Well, we can’t skip the Ice Skating episode (even if it was my first plan of action). But, some major changes come about since someone is more of her old Princess self than before. And the camel’s back is getting a little sore … don’t you think?

Sailor Moon is copyright (c) 1992 Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha, TOEI Animation. English Language Adaptation (c) 1995 DiC Entertainment

A month after Jedite was released from his prison his voice was completely returned, and his friendship with Prince Darien was stronger than it had ever been. He hated being in the Negaverse, but refused to leave his Prince’s side.

It was a few days before Zoicite’s birthday, and he still had no idea what he could smuggle to her as a gift. He hoped that she wasn’t bitter with him for the snowball. But it had been a beautiful sight - given that she had always got the drop on him first snowfall every year.

He was drawn out of his thoughts by a summons from his Prince. ‘Jedite, Beryl is calling about some new plan Jasper has. Meet me in the throne room.’

‘Yes, my Prince’

* * * * * * * *

"Queen Beryl, I've been told that ice skating was a popular sport during the Silver Millennium on the Moon. The sport looks to be gaining the same popularity with the humans once again," Jasper was saying as Jedite entered the room and took a position next to Darien.

"Very interesting. And so you think you can lure Sailor Moon into a trap through skating. Is that it?" Queen Beryl asked. Her voice still annoyed Jedite - along with her looks, her presence, her smell … everything about the bitch.

Jasper was obviously proud of himself that he had the Queen’s interest. "That's the plan, Queen Beryl."

"Here we go again. Using humans to do your dirty work for ya, huh? Ha, ha." Darien complained.

"What's your point?" Jasper growled angrily. He certainly didn’t want Darien or Jedite at his meeting with Beryl.

Jedite shook his head. “You are far too predictable, Jasper. Don’t you think that the Sailor Scouts would see this coming eventually?”

"How about standing up and fighting your enemy face to face?" Darien sneered.

Jasper mocked as he turned to keep from having to look at the Prince and his puppy bodyguard. "Shouldn't matter how I do it, as long as I get it done. I would've had the Silver Crystal a long time ago if it weren't for Sailor Moon's good luck."

"Jedite and I don't believe in luck." Darien calmly stated.

Beryl had her fill of the arguing. Might as well approve the plan and rid herself of the pests. "Down, boys. Down. Jasper, you better get on with your figure skating plan. Let's hope it works."

"It will." Jasper grinned at Darien and Jedite as he disappeared.

‘Can’t she see that luring Moon here is the only way to get the crystal? Am I the only one wondering about Beryl’s mental capacity?’ Darien growled only to Jedite - the only one he trusted with his true opinions.

Jedite too only trusted Darien. He hoped deep inside that Beryl herself would help him regain the Prince he remembered so well. ‘You know that you aren’t alone in your doubt, my Prince. I even wonder why Beryl wants the crystal so badly. All of the youma lost and three Generals deserted already. Why are we battling for her? She won’t even listen; I know I once knew the true identities of the first three Scouts, but I somehow lost the information while I was trapped.’

‘I don’t know why I’m here either Jedite. I really don’t feel anything for Beryl. But this is all I remember. Yet, there’s something about Sailor Moon. I just can’t explain it. Innocents shouldn’t be drawn into our battles, and she seems to feel the same way. It’s almost as if … Never mind, we should keep an eye on Jasper. Not too much of a stretch to expect him to fail.’ Darien shook his head as he left.

Jedite could see that it wouldn’t be much longer and they wouldn’t ever have to return to this awful place. Looking around once, Jedite followed his Prince. Darien of course was seemingly always right about Jasper.

* * * * * * * *

Jasper took control of the humans Janelle and Misha easily enough. After taking a couple of days to set up equipment and send out ads, the plan went into action.

Jedite sat in the shadows in the ceiling watching. He had been shopping for Zoicite’s birthday gift, and decided to check on Jasper’s victims.

He felt bad for lying to his Prince, but Jedite knew that Darien would understand in the long run. He remembered Serena, Raye, and Amy clearly. To make sure his old friend would get her gift, Jedite left Zoicite’s present on Serena’s bed with a note asking Sailor Moon to get it to the only female General that had his respect.

It was when a curly red head he knew giggled out next to a girl with her brown hair in a high ponytail he didn’t know that Jedite sat up. Gods, she was there! His cousin was really alive! Molly was there with the group he suspected was the Scouts, and she was happy. Obviously Neflyte was making her very happy - that was all that mattered to Jedite, along with her safety.

Luna too was with them. He could have just brought the gift with him, and leave it for the female cat to deliver it for him - but he couldn’t be certain that she would get it. No, it was better left where it was.

"Oh, so this is the new skating rink."

Serena was gazing around excitedly. "Wow. Pretty amazing, huh? Today's the grand opening, and they've got Misha and Janelle giving free skating lessons. OH! I don't know if I can stand waiting to see this!"

"Ditto!" Another blonde answered the Scout leader.

"Yeah, but I don't see why you dragged me here?" Raye complained. Jedite chuckled softly. He could see that Mars hadn’t changed in her attitude while he was captive.

Amy too was same as before, reading a book rather than taking in the sights. "I should be studying for my Universal Statistical Analysis and Mathematical Theory exam."

"Aw Amy, you'll ace it." Serena brushed it off. Jedite too knew the Scout of Mercury would pass the test. Amy was a brilliant mind, and he hoped to one day know her as a friend and colleague once again rather than a foe.

The other blonde explained why they were there. "We've gotta have a group of six to get the free lessons. Come on, guys."

The brown head girl got a strange look on her face. "That's a weird rule."

"Why six?" Raye asked suspiciously.

"Forget that. Come on. Let's book it," Serena chuckled.

Molly on the other hand wasn’t about to ignore the bad feelings she had. “Let’s just be on alert. I’ve got a weird feeling that we’re walking into a trap of sorts. But it feels like we’ll be okay, like someone’s watching over us.”

“You’re starting to sound like your mom, Molly,” Serena groaned.

Molly just shrugged. “She started gaining her second sight about my age. But, it was only vague feelings. It wasn’t until she had to open herself in the most dangerous of ways that she fully saw events. Momma hopes I never have to put myself at that kind of risk, but she said that it might still happen. Anyway, let’s all be really careful today.”

Serena nodded. “Fine then. Everyone on guard for anything unusual.”

“And maybe we can check the place out after everyone else leaves,” the other blonde added.

The brown haired girl gave Jedite some valuable information. “Great idea Mina! And then we can all head to my place for dinner!”

“Right!” the rest answered.

“Mina. Only one possible Scout left to get a name for.” Jedite grinned, as Molly seemingly knew to smile directly towards the area he was hovering in before she rushed off with the others. “And don’t worry Moll, I will watch over you. That’s a promise.”

* * * * * * * *

"Wow, there's so many people," Amy mentioned as they all got ready.

Raye noticed the crowd as well. "Figure skating sure is popular."

"Watcha think, Luna? Like the old days, huh?" Artemis smiled over at the black cat. She still held his heart, but how to tell her.

Luna still wished she knew what he thought about her. All she could do was smile back as her heart raced with all the longing she held for him. "Yes. Uh, where's Serena and Molly?"

“We’re over here waiting on you guys.” Serena spoke from the doors leading to the ring.

Molly was leaning against the jam opposite the group’s leader. She was starting to pick up Neflyte’s mannerisms (someone had better warn her about it), for a moment the group all thought that it was Neflyte leaning there instead of Molly. “Yeah guys, come on before all the spaces close to the ring are taken.”

Finally the group got in a position where they could see the ring clearly, just as cries of excitement could be heard from the crowds around them. Mina spotted the reason first. "Janelle! Misha!"

"Where? Where?!" Serena whimpered as she scanned the rink.

The pair took to the ice, making both blonde Scouts flake out at the same time. "AAAH! THERE THEY ARE!"

"Oh, I can't believe they're here!" Serena exclaimed happily.

* * * * * * * *

As he sat watching the commotion Serena’s failures at skating caused, Jedite used his powers to ease the impact the falls would’ve had without him. Of course this grabbed the attention of Prince Darien. ‘Why are you protecting her, Jedite?’

Jedite grinned as he saved the Moon Princess once again. ‘Would you rather enduring her wails of pain?’

Darien visibly winced at the thought. ‘Wise decision. She once used her crying as a weapon in the beginning and never knew it.’ Not liking the realization his words meant, Darien turned his attention elsewhere. ‘I see that your cousin is with them. Another reason for standing guard?’

‘Yes, my Prince. Molly is still very special to me.’

They both admired the brown haired girl’s performance along with the others. Then Janelle had everyone move out onto the rink, while Misha applauded the girl personally. Both the Prince and Jedite sensed Janelle had moved off for the control room to scan for the Scouts.

Since none of the rejects had asked for their help both men agreed to keep silent on any possible matches they saw. They watched as Misha and the brown-headed girl started to skate, leaving Raye flustered (she thought that he had been talking to her, it seemed).

Darien shook his head at this. ‘I have a feeling that trouble is about to come roaring in. Women in the Negaverse are easy to make jealous, and that can be a dangerous thing.’

Misha tried to lift her, but she was too heavy. So, she turned it around by lifting him! Jedite pointed that out to Darien who nodded in acknowledgment.

Janelle’s bitter voice rang over the speakers. "Attention please. Your lesson is all over for today. Could you please leave rink immediately? Thanks for lovely afternoon."

Jedite winced at the sound. ‘I believe your prediction of jealousy is coming up. Do we stay or leave?’

‘We remain. I’d like to see how Jasper pulls his sorry butt out of this mess.’ Darien leaned back as he got more comfortable.

"Come on, guys," Serena grumbled. Even if she wasn’t very good, she had been enjoying herself. No Nega-monster to fight, just a day for her and the girls … oh, and Artemis too.

Raye felt a little more suspicious about the situation. "Why so soon?"

“Yeah, I agree with Raye. Why are they cutting this so short? We’d better do some snooping. Hey check out Lita!” Molly nudged Serena.

Jedite had the final unknown girl’s name - Lita. She was still with Misha, who had proclaimed her to be the best partner ever to Lita’s shock.

Darien shook his head again. ‘I have a feeling that you and I will have to intercede just to keep the pair from destroying themselves. Be ready to help the Scouts, my friend.’

Jedite nodded, and prayed that finally they would be free.

* * * * * * * *

As the girls started snooping around, they all heard the security doors slam shut and saw the window shutters lock up the rink tight. Things were not kosher at this place!

Mina gasped as she spun around to see the last window close up. "This is way weird!"

"What's going on?" Though she tried to hide it, Raye was ready to jump into a panic.

"Do you guys think that this could possibly be another Negaverse trap?" Amy asked.

Molly nodded. “Yep, and I think that Jupiter is about to find herself in deep trouble!”

“Let’s get going then!” Serena shouted as they all ran back for the rink.

They all barely jumped back in time to keep from being caught by a very angry Janelle as she literally flew out a door and down the hall. Curious, the group went in and investigated the place.

Sparks were flying from one monitor, while another scanner blinked that Lita was a positive match for Sailor Jupiter!

“When I said that Jupiter was about to find herself in deep trouble … I didn’t expect it to be Mariana Trench deep!” Molly gasped at the flashing screen.

“Okay … we are all outtie right now! Lita’s gonna need help, so let’s book it, people!” Serena ordered as she fled the room and headed for the rink and her friend - the Scouts all close behind her.

* * * * * * * *

They got to the ice just as Janelle attacked Lita and Misha. To the Scout’s stunned shock, Misha grinningly told Janelle she still had the killing instinct. The pair touched hands and turned into a Nega-monster.

Both laughed, "We've got every move down! We're the best around! We're going for the gold! A perfect ten! We're an invincible team, the likes you've never seen! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Let the games begin, starting now! HAH!"

They landed a twin jump kick which sent Lita into the stands. That enraged the Scouts and especially their leader. "Oh, Lita. Don't worry. MOON PRISM POWER!"

The group followed in Serena’s example, as Janelle and Misha considered Lita’s fate. Darien smiled softly on Sailor Moon, and Jedite did not miss the look. ‘What’s with the smile?’

‘She has grown stronger since the Generals allied with her and the Scouts. You have to agree that these stupid plots are never going to part the Silver Crystal from her. That is a reason to grant her a measure of respect … even if she has much left to learn to be the beauty that is within her,’ Darien confided.

Jedite smiled … yes, it wouldn’t be very long now. He focused back on the battle. Sailor Moon and the Scouts had revealed themselves and the Moon Princess was giving the Nega-pair an earful. "You degrade your talents by helping the Negaverse! I'm Sailor Moon, Champion of Justice, and if you don't know what I'm about, on behalf of the Moon, I'll show you! HAH!"

"Sailor Moon?" Janelle questioned, followed by Misha’s, "So YOU'RE the one."

Looking at one another for a moment they both glared hard at her. "Give us the Imperium Silver Crystal!"

"Get a life, Negatrash. I’m Sailor Solaris, and there’s no way you’re gonna get the crystal with us around!" Molly shouted as she and Moon leapt onto the ice, their boots turning into skates.

When Solaris had to grab Moon to keep the leader from hitting the ice, Janelle and Misha laughed. "Thought she was supposed to be a good skater."

"Why can't I skate?! I've turned into Sailor Moon!" Moon whined in her frustration.

"Sailors Moon and Solaris, prepare yourselves." Solaris gasped as Janelle suddenly created blades on her arms. "The Death Spiral."

Suddenly, Tuxedo Mask and Jedite appear and pulled the pair out of the way before they were hurt. Jedite was happy to be there for his cousin … even if she didn’t know their past. “Though you would mind my taking this dance, Ms. Solaris.”

“It’s Mrs. Solaris as far as I’m concerned, my cousin. Oh, please tell me that you remember that we are related, Jedite.”

He smiled and winked. “Remind Neflyte that if he doesn’t take very good care of my best cousin then he will deal with me. I hope that he makes you happy, Molly.”

“He does. I just hope our family will all be back together soon.” Molly sighed as she and Jedite got into a better position to attack once Moon and Tuxedo Mask wore out the Nega-monsters. Sailor Moon had quickly became the skater she had once been.

"Tuxedo Mask! You've rescued me again." Moon felt the tears welling up in her eyes.

Mask somehow wished it had been for his enemy. "Not exactly. I just don't think it's fair they mix up Negaverse business with innocent humans, so I'm shutting this stupid sideshow down. Then, I'll be back for your Crystal."

"Oh no. OH!" As often as he appeared demanding her crystal, she had yet to give up her hope that he’d come back to her.

Solaris, Jedite and the rest of the Scouts were amazed as Moon and Tuxedo went back to skating as they had a thousand years before.

Darien began to feel a stirring in his chest - pride in Moon and how quickly she was becoming the woman he had lost and so much more. Why was he thinking such things? The Queen was his love … wasn’t she?

Suddenly, he and Moon were caught off their guard and sent to the boards. Janelle and Misha jumped to give their final blow. "You're ancient history! Prepare to fight! Hah! Get up, losers!"

"JUPITER THUNDER CRASH!" The attack knocked the pair back, saving Moon and Tuxedo. "Some gold medallists. It must have been fool's gold."

"Scouts, let’s show them what real teamwork is all about." Moon called as the others joined together for the battle.

Jasper chuckled as he appeared hovering above them all. "Nice to see you scouts again, one last time. And Prince Darien, if you'd only minded your own business, we'd have that crystal! I’ll make certain that Queen Beryl knows all about that."

With a wave of his hand, Jasper created a giant orb in the ceiling above them and activated it. As the orb began to glow, the vents that freeze the ice hard lowered and began to blow icy air on them all. "It's freezing!" Mars cried out

Mercury tried to use one of her attacks. "It's so cold!"

Even Janelle and Misha were caught in the blast. Ice quickly formed on the boards and ceiling. Jasper enjoyed it. "Ha, ha, ha, ha. Two minute warning, then you're all getting iced, and then, I'll be coming back for the Silver Crystal. So long, Scouts. Prince Darien and Jedite, can't say I'm gonna miss the two of you. Oh, and your precious Generals can’t get in so long as that orb is in play, so don’t be looking for their help this time. Here’s a little gift for you, Princy Boy."

Jasper effectively snapped Tuxedo’s leg with a ball of Negative energy. Tuxedo growled in pain as he tried to protect Moon from the freezing air instinctively. "Jasper!"

Venus cried out in agony, "I can't stand it anymore. Oh no."

Solaris coughed as she fought to breathe. “Neflyte and the others are trying to get in, but the field that orb is giving off is too much Negative Energy for the three of them to break through!”

"Gotta stop it," Tuxedo growled. He didn’t care about Beryl anymore. He finally remembered one critical piece of information - it was Beryl who destroyed his home with his baby sister and parents still inside!

He threw his walking stick at the orb, and it hit its target dead on. The orb shattered and exploded above them, effectively shutting down the power to the vents. In seconds the three Generals were at the sides of their friends, Neflyte next to Jedite and Solaris. “Thanks for watching over her, old friend.”

Jedite grinned. “Funny, I was about to tell you the same thing. If I’m stuck leaving, please keep on making her happy.”

Neflyte nodded as Solaris smiled in his arms.

Mercury regained her breath and was stunned. "It's stopped."

"It's over," Mars sighed. Hoping that the attack wasn’t the only thing over with.

When Janelle and Misha got back up, furious with the situation, Jupiter spoke up. "Sailor Moon, that's your cue."

"Huh? Oh, right." She pulled out the Crescent Moon Wand, and started to work. "MOON HEALING ACTIVATION!"

While Moon transformed Janelle and Misha back to their normal selves, Jedite healed Darien’s leg. ‘That should do it, my Prince. Can you put your weight onto it?’

Testing it, Darien silently nodded. ‘We should get out of here. No doubt that Beryl will be expecting the two of us. I think it would be better for you to remain with the Generals, I won’t have her put you back in that sleep chamber.’

‘I go where you go and face what you face my Prince. If you return to the Negaverse, then so do I.’ Jedite’s facial expression left no room for any doubt of how serious he was.

But, before either of them could go on Beryl filled Darien with more Nega-energy, turning him from Tuxedo Mask back into Prince Darien. Jedite could see in the Prince’s eyes that Beryl held complete control.

Returning to the ranks of the Generals quickly, Jedite reported the bad news. “Beryl has taken total control over the Prince! I don’t know if even I can get through to him now.”

"Hey. Where's Tuxedo Mask? There you are. Are you going to stay, Darien? Please, I miss you," Moon asked hopefully.

Beryl’s voice echoed through the rink as a large black crystal, with her image reflected in its depths, appeared and hovered over the group like a television screen. "It's no use! You can't heal him! Not even your crystal can break the spell I've cast. Prince Darien is mine, now and FOREVER! Ha, ha, ha, ha."

"I know she's wrong about you, Darien. You're not evil," Moon whimpered with tears in her eyes. "Darien, she may have your mind, but your heart belongs to me. You remember, don't you?"

"You are the enemy!" Darien spoke so coldly.

"No, I'm not. MOON HEALING ACTIVATION!" The crystal’s power and light blinded all, but once it died down he was still standing - still completely under Beryl’s power. "DARIEN!"

The four Generals combined in a defensive posture just behind the Princess. Neflyte took control of the background situation. “Venus, Mercury, Mars, Solaris, and Jupiter - you five get the skaters out of here!”

“I’m staying! I’ve got one stronger attack than the rest of the girls, and it feels as if another is building up,” Solaris countered. The real reason was that she didn’t want to leave her friends, love, and family behind in this fight.

Her mother interceded for Neflyte this time. ‘Molly, Neflyte is right. You will be hurt if you don’t help the Scouts, and they will need you shortly.’

“Yes, momma. Just be careful … all of you.” Solaris was looking at Neflyte, but the others understood. A kiss from her heart’s husband, and she was off with the others.

Jedite stepped forward. “My Prince, can’t you see the Beryl is the destroyer? She took away our homes and families! Please remember!”

“Majesty, you are stronger than Beryl!” Zoicite called out. “She doesn’t even have the courage to come face us in person. She’s using a blasted crystal to channel her energy because she knows that she is not strong enough to defeat us in person!”

But, Beryl interrupted before anyone else could speak. "I warned you. You can't turn him against me. His mind belongs to the Negaverse now. He'll never turn against his queen."

Neflyte growled at that. “She is not your Queen, Prince Darien! She lied and pitted the Generals against one another for over a thousand years! Please don’t let her win, my Prince!”

"Goodbye, Sailor Moon!" Darien spoke with no more feeling than a piece of ice.

Finally, down to nothing left, Moon felt their locket move in her pocket. Pulling out the Star Locket, she swallowed and prayed that it would work. "Look, Darien. It's our locket. Don't destroy it. Remember, it's OUR locket, the symbol of everything we shared . . . all those happy times on the Moon. Don't let her take all of that away from us. Please, Darien. It's me, Darien: Princess Serena. I've come to set you free again, just like I promised."

For a moment there was no movement and not a word was said. Then Darien’s face tensed as a memory resurfaced. Just before he went into battle … Serena’s face was covered with tears … she placed it in his palm … he dropped it in battle … not too long ago either … she picked it up … they were talking when it fell out of her pocket … he started to pick it up at the same time as she did … he told her to keep it … he had returned it to … to … to his Princess! He remembered it clearly! Princess Serena of the Moon Kingdom … his one and only love!

"I remember." He was able to gasp out. It took so much to fight off the Nega-energy. “I kept it where she can’t go in my heart … like you asked me too … my sweet.”

Moon felt like jumping up and down for joy. But, she had to bring him all the way back. She couldn’t stand it if he went back to Beryl. "Oh. All you have to do is touch it."

Without a second thought, he touched it and collapsed into her arms as they both fell to the ice. His memories of the past, their love, and their friends … it all came back in a flash. Beryl’s spell was broken. "Can you hear me? Answer me."

"Thank you. I'm free." Darien sighed as he relaxed in her arms and let the magic of the Silver Crystal heal his body.

"Oh, I know, Darien. I know." Moon smiled as she cuddled his weakened body in her arms. "Hey, you can call me Meatball Head."

"OH, TRAITOR! HOW DARE YOU!" Beryl screeched in her outrage, making the crystal glow and seemingly seethe with life. "AAAH! YOU ARE MINE!"

Prince Darien regained his senses and strength slowly. Before long he was sitting up and smiling at his true love. “Time we send a message to Beryl, Generals.”

He created and threw a charmed rose - a beautiful RED rose! That proved to Sailor Moon that her guy was back for good!

All four Generals too threw their strongest attacks that, like Moon's and Mars’ fire and tiara attacks, combined with Darien’s into a fiery powered rose attack. The attack shattered the Beryl’s focus crystal and her ability to claim Darien’s person, just as the Scouts returned to the rink.

"NO!" Beryl’s scream faded as the crystal turned into moon dust leaving only a collapsing vortex in its place.

By now Darien was standing, holding Moon close to his side with pride. She looked up into his eyes with all the love and joy she felt in her heart. "Oh Darien, you got her. You all got her!"

"You haven't seen . . . the last of me, Sailor Moon," Beryl threatened as the vortex she had been channeling her magic through flickered and disappeared.

Moon glared at where the black crystal last was. She was tired of worrying about those she loved, and tired of fighting this witch. It was time to fight back. “Actually Beryl, it’s you who haven’t seen the last of me! We are taking the battle to her next time!”

“Pay back time for all we lost!” Mars growled.

Solaris looked up at her love with a look of pure determination. “And to protect all we have now, and will someday gain!”