Note: I have nothing to do with Sailor Moon and its characters except to be a fan who enjoys the series and the movies very much. This story is my extrapolation of the storylines as received in North America. I apologize if this story doesn't quite fit into the Japanese series.
Jed gazed critically at the work before him, then laid aside his chisel and picked up the polishing cloth. As he rubbed gently at the work in his hands he thought back to everything that had happened.
Nearly a month had passed since his release from Queen Beryl's crystal prison. It was a month continually filled with new discoveries of the wonders of the world. And with each new offering of beauty Jed wondered again how he could ever have aided the Negaverse in attempting to destroy such beauty.
After the first turbulent days of his freedom, he'd slipped into a routine of sorts. Darian had of necessity gone back to school and work, forcing Jed to find other things to occupy his time. For the first few days he'd simply remained in the apartment, dusting and cleaning. Unfortunately, he quickly discovered that it was difficult to keep cleaning something that was dust-free to begin with.
Then Rita had gone back to Africa, and he and Darian had spent time with Andrew to help him cope. Darian had told him that Andrew would be depressed for a few days until the arcade and its customers fully occupied his attention once more. Jed had gone down to the arcade every day and talked to Andrew. Or, rather, he listened to Andrew talk. It wasn't hard to be a good listener. Everything he heard increased his understanding of people. After about a week, Andrew had finally pulled himself out of his depression, so Jed now spent only the mornings at the arcade. He had another project to occupy his time.
It had been while he was cleaning Darian's apartment the first time that he found the garbage bag tucked inside the closet. He'd looked inside, not understanding why Darian, who was normally quite neat, would stick a garbage bag into the closet instead of throwing it out. Darian had noticed his sudden pallor and had explained about the contents.
"Mina and the cats put those in there," he'd said. "We were in a rush and had to hide the evidence before Lita returned with Andrew." He had shrugged then. "We never got around to throwing them out. It would be hard, too, since there's nothing like it on earth."
Seeing that carefully hidden "trash" and feeling one of the fragments had brought back memories from a time before the Negaverse. He'd hesitantly asked Darian to buy some art tools for him to work with, explaining an idea he had for a special project. After hearing him out, Darian had willingly bought the tools for him.
"And maybe when you're done with those," Darian had added, "you should do others and sell them. People would pay a lot for gifts like that."
Jed had felt slightly upset because it sounded as though Darian wanted him to start earning his keep, but Darian had continued.
"Don't get the wrong idea, Jed," he'd said. "It's good that you put such love and feeling into your works, and I don't want to belittle it. But just think about how much joy you can give to others by letting them share in it."
"I don't understand," he'd admitted.
"Remember how I told you about the Doom Tree? There was this one time when Alan asked Lita why she wanted to open a restaurant. I don't remember exactly what she said, but it was somewhere along the lines of sharing her love of cooking with others."
Jed still hadn't understood, so Darian had continued.
"When we do things for others, we give a little of ourselves to them. Whether it's through cooking like Lita or singing like Rei or the work you're doing now, it adds a bit of beauty and happiness to that other person's life, even if the other person is a complete stranger. And that's always a good thing."
"Then why charge them money for it?"
"Humans are strange that way," Darian had said. "Unless there's a very special occasion, we become suspicious of people doing things for us for no apparent reason. It shouldn't be that way, but it is. By accepting payment from others, everyone is happy. The craftsman--that would be you--attains funds he can use to buy more supplies to continue his craft and the buyer would have your work to share with others, and he won't feel suspicious or guilty for having received it free of charge." Darian had shaken his head. "Don't bother trying to understand it. Just accept that it's the way things are."
Jed had still been confused but he'd taken Darian's advice and just accepted it. Maybe after he finished this project he'd consider turning his hobby into a business. Then he'd be able to refill the huge gouge in Darian's bank account. But that was later. He had other things to do right now.
His plan called for a final result of twelve different gifts. Only one remained--the one in his hands now. The others he'd packed away into tissue-lined boxes wrapped and bound in colorful wrapping paper. There was one for Andrew and one for Molly. There were also gifts for each of the Sailor Scouts and the two cats. He'd also completed two gifts for Darian, which he'd managed to keep hidden from his friend. This last piece was also for Darian, but it still needed a bit more work. With any luck he'd be able to finish it--
"Hey, Jed!"
Jed blinked, then hurriedly slipped the nearly finished piece into his sweater drawer, along with his tools and the polishing cloth. The two sweaters Darian had insisted on buying for him would cushion the piece nicely, and as the days were warming up neither he nor Darian would be looking into the drawer unnecessarily.
He managed to settle himself inconspicuously on the bed with a book before Darian walked in.
"Aren't you ready yet?"
Jed blinked. "Ready?"
"We're supposed to meet Andrew and head over to the park, remember?"
Jed glanced at the clock, then flushed. He'd been working for nearly three straight hours, ever since Darian had left earlier that morning to run errands before their appointment at the park.
Amy's "boyfriend," Greg, had come back to Tokyo for a short visit. Determined to help the two get together, Serena and Lita had planned a big picnic at the park for them all. The five Sailor Scouts would be there, as would the cats. He and Darian had also been invited, and Darian had persuaded the girls--with only a little effort--to include Andrew in the invitation. Then Jed had convinced Serena to invite Molly and Melvin. She'd groaned about it but agreed to ask them.
Jed didn't understand exactly why Serena disliked Melvin. He might talk a lot, but Melvin had genuinely interesting things to say. Then again, maybe it was just Jed's desire to learn as much about his new world as he could.
He liked Molly, though. And he didn't worry about her connecting Serena and the others to the Sailor Scouts. He'd plainly told her that Sailor Moon had linked him up with Darian and through him Serena and the others. Molly, who had her share of strange experiences involving Sailor Moon in one way or another had simply taken the whole thing at face value.
Jed sighed and got up. He hadn't really wanted to go to this picnic, but he'd been intrigued when he'd heard that Greg had also once served the Negaverse, albeit wholly unwillingly and while under a dark enchantment.
"We'll still make it, right?" he asked as he opened the closet and pulled out some fresh clothes.
"If you hurry," Darian said.
Jed took his clothes and went into the bathroom. He emerged a few moments later fully dressed. He'd opted for a black long-sleeved dress shirt and medium gray slacks. While the color scheme worked well enough for Darian, they both thought it made Jed look too pale. Unfortunately, with his light blond hair and fair skin, anything he wore made him look pale. This was the best he could do.
"Well, let's go," he said. "I'm looking forward to meeting Greg." He glanced curiously at Darian. "You never did tell me how you met him."
Darian looked uncomfortable. "I'd rather not remember," he said. "You can ask Greg about it if you want."
Jed nodded and held his peace. Darian's hesitancy meant that it had been during his time with the Negaverse. He wouldn't force the issue. He knew how much Darian disliked remembering those times.
He hated remembering, too.
* * *
The closer they got to the park, the more nervous Darian felt. His palms were damp, and a sick, tight feeling had settled somewhere in the vicinity of his stomach.
He and Jed had met Andrew outside the arcade, and the three of them had headed directly for the park. Well, there had been two stops. Andrew had halted their procession long enough to dart into the supermarket and buy some snacks. Darian had stopped at a bakery to stall for time, buying two dozen pastries when the proprietor had asked if he was going to buy something or not.
After leaving the apartment, he'd considered telling Jed about how he'd first met Greg. Jed, at least, might understand the strange circumstances that had surrounded that meeting. But the arcade wasn't that far from the apartment, and now Andrew's presence prevented Darian from relating his and Greg's history to Jed.
It seemed like they were at the park in no time, and Amy had drawn Greg over to introduce him. Darian fell back a few steps, allowing his two friends to stand in front of him.
"Greg, this is Andrew," Amy said. "He's a good friend of Serena's. He runs the arcade a few blocks from our school."
Andrew extended his hand. "It's nice to meet you," he said. "Serena's told me a lot about you and Amy."
Darian bit back a smile as both Greg and Amy blushed brightly. "Everything good, I hope," Greg said, forcing a grin onto his red face.
"You know Serena," Andrew said.
"That's what I'm afraid of."
They all laughed, then Lita and Rei caught hold of Andrew's arms and dragged him away to where Serena, Molly, and Melvin were tossing a tennis ball back and forth. Well, Molly and Serena were tossing it around. Melvin was missing each throw abysmally and spent his time chasing after the ball.
"And this is Jed," Amy said, "and I think you've already met Darian."
Darian swallowed and stepped forward. "I'm glad to meet you, Greg," he said hesitantly, "and under better circumstances."
"I forgive you for that, you know," Greg said softly.
Darian blinked. "What?"
"I know it wasn't really you," Greg continued. "Just like it wasn't really me who tried to kill Serena and Amy. You were under the control of the Negaverse, just like I was, only there were more spells laid on you than on me. You couldn't help yourself."
Darian swallowed. "Thanks," he stammered. "I hope we can be friends now."
Greg smiled. "Sure," he said easily. "Besides, it isn't every day a prince offers to be your friend."
Darian blinked again. It didn't assuage his nervousness when Amy also looked shocked.
"How did you know?" she asked.
Greg shrugged. "It's my precognition," he said. "I may not have the Rainbow Crystal in me anymore, but I still have my psychic powers. It isn't as strong as it once was, but I can still see the future, especially when it relates to you and the Sailor Scouts and those around you."
Darian felt slightly easier. Greg did indeed have psychic powers, although they were of a different sort than Rei's. Greg could see the future to a limited extent, and though they'd all first thought the ability came from the Rainbow Crystal, it was now apparent that it had been something in Greg that the crystal had magnified.
"And you're the former Negaverse general, Jedite," Greg said, turning to Jed.
Darian stiffened. He'd forgotten that Greg would likely know about Jed's history as well. To his relief, Jed seemed calm and composed.
"And you're the former Shadow, Bumboo," Jed said quietly.
Greg nodded. "But we've both set those lives behind us, haven't we?"
Jed grinned. "I'm Jed now, and I like it."
"Amy tells me you're Darian's cousin, even though we both know it isn't true."
Jed shrugged. "It's a useful fiction, and entirely plausible, but I like having a family. I can't remember what my life was like before I began serving the Negaverse, so being able to depend on Darian as both a friend and as family--even though we both know it isn't true--has been terrific."
Darian felt himself blushing and quickly averted his eyes.
"Speaking of Darian," Jed continued, "I was wondering if you could clear something up for me."
Darian suddenly felt his nervousness return. "Jed, can't this--"
"How did you first meet Darian?" Jed asked.
Darian sighed and looked away again.
"He was stalking me through the city," Greg said. "After Queen Beryl's plan to free the Seven Shadows failed, she sent Darian out to absorb the former Rainbow Crystal carriers into the Black Crystal, where she hoped to call forth and release her greatest warrior." He looked over at Amy. "If it wasn't for Amy, Darian might have succeeded and the Earth might now be under the control of the Negaverse."
Darian felt himself blushing as Jed regarded him with wide eyes. "You followed him through the city?" his friend asked.
Darian nodded mutely.
"And you imprisoned him in a crystal?"
Darian nodded again.
"That's it? That's what you wouldn't tell me?"
Darian blinked. "What do you mean, 'that's it'? Isn't it enough?"
Jed shook his head. "Darian, remember who you're talking to," he said. "I'm the one that nearly killed you. I was thinking that maybe you'd somehow tortured Greg or transformed him back into Bumboo and sent him to attack a preschool or something."
Darian blinked. "But I--"
Jed shook his head and turned back to Greg. "I'm glad you've forgiven him," he said, "because I don't think he's quite forgiven himself yet."
Darian shut his mouth. "You know as well as I do that it takes time," he snapped irritably. "And I'm sure Greg does, too." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Greg nod.
Of course he'd nod. They were three former servants of the Negaverse given second chances. Suddenly it looked like he wouldn't have any problems being friends with Greg.
* * *
Mina sighed as she watched Luna and Artemis fight over a quickly melting ice-cream stick.
Now that lunch was over, things were quickly heading towards boring. Andrew had left early on, saying that he had to get back to the arcade. Molly and Melvin had gone with him...due, no doubt, to the whispered conversation between Molly and Serena, which probably had something to do with moving Melvin and Molly's relationship forward another step. Darian and Serena had retreated to a tree nearby and were lounging beneath it. Greg and Amy were sitting about a meter away, talking quietly about something or other. Lita had gone off after a boy whom she claimed--to everybody's resigned groans--looked just like her old boyfriend. And Jed and Rei had gone off in another direction to talk.
Mina sighed. She knew why Rei wanted to talk to Jed. She just didn't understand why she felt she had to.
"I want to apologize to him," Rei had said as they walked to the park.
"You already did," Mina had pointed out.
Rei had shaken her head. "I did, but now I finally understand why I was so reluctant to accept that he was different from what he was before."
"Rei, you're just borrowing trouble."
Rei shook her head stubbornly. "I have to do this, Mina," she said. "The reason I was so reluctant to accept that he was different is because I was afraid of change, and that's something I can't forgive in myself, especially after I saw Catsy and her sisters change. Seeing all of you walking together that day...it totally undermined everything I believed in, and I couldn't handle it."
"And that's why you attacked without hesitation?"
Rei nodded. "It's taken me this long to realize it, and now I need to explain that to Jed."
Mina had tried her hardest to change Rei's mind, but Rei had pointed out--correctly, unfortunately--that Jed should understand that some people were afraid of change and some people were surprisingly accepting. Their various reactions to his reappearance were proof of that.
"Amy, watch out for Jed."
Mina stiffened when she heard Greg's quiet warning. She strained to hear more of her friends' conversation.
"Why, Greg?" Amy asked, equally quiet. "I trust him."
Greg shook his head. "That isn't what I meant. I trust him, too. But I sense that something's going to happen here, today, because of him. And he's going to need your help."
"Greg, I don't understand," Amy said. "Did you have a vision again?"
Greg nodded. "It wasn't completely clear like the ones I had when I still had that Rainbow Crystal inside of me, but this one was pretty vivid."
"Tell me about it," Amy urged.
"Yeah," Mina whispered, "tell us about it."
"We're all here," Greg said, "sitting together in a group. Jed and Rei are just returning from their walk, and Lita's coming from the opposite direction. They're almost back here when the earth begins to shake." Greg stopped and shook his head. "After that everything's a blur, as though something's preventing me from seeing what happens next." He raised his head and looked directly at Amy. "But I do know that when it's all over Jed will be gone."
Amy gasped, and Mina couldn't quite suppress her own sharp intake of breath.
"Gone?" Amy asked. "But that's impossible! He can't just disappear. He has a role to play in the future."
Mina was about to snap at Amy for revealing so much to Greg, then realized that if anyone could understand about the future, then it would be Greg.
"He's supposed to be Darian's protector and assistant," Amy continued. "He's going to save Darian in time for Darian to set in motion events that will bring us to where we are today."
Mina felt her head whirling at that roundabout series of events, but it was an accurate accounting...as far as she could tell.
"I don't understand it, Amy," Greg said. "Like I said, maybe there's something else going on in that blurred portion of the vision. I just don't know."
Amy sighed. "Well, don't worry about it, Greg," she said. "Remember the vision you had about becoming Bumboo? It became reality, but things turned out differently from how you believed they would. Maybe the same thing will be true this time, too."
Greg sighed. "I hope so, Amy," he said. "I like Jed. He's a really nice guy, and he seems genuinely interested in anything anybody has to say."
"I know what you mean," Amy said softly.
Mina shut out the rest of their conversation. Something was going to happen, and Jed was going to die!
"No," she told herself firmly, "Greg didn't say that he'd die. All he said was that he's gone. He disappears. That's all, it's nothing to worry about."
But she did worry. She liked Jed, too. He wasn't necessarily her type, but she liked him as a good friend, the same way she liked Darian. In many ways Jed was a copy of Darian, which was only natural since Jed was mostly modeling himself after Darian's example. But unlike Darian, who was exclusively Serena's--by both their preferences--Jed was free to spend time with whomever he chose, and he had spent considerable time in her, Lita's, and Rei's company over the past weeks.
She'd found him a valued confidante, and he'd come to confide in her as well. She knew that he was working on presents for all of them because he'd told her so. And he'd also told her--and, as far as she knew, no one else--where he'd hidden Darian's gifts and what he'd made for him. There was a mutual trust and respect between them, and she enjoyed that.
But to hear that he was going to die?
"He's not going to die," she scolded herself. "He's going to be just fine."
"Who's going to be fine?"
Mina jumped and looked down at the two cats. To judge by Artemis' angry glower and Luna's satisfied smirk, the black cat had won the ice-cream stick.
"Oh, I'm just talking to myself," she said quickly. "I was just thinking--"
"We're back," a voice called.
Mina looked over and saw Jed and Rei approaching. Suddenly feeling sick, she glanced in the opposite direction and saw a dejected looking Lita coming towards them.
If Greg's vision held true, then--
The earth exploded around them.
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