured.
Meanwhile, Usagi was still struggling.
“I couldn’t protect Chibi-Usa before… please, let me help her now! She’s my daughter! I didn’t break out of Nemesis to sit on my hands!”
“In the great oblivion between space-time, the laws of physics don’t apply. It is a gaping abyss, eager to swallow the unwary. It is littered with pitfalls and hazards that appear without warning, even one with Chronos’ blood would find it treacherous. Even under normal conditions, no one should venture there. You were lucky the last time you lost hold of Small Lady; you cannot count on such a miracle again.” Pluto retorted weakly.
“I have a key, Pluto.” Usagi whispered.
“Your mother and I, we were cousins. It pained her to send me here, she promised that I would always be safe here. She didn’t mention that I would see the end of everything I knew… I saw her as she cradled her lover in her arms weeping. I promised her that in time that you too would have a great love of your own. Please… I beg of you, for her sake, stay where it is safe and let me find where Small Lady is!”
“By then, something terrible could happen! I must go…” Usagi begged.
One by one, the other Senshi promised to follow her, with Kino shrugging that there was no talking her out of it.
Pluto sighed, “Very well…”
Yet, there seemed to be a sad joy in her…
Pluto stepped away from the door, pausing only briefly as if to see if they were following.
Ittou fell to his knees, his lips moving in a language he vaguely remembered, praying to deities that felt more real here in this in-between place.
“I know hope seems bleak,” Came King Endymion’s voice, “you’re stronger than you realize, Asanuma. Mamoru may not realize how precious you are… but I had time to learn. You must believe that he will be alright.”
Without any other options, Ittou just kept praying.
XooooooX
Ittou felt the Senshis’ return.
Kino was carrying Usagi, with Mizuno clutching her. This left Aino to support Hino while Pluto was still leaning heavily on her key-like staff.
King Endymion whispered, “That’s Luna-P. Things are worse than I feared. Come, Ami, that must be fixed.”
Hino leaned heavily on Aino-san, “Relax, I trust that he would not waste Ami’s time. She needs this…”
They followed King Endymion back to the Crystal palace, but Ittou was still lost in his thoughts.
He hoped that the Shitennou didn’t blame him for this…
XooooooX
The three Senshi waited fitfully until Ami returned, she seemed more confident, and Luna-P was fixed.
“Send them back, Pluto, they have been gone too long already. Being out of her natural place in the time continuum and wielding so much power as well as anchoring the others… it took too much out of her.” King Endymion mused.
Hino and Kino frowned; they obviously hadn’t realized that Tsukino had been working so hard…
Pluto assured herself that Usagi still had her time-key before sending them back, with cats and Asanuma in tow.
They were met at the fountain in the park by the leader of the Shitennou…
“You are?” Hino frowned.
“Shime Aito, formerly a knight in Prince Endymion’s service. We have returned to our master’s side, yet we could not protect him…” the former general grumbled. “Izzy would have come, but they are working. Kazu and Daichi are meditating, I will bring Asanuma there as well. Perhaps, we might be able to be of some assistance to you…”
“Any would be appreciated.” Aino mumbled.
“Protect her, they are precious but daring. While we could not have prevented him from joining you, we have attempted to aide where we could.” Aito bowed
“No doubt, he was appreciative. If Usagi could rescue us…” Hino muttered, “She would do the same for your master… she tried but had been in that place too long.”
“She will no doubt return there soon and attempt to find them. Until then…” Aito bowed as he scooped up Ittou.
Ittou felt the strength as well as tension in those arms and trembled.
“Do you know what Asanuma is? That place affected him more strongly than I…” Hino frowned.
“I know what he was…” Aito said absently, “Not unlike your princess, he was born Blessed of Sunna, but was destined for another path. He was young for his duties and responsibilities… trained from a young age and fiercely loyal to both the true guardian and the prince. For a time, it was obvious that he was truly favored. Unlike us, his loyalty was true until death…”
Ittou felt a shiver, what could possibly have severed the loyalty that Chii-chan’s knights had for his soulmate. He remembered vaguely after hearing Aito’s reminiscing; he had been a priest. Not just a priest, but the High Priest of Sunna.
“Your master is a wise man; he has no doubt forgiven you.” Hino observed.
“Yet, we have much to redeem ourselves for…”
With that said, Aito carried Ittou away.
He was exhausted both physically and mentally from his time in the future.
Was it any wonder that he passed out?
XooooooX
Aito had been carefully experimenting with his powers. His brief touches of Tsukino and Ittou’s minds had been exhausting.
He had headed to the tower fountain where he had seen the travelers off before and brought Asanuma back.
They had all sensed the time-space quake but Aito had been the most affected. He recognized first of the Shitennou when something had happened to their Master.
Kazu had shared enough energy for Izzy to be able to return to work, reluctantly of course.
They had to wait for Asanuma to wake up and Aito to walk Izzy back from the club.
Daichi made them pizzas of all things while they discussed.
It was disconcerting to learn about Asanuma and their Master’s past, how a head injury from a car accident had wiped Mamoru’s memory of his life before the accident as well as their friendship.
Given how dependent Izzy had become, Aito wondered how she would take it if anything happened to him.
Despite his claims to the contrary, Asanuma had grown stronger and had managed to survive Mamoru being previously brainwashed. Aito wondered if the enemy that brainwashed their Prince had previously controlled them. It wasn’t unbelievable, one of the more uncomfortable memories that he had regained was the fall of the Kingdoms of Elysian and the Silver Millennium.
Asanuma still seemed shaken by the third loss of their master, but he didn’t seem as if he was going to fall apart which was good.
Unlike his usual gruffness with Asanuma, Kazu was polite.
The five of them chose to remain at Izzy and Aito’s apartment, with Izzy making up a bed on the couch for Asanuma as well as a palate for Daichi and Kazu in the living room.
It would be a very uneasy night for all of them.
XooooooX
They experienced another space-time quake, with Asanuma panicking.
“I have to go back! Chii-chan and Chibi-Usa need me.”
Borrowing on Izzy, Kazu, and Daichi’s strength, Aito reluctantly teleported their priest back to the clock fountain.
Soon after the five Senshi appeared with the ball that resembled one of the cats, as well as both cats.
Neither the Senshi nor the cats argued about Asanuma joining them.
Leaving Aito to watch as the sky once more ripped apart and yanked them into the future.
XooooooX
Ittou landed at the Space-Time door to see Pluto no better and panicking.
They hurried into the ruins of Crystal Tokyo, following Usagi towards the palace.
Waiting for them was the astral form of Chii-chan’s future self and the profile of someone who filled Ittou with a sense of such wrongness that he felt ill.
A tall woman with a hairstyle similar to Usagi but pink…
They were dressed in a tight pink gauze underdress with a high black velvet collar covered in large pink diamonds and a black spaghetti strap overdress that hugged surprisingly womanly curves complete with a thigh-high slit. Their legs were shockingly bare, and she wore bright pink pumps similar to Minako’s.
It was usagi who spoke first….
“Chibi-Usa? What have you done to yourself?”
The woman blinked when Luna-P threw itself out of Usagi’s arms and landed on the palace’s floor.
“Did you miss me?” the pink-haired woman taunted, “Not that it matters, now give me the silver crystal!”
As they all stood in shock, but Ittou tried desperately to see something of Chibi-Usa that he could connect with.
The crystal surrounding Neo-Queen Serenity pulsed once and then it seemed as if Chibi-Usa had disappeared.
However, her rant filled the air anyway.
“Neat trick! So that’s how the unworthy are cast out of paradise. Guess this means that I’m kicked out of the family and can no longer inherit the throne of the Silver Millennium. Fine, keep your crown! Why would I want to assure immortality to a world that didn’t want me? Now it’s my turn to turn my back on you!”
Ittou followed King Endymion, the cats, and the Senshi out of the palace.
The seemingly grown-up Chibi-Usa was still throwing a tantrum at being sent on a sort of time-out.
“Chibi-Usa!”
“Small Lady!”
“Yes,” drawled the pinkette, “I was Chibi-Usa once upon a time. But as you can see, I’ve grown up. Both monikers are insulting now, don’t you think? Wiseman!”
The senshi and Crystal Tokyo’s current foe appeared at her side.
“My name is Black Lady. Wiseman, Mouthpiece of Darkness chose me to be Handmaiden of the Darkness. Now I am Black Lady of Nemesis, soon to be Lady of Destruction of the entirety of Sol!”
“Chibi-Usa, please… come back to us.” Usagi begged, her hands folded as she pleaded. “I can see you are in pain and it hurts…”
“Don’t presume to know me! You are just a child, unworthy to wield the powers of the Legendary Silver Crystal. You will all bow before me or die!” Black Lady snapped before throwing an attack at Usagi.
Ittou watched as the four Senshi jumped in front of their princess to throw up a shield with the same determination that the Shitennou would.
He listened in silence as Usagi and the other Senshi tried to reach her emotionally. With Aino-san offering a sincere apology.
Then he piped up, “You had people who cared for you, you just are choosing to forget this. What about Sailor Pluto or King Endymion?”
Usagi tried to convince Chibi-Usa or rather Black Lady that Chii-chan and King Endymion still cared deeply about her.
The dismissal that Black Lady had for their concern upset Ittou deeply, but not as much as when Black Lady summoned Chii-chan. He was wooden, almost half-alive as Black Lady draped his arms around her briefly.
“Chii-chan… no, no, no! Not again, please…” Asanuma cried out almost hysterically, “I can’t see him erased… Chibi-Usa… what have you done… give him back!”
The sight was even more disturbing to Ittou than what Chibi-Usa had done to herself.
He could only watch in silent horror as Chii-chan raised the cracked moon scepter and struck Tsukino with it.
It was only from sensing the Shitennou that Ittou regained his composure.
Things just went from bad to worse.
Aino was practically in tears as she struggled to apologize, but it only seemed to make Black Lady more unstable.
Black Lady slammed a third Black crystal into the earth in a flare of temper.
Ittou was startled when Usagi reached toward Chii-chan, “Mamo-chan! Your oath… how is this keeping your oath?”
“Oath? What nonsense is this?” Black Lady snarled.
“In my past, during the first Silver Millennium just before its fall, I swore an oath to the Moon and its sovereign. That I would defend it with my life… It was made in the presence of Queen Serenity and Princess Serenity. Despite the Millennia since the fall of the first Silver Millennium, I have been bound to it. Even now, it beats within Tuxedo Kamen…” King Endymion said quietly.
“No, that is erased! He is mine!” Black Lady shouted.
Then behind them, the Crystal Palace began to glow.
“Are you still trying to defy me? I hold all the cards! I hold the two people you love most! I can crush them to dust if I want to. Now hand over the Silver Crystal of the past, both you and Neo-Queen Serenity must surrender to me!”
“I won’t let you!” Usagi said as she stood glowing in the radiance of her own silver crystal and that of the palace.
“Very well, Black Lady, give them another Malefic Black Crystal.”
“No! Wiseman, you’ll destroy the Earth and all of us along with it!” Sapphire gasped.
“So? The Queen and the second silver crystal are practically in my grasp. The rest is of little importance…” Wiseman said dismissively.
“I thought we were going to free the Earth, not destroy it…” Diamond protested. “So, we’re all just expendable pawns to you? You hear that, Black Lady?”
“Diamond, how dare you speak to Wiseman like this!”
“You didn’t realize this… how unfortunate. The evil sight you gave me shielded me from your mind control… thus, I am still myself. I’ve never been under your spell.”
“I don’t have time for you and Wiseman shouldn’t bother with someone so… ungrateful. Sapphire!”
Diamond flinched, “So, it’s come to this. You were always among my most loyal comrades… obeying even when you knew I was being reckless. I knew that your feelings for me went beyond friendship, for me… you were like my brother, but it was different for you. Your only defiance was in refusing to wear any of the Malefic Black Crystal yourself. I dragged all of you into this… I am so sorry. May you find the peace in death that you never had in life.”
The Senshi watched horrified as Sapphire and Diamond were forced to fight one another, with the dark-haired man vaporizing after an attack from Diamond’s evil eye.
Then Diamond turned his fury and his power upon Wiseman, only to discover that Wiseman truly wasn’t as he seemed.
Ittou had felt only revulsion at the visage of Wiseman, but he was only an animated corpse?
“Wiseman was only a mouthpiece, behold… the source of our power! Come forth Queen of Darkness!” Black Lady called out worshipfully as she held out her hands.
Then in the sky, which was abruptly torn asunder to reveal the planet Nemesis which had not been destroyed as supposed.
“I am Hel, that was a human in the past. He called himself Phantom, but when exiled to my world, I found him a willing suppliant, and in mockery of my brother’s chosen gave him a new name and purpose. I named him ‘Wiseman’. Long ago before life as you know it sprang up, this plane was inhabited by the gods. Nemesis was meant to be my prison, where the souls of the deceased that were to be were to come. Over the millennia since I was imprisoned here, I merged with this planet until we became one.” The voice of the planet was mocking and loud with all the deafening power of a hurricane or tornado.
Ittou’s head hurt, his memories of his past in Elysian were hazy at best. But he vaguely remembered learning about lesser gods such as Chronos the god of time, but Hel… that was not a name he remembered.
With the planet, which was made of Malefic black crystal so near, the Earth began vanishing at a faster rate. The first to collapse was Rei, followed by the other Senshi… even the astral projection of King Endymion wavered. Diamond too ended up on his knees, not in worship or out of fear, but due to the draining of his strength and perhaps, even his life.
Ittou was also weakened in its presence.
Usagi found herself on her knees trembling from weakness and indignation, “Mars… Mercury… Venus… Jupiter…”
The only ones not affected were Black Lady and her hypnotized Tuxedo Kamen.
Ittou’s face was grim as he crawled over to Usagi, “You can’t let them win! This world, this system is under the protection of Mali and Sunna. Call on them, they have always favored the Guardian. Especially, the ones of your bloodline…”
“Soon Earth will vanish, every last trace. After that, we’ll erase the rest of Sol until Nemesis is all that remains!
Once more, Usagi and the palace began to glow and vibrate in sync.
Black Lady thundered, “No, you don’t. My Queen!”
Sailor Moon began to shield, using her light to press back the encroaching power of Nemesis.
Then, before anyone knew what happened…
Diamond was holding Usagi’s broach, having ripped it from her and the one that had been in Black Lady’s hand.
Usagi was only the ground motionless, her transformation broken, and the crystal palace’s glow very much dimmed.
Ittou remembered a similar scene described his predecessor as High Priest of Sunna how the wife of the usurper’s heir Calyce had stolen the Golden Crystal. His father in that time Hyperion had told him of the death of the Guardian, his mother was her elder sister at birth before being chosen by Mali.
“I was told that nothing was more powerful than the Malefic Black Crystal only to see it rivaled by the Legendary Silver Crystal. I wonder what would befall if one possessed not one, but two of these crystals. This is for Rubeus, Emerald, and Sapphire!”
“No, Diamond… don’t!” King Endymion cried out in horror.
It was into this scene of chaos that Sailor Pluto stepped into…
“Calm down, please. You don’t want to do anything rash!” King Endymion said, oblivious to Pluto’s appearance.
“Give them back!” Black Lady snapped.
“No! Small Lady!”
“I am going to end everything and take you all with me!” Diamond said maniacally.
Pluto’s voice broke through, “Queen Serenity, forgive me!” She raised her staff, “TIME STOP!”
With that, everything froze… all time, all memory…
XoooooooX
As a former priest, Ittou was aware that some great taboo had been broken.
Black Lady was gone and in her place was Chibi-Usa and Usagi was alive.
Pluto lay weak and dying on the ground, both of the true heirs of their respective Legendary Silver Crystal knelt at Pluto’s side where she returned their crystals.
“I broke the taboos; I accept my fate. Be brave, my cousins, I am glad I was able to fight with you at least once. I believe in you, Small Lady; you will be a strong Senshi and a wise queen in time. It was my honor to have met you, Princess Serenity. Do not be dismayed, there will always be a Sailor Pluto. You both are blessed of Mali and Sunna, Chronos will exact his vengeance for my disobedience, but he will reward me for my sacrifice.”
With that final gasp, Sailor Pluto seemed to shatter into crimson dust.
Ittou prayed for Pluto’s soul, breaking a taboo was beyond forbidden. Yet, he sensed she had done it not out of defiance, but out of love as well as desperation.
Chibi-Usa wept into her hands and the Legendary Silver Crystal of the future began to glow.
Usagi took her hand, “She saved us all, you found your own power. Let's fight together.”
Usagi began to glow, shimmering with the moon-like visage of Neo-Queen Serenity, “We believe in you, I have always believed in you, my precious Small Lady.”
Usagi and Chibi-Usa both sported similar expressions of defiance and grief as they called upon their respective Legendary Silver Crystal.
The worn, but not broken Senshi of the past, Mamoru, King Endymion, and Ittou watched as Usagi and Chibi-Usa both used ‘Moon Princess Halation’. It destroyed the corpse of Wiseman, vanquished Nemesis from the sky, and repaired Crystal Tokyo to what could only be imagined in their own time.
Despite the perceived fact that the Legendary Silver Crystal could only be used in its respective time period, Usagi had managed it.
When the two crown princesses of their respective Silver Millennium landed, the Earth was a far different place than it had been either at their arrival or due to the further devastation that had been sparked by Black Lady.
Chibi-Usa swallowed, “Can it,”
Usagi shook her head, “We are guardians of it, but we must never use it selfishly. She is gone, if my mother would not use it to bring back her beloved, then we cannot use it to save the life of one. Pluto,”
“She broke her oath,” Luna interrupted, “she is… became merely Princess Nyx of Pluto. We can call her a hero, but the exact details must be kept secret.”
King Endymion nodded, “This will be a painful announcement for Neo-Queen Serenity, the loss of Princess Nyx of Pluto means that a member of the Plutonian Royal Family will be appointed in her place.”
Chibi-Usa flinched, her eyes widening as something seem to dawn on her before she hung her head in dejection.
“That is an issue for another time. I recommend you escort our guests to the moon palace, Small Lady. They could use the rest before returning to their own time. I am sure that their future selves will have no issue if they use their old rooms.” King Endymion advised.
Chibi-Usa nodded, murmuring agreement before using a Mercurian portal to escort them to the Moon Palace.
XoooooooX
They should have returned to their present, but they couldn’t face that journey just yet.
They were mourning the loss of Sailor Pluto of course, as well as their own more private anguish, as they were escorted to the Moon Palace where they were Chibi-Usa’s guests for the night. There were servants, mostly persons from the other Sol Kingdoms. For the Senshi, Mamoru and Ittou, the deference was discomforting. While they had some memories of their past lives, they hadn't been royalty for millennia.
In the morning, they were expected to return to their own time.
After bathing, Ittou found himself unable to be parted from Mamoru, he fell asleep holding Chii-chan’s hand.
XoooooooX
Chibi-Usa fetched them for breakfast, they watched as the Earth was healed.
Diana, the tiny grey kitten joined them, dropping a new wand in Usagi’s lap. Teasing the heir to the Silver Millenium that it healed.
Chibi-Usa escorted them to the Space-Time door looking uneasy before taking Usagi’s Space-Time key. “Chronos, Father of Time, as one Blessed but not Chosen, open the path of time. Return my friends to their own time.”
There was a flash of light and they were pulled back through time.
XoooooooX
Aito had sensed that all had returned to normal in the future and the Shitennou were waiting when the travelers appeared.
They were not alone, those strange crows from Hikawa shrine had been there as well.
The sky was rent open again depositing their master, Asanuma, the Senshi, and the cats.
The Shitennou immediately knelt and whispered prayers of thanks to Sunna and Mali before Aito address their prince.
“Master, you have returned. All is well?”
“The future seems to be secured; the threat has ended.” Hino nodded.
The crows landed on her shoulder and she immediately seemed stronger.
Hino and Aino conferred with Aito and Izzy while their fellow Shitennou and Senshi escorted their respective charge home.
Asanuma was still clinging to Mamoru when they left, the Shitennou had learned of the events in the future following his return alone.
Makoto and Ami were likely delivering Usagi home, leaving her to Luna.
While Mamoru and Asanuma were taken by Kazu and Daichi.
Aito suspected it would be some time before Asanuma was comfortable being separated from their Master.
XoooooooX
Following their return from the future, the Shitennou were treated as equals by the Senshi and accepted into their command center.
Mamoru was most often found training with his classmate Kazu, their sword skills had increased exponentially since they were reunited.
Aito was seen sparring with his Senshi counterpart, Minako who was a teenage music idol in this life named.
Izzy was often seen sparring with Ami. While the two were very shy but had found some common ground.
Rei avoided Kazu like the plague, but seemed to have taken Asanuma under her wing, he had some skill with mage and priest powers. She was clearly suspicious that he was part of the Sunna priesthood, and she mentioned that he had picked up the discipline of her shrine’s ways instinctively. Religious testing and training were no longer a common thing in this century, but Asanuma’s confidence had begun strengthening as he gained awareness and skill.
Mamoru and Kazu occasionally escorted him to the Hikawa Shrine after school and sparred nearby while the two of them meditated.
Despite his protests, Aito was under the impression that Asanuma seemed to have an inner steel that one might miss, he was willing to travel to the future and face danger without powers. He had strong spiritual senses and a keen sense of duty.
Occasionally, Aito joined Rei and Asanuma in their meditations, he had spiritual awareness as well but he was different.
While the current danger had passed, Aito was not naïve enough to believe that they would be freee of conflicts in the future.