Never Gone

By: Jecir

Prologue

Terra rose over the horizon. It was as blue as a sapphire hanging against the black expanse of space. The residents of the Moon Kingdom could not help but pause to take in the sad tale that was this majestic planet. Such a waste for it to be in the hands of magicless barbarians. That was the thought that often crossed Venus' mind as she walked the long open corridors of the Moon Castle, home of the Silver Throne. She looked up at the planet for a moment longer, pity tickling the edge of her soul. What sorry little creature the Terrans were. No magic. No advanced technology. Nothing to offer the universe. Such a sad people. It was truly a shame such useless beings controlled a planet with such potential. She shook her head. It was truly a shame they could not be like the Moon. Here, there was eternal peace. With Queen Serenity on the throne, nothing would ever go wrong. She smiled, nodded once, and turned her back on the tragic sight of Terra in search of her soldiers, content in the knowledge that Terra had nothing to offer.

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In another time, in another life….

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Makoto stirred from her place on the living room floor. She did not want to move, but she knew she had no choice. Life continued on despite her pain and her tears. Red rimmed eyes searched out the cracks of sunlight seeping in through her drapes. It gave her a little strength, just enough to roll over and pull the afghan over her head. She did not want to move. It hurt so badly. "Nephrite…" she whispered, but in the silence of her empty home, his name echoed like thunder. A short sob followed as she tried in vein to block out the day.

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Rei laid on her rice paper mat, covered in a simple robe and her long, tangled hair. Her heart ached with each beat. Her nose burned with each breath. Her eyes watered at the thought of starting yet another day alone. The sun was pouring in through the window and paper doors, calling out to her to start a new day; but the solar fires of the living star only reminded her of the dancing blue fire eyes she would never see again and the wild, untamed golden hair she would never feel, never lace her fingers through as she drank from him all that he could give her. A sob stuck in her throat, and she curled further in on herself. Oh, how she wished for night.

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Minako adjusted her hat and rechecked her sunglasses. She didn't want anyone to see her. She was miserable. She was tired. She wanted to hide. She wanted to hide in his shadow. He was the only man in all of time that made her feel safe enough. She was the shield to the future Queen and King of Earth. He had been her shield. Where was her shield now? She stared spitefully at the dark glasses hiding her puffy eyes. Those glasses were all she had to defend herself. A tear trailed down her face as she followed the flow of people exiting the plane. She just wanted to hide.

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Amy sat in the window seat of her third-story dorm room watching as campus life went on without her. She had advanced physics today followed by three hours of chemistry and chemistry lab. But she didn't want to go. That world was so very cold. She wanted warmth. And light. And color. And laughter. She wanted him. She wanted him to tell her how arrogant and superficial she was for putting all her faith in knowledge. She wanted him to laugh at her stubbornness and pick her up and twirl her around just to make her uncomfortable. She wanted him to play music for her. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she hugged her pillow. She wanted him.

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The moon set on the horizon, barely visible in the predawn light. Kunzite watched it with a mix of wonder and concern. It was his liege's wish to one day visit the legendary Silver Throne. And what Endymion wanted, Kunzite would see done. He was curious himself to know of the many secrets hidden on the moon. What was truth and what was fancy? What could that great kingdom teach his home planet as his great majesty strived to restore Terra to glories past? Would the Silver Throne accept the new Terran mages? So many questions raced through his mind as he watched the moon set.

It had been a glorious full moon filled with revelry and brotherhood. And, as he turned his horse back to camp, he could not help noting that it would be a good day as well.

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Seiya sat anxiously in the Dean's Office, wondering what had been so important as to call him in at all hours. His term as teacher was not to begin until the start of the next semester. He had half a semester left to settle in yet. So why now? Was fate trying to keep him from his prize? He had found Endymion. Now, he needed to rescue his beloved from her solitude. A life filled with family remembered; a life alone lived. He could not, would not stand for it. Once he was finished here, he would find her and fill her days from here on after with love enough to drive away all the loneliness. Wait for me, my dearest, he pleaded as the Dean walked in. I am coming.

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Ryu stood at the steps of her Temple. He had not seen this place since he had used it as a base for collecting energy. A shudder rippled through his body as he remembered that horrid day. Breath, Jadeite, he told himself. Endymion has forgiven you. You are free. He looked up the stairs. The sun was rising just over the crest of the hill. His heart. His soul. His wife was waiting for him at the top of those stairs. She had declared herself when she freed him. She was waiting. And he had kept her waiting for far too long. Taking a deep, calming breath, Ryu stepped into the future.

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Kyouya ran. He ran through streets. He ran past cars. He ran through the woods. He ran and ran and ran. He had tried to sleep, but he couldn't. Usagi, the once and future princess, was bringing Venus home. The very thought of having her near him again in so short a time left him restless, tossing and turning, relentless. The minutes ticked by like years. Finally, he left. He could not take it. He needed to run. A short stop at his apartment to change, and he was off, racing the morning sun and the evening winds, hoping, praying that time would move faster. The sun rose a little higher. And he ran a little further.

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Tamaki stepped into his dark bedroom with a sigh. It was so good to be back home in England. He had not realized just how long he had been gone. How would he explain things to his father? That was a question he would tackle later. Right now, his focus was on one thing: Ami. He would find her and sweep her off her beautiful bluenette feet right in front of that wanker git who dared make a move on his soul mate. Who did that puff think he was, anyway? A wicked grin crossed his face as he thought of all the things he would do to that boy. The grin widened and softened as he thought of all the things he would do with Ami once that boy was dealt with. With a deep sigh, he flopped onto his bed and crossed his arms behind his head. Yes, life was good.

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They could see Terra through the window. A planet cursed to hang in obscurity for eternity. The Sailor Senshi shook their heads in despair. Such a waste. Jupiter wondered if the planet was truly as wild and untamed as they said. She secretly hoped to find out. Nothing could top the jungles of her home, but a new frontier to explore…what a thought! Mars scoffed at the planet that lacked the touch of the Sacred Fire. It was an abomination in her eyes. Mercury merely glanced at the orb—a world with no technology, no science, no level of intelligence to speak off—and turned back to her book. It was not worth her time. Then, Venus walked in and all thought of Terra was forgotten. After all, what did that planet have to offer them?

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The sun was washing away the last remnants of the night. Yet, they still watched the moon with open wonder. Some day, they would walk in that sacred land. One day they would explore all its wonders and mysteries. One day…Tamaki would share his technological breakthroughs with the universe; Nephrite would explore the vast libraries; and Jadeite would finally meet the Universal Order. And they would all stand with their Lord Endymion as he presented the new Terra to the Silver Millenium. Oh, what a thought! It was then that Kunzite returned to round them up. It was time to return to the Golden Palace. They still had so much to accomplish before they could see their dreams come true.