UPDATED NOTES: New version with all Japanese names, except for non-Japanese characters (specifically Jasper/Jarvis Jeevers/Mazz Destrukshun). The anachronism of Kunzite's name still really bothers me, but not as much as the dub names do now. I've used some Japanese honorifics (-san, -sama) and some English (Miss, Mrs.) depending on what is easier within the context. I've also re-written Zoisite as a male. This doesn't change the story a whole lot, but it puts a different angle on some scenes. Unfortunately, it also means Kunzite can't give him a hard time about having PMS any more.

I'm keeping the English version, too. So pick your favorite version, and enjoy the first Neph-Naru novel I ever posted!

1. I don't own any rights in anything connected with Sailor Moon. I'm doing this for love, not money, and without permission from the copyright holders.

2. However, the following characters are mine: Jasper/Mazz Destrukshun/Jarvis Jeevers (not that I want him!), Grandpa Mikami, Dr. Hidari, and some other minor characters. Mikha'erin Alexander is my own invention. Nephy and Molly's previous identities/incarnations as General Nephre'im and Maira the Handmaid are my own conception, but I don't know if I can claim to own them. I do plan to use them again, in other scenarios.

3. I've used a mishmash of Japanese and NA dub influences, taking what I like best from each. I prefer the death scene from the dub version ("You're in my heart" is a much better exit line than "I'm glad I met you," and Molly sounds less like a disappointed little kid and more like a heartbroken young woman), so this is the version I've referred to. Also, I've used "Negaverse" and "Dark Kingdom" interchangeably. Generally, "Dark Kingdom" refers to the physical and political (?) entities, and "Negaverse" refers to the magical aspects.

4. Names: In general, I've used English first names because I find them easier to keep track of, and Japanese last names because they sound cool. For example, Molly Osaka. I don't know why Molly's mother's name in this story is Meredith; it just is. I am unable to use the name Kunzite, because George F. Kunz, for whom the mineral kunzite was named, wasn't even born until 1856. No way someone was being named after him 1000 years ago. (I usually tend to think that logic is overrated, but this is one logical hurdle I just can't leap.) So the white-haired guy is, and always will be, Malachite to me.

BIG EXCEPTION to the names rule: Though I prefer Nephlyte, I've used Nephrite for two reasons: a plot point required all the Dark Kingdom/Negaverse names to conform to the gemstone pattern; and I went to a lot of trouble to pick a cool gemstone name for Jasper (i.e. I looked up "Gemstones" in the encyclopedia) and decided after that to make all the DK names gemstones. I've used Maxfield Stanton for Nephy's alter-ego, because it's a name that just screams Yuppie Millionaire, at least to me.

5. As for Zoisite's gender, well, if you had Zoisite's problem, you'd whine too.

6. Time frame: Most of this story takes place about three and a half years after Nephrite's death. I don't know what happens after Sailor Moon S ( and I'm not even all that clear on what happens during Sailor Moon S), so just ignore everything that comes after Sailor Moon R.

7. WARNING -- PG-13. Molly and Nephy have a *very* passionate relationship. Though there's nothing explicit (I don't believe in it, it's boring, I want this story to get posted, and I have too much affection for these characters to invade their privacy to that extent), it's still obvious that there's some heavy-duty snugglebunnies going on. If you are offended by implied sex, or find the thought of major smoochy stuff with Molly and Nephy annoying, you will want to proceed with caution. (Come on, though, you have to admit, after what they've been through, don't they deserve a little fun?)

(Incredibly banal and cliched one-sentence euphemism.)
[Two heads pop up from under the blankets.
[Molly: (To Nephy) That's it?!
[Nephy: (To Molly) Don't look at me! I'm not the one writing this thing. (To me) I finally get Molly into bed, and that's what we get? A one-sentence cliche? Thanks a lot!
[Molly: Yeah, thanks.
[Nephy: Yeah, lady, you're making me look bad.
[Me: Ok, ok, sorry. (Sigh) Let's try it again.]

8. There's also some violence, though I've tried to keep it as non-graphic as possible. Also some medium-bad words, but nothing that refers in vulgar ways to any body parts or functions.

9. This is a love story between two characters that I care a lot about, so be prepared for mushy stuff and happy endings. That being said, however, some very dark, bad, and intense things also happen in this story on the way to the happy ending. Consider yourself warned.

10. I'd like to apologize in advance for the toenail-polishing scene. I tried to talk Molly and Nephy out of it, but they insisted. So it's all their fault.

[Me: Neph, what do you think you're doing?
[Nephy: (Giving me a look that says, "Where'd you come from, Planet Stupid?") I'm polishing Molly's toenails.
[Me: I can see that. It's totally out of character and has nothing to do with the plot, so get up off the floor and let's get on with the scene.
[Nephy: Go jump. In case you've forgotten, I'm copyrighted by Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha comics, Toei Animation, and a whole bunch of other people, none of whom are you.
[Me: Your point?
[Nephy: My point being, that if I want to explore my inner artist, you're in no position to tell me that I can't.
[Me: Aaarrrghh!]

11. Warning: Also contains Sailor Scouts, bad driving (Nephy: "What? You mean me?"), explicit and gratuitous cell phone use (Nephy: "Hey!"), mall-trawling, evil yuppies, a formerly evil yuppie (Nephy: "Ha ha, very funny.") and Froot Loops-induced morning sickness.

[Molly: (looking at the bowl of Froot Loops and sour milk that Zoisite has just set in front of her) All right, that does it. I'll put up with a lot for the sake of fan fiction, but this is going too far.
[Me: Sorry, Molly, it's in your contract.
[Molly: Contract, Shmontract. Just wait till the union hears about this.
[Me: Union? Molly, you're a cartoon character. You don't have a union.
[Molly: Wanna bet? Ever hear of the Intergalactic Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and Thinghood of Comic Strip, Comic Book, and Animation Characters? Why do you think Superman came back, and Nephy keeps showing up in these fanfics? It's in the collective bargaining agreement. Any character killed off before they're ready to retire must be brought back, in some form, upon demand. That's how we keep from being fired so easily. And it just so happens that the union representative from Sailor Moon is my husband. So there.
[Zoisite: Oh, cut the diva act, sweetheart, and let's get on with the scene. I'm going to be late for my involuntary transsexuals' support group meeting.
[Molly: You mean there's a whole support group for people like you? I thought you were the only one.
[Zoisite: You'd be surprised, hon.
[Me: (After hastily reviewing Molly's contract) Ok, Molly, you win. You don't have to actually eat it, you just have to look at it and then go throw up.
[Molly: That I can handle.]

(Note to the Kellogg's company: I think that Froot Loops is a fine product. I really do. I even let my kids eat it. It's just that there are certain times in a woman's life when it might not be so appealing.)

12. Song lyric credits:

"The Dance" written by Tony Arata, copyright 1989 Morganactive Songs Inc./EMI-April Music Inc.
"You Are Me, I Am You" written by Dave Koz, Carl Sturken, and Evan Rogers, copyright 1999 Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc./Just Koz Music
Both of the above from the album "The Dance," by Dave Koz, copyright 1999 Capitol Records, Inc.

"If Only Tears Could Bring You Back" written Marjorie Maye Pulice, Russ Desalvo; Mewtwo Music; copyright 1999 Nintendo of America Inc. From the "Pokemon the First Movie" soundtrack album (yes I have kids), copyright 1999 Nintendo of America

"Mission of My Soul" and "Love of Midnight" written by Peter Himmelman, copyright 1991 Geffen Music/Himmasongs. From the album "From Strength to Strength," by Peter Himmelman, copyright 1991 Sony Music Entertainment Inc.

All copyrighted song lyrics are used without permission of the copyright holders, but without intent to infringe on their copyrights. Again, I'm doing this for love, not money.

13. Finally, I'd like to thank all the wonderful Sailor Moon characters for their cooperation (with a few exceptions) during this project. You've all been great sports. Really. We'll have to do it again sometime. (Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!)

14. Enjoy!!!