Forever You.

Author: fire-spirit

Rated: PG13

I have actually had this story ready to upload for like the last month or two and for some reason didn't. Anyways, here is chapter 3 of 'Forever You' and things are just getting started. I again would like to extend my most sincerest of thanks to Galena-Steel, Loki, and Ducky (or Yuehoshi, as she sometimes is called, randomly). I could never have gotten this story into the form that it is now. The mistakes are all mine, the genius is theirs. Without them the descriptions would be lacking, Amina would start every sentence with 'oh' and parts of the story would just kind of wonder off into oblivion. You guys are the absolute best that any writer, though I am hesitant to call myself that, could ever hope or dream for. Thank you for all of your hard, amazing, ceaseless work and talent in cleaing this story up for me.

And now on to the story...

Chapter 3

Forever You

Chapter 3

"It looks like they parted company here," Zoicite commented, crouching to examine the prints Malachite pointed out traveling north and south. He paused for a moment, eyes closed, lost in thought before straightening.

Malachite looked at each man before issuing his instructions, "All right Zoicite, you and Jadeite follow the tracks to the north. Nephrite and I will follow those heading south. Try not to split up -- stick together. And remember, disarm and disable only, do not cause bodily harm."

Zoicite watched as Nephrite and Malachite began their trek north before turning to Jadeite, "Well, I guess we should get started."

"After you…"

The generals found themselves stuck in the middle of nowhere, somewhere on the moon, ‘hunting' the Sailor Scouts. The Lunar forests stretched endlessly towards the horizon in whatever direction one cared to look, the soil at their feet, though deceptively powdery, was moisten and fertile, a perfect haven for small creatures that burrowed beneath the leaf litter and made their homes where the forest floor would protect them. By day, they would remain concealed, and would hunt by night. The birds, would bide their time and wait until dusk and rise at dawn to capture any stragglers not quick enough to escape their quick and lethal beaks and talons.

The dome of the sky above, a pale aquamarine, looked down upon the ancient moon forest where old gnarled trees and an assembly of struggling saplings paid homage to the mighty Lunarian giants towering high overhead -- not quite impressive as those found on Jupiter, or the Earth Kingdom for that matter, but nonetheless they held their own. Gathering his thoughts, he sighed and the two men started on their journey. Apparently, Malachite and Minia, or Sailor Venus, decided that to get the two teams working together well, it would be beneficial to see what each had to offer first.

~*~

Ten minutes later, a quick signal from Jadeite made Zoicite immediately freeze in mid-stride. Moments later, another quick series of hand gestures from Jadeite told him he suspected they were being watched, but was unsure from which direction. In response, he Signaled for Jadeite to continue on his way, Zoicite indicating he would slip off and circle around to flush out any would-be spy, but before he could so much as take another step, a loud crackling noise shattered the silence.

Zoicite immediately found himself lifted off his feet and thrown into the air before landing heavily upon the ground beside Jadeite. As the surprise wore off, Zoicite realized he had been electrocuted. Drawing the obvious conclusion, he knew only one scout capable of generating an electrical charge of such power from a planet renowned for its fierce electrical storms -- it had to be Jupiter. "What happened to the policy of not harming each other?"

Zoicite looked at Jadeite and almost laughed. Jed was wearing his most petulant expression. "I guess they figured lighting us up a little didn't constitute causing bodily harm -- your ego on the other hand…" he chuckled.

"Whatever. So, do you have a plan as to how to take down Jupiter and whoever else is out there with her?" Jadeite asked, standing up and offering Zoicite a hand.

"Well, we know what to listen for and what to watch out for…" He started as he looked around for any suggestion as to where the Scout of Lightning might be hiding.

"Argh!" Hearing Jadeite's scream, Zoicite immediately hit the ground, expecting another attack, but seeing there was none forthcoming, he looked back at Jadeite who was busy glaring at a tree.

"What happened?" Zoicite was almost afraid to ask.

"That tree…it shocked me!" Jadeite replied indignantly, managing to sound as though the tree had indeed caused him the most grievous of insults.

"I'm sure it was an accident," he replied with mock sympathy, as Jadeite's glare shifted from the tree to Zoicite. Uncomfortable under the weight of his companion's steely glare, he quickly cleared his throat and started anew, "Seriously though, it must have been a residual charge from Jupiter's attack."

"Whatever."

"Anyways, I have a plan."

"Oh," he said sardonically, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, come here," he said impatiently, grabbing Jadeite's shoulder so he could whisper his plan to avoid being overheard. But he quickly let go as another burst of lightning arced towards them. As both he and Jadeite hit the ground, the bolt slammed into a tree, causing a shower of scorched leaves to rain down on them.

"At this rate, we won't have to wait for them to take us out; we seem to be doing a fantastic job of it on our own," Jadeite remarked, the irony not lost on the other man as Zoicite picked himself up off the ground for the third time in as many minutes.

"What's their plan, do you suppose?" Jadeite asked as once again he stepped closer to Zoicite.

"I'm not sure — watch out!" Zoicite pushed Jadeite down and both men hit the forest floor once more. Unlike before, instead of the expected bolt of electricity, a massive fireball flew towards them, slowing down before sizzling out of existence a short distance away. As he propped himself up on his elbows, he could see his own shocked surprise reflected in Jadeite's eyes. "Mars…."

"Obviously. That was close. I blame you."

"What?" incredulity coating his teammate's voice.

"If you hadn't pissed her off over breakfast this morning…"

Zoicite could literally see Jadeite's mind returning to the events of that morning having unfolded so disastrously. It had become custom over the last week and a half for the Prince, generals and the five so-called -- inner Princesses –to breakfast together. This particular morning, all ten were eating peacefully when Jadeite knocked his apple juice onto the tablecloth; consequently, it ran over the edge of the table into Reigan's lap. Then, as if that was not bad enough, Jadeite decided he was obligated to help Reigan get the juice off her elegant white dress before it stained, and during the process of dabbing it dry, Jadeite found it necessary to kiss Reigan on the cheek. And she -- as always -- found herself once again infuriated by Jadeite. And of course, she had blown up at him, giving Jed a piece of her mind before marching off, presumably to change.

A smirk crossed Jed's face at the memory, and Zoicite rolled his eyes, jumping back as another fireball came their way. "You know, she may actually kill us just to get rid of you."

~*~

"Are you all right?" Malachite asked as he offered to help Sailor Mercury up off the ground.

"Oh, yes, I think so. You took me by surprise, I think. You win…" Mercury laughed as she stood up and dusted herself off unaided.

"So, who out of the two of you won?" Venus asked as both she and Nephrite walked towards them.

"Unfortunately, I believe it was I who am responsible for defeating your Sailor of Water." Malachite replied with a gallant bow, "And who, may I ask triumphed between the two of you?"

"I did," Sailor Venus replied as Nephrite shrugged almost apologetically at his shoulders at his commander.

"Apparently, even the stars are no match for the power of love."

"We should go find the others now." Turning back to again look at Mercury, Malachite could not help but detect the strains of worry in her tone.

"Why, they can handle themselves -- Zoicite and Jedi -- oh...! Damn." Malachite realized which of the princesses he had not been tracking, and immediately took off, running back in the direction he had come.

~*~

"What the hell happened?" Zoicite winced as the sound of Malachite's unmistakable yell echoed throughout the forest. After agreeing with Jadeite that they should split up with the idea of separating the two scouts, he had followed the path that unknowingly led him to Jupiter. After finding her, they fought hand-to-hand. Eventually, she managed to knock him off his feet and he fell heavily to the ground where he lay for a time on his back, trying to catch his breath. She had defeated him.

They then set off to find the others, but it was Malachite and his companions who happened upon them first. After their reunion, Venus received a call on her communicator from Mars telling them where she was. When they finally reached their location, the scene that confronted the group shocked them all.

"Mars, Jadeite, are you okay?" Mercury questioned as she surged forward. Mars sat upon the ground holding her left ankle, her free hand covering what looked like a laceration on her upper left arm.

Meanwhile, Jadeite was leaning against a tree, trying to slow his heavy breathing, his arm clutched across his chest. "Mercury, can you determine their injuries?" Malachite asked as he continued to glare at Jadeite, while Venus was doing a remarkable job at conveying her anger and worry for her comrade.

"Oh, hold on." Everyone fell silent while Mercury set to work quickly and efficiently determining the extent of their injuries, the only sounds to be heard were the occasional hisses of pain and a few verbal exchanges.

"Well, as far as I can tell, Jadeite has at least two broken ribs, and Mars seems to have fractured her ankle and that cut will probably need stitches."

"Thank you, Mercury. I think perhaps we should head back to the castle, now." Venus interjected before Malachite could though it was obvious from her tone that she was not pleased.

Zoicite shuddered at the waves of anger he felt rolling off Malachite as he stepped towards Jadeite to lend a hand, while Nephrite went to assist Mars. "Can you walk, my dear?"

"Yes, just help me up." She replied stubbornly, glaring at everyone in sight, as though daring anyone to say anything.

As Jadeite wrapped an arm around Zoicite's shoulders, he watched Nephrite help Mars to her feet. But as soon as she put any weight on her injured ankle, she immediately let out a small cry of pain. She would have fallen again if not for Nephrites quick reflexes. He quickly grabbed her arm to steady her. "I don't think your going to be able to walk with that ankle." Nephrite stated as he continued to support most of the Scout's weight, "If you would allow me to carry you back to the palace?"

Mars glared at Jadeite and then everyone else, before looking down at her defunct ankle before answering, "Very well." Nephrite quickly lifted the Sailor of Fire in his arms, and their party began making their long trek back to where they had left the horses and from there to the palace.

~*~

‘Say something, say anything!' Zoicite looked out of the corner of his eye at the lady sitting next to him. Princess Amina had changed from her Sailor Mercury outfit into a rather pretty day dress that brought out the blue of her eyes and her hair. They sat waiting upon a bench outside the infirmary to help Jadeite and Reigan back to their rooms.

Earlier that afternoon after arriving at the palace, they had caused quite a stir. After all, he supposed, it was not everyday a Prince's general and the Moon Princess's guardian needed to be helped, much less carried, into the palace. Once they had reached the infirmary, the physicians immediately set to work patching up Jadeite and Reigan's wounds. As it turned out, Jadeite had indeed broken two ribs and cracked another, while Reigan had a hairline fracture in her ankle and required six stitches in her arm. Princess Litia and Nephrite had left to inform Endymion and Serenity, while Malachite and Princess Minia asked everyone to leave the room so they could speak with Reigan and Jadeite privately.

The physicians made a descreet exit and would return later, but Zoicite felt obligated to stay behind and wait for Jadeite as had Amina for Reigan. Zoicite's thoughts returned to the present and he desperately sought to think of something to say. "So, how long have you and Reigan known each other?" Not the most stellar opening and certainly not one that would normally be accredited to him, but hopefully it would be enough to get the conversation flowing, he thought wryly.

"Ever since we started training on the moon when we were ten years of age… You and Jadeite…?"

"Pretty much like you two…since we were nine years old," he answered simply.

After a time, he became aware that they were lapsing back into silence, and once again found himself scrambling for a topic of discussion, frustration at his normal eloquence deserting him making it that much harder. "So, has Princess Reigan always been so, so…" he asked curiously before realizing he could not think of how to put it delicately. After all, this was her friend he was talking to right now.

"Explosive," Amina supplied with a knowing grin, "Well, she has always had a short-temper, of course, that is a family trait, but lately…well lately, it seems General Jadeite can really blow that fuse."

"So, he must really get to her then?"

"That's just it, there have been others who could infuriate her like no other, but after a certain point she usually ignores their very existence. The way she acts around Jadeite is quite peculiar, because normally she only gets that angry with those she cares about -- if she truly hates someone, she'll have absolutely nothing to do with them."

"Well, I have never seen Jadeite go after someone like he has Reigan."

"What do you mean?" she asked as she turned to look at him.

Zoicite found himself temporarily lost within her eyes before realizing she was waiting for his answer, "Just that normally he doesn't pursue any one lady to the exclusion of all others, but ever since Princess Reigan walked into that first ball, he hasn't looked at any other woman since."

"Oh?"

Looking at her, even as she directed her gaze to her hands that lay delicately folded in her lap, Zoicite was fascinated by how the light fell upon her hair, giving her a glittering tiara of light. "Princess Amina, I was wondering if I might escort you to dinner tonight?" he asked before realizing the words had fallen from his lips.

Amina lifted her eyes and looked at Zoicite. Just as she was about to speak, the door to the infirmary opened abruptly, and Reigan stormed out -- quite an accomplishment, especially as she was on crutches. Amina shot a quick, apologetic glance at Zoicite, before rushing to her friend's side and disappearing along the hall.

"What was that about?" Jadeite was asking him, while shooting him a very knowing grin.

Zoicite turned to look at him before replying, "Nothing, we were just chatting." he answered casually.

"Chatting, eh?"

"Yes, chatting. Come on, let's go get you changed," he hastily added, trying to change the topic of conversation. Zoicite was frustrated by Jadeite's persistence as they made their way back to their quarters.

"You looked disappointed when she left."

"It's nothing… So, how did it go?"

"Ah, pretty well, we told them what happened; they yelled at us -- they dismissed us."

"No punishment?" Zoicite asked incredulously.

"Well, they figured our injuries were punishment enough, that and the shame of being high-ranking military officers and behaving like children. We will be the laughing stick of the palace when this gets around. But tomorrow they have ordered us to work together to develop a training regime." Jadeite finished, the look of pleasure on his face evident to anyone who saw it, for apparently being ‘forced' to spend time with the Mars Princess was no punishment as far as he was concerned.

"You're getting off easy. What happened out there anyway?" Zoicite commented as he pushed open the door to their shared bedroom suite, helping Jadeite to the edge of his bed. "It's almost time for dinner, what do you want to wear."

"Just give me that white shirt and a pair of black trousers. And as for what happened, she ambushed me, we fought, it went badly…."

Recognizing the finality in Jadeite's voice and that he would not get anymore out of him now, he dropped it. Grabbing the desired clothes, Zoicite turned to see Jadeite trying to take off his shirt very carefully.

"Let me help you." Rolling his eyes at Jadeite's feeble attempts to remove the garment, the crossed the room to lend a hand.

~*~

"We're going to be late," Amina stated casually as she and Reigan made their way to the dining room.

"I think the Queen will forgive us," Reigan huffed as she adjusted the crutches before starting down the hall again.

"Yes, probably," Amina answered.

"So, what were you and Zoicite talking about?"

"What, oh, about you and Jadeite."

"There is no me and Jadeite." Regan snapped, anger sharpening her tone.

"No, I know. That is not what I meant. General Zoicite was commenting on Jadeite's – odd – behavior." Amina quickly answered, hoping to placate her explosive friend.

"And how it is completely disrespectful and should be adjusted?"

"Not quite, Zoicite just said that Jadeite seems to be awfully focused on you." That probably would not make Reigan very happy, but it was out there now.

"I'm so honored." She growled, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Seeing that Reigan obviously did not want to hold this conversation, Amina let it drop before losing herself once more in her thoughts. They continued along in silence, but occasionally, Reigan muttered threats under her breath, that even had Amina heard , she wouldnt believe.

As it was, Amina barely realize they had arrived until she heard Reigan break the silence, "Amina, the door, please." the Mercurian Princess was abruptly brought back to the present moment, shocked to find herself standing before the dining room doors. Reigan was staring at her, a look of concern on her face.

"Oh yes, sorry." Amina quickly opened the door and stepped aside so Reigan could enter.

Those invited to sit at the Queen's table for dinner had already arrived and had taken their places at the table. Amina was acutely aware of the fact they were waiting for herself and Reigan to arrive.

"Thank you," Reigan whispered, but anything else that might have been said was drowned out by the sound of chairs being pushed away from the table.

"Reigan…!"

"What happened?"

Amina looked on as Reigan's cousins rushed to her side and immediately began alternating between grilling her as to how she was hurt, and demanding to know if she were okay. Slightly curious as to why Pheadon and Daimon had not already known of the incident, she realized that would be a mystery for another time.

Satisfied that the princess of Mars was being looked after by the twins, Amina felt it safe enough to leave her side and find a seat -- stopping only to make an apology to the Queen. "I apologize for my late arrival and keeping you waiting, Your Majesty."

"Nonsense, Amina, you were obviously tending to a friend who needed you, and for that you should never need to apologize," the queen answered with a kind smile.

As Amina took her seat between Malachite and Zoicite, she noticed the twins easing Reigan into a chair. Once everyone had taken their places at the table, the Queen indicated that dinner had begun.

The first course, a simple soup, was marked by everyone chatting quietly amongst themselves. "How's Reigan's ankle?"

"What?"

Amina was startled out of her careful observations of those in attendance when Zoicite suddenly leaned towards her and began speaking, "I asked how Reigan's ankle was."

Looking past Zoicite to where Reigan sat beside him, she was confused as to why he would ask her and not Reigan. "Oh, well, she says she can't feel any pain. The physician gave her some powerful pain-killers."

"That's good to hear," he agreed as he took another sip of soup.

Following his lead, Amina turned her attention back to her soup, but couldn't help watching Zoicite out of the corner of her eye. She was still curious what Zoicite had meant when he asked to escort her to dinner; after all, they normally sat next to each other anyways. Now she felt she should say something to him, but was at a loss as to where to start. Finally, deciding since they had already opened the discussion concerning Reigan's injuries, Jadeite would be a good topic. "And how is General Jadeite?"

"He's fine; the physician gave him pain-killers as well, though I'd imagine that his ribs are giving him some trouble."

Glancing down the table to where Jadeite sat across from Reigan, Amina watched as he attempted to laugh at something one of the twins had said. But his laughter was cut short as he grimaced. The general gently wrapped an arm across his abdomen. "Poor Jadeite…."

"Poor Jadeite, I should say poor Reigan, she can barely get around," Zoicite remarked as he wisely kept his voice down so the Princess in question would not overhear him.

"Oh no, Reigan's leg won't take that long to heal. As a Scout, she has accelerated healing abilities. She'll be off those crutches in a week or so."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, we generals also heal pretty fast."

"That does make me feel better." They again lapsed back into silence but this time it was not so awkward.

~*~

By the time the second course had been served, everyone had fallen silent. Malachite was quite delighted with the way dinner was going. Next to him, Endymion seemed to be getting along very well with Princess Serenity and her mother, with occasional interjections from Lord Artemis and Lady Luna. Nephrite and Zoicite both appeared happy chatting with Princess Litia and Princess Amina, respectively. Moreover, at the end of the table, even Jadeite seemed to be behaving himself. But right now, it was nothing short of a miracle. He was not sure if Jadeite's behavior was due to the lecture he received earlier, or because he was too busy chatting with Lord Daimon and Lord Pheadon. As for himself, he had been chatting with Princess Minia, who despite her rather bubbly carefree attitude, he found quite endearing.

"I wonder, Princess Minia, if you could tell me what this is?" Malachite asked, indicating his plate with the prongs of his fork. It was some sort of meat with a very spicy flavor, served atop a bed of some sort of noodle-type substance.

"It's Hitaley. It's a dish from Mars."

"It has a wonderful flavor. What type of meat is it?"

"Oh, I forget how to pronounce it. Hey, Reigan…?" Malachite was amused as Minia turned away from him and shouted down the table, "What type of meat is this?"

Reigan looked up towards Minia, but upon hearing the question, she looked thoughtfully down at her plate before answering, "It's lisbet."

"It's very much like a cow from Earth, I believe." Pheadon cut in.

"Thank you, I was just telling Princess Minia that it had a very interesting flavor."

"Thank you, it's native to my Deimos, but we raise them throughout the Mars Kingdom." Daimon told him in a booming voice.

"It really is a shame you gentlemen have not had the chance to visit the other Kingdoms." Queen Serenity spoke up from her place at the head of the table; she was wearing a smile as though she were amused but the rather vocal conversation that had just taken place under her nose. As everyone turned their attention to the Queen, Malachite briefly locked eyes with Minia; just long enough to see the contented grin cross her face and the twinkle in her pretty blue eyes. "In fact, that is something you should do, you ladies should accompany the Generals and Prince Endymion, of course, on a tour of the Moon Kingdom. After all, they are now a part of the Kingdom."

"Mom, that's a great idea. When can we leave?" Serenity asked, excitement lacing her every word.

As Malachite looked around the table, it seemed each Princess, along with the Generals, was excited at the prospect of touring the other planets within the Kingdom. "I think by the time we finalize the arrangements and inform the other kingdoms of your plans, you could get underway by the end of the month."

"The end of the month…?"

"Yes Luna, would you and Artemis start making preparations tomorrow?"

"Of course, your Majesty."

"This is going to be so much fun!" Malachite's attention was pulled away from the Queen by Minia's gushing display. Turning to face the blonde sitting across the table, Malachite felt a little unsettled to see her looking directly at him. Unsure of what to say, Malachite grinned hesitantly. "Back home, on Venus, we have the most beautiful sunsets. And the palace glows when the light catches it just right, I can't wait for you to see it."

Figuring the best course of action to humor her -- plus he was curious to see where this vivacious princess had grown up -- Malachite smiled before answering, "I can't wait to see it."

As Minia flashed him a winning smile, Malachite realized with some surprise that he too in fact could not wait for this trip to get started either.

I do not own Sailor Moon. Someone else claims that right. This story, however, is of my own creation and I would apprieciate it if no one copied it, without my permission, at least. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask me.

Again, thanks to Galena-Steel, Loki, and Ducky. Questions, comments, or did you find a mistake that somehow still made it into the story? Please review and let me know.