Continuing Tales

The Ties that Bind

A Sailor Moon Story
by Firefly-shy

Part 7 of 30

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The Ties that Bind

"We're confused?" Venus repeated, giving a well bred snort.

She and the Senshi stood close to their Princess, currently in the guise of Sailor Moon, facing off against the long dead Generals. Or so they thought.

"Who do you think you are, then?"

The four men looked at her in surprise, deeply offended.

"We are Endymion's guards," Kunzite explained, his expression both stern and proud, "Chosen from birth to serve him and gifted by the Earth herself. The Four Heavenly Kings."

Venus smothered a laugh.

"Heavenly Kings, eh?" she asked with a smirk, "More like Hell's Angels."

"Why is she comparing us to a biking gang?" Zoisite asked.

"I think she meant it literally," Nephrite mused.

"Pretty but evil," Venus explained, "Like a bowl of Chocolate Ice Cream."

The Shitennou blinked at her, and Kunzite frowned.

"Sometimes, I really don't get why she's the leader," Mars muttered.

"I heard that," Venus muttered back.

"Well, if you're the Heavenly Kings," Jupiter spoke up, with heavy sarcasm lingering over the title, "Then what happened to the Generals we defeated four years ago?"

"Yeah," Mars added, crossing her arms, "The ones who happened to look just like you?"

"And who's names were conveniently the same as yours," Venus added, sweetly.

The Shitennou glanced between each other, then at their Prince.

"I don't know if I have an explanation," he said, "All I really know is what I learned from the stones."

"Stones?"

"After we defeated Beryl," he began, "I received four stones. At the time, I thought they were the souls of my Shitennou - they'd been trapped in the stones because of Metallia's curse."

"Wait," Venus interrupted, "You knew that you had these - these Shitennou?"

"Yes. I remembered it quite a while ago."

"And you didn't bother to tell us?" she went on, "For some excellent reason, no doubt?"

"I didn't think it was important."

"Uh-huh."

"Tranquility," Mars whispered to her leader, noting the fair and wrinkled brow, "Remember what we talked about - those who anger you control you..."

"Ice cream," Venus murmured to herself, "the beach, photo shoots, Matsumoto Jun in a swim suit..."

Kunzite coughed with a discreet look at his Prince. Mamoru almost felt himself smile. Those not familiar with Mina's style of leadership often got that look on their faces.

"These ladies, " he said to the Shitennou, "Are the Senshi. They are the guardians of my princess. And my friends."

The Shitennou nodded, reluctantly.

"We know who they are, but where is the princess?" Nephrite asked, "Surely you shouldn't leave her unprotected?"

Venus began to growl, but Mamoru stopped her short.

"This is the princess, " he said, drawing Moon's hand through his arm, "She's -"

He didn't get any farther, because Venus launched herself at him at the same time that Kunzite moved to block her - with lighting speed the two leaders collided.

"They don't need to know that, prince," Venus hissed, locking her gaze with Kunzite's.

"Please step away from Endymion," he ordered, his tone as calm as ever, but his eyes menacing.

"Venus!"

"Kunzite!"

Moon and Mamoru barked their commands at once, and both leaders backed away, reluctantly. Even as she gazed into the liquid silver eyes, Venus found herself reacting strangely: her heart beat increased, and she felt a tug of familiarity.

Kunzite gave the slightest of shakes, as though he felt a little electric shock.

"As I was saying, "Mamoru went on, "The stones were the souls of my guardians, I thought. But I started having headaches a short while ago, and I noticed that the stones were behaving oddly, and then today I suddenly recieved my memories of that time. Of the Silver Millennium. And these men appeared."

"And they are my guardians."

The Senshi looked as though they had many objections to this, but Moon silenced them with a glance.

"I think I understand," she said, "At least, I know that you seem to trust them - "

"I don't!" Mars declared, her eyes flamming.

"Neither do I," Jupiter growled.

Mercury shook her head.

Venus smiled, unpleasantly.

"I didn't say that I trust them." He gently interrupted. Behind him the Shitennou gaped.

"I said I know them, but I don't know if they know themselves," he continued, turning to gaze at the stricken Shitennou.

"How much do you remember of your past lives?"

"We were -are - your guards," Jadeite replied, "Your comrades. We would never have betrayed you - and we certainly never served Beryl."

A shadow passed over Mamoru's face.

"But you did," he said, "And when you were still spirits in stones you remembered that also. What else have you forgotten, I wonder?"

Jadeite seemed too stunned to reply, his face closed off instantly. Zoisite appeared felled, his face had gone white. Nephrite looked from Kunzite's unmoving face to Mamoru's with desperation.

"But we died," he insisted, "We were dead before Beryl could attack - I remember it."

He looked at Moon, pleading silently. Her gaze instantly softened.

"All I remember," she told him, "Is that my prince came to visit me that last night. Then Beryl attacked and my Senshi battled her. And leading that attack was..."

She trailed off, but her meaning was clear.

"I don't believe it," Zoisite declared, shaking his head, "I don't."

"We were dead," Jadeite answered, his voice cold, "Beryl tricked us into meeting with her - but when she asked for our allegiance we refused. That's all I remember, because she killed us on the spot."

Kunzite nodded.

"It's true," he said, "I was the last to die. I watched her kill them and I felt their deaths."

Mamoru and the Senshi flinched.

"It isn't possible."

"Then it seems we have a mystery on our hands," Mamoru answered. Everyone was silent for a moment, reliving those last horrible moments of their individual deaths on the Moon or the Earth, thousands of years earlier.

"If you really are my servants," Mamoru said, "Then I will ask you to prove your loyalty in front of myself, the princess and the Senshi."

The Shitennou stood as tall as they could, at attention.

"Whatever you ask of us, we will do it," Kunzite answered, without hesitation.

Mamoru's eyes glimmered as he said: "Even if I ask for your lives?"

Zoisite paled a bit more, and Jadeite and Nephrite's face grew grim, but Kunzite's expression never wavered.

"Yes."

As if to emphasize his point, he drew his sword and turned it, hilt away from him, offering it to Mamoru. He then knelt on one knee and bowed his head. The other Shitennou watched for a moment, before swiftly copying him, kneeling in a row with their swords raised in their hands.

Mamoru merely watched them, then turned to the Senshi and motioned for them to approach.

"Take it," he told them. It wasn't an order, but rather an invitation.

Moon murmured in his ear and he slipped an arm around her, whispering back. Her face looked tight with worry, but she remained silent.

The Senshi hesitantly approached the Shitennou. Venus was the first to take a sword, and smoothly hefted Kunzite's weapon in her hands. His hand didn't even tremor as he released it to her, and he didn't look up. Likewise, she showed no emotion, but simply waited with the weapon held in check above his head.

Jupiter, her hands trembling with suppressed anger, jerked Nephrite's sword out of his hand so quickly that the sharp blade made a slight cut on his palm. A few drops of blood welled up and suddenly made the concept of execution much more real in Jupiter's mind. She took a deep breath as she raised the heavy weapon.

Mars felt no great anger, but her desire to purify the evil attached to these men, and her sense of justice, made drawing the sword from Jadeite's hands a simple task, if not an easy one. She watched the way it glinted in the light as she held it.

Mercury was the most hesitant, and had to take a deep breath before gingerly taking Zoisite's sword. Her heart almost gave out on her when she realized he was her age - pity was strong in her. But the threat he posed to her princess and her friends was too great to be ignored, and she eventually raised the sword and readied herself.

There was dead silence as the Senshi stood over the Shitennou with their glittering weapons ready to fall.

Venus slowly hefted her sword high enough to make a strong swing. The other Senshi raised theirs in perfect syncopation with her. She took a sharp breath and swung the sword down with all her strength.

Four thundering crashes rang in the air. Four blades clattered to the ground.

Moon made a noise somewhere between a gasp and a sob and buried her face in Mamoru's chest.

The Senshi stood back, grimly looking down.

"You've proved your point," Venus said, quietly.

Without looking back she walked over and gathered Sailor Moon into a tight hug (whether she gave it as comfort for Usagi or herself, she couldn't say), and Mamoru pulled away to approach the Shitennou who continued to kneel on the ground, their swords splitting the tile beneath them. They hadn't moved an inch.

Jupiter gave a sniff, and wiped her eyes on her gloves before walking back to her princess. She seemed mollified, but it was difficult to tell.

Mars reached down and lifted Jadeite's face with one finger. She gazed deeply into his eyes, searching for the even the hint of fear - but only calm determination answered her gaze. She dropped his chin and turned away.

Mercury made to go, but then returned in spite of herself and asked Nephrite if his hand was alright.

"It's fine, Senshi Mercury, thank you," he replied.

She nodded and hastily retreated.

"I see I can trust your word," Mamoru spoke. Behind him the Senshi, crowded around Moon, waited.

"Rise."

The Shitennou broke their statue like pose and stood, keeping their heads bowed before Mamoru's gaze.

"Swear your fealty to me," he commanded, "And to my princess."

Kunzite stepped closer to him, took his hand, and said:

"I swear."

He then kissed Mamoru's hand. The others followed suit until they had all sworn their loyalty. The Senshi watched the men's faces closely and seemed slightly eased by what they saw - real devotion, such as what they felt for their princess. It was a start.

Mamoru watched the Shitennou resume their positions as living statues with bowed heads, and felt his heart wince.

"No doubt this has been a tiring day for all of us," he said, "I'd like to ask you to come home with me, if you don't mind, so that we can get to know each other again."

The Shitennou glanced up sharply, in spite of themselves.

"Well," Mamoru continued, a slow smile forming on his face, "If you're going to be my guardians I should at least know your names."

As if they couldn't believe their ears, the Shitennou took a whole moment to process the information that they were now reinstated in Mamoru's affections.

"Welcome back."

It was still a somber moment, but there was hope in the Shitennou's face now. The Senshi still remained stone-like, watching the Shitennou.

"As a gesture of good faith," Kunzite said, glancing at the Senshi.

He then transformed in front of them - his cape and armor disappearing, replaced by the grey sweat pants and sleeveless shirt. His medium length hair was pulled back into a short pony tail at the nape of his neck. The transformation made him dizzy - and the combination of the sudden return of his memories and self-knowledge casused all of the Shitennou to feel a little bewildered.

'Wow' - Venus thought, appreciatively, as she saw his civilian form. She caught herself staring at his muscled arms and composed her features, feeling only the dullest of blushes on her cheeks.

Jadeite and Nephrite transformed together, and as soon as they finished Mars made an odd strangled noise. The other Senshi looked at her, questioningly, but she declined to comment further.

When Zoisite transformed, however, Mercury nearly fainted.

"You!" she gasped, then immediately slapped her hands over her mouth.

"It seems to me," Mamoru commented, wryly, "That some of you know each other?"

The former Shitennou glanced incredulously at the Senshi.

"Uh...that is..." Mercury began, blushing furiously.

"It isn't fair for the Shitennou to be so generous," Moon declared. She then touched her tiara and transformed, ignoring Venus' protestations and Mar's growls.

"Damn it," Venus muttered.

She nodded at the others and they transformed as one. When the lights from their transformations faded, they were faced with three very shocked Shitennou.

"Ami!" Zoe yelped. His shocked face soon turned into a grin as she blushed even harder.

"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world..." Jade began, staring at Rei.

"Don't even start with me," she snapped.

"Hino-san?" Nolan blinked.

"Well, this makes a lot of sense, actually, " he said after a moment.

Konnor, who knew none of them, merely nodded politely. He approached Usagi and lifted her hand to his lips.

"A pleasure to meet you, Princess," he murmured.

Mina growled, but because he was touching the princess or because he was touching another woman, even she wasn't sure.

"And you as well, Miss -" he said, moving on to Mina and lingering over her hand.

"Aino Minako," she breathed, charmed against her will. She did her best to scowl.

"Konnor Sterling."

"Nice to meet you," she managed, and then snatched her hand back.

"Wow," Makoto whispered to Rei, "Don't take this the wrong way or anything, but these Shitennou give Mamoru a run for his money in the looks department."

"If only that went for manners as well," Rei sneered, looking significantly at Jade.

Makoto was about to ask her to clarify that statement when her attention was diverted by Nolan.

"I apologize for earlier, " he said, bowing, "I'm Nolan Connelley."

"Kino Makoto," she answered, noting that she actually had to look up almost a head to see his face.

"Very pleased to meet you."

'His eyes are so deep,' she found herself thinking, and shook her head.

"Have we met before?"

"I don't think so," he said, "I'm sure I would have remembered you."

She blushed.

Her eyes seemed to tug at him, and he couldn't figure out why.

"Deja vu, I guess," she said. He shrugged and smiled, and she felt her heart flutter. 'You just tried to kill this guy' she reminded herself harshly, and backed away from him a bit.

"This will be weird," Zoe was saying to Ami, "Living in the same dorm."

"Yes," she squeaked, irritated that he was being so overly familiar.

"I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other," he went on, moving closer to her. She backed away until she felt the wall against her back.

"I suppose so," she admitted. She felt trapped.

"Hm..." he smiled down at her, leaning against the wall.

"What on Earth happened in here!"

Ten people turned to see a very pissed off, very dumbfounded nurse.

"Uh-oh," Mina muttered.

"Look, a giant rabbit!" She yelled, pointing out the window. The minute the nurse turned to look at this preposterous announcement, Mina grabbed Ami's arm and bolted past the nurse, knocking her down in the process.

"Don't worry," Konnor said, thickly, helping the woman to stand. He sent a half exapserated, half amused glance down the hall after the escapees.

"I'll cover the damages."

He placed a card in her hand and patted her on the shoulder.

"So, about this getting acquainted business, " he suggested to Mamoru.

Mamoru nodded and swiftly exited with the others in tow.


Mamoru emptied the dustpan into the trashcan.

"So that's what was left of the stones?" Konnor asked.

Mamoru nodded.

"So it would seem."

The four men shifted uncomfortably on Mamoru's sofa. It as odd to think that only an hour earlier they had all had quite normal lives, completely unaware that they had any other business in life than to be a psychology major, a student, a religious philosopher, or an international agent. It was a lot to take in.

"So," Mamoru began awkwardly, "Just how much do you remember?"

"Well, it's odd," Jade volunteered, "I don't think I've finished remembering yet."

"Me either," Nolan agreed, "There's so much to remember. It comes in bits and pieces."

"But I'm starting to feel more comfortable with it. Especially now that we're all together."

Mamoru nodded.

"I don't know what I'm going to tell my parents," Zoe said, letting his head drop into his hands.

"I mean now that we've found Endymion, I can't leave."

"I'm sure that won't be necessary," Mamoru began, but their looks stopped him.

"Forgive me, sire, but I don't think you understand," Konnor spoke.

"Whatever we were - whoever we were before - is gone now. Of course we will have to alter our lives if we are to fulfill our duties as your guardians."

Mamoru winced.

"Is that how you see it?" he asked, "As a duty?"

"Of course not!" Jade snapped, crossing his arms. He seemed very offended, and Nolan answered:

"We serve for the same reason we always have, because you are our brother."

"Moron," Jade muttered. Konnor frowned in his direction.

Mamoru suddenly felt overwhelmed at the sacrifice he'd unknowingly asked these men to make for him - men he barely knew and yet knew better than anyone else.

"Brother?" he said, "I've never had any family besides the Senshi and Usako."

He looked into their faces and felt his heart warming.

"Well now you have four brothers, so take some responsibility," Jade suggested.

Mamoru laughed out loud and the other men smiled, easing the tension considerably.

"I'd forgotten what smart ass you are," he said.

Jade grinned.

"Well, I'll be sure to help you remember as quickly as possible."

"It would be well if we could all remember quickly," Konnor commented, "But I'm afraid patience will be required."

"But you've already remembered so much," Mamoru pointed out.

"Yes, but there's more. For instance, the dreams I've had lately are very unusual and peppered with references to the Silver Millennium and the Earth of that time."

"Me too," Zoe said.

"You've all had those dreams?"

Mamoru frowned.

"For how long?"

"Since last night."

They all nodded.

Mamoru sat back in his chair and rubbed his head. The men soon became lost in their thoughts of the dreams, trying to remember the details.

Zoe looked up and nudged something with his foot.

"Hey, is this a Wii?"

"What?" Mamoru looked up.

"Oh, it's Usako's."

Zoe sent a sidelook to Jade.

"I'm not playing Maden with you."

Zoe frowned.

"Not even for pocky?"

Konnor and Mamoru watched this interchange with curiosity.

Jaden seemed to struggle for a moment.

"One round."


Five hours later, four men were engaged in pummelling Mamoru's television set, one of them being Mamoru. Konnor had elected to skip out on the Wii games, preferring to watch instead. But eventually even Nolan had been coaxed into playing.

Mamoru was being treated to the novelty of being surrounded by young men his own age - men who knew him well enough to yell insults at him whenever he scored a touchdown.

"All we need is some beer," Jade commented, throwing a hopeful look at Konnor.

"I don't recall such blatantly juvenile behavior among my men in the Golden Kingdom." Their newly instated commander observed soberly.

"You don't remember much."

Jade muttered this under his breath. Even he knew better than to talk back to Kunzite.

"You should try this, Kon," Mamoru called, "It's very stress relieving."

"I have other methods for relieving my stress."

"Methods that involve Venusian perfume?" Nolan quipped.

Everyone stopped playing and turned to him. Konnor simply stared at him.

Nolan blinked.

"I don't know why I just said that." he confessed.

Mamoru held his breath.

"I don't even get what that means." Zoe commented.

"Uh..." Mamoru cleared his throat, "I think we should get back to the game."

The men let it drop. Mamoru pretended to be caught up in the game too, but privately he pondered over the meaning of this new development.

The Ties that Bind

A Sailor Moon Story
by Firefly-shy

Part 7 of 30

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