Aurora Eos Rose 4/13/01 http://heavensdawn.org/ auroraeosrose@hotmail.com Redemption: Part 1 Chapter 03 - The Turning Point Sere slipped. Her first thought was of impending death. Her fingertips scrabbled against the cliff face. She grasped desperately for a handhold, barely finding one in time. She hung with one hand, adrenaline giving her the strength to hold on. She really hated climbing. "Are you all right Sere?" Cassie's worried voice floated from a ledge below. "I'm fine Cassie." Sere thought desperately of a hundred places she'd rather be. "How much farther?" Sere kicked a spot for her toe and breathed a sigh of relief. She felt much better with at least a toehold. "I think there's a passage on the next ledge down. Most of these passages stay deserted because they fill up with sand during storms." Sere started downward again, silently hoping that the slowly fading sunlight would hold out until they were inside. With her luck not only would it get dark but also a storm would start up. She really would be glad when they left the cliff. Her muscles ached and her head was spinning from the height. Cassie dropped down onto the next ledge a little harder than she anticipated. She slipped and fell against the hard stone, slicing another cut open on her leg. She was bleeding from multiple cuts and scrapes, and her hands were raw. At least there wasn't anyone around to see her wonderful condition. She glanced up to watch Sere, praying the girl would make it down safely. The wind began to pick up slowly, whipping Cassie's black hair around her face. The setting sun enhanced the red hue that seemed to cover all of Mars. Cassie turned and looked out over the great canyon. She felt caressed by the planet, a part of eternity. She felt like she was finally home. The sun kissed Cassie's hair, bringing out the violet and red hues hiding in the black. Her white uniform stood out vividly against the red cliffs. A thump and squeal announced the arrival of Sere. Cassie turned around and had to choke back the laughter. Sere's long braid had come half undone and little wisps were sticking out everywhere. Her face was smeared with red dirt, and her arms and legs were covered in scrapes. "What's so funny?" Sere stuck her hands on her hips, defensiveness in her tone and posture. "You look like a clown." Cassie finally let loose her laughter. Sere stuck her tongue out. "Well, just don't look in a mirror then, because you look even worse than me." Cassie resisted the urge to return the childish gesture. Instead she turned towards the small circular hole in the cliff. The opening was smaller than she remembered, and a lot darker. Cassie prayed they wouldn't become lost in the passages. "I guess the passages start through here." Sere crouched down and peered inside. She shivered a bit. The opening was very dark, and very small. Sere felt like going in there would be like being eaten alive. "It's awfully dark. Are you sure about this?" Cassie squared her shoulders. She lifted her chin and pulled every ounce of courage she possessed to the fore. "We have no choice Sere. Either we go in or we die out here. This canyon is said to be bottomless, and there's no way we can climb back up." Sere blinked back tears. Cassie reached forward and hugged Sere tightly. "Everything will be fine, Sere. You'll see. Even if Mars is occupied, Martians are too stubborn to give in. We'll find people to help us. But not if we stand here all day." Sere nodded bravely and held onto Cassie's hand. Cassie hunched over and stepped through the narrow opening in the giant wall of red stone. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Zavier straightened his jacket and ran a hand through his curly ponytail. The last thing he needed was to look like a hung over alcoholic on his first trip to Uranus since the takeover. "Primping?" Jason ran a hand through his own tousled hair. Both looked much better after the three-hour nap in zero gravity, but too little sleep and continuously emptying one's stomach didn't make for the best appearance. "Actually, I was thinking of all the ways to make Nestor suffer the next time I see him." Zavier's face drew into a devious smile. Jason laughed. "Well, let's go collect this Princess. I hope the locals are a bit more friendly than they were last time we were here." Memories roared back into Zavier's head. Haruka and Michiru side by side, both raped brutally and covered in lashes from Jason's whip and slender knife wounds. Calling out each other's names as they surrendered to death. He felt sick to his stomach for a moment, and then ruthless crushed his emotions. Zavier glared at the taller man. "I'd rather not think of that right now, Jason. Let's just go." His tone was icy. Jason dropped his eyes for a moment. Zavier stepped forward and opened the cabin door. The ship had been running on a skeleton crew, a pilot, a mechanic, a six-man honor guard, and the two princes who had stayed in the cabin the entire time. The passengers lined the hallways, bowing low as the two princes swept by. The soldiers fell in two lines behind Zavier and Jason, perfectly in step. The outer door of the ship slowly lowered, and the group stepped out onto the spaceport tarmac. There was a very large group of soldiers to meet them. Jason's eyes narrowed for a moment. He was instantly suspicious. "Why the welcoming party?" Jason whispered the question to Zavier, but Zavier wasn't paying any attention. He had a faraway look in his eyes. He looked upward at the graceful spires of Miranda. His eyes swept over the gentle dome, and narrowed at the still un-repaired damage. Miranda had always been a beautiful capital, elegant and stately, with a bit of a hard edge to the design. Just like the people of Uranus. Just like Haruka. Zavier pushed the memories away again. The two continued to move forward, perfectly in step. The trip across the open space seemed to take forever. Distances were deceiving on the lightly curved surfaces of the floating cities. A man moved forward from the welcoming party. He knelt low to the ground. "Prince Jason, we welcome you to Uranus." The man lifted his head for a moment and beckoned a retainer forward. In the man's hands were a brilliant royal blue cape and a narrow circlet. Zavier took a step forward. The other soldiers fell to the ground in unison. "We welcome our long absent King Zavier. Your loyal subjects bid you welcome and eagerly await your commands." Jason turned to Zavier, his mouth dropping open. Zavier took a step forward and took the kneeling man's hand. "Thank you for your welcome, Prime Minister Gregory. I see you have done well in my absence. Please, rise and walk with me." The man holding the objects took a step forward. Zavier lifted one hand. "No, please. I shall plan a coronation ceremony soon. Until then, call me by my title of Prince." Jason studied Zavier's features. Somehow, the curly haired blonde had known this would happen. Jason fell into step behind the two, his face twisted into a grim smile. Zavier always did like to play devious little tricks. Jason shook his head. He'd make Zavier pay for the surprise later. Jason didn't like to look the fool. The three men moved through the streets slowly. Zavier kept a conversation with Greg about repairs, law enforcement, and the branding and tracking of citizens. Jason took his position as rear guard. His aqua eyes scanned the alleys, taking in the problems evident everywhere. He glared at the pompous Prime Minister's back. The man was obviously intelligent, but didn't have the backbone of steel needed to govern a newly conquered planet. Jason slipped away from the two, determined to see what things were like in the back alleys of Miranda. Zavier noticed Jason leaving, but ignored it. Jason would return with a full report of how things were in Miranda, without the cover-ups and lies that Gregory seemed to be spewing. The trip through the streets was quite an experience. All though some parts of the rebuilding seemed to be going well, Zavier had a suspicion that Greg harbored rebel leanings. There were soldiers everywhere, but most seemed to be without orders and without purpose, hassling some citizens, while totally ignoring others who should have been arrested and beheaded. There were no forced labor crews working on city projects, and there were thieves and beggars everywhere. Zavier hid his anger behind a winning smile and chatter about the things Greg seemed to be doing correctly, including city repair work and some social restructuring. Zavier felt the urge to smack the man when he began to complain about the new slavery laws. "We haven't had slaves on Uranus for generations. They aren't truly necessary." Zavier stopped dead in his tracks and turned his face towards the arrogant Greg. "So since you don't agree with a law you haven't been enforcing it? I assume that includes other laws that you feel are archaic." Zavier asked the question quietly. Greg didn't seem to notice the danger. "I assumed that they were merely outdated laws that simply hadn't been…" Zavier moved quickly. Greg was on the ground, the deadly space sword at his throat. "You've assumed far too much, Prime Minister." Zavier ground the words out, while twisting the sword lightly. The point pierced the skin, sending a delicate stream of blood down the man's neck. "The dictates sent by Prince Endymion are laws, not suggestions. The Golden Kingdom is being reborn, and all of its laws will be revived, from slavery to rules of combat. I suggest to learn to obey, or you will end up in chains, or even missing your head." Greg swallowed loudly. He read a promise of death in the blonde man's eyes. "I apologize, your highness." Zavier smiled cruelly. "You will do more than apologize when Jason returns. He is skilled at encouraging servants to follow orders. He likes to punish." Zavier sheathed the blade and strode past the fallen man, kicking out once with a boot. "I'm heading to the palace to collect my dove." Greg lay on the ground, staring at the man's retreating back. "I'm sorry, Dianara. I had no idea what they were capable of." Gregory staggered slowly to his feet, and shuffled to the palace for the inevitable confrontation. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Tory stood on a ledge at the exterior of the palace. She glanced down for a moment, admiring the view. She loved being up high. It was exhilarating, like flying. The palace was ten stories tall. Actually rather short for a building in Miranda, but Miranda castle was surrounding with a huge wall and large intricate gardens. Green space, something the rest of the city lacked. Tory continued to inch along the wall. She had managed to sneak back into the castle from the alleyway, but the guard had swiftly found her again. She hadn't been able to get near Diane, and Tory had a sneaking suspicion that time was running out. The designers of the palace gardens hadn't been intelligent, however. Either that or one of the gardeners had been lazy in his pruning. There was a large oak tree very near the backside of the palace. Tory had simply shinnied up and jumped onto the narrow ledges that ran around the building. There were also areas of the wall that were ridged, probably for aesthetic purposes, but they made great ladders. Tory had simply walked to the nearest set of ridges and climbed up to the tenth floor. Actually it hadn't been that simply, the stone was slick, but Tory was an experienced climber. Now she was creeping along toward Diane's room, and praying she would get there in time. Her foot slipped a bit on the ledge as she inched toward the front of the castle. She gasped quietly, but quickly regained her footing. Then her sharp eyes noticed something below. Someone was coming, in a big hurry too. Tory dropped to one knee. It seemed to be a man, in a gray uniform. Tory couldn't see his face from her high perch, but she did notice the way everyone was bowing to him. And she could tell it wasn't Greg. Something was up. Tory stood up and began to move faster on the ledge. Finally she reached the window that led to Diane's room. She stood in front of it and tried to peer inside. Unfortunately the curtains were closed. Tory first tried to simply open the window, but it seemed to be latched oddly. Then she tried banging on the pane, but no one answered. Tory was getting desperate. Someone would see her if she stayed here at the front of the building. She pulled back her elbow and shoved it through the window. The glass shattered, a few pieces slicing deeply into her skin. Tory didn't even notice. She used her uninjured hand to break away the remaining shards and jumped through the newly opened portal. The room was empty. Diane's things were gone. Tory swore loudly. She headed for the bathroom and quickly bound up her injured arm. No sense in leaving a trail of blood all over the palace. She noticed something blinking rapidly in the other room. Tory moved closer. It was an alarm. Tory swore again, this blasphemy a bit more inventive, and headed out the door. She stopped in the hall and wrestled down an ancient axe, thanking the gods that the kings of Uranus had always been obsessed with weaponry. The hallways were fairly empty. Tory knew that was a good sign. All she needed now was an obvious clue to where they had put Diane. Tory kept an eye out for soldiers. On the fifth floor she hit pay dirt. Five soldiers clustered around a single oak door. The first soldier went down in the initial rush, a victim of an axe butt slammed into the base of his spine. The second managed to pull his sword, but Tory ducked quickly, spun her weapon, and buried her axe in his gut. The third managed a shallow slice to Tory's thigh. But Tory spun and beheaded him in a single swipe. The adrenaline was rushing through her. She couldn't feel anything but the thrill of battle. She didn't even register the blood dripping from her leg or the dismembered bodies on the floor. The last two tried to take her at once, but she moved quickly, smacking one with the butt end of the axe on the top of the head. The axe whirled above her head, the head burying itself in the fifth soldier's back. Tory stood for a moment, the bloodlust draining from her body. Luckily no one else seemed to hear the noise. She wiped the bloody axe on one of the bodies and tried to open the door. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Diane sat stiffly in her padded chair. She squirmed a bit, uncomfortable in the tight royal blue gown. She was tired; the days seemed so long on Uranus. She looked down at the book clutched tightly in her hand. All she had done for the past three days was read and get drug around the palace by Greg. He was very kind and attentive, but she didn't trust him. His eyes shifted too much and he didn't answer direct questions. And he fawned on her like a suitor. Diane shuddered a bit. She pushed the arrogant Prime Minister from her mind. She looked down at the book again, trying to absorb herself in learning. She always tended to escape her emotions that way. It was probably just to keep her mind off the truth. A beautiful pair of eyes rose in her mind's eye, their royal blue mocking her. Diane closed her eyes tightly. Zavier's beautiful features were burned into her brain better than any book or math formula. The bastard had slaughtered her mother. And then touched her with his bloody hands. Diane shuddered, her body springing to life at the recollection of his touch. "Diane?" The voice came from the hall. Diane stood slowly. She would know that voice anywhere. "Tory?" Diane ran to the heavy oak door and pressed her ear against it. "Diane. Are you all right?" The handle jiggled viciously. Diane yelled at the door. "They locked me inside. Where are the guards?" Diane grimaced at her own stupidity. Tory had obviously taken care of them one way or another. A muffled grunt came from the other side of the door. The door shuddered violently, but remained tightly closed. Diane resisted the childish urge to bang at the wood in frustration. "We need to get out of here, now Diane. This is a trap; there are earth soldiers all over Miranda, probably all over the entire planet. Stand away from the door." Diane took a few steps back. The door shuddered. It sounded like there was something large and solid being embedded in the oak. Diane looked around quickly. The noise would bring guards running. There had to be a better way. Her mind raced, searching for a better option. Then she noticed the hinges. "Wait a minute, Tory." The pounding continued. Diane sighed loudly, and repeated the phrase in a shout. The pounding halted. "We have to get you out of there, Diane." Tory sounded desperate. Diane dragged the chair she had been sitting on over by the tall door. "I know Tory, I see the ramifications. But if you keep pounding every guard in the palace will be here. Give me a minute." Diane reached up and yanked on the hinge pins. "Stupid people lock someone in and put the hinges on the inside." Diane muttered the admonishment to herself as she slowly worked the pin out. Then she moved to the next set. She tried to work quickly but the pins were old and not oiled well. "What are you doing Diane?" Diane smiled at the worry in her friend's voice. "I'm taking the hinge pins out. Wait a minute." There were several minutes of oppressive silence. Then Diane jumped off the chair, a triumphant grin on her face. "All right Tory, when I tell you, lift up a bit on the door and push forward." Diane stuck her hands on the underside of the door. "On the count of three. One, two, three!" Both girls heaved at the oak structure. At first nothing happened. Then there was a gentle groan. The door gave way. It didn't move very far, the bolt on the other side working like a stuck hinge, but there was enough room for Diane to squeeze out. Diane staggered backward and fell heavily on her butt. Tory's face peeked through the opening. "Diane? I am so glad to see you. Come on, let's go." Tory's voice was brimming with relief and impatience. Diane stood up slowly, brushing lint from her dress. She felt a brief surge of euphoria. She was free. But she tempered the thought with logic. Now was not the time to celebrate. "Just a minute Tory. Where exactly are we going to go? We can't just go rushing off without some sort of…" Diane noticed Tory's wounded leg and arm. Her eyes widened in astonishment. "What the hell did you do to your arm?" Tory simply grabbed onto Diane's dress with the uninjured arm and yanked the smaller girl through the opening. Diane struggled to keep from falling flat on her face. "I got it when I broke your window. I don't think we have time for fancy planning. We need to get out, right now." Diane caught the urgency in Tory's voice. She only got this worried when her sixth sense kicked in. Diane nodded and grabbed onto Tory's good hand. Tory started down the hall, a huge axe tucked under her injured arm and Diane's hand tightly clasped. Diane tried hard to keep up, but the dress was severely hindering her progress. They passed down several hallways. Finally Diane had enough. "Tory, wait a minute, I can't keep up." Diane jerked her arm away, and reached for the offending garment. She ripped the bottom section off quickly, exposing a good length of leg. "Let's go." Diane took off again, this time in the lead, with Tory trailing behind. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Zavier stared at the bodies littering the floor. There had been five guards, obviously taken out with a large instrument, more than likely an axe. Three were dead, one had a snapped spinal cord, and one was merely unconscious. He bent down for a moment. Anyone who could take out five seasoned guards had to be very well trained. He stood, surveying the scene once more. There had only been one assailant, the door hadn't been opened until afterward. He could see two pair of bloody footprints leading down the hallways. Zavier scowled once again at the door that was off its hinges. What kind of idiot would lock someone in a room where the hinges were on the inside? He moved down the hallway quickly, following the rapidly disappearing footprints. He stopped for a moment. The footprints had vanished, but there was a piece of blue cloth lying on the hallway floor. Zavier picked up the cloth. It was ripped at one edge, probably removed from a restricting garment. He grinned a bit. They were close. He closed his eyes for a moment. Which way would two terrified girls head. He opened his eyes and headed off down a side hall. His smile grew wider. He could hear light foot falls down the hall. He took off at a flat out run, determined to catch his prey. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Diane struggled to keep up her pace. Her lungs were burning and her legs as well. She turned another corner, and came face to face with a huge statue and a blank wall. She resisted the urge to cry. She was certain this way led to the stairs. Diane spun around quickly, heading back the opposite direction. She had just reached the cross hall when a very strong, very long arm shot out from the right and clamped onto her forearm. She screamed, and Tory stopped suddenly. Diane spun around to see her captor, trying to jerk her arm free in the same motion. All she succeeded in doing was twisting her arm into an unnatural position. She bit back a yelp of pain. Royal blue eyes burned into her soul. "Zavier." Her voice caught on the name, trembling like a cornered rabbit. Her captor smiled and slowly drew her closer. Diane felt like she was drowning, unable to fight back. The scene from the throne room played over and over in her mind. "Let go of her you murdering bastard." Tory moved forward, axe ready. The ache in her arm was forgotten momentarily. All she could think of was getting Diane back. She moved forward, swinging the axe in a large arc. Zavier saw the movement. He took a step forward toward Diane, breaking the strange spell. Diane tried to move backwards. He dropped to the floor, without releasing his grip on Diane's arm. He jerked her down beside him, wrapping her against his body with one arm and drawing his sword with the other. They both rolled across the floor toward Tory. She sidestepped them quickly, and soon the two had switched places; Zavier and Diane stopped at the base of the statue, Tory standing with her back to the open hallway. Zavier lay on his back, head raised, Diane's spine plastered against the front of his body. His sword lay with the flat against her neck, his other arm was wrapped tightly around her body, pinning her arms at her sides. "Hold your axe, bitch, or the girl dies." Tory stopped in her tracks. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. She noticed that the sharp edge of the blade wasn't against Diane, only the edge. Tory took a step forward, convinced she could get Diane away from the bastard. Diane resisted the urge to scream in frustration. They had been so close. She felt every inch of Zavier pressed against her, and it was causing an aching sensation in her stomach. She could see the sword out of the corner of her eye. She knew that blade. The last time she had seen it, the space sword had been dripping with her mother's blood. Diane appreciated the irony. Dying at the hands of the same man, with the same blade. Her heart was pounding in fear. But Tory was still free. If she would just leave. Diane gathered her courage. "Just go Tory. Leave. Please." Diane's words were soft. Tory looked behind her back at the empty hallway. She turned back towards Diane. "I won't leave you, Diane." Tory's eyes zeroed in on the blade. "He won't hurt you." She said the words confidently and moved forward again. Zavier smiled slyly and turned the blade. The space sword made a shallow cut along Diane's neck. Diane gasped in pain. The blood dripped down, soaking into the low collar of her dress. "I slit her mother's throat easily. It would be poetic justice to kill her the same way, with the same blade. Don't be so sure of yourself little girl." Tory drew all five feet eight inches, her spine almost snapping under the perfect posture. "Little girl?" Tory could feel the anger growing inside her. How dare the bastard taunt her? Diane forced herself to breathe, even though the motion made the sword cut deeper into her throat. If she didn't do something, Tory would loose her temper, and then it would all be over. Tory didn't think when her temper ruled. "Tory, leave now. That's an order." Diane's voice rang crisp, even though the motion made the sword bite deeper into her throat. Tory jumped at Diane's tone. The dark haired girl never spoke that way. Tory felt her anger draining. Diane was almost panting, her eyes dark with pain, but she still forced words through her battered windpipe. The sword hadn't done more than slice skin and a bit of fat so far. "Don't let him anger you. I'll know you'll come back…" She stopped speaking, her eyes shut against the pain as the sword dug deeper. Tears sprang to her eyes. This was the end. She wondered if her mother had felt the same pain before she entered the darkness. Tory shot one more desperate glance at the two on the floor. Diane's eyes were shut, blood soaking her dress. Tory shot a murderous glance at the gloating man. Then she slung the axe over one shoulder and took off down the hall. Zavier swore loudly. Diane felt her ears burning from his words. His arm tightened mercilessly around her ribcage. He turned the blade again, but continued pressing it against her neck, cutting off her air supply. Diane struggled for a brief moment, then surrendered to the darkness. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Aria closed her eyes tightly. She had been so damn close to escaping. Another ten feet and she would have been on her way to freedom. She could feel the anger radiating from Athan. She shuddered a bit. He was the last person she wanted to capture her. The very bottom of the list. Even Endymion wouldn't have been as bad. "Why?" The word was spit out in a low growl. Aria resisted the urge to groan. No matter what she said or did, she wouldn't be getting out of this situation. She kept her mouth and eyes tightly closed. If she was going to be punished for trying to escape, the least she could do was not make him any angrier by telling him the truth. His arms bit into her upper arms. He shook her a bit, smacking her head against the tarmac. Aria felt another headache spring to life. "Tell me why. Now!" He hissed the words from between clenched teeth. Aria bit her bottom lip, refusing to open her eyes or respond. She felt Athan's breath against her cheek, hot and damp. His grip tightened even more. Aria was just imagining him snapping her bones like twigs. Then the hold on her arms suddenly relaxed, and the weight on her chest disappeared. Aria's eyes popped open. She realized her mistake instantly. She was trapped, locked by a pair of deep purple eyes. She couldn't look away, couldn't think. He was propped up on his arm and knees, still leaning over her prone form. He lowered his head again, until their noses touched. Aria shuddered at the anger she saw resting under his stone façade. The last time he had peeled off his mask and released that anger… Aria felt her heart pounding in terror. She never wanted to experience anything like that again. Athan reached down, rubbing a hand gently over Aria's smooth cheek. She jerked away as though he had struck her. He growled low in his throat, but halted when Aria's expression turned from fear to absolute horror. She was terrified of him. Athan let a smile creep over his features. So she finally feared him. He could use this to his advantage. "Either you answer the question, or face the consequences. And I'll know if you're telling the truth." Aria swallowed loudly. The menace in his tone was enough to freeze her blood. "I have a duty. I have to find Serenity." Athan pulled back a bit, his brow furrowing in surprise. "You risk your life for a spoiled little princess?" Aria's eyes narrowed. Athan could threaten her, he could rape her, he could beat her, but she wouldn't let him disparage Sere. "You know nothing about her, nothing." Aria screamed the words, forcing herself up on her elbows. "She would give her life before hurting anyone. She's the most innocent, kindest person alive. She may be a crybaby and a klutz, but she's the most loving, caring person you'll ever meet." Athan sat back on his heels, his eyes dancing with laughter. "I see I've found a soft spot." Aria fell back against the ground with a groan. That's all she needed. Give him another weapon against her. Athan tilted his head to the side. "No sarcastic comments?" Aria shook her head. Athan leaned forward and grasped both of her wrists in one large hand. He stood up and yanked her along with him. Aria stumbled a bit, but then found her balance. She felt like a sack of potatoes, constantly moved whether she wanted to or not. "Stop that, I can stand on my own." Athan ignored her. His eyes swept over the spaceport. "Be quiet. You're all ready in enough trouble." Aria grumbled under her breath. He was treating her like a recalcitrant child. She resisted the urge to stick out her tongue and pout like one. Instead she lifted her chin and tried to yank her hands out of his grasp. Athan didn't seem to notice her efforts, but Aria wasn't about to give up. Athan shot a sideways glance at the girl beside him. She was trying desperately to free herself, but had only succeeded in making him tighten his grasp. She was dressed in a tight black jumpsuit, and her hair was tumbled around her shoulders. She looked like one of the fantasies you could buy in a brothel. Athan turned his attention back to the spaceport. He finally spotted what he was looking for, a white horse standing near the entrance to the port building. The owner was probably inside waiting for a flight, or picking someone up. Endymion had often mocked the archaic travel methods of the moon. Athan didn't really mind the horses and carriages; distances were fairly short under the domes of the moon. Enclosed domes meant that travel systems needed to be self-sustaining, and even advanced methods of powering vehicles weren't completely pollution free. Athan began moving across the tarmac, pulling Aria roughly behind him. She dug her heels into the ground and tried to pull away. Athan was amused. She fought even when she knew it was hopeless. She was incredibly optimistic, with more courage than Athan had ever seen contained in a human. He still felt that burning deep in his stomach though, a ball of anger that wouldn't recede. Whatever things he admired in Aria were pushed to the back of his mind for the time being, replaced by his anger at her attempted escape. The reached the horse quickly despite the fact that Athan had to drag Aria the entire distance. Neither one spoke. Athan mounted the horse in a single movement, but his hold on Aria lessened. She took the opportunity. Aria jerked her arms from his grasp and took off at a run. Athan swore. He jerked the horse around and headed after her at full speed. Aria heard the hoof beats against the tarmac, and then she was snatched from the ground and thrown over the saddle on her stomach. Athan clamped one large hand on the small of her back. Neither said anything. He slowed the horse and made his way off the spaceport tarmac to the gate. The trip back to the palace was long and very demeaning for Aria. Face first over a horse's back was not a comfortable way to travel. Her stomach was sore, and her pride even more injured. She had planned her escape carefully, managed to round up the clothes, and arranged the timing so a ship would be leaving just as she reached the spaceport. She gritted her teeth against the pain and kept her head down. Aria closed her eyes for a moment. She knew there would probably be more consequences than an embarrassing ride. Athan's anger continued to boil. She was pushing him to the limit. In fact, she seemed to enjoy making him angry, forcing him to retaliate against her stupid actions. He increased the pressure on her back, forcing her down against the saddle a bit harder. He always repaid the foolish for their choices. His mind turned over again and again, searching for an appropriate punishment for the woman draped across the horse in front of him. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Endymion looked at the city of Elysian from the porthole of his window. Under a radiation dome to protect it from the sun's blistering energy, Elysian had once been the most beautiful and powerful city in the solar system, and in the galaxy. Now it was almost abandoned, the only people still present where the keepers of the shrine which lay in the center of the city. Endymion felt a shiver of remembrance. The city seemed familiar to him, almost like home. He turned away quickly. Nestor sat beside him, also gazing at the floating city. Elysian was a wonder of technology and magic. It was very small, and rested just outside the corona of the sun. No one understood how the amazing dome worked, blocking most of the radiation, heat, and light, and transferring it to machines that kept the city from being sucked into the sun's incredible gravity. The design of the city was different from that of the magnificent, modern outer planets. Instead Elysian consisted of broad fields broken by stately chateaus. Only the rich could ever afford to live in Elysian. The poor who set foot on the city were either slaves or servants. Nestor closed his eyes for a moment. He didn't know how he'd be able to stand his trip to Elysian, where the sun always shone. He longed for the dark cold of Pluto. This was too bright, too strong. The ship shuddered a bit as it moved through the entry of the dome and slowly set down at the ancient spaceport. Endymion shook Nestor's shoulder. He opened his eyes slowly. "Shall we go, Nestor?" Endymion moved quickly from the cabin, almost running in excitement. Nestor shook his head slowly and followed at a more sedate pace. There was no one to meet them at the spaceport. Of course, Nestor doubted the tiny shrine could have sent anyone. In fact, Nestor doubted that the priests and priestesses of the shrine even knew of Endymion's triumph. The sun had not needed to be conquered. Why send an army for one city with less than fifty inhabitants? Endymion was shouting instructions to the small group of soldiers they had brought. Nestor glanced out over the brilliant green fields. Elysian was beautiful, but Nestor felt a strange foreboding. Something about this place reeked of blood and death. The trip to the shrine had to be made on foot. Whatever methods had been used for travel on Elysian had been long forgotten in the mists of time. Nestor glanced around at the quiet city. Elysian had been emptied centuries ago, when the great wars between the planets had begun. The entire galaxy had fought against one another, biting and clawing for more power, more space. The only ones who had stayed were the few devoted followers of Sol. Elysian had been forgotten, merely an old fairy tale. Kingdoms had come and gone, and still no one tread the streets of Elysian. Then Selene had appeared, a child of Elysian. She had been drawn to the moon, the dead rock, and had made it a place of life. And under her guidance the Silver Millennium had brought peace and order. The streets were paved in a white substance, and the buildings gleamed white even in their dilapidated condition. It was as if the entire city shone. Nestor pulled himself slowly from his musings. He glanced over at Endymion. The man's sapphire eyes were hazy, as though he was locked in some sort of dream or vision. Endy was in the lead, heading towards some place that only he knew. Nestor followed a few paces behind, and then the group of soldiers marched in double lines. Nestor frowned down at cracks and holes in the streets. The city was slowly falling apart. Endymion moved forward, something in his heart guiding him towards the shrine. This was the place his father was born, the place where Helios died at Gaea's hand. Endy shook his head. Gaea. He hadn't thought of his mother as that persona in a long time. The woman she had been before Selene had forced drastic action. The woman she had been before Metallia. Endymion's feet continued to move, even as his brain moved along its own course. Helios, high priest of Elysian. Endymion reached out with his mind, feeling the power present around his body. This was his birthright. Endymion unconsciously sped up a bit. The shrine rose into view, a majestic palace out of the green fields. Endymion's eyes caressed the structure. White stone, reaching up to the sky in a giant tower, much like the vaunted prayer spire on the moon. The sun's structure was much larger, however. Endymion allowed a smile to spread across his face. So the moon's prayer spire was merely a copy of the sun's. He moved up the steps slowly. It felt like a dream, something he remembered from long ago. Endymion halted for a moment, searching the feeling. He turned to face the city. A memory rose in the back of his mind, breaking free from its bonds. He stood on these steps, looking out over the empty city. A voice, deep and warm, echoed from behind him. "Someday, Endymion, this city will be yours. And I'm sure that Elysian will rise again and shine its light across the galaxy. But remember that power and prestige always has a price." The vivid picture faded slowly from his mind, but Endymion could still feel his father's hand resting on his shoulder. Endymion turned to face the doors to the shrine. He was Endymion, son of King Helios and Queen Gaea, heir to the powers of the Sun. The words danced in his mind, swirling under the light of reality. He was also Endymion, child of Metallia, scourge of the galaxy. Endymion laid his hand gently on the huge stone doors. He knew, somehow, that no mortal hand could open these doors. Endy closed his eyes for a long moment, feeling the power of the sun sweep through him. The doors swung open quietly, as though bowing to their master. The shrine was deserted, dark, and quiet as a tomb. The air was still and hot. Endymion moved forward. The doors shut behind him quickly, cutting him off from Nestor and the others outside. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Cassie moved through the tunnels quietly. She raised the makeshift torch a bit higher, flooding the tunnel with light. She could hear Sere's heavy breathing. Even Cassie felt the oppressiveness. The tunnels seemed to go on forever, with no logical direction. Cassie didn't know how long they'd been walking. It could have been hours, days; the absolute darkness gave no clues. Sere's stomach rumbled loudly. Cassie ignored the sound. There was nothing to eat, and no water. And the tunnel kept going. The two girls moved silently. The tunnel opened into a large room. Cassie resisted the urge to scream in frustration. "Are we lost Cassie?" Sere whispered the question. Cassie closed her eyes for a moment. "We were lost from the start Sere." Cassie heard the girl choke back a sob. "We'll survive Sere. These tunnels can't go on forever." "Yes they can." The two girls whirled around quickly, searching for the voice. Suddenly the chamber came alive with light. They were completely surrounded by soldiers. Cassie grabbed onto Sere's arm and forced the smaller girl behind Cassie's back. "Chad." Cassie almost whispered the word. The man bowed low. "At your service, Princess Cassandra. So surprised to see you here. I expected you to run away and desert Mars as your mother had." Cassie's eyes narrowed. "You know nothing, foolish boy." The man stood slowly, his eyes hidden under a mop of hair. "You are the foolish one, princess. And I see you've brought a foolish little guardswoman as well. How strange that you are the one protecting her." Cassie gritted her teeth. "She's untrained. But she was all that was available." Sere was wisely keeping quiet. The man moved forward. Cassie's eyes darted around the circle of soldiers. This was the end. They were caught. Then a rope dangled in front of her eyes. Cassie didn't stop to think. She grabbed the rope in one hand, and Sere's arm in the other. And then they were being lifted upwards. Chad stood in shock for a moment, not quite registering what had happened. Then he raced forward and grabbed Sere's leg. Sere tried to kick him loose, but he held on tightly. Sere lifted her head. "Let go Cassie." Sere's voice was soft, her eyes serious for once. Cassie shook her head and valiantly held on; despite the strain her shoulder was feeling. "Now Cassie. Come back for me. I'm just a guard, you're more important." Cassie read the message in Sere's eyes and words. As long as the soldiers thought Sere was a simple guard, they'd be safe. Cassie let go. Sere fell on top of a startled Chad, and Cassie shot upward quickly without the extra weight. "I'll come back for you Sere. Be safe." Then Cassie disappeared through a hole in the ceiling of the chamber. Sere stared after her. Then the point of a sword lodged at her throat. "I should kill you now. But as long as you live, Cassie will return. Be grateful guardswoman." Just then Sere's stomach growled. "Could I have something to eat?" She sat up on her knees and gave the soldier a pitiful look. Innocence radiated off her. Chad sighed. The little guardswoman was untrained, and obviously naïve. "Bring her." He turned on his heel, his hunting ruined for the day. But he knew that Princess Cassandra would return for the worthless guardswoman. The princess was too honorable and too kind to do anything less. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* "Grandpa?" Cassie flew into the short man's arms. He held her tightly, tears springing to his eyes. "Oh, Cassie. We thought you were dead." Cassie pulled back and wiped tears from her eyes. She quickly glanced around at the small group of people in the small chamber. She counted at least fifteen, some old, some young, and all with determined looks on their faces. "Have I found the Martian resistance?" Cassie's grandfather smiled slightly. "Actually, I'd say we found you. Come, we need to return to the base. We have much to speak about." Cassie followed the old man through the narrow tunnels, the others following behind. "When did they attack?" Cassie's voice almost shook with anger. "The earth armies took over the planets one by one, from the outside of the galaxy to the center. They skipped the moon over and took the three inner planets as well, then attacked the moon kingdom, knowing all its allies were destroyed." Her grandfather moved through the tunnels swiftly. "So there's nothing left?" Cassie's grandfather nodded solemnly. "The only free places left in the solar system are the pockets of resistance here, on Venus, and on Jupiter. We know nothing of the outer planets. Mercury sends intelligence, but has no active resistance movements." Cassie felt her heart drop. "What do we do now?" Her voice was strong, but her heart felt like it was breaking. Things were worst than what she had feared. The earth had totally dominated the entire solar system. Her grandfather stopped for a moment and turned, his eyes burning into hers. "There are a few things I must show you. Meanwhile you must speak to me about why you can to Mars with only one guard." Cassie sighed loudly. "That wasn't a guard, it was Princess Serenity." She smacked into her grandfather's back. He had stopped in his tracks. His voice shook. "They have Princess Serenity?" Cassie swallowed at the anger in his tone. "I'm sorry grandfather. I've failed. But there is a bright spot. They don't know. They think she's a guard." He started moving again, even more swiftly than before. "Very well, but you must work even more swiftly. Serenity must be freed at all costs." Cassie followed the wavering torch in her grandfather's hand, her heart heavy with regret. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Sere sat quietly in the locked room. It wasn't so bad being a prisoner if they didn't know who you were and locked you in a bedroom instead of a prison. She had already demolished a huge tray of food and took a bath. She looked out the barred window. She had to play dumb, until Cassie came for her. Sere flopped on the huge bed. Cassie would come for her. Cassie never failed to keep a promise. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Cassie took a deep breath. They were at the temple. Her grandfather moved swiftly through the elegant stone passages. Cassie trailed behind. The others had left some time ago. The trip through the passages had been made fairly quickly. And now they had managed to enter the sacred temple of mars. "Grandfather, how did I manage to enter here?" Cassie's voice shook a little. She had seen others try to enter the great gates only to have them slam shut, usually crushing the unfortunate individual who had dared to enter the sanctuary. Her grandfather said nothing. They moved towards the apex of the temple slowly. They stopped in front of a small door. "Go inside." His voice was quiet, but the tone was demanding. Cassie swallowed loudly. The temple was considered the most sacred place on Mars. Only the chosen few could enter. Cassie put her hand against the door, shuddering slightly as it swung open. Her mother's body lay on a stone slab. Cassie turned to her grandfather. "How?" He smiled slightly. "Say your good-byes Cassie." Cassie walked inside, almost jumping when the door swung shut behind her. Her mother's face was very white, dark hair spread out like a curtain. The eyes were shut. Eris was dressed in red silk. In her hand was a small wand. Cassie swallowed loudly. "Hello mom." Cassie knelt beside the body, struggling to keep her tears contained. "I've missed you. I really don't know what to say." Cassie laid her forehead against the cool stone. "I can still see his eyes, the malice in them. I feel so useless. He dumped you at my feet like some sort of sick present, and all I could do is stare." Cassie lifted her head and wiped the tears away. Tears had never solved any problem. "I promise you mother, on my life, that somehow he will pay for your death." "Do not follow my mistakes, Cassandra." The voice came from behind. Cassie spun around. An image of her mother hovered in the air, wings spread. "Momma?" Cassie reached a hand forward, gasping as it passed through her mother's form easily. "I have much I wish to tell you, but I cannot. You are the one written of in the ancient prophesies. I'm sure of this. You have your father's spirit, and my logic and honor. You must take up my burden. Protect this planet, protect the princess, and fulfill the prophecy. Do not follow my mistakes, darling. Follow your heart, not your head. I will always love you, Cassie. Do not forget that." The image faded slowly from view. Cassie simply sat in the chamber, her eyes dry. Memories danced through her mind, from childhood to the present. But her heart felt like stone. Her mother was dead, her friends captured or their whereabouts unknown, and her planet was under the iron fist of Earth. She finally stood, her eyes moving to the body. Her mother's words echoed in her mind. "Protect this planet, protect the princess, and fulfill the prophecy." Cassie moved forward as if in a dream and took the slender wand from her mother's chest. She held it for a long moment. Cassie smiled grimly. It was simple, a short wand topped with a crystal. Inside was the symbol of Mars. Cassie closed her eyes. This was what she had dreamed of since childhood. Becoming a Sailor Senshi, protecting Mars like her mother always had. But she had never imagined receiving the power in a situation like this. She Cassie lifted the wand above her head, and the words spilled from her lips. "Mars Power." *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Jason dropped his cards. He felt some sort of power rush through him. Fire was racing through his body, surrounding him, and penetrating him. It was intoxicating, like a fine wine. The emotion swept afterward, some kind of regret, longing, pride, and anger. He dropped his head in his hands, waiting for the moment to pass. The sensation slowly diminished, drifting away into nothingness. Jason stood swiftly, ignoring the high stakes game and his winnings. He left the seedy bar and headed back towards the palace, his eyes blazing. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* A pillar of fire wrapped around her, blazing through her body. The wand seemed to go limp, and wrapped itself around her wrist. The power faded slowly. Sailor Mars turned to face the newly opened door. Her grandfather stood, eyes brimming with tears. Mars smiled slowly, her eyes filling as well. "You saw her?" Sailor Mars nodded slowly. The old man smiled. "What did she say?" "Protect the planet, protect the princess, fulfill the prophecy, and don't repeat her mistakes." The man's eyes lit up. "The prophecy…come, I have something you must read." Sailor Mars nodded. She sent one last look at her mother's body. "I promise on Serenity's life, I will follow your requests, and I will avenge your death." The door swung shut quietly. Sailor Mars stared at the ruby bracelet on her wrist. She rubbed her fingers over the small crystal embedded in the center. She let a finger rest for a moment over the symbol of Mars within The transformation disappeared, leaving Cassie a bit bereft. The power of a senshi was addictive. Cassie stood for a moment, the transformation still a bit unnerving, and then followed her grandfather. They moved silently through the temple, towards the bottom floor. Cassie stared at the red stone, amazed at the amount of carvings. They coated the walls from floor to ceiling, and they were everywhere. Cassie wondered what they said. She had never learned to read the ancient language. Only a high priest of Mars could teach the language, and Cassie had left Mars at seven. High priests couldn't leave the planet. The passages were narrow at the top of the temple, but as Cassie moved down the many stairs to the bottom floor they widened and had taller ceilings. Cassie felt for a moment like an ant. Insignificant beside the great force of history. This temple had outlived thousands of Senshi, and would survive thousands more. Her grandfather opened a large door and moved inside slowly. Cassie followed slowly and sneezed. They were inside a huge library, full of old dusty scrolls and books. Her grandfather moved to the end of one long row and pulled a book off the shelf. His eyes lit up brightly. "The prophecy was made by the first Cassandra, for whom you were named. She saw many visions, through dreams and the sacred fire." Cassie moved closer and sat down on a dusty chair. Her grandfather's voice rang with excitement. Cassie smiled a bit. Martians were always caught up in prophecy and the supernatural. "She told a story, of a princess of Mars who would become a great warrior. The girl is destined to be the one to wake the sleeping guardian. The wording is fairly archaic and flowery, more poetry and riddle than straightforward prophecy. But the main point of the prophecy is clear. The chosen one must become a warrior. She must waken the three powers given a senshi, and awaken the sleeping guardian. Then her path is cleared, and she will find peace." Cassie let the strange words turn over in her mind. "Are you aware that makes no sense?" Cassie stood, her anger growing. "What kind of information is that? Awaken the three powers of the senshi and the sleeping guardian? How in the world am I supposed to accomplish anything with no more to go on than an old poem?" She began pacing back and forth. "Cassie, you must take things one step at a time. You have been given several commands. First you must protect, both this planet and the princess. You can do that with your new skills, but you are still weak. You need to fulfill the prophecy and train in order to improve your powers, so you can complete your duties. And I know you will not make your mother's mistakes. You are stronger than she. Your father's fire burns inside." Cassie turned away, the tears still in her eyes. "So what do I do next?" "You read, a lot. Somewhere in here is the answer to the question of the sleeping guardian and three powers of the senshi." Cassie groaned and reached for a nearby volume. "Great, this is worst than one of Diane's assignments." Cassie felt a pang in her heart. She missed the others. She pushed aside the sadness and pain. Sere needed her. She was Sailor Mars, nothing would hold her back. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Zavier watched the dark-haired girl sleep. He leaned forward and traced a finger down her cheek. There were dark circles under her eyes. Her throat had been bandaged, but her face still twisted in pain, even when sleeping. Zavier felt a throb of guilt in deep in his soul. The emotion was strange. Zavier rarely felt guilty over any action. Even when he had sunk his sword into Sailor Mercury's gut, he hadn't felt anything but a sense of pride and accomplishment. His fingers continued their dance over the creamy skin. He rubbed a thumb across her lower lip, marveling at the softness. The last time he had the strange sensation was when Haruka had died. Zavier closed his own eyes tightly, but the memories flooded his senses. She had been secured to the dungeon wall with manacles. Her body was covered with deep cuts from her own space sword and Jason's knives and whips. Michiru was lying on the ground, the life seeping from her body like the blood pouring from her slit throat. Haruka had turned those royal blue eyes at him. Even after being raped, beaten, and tortured, her eyes were still filled with love. "I forgive you, Zavier. I know whom you are inside, past the anger, the hurt, the dark shadow. You are just like me, trapped in a body you do not want, and yet adore. And I know that some day you will look back on this and regret everything. Do not regret. We died together, side by side. It doesn't matter if you destroy our bodies and souls, who we are will live on inside of you." Zavier had sunk the space sword into her gut, desperately trying to halt the words. Haruka simply stared at the sword for a long moment. Then the light in her eyes died, and the princess of Uranus slumped over dead. Zavier blinked rapidly, the memory retreating behind its brick wall. He glanced down at the girl still sleeping on the bed, her chest rising and falling in a gently rhythm. He stood up slowly and moved over to the dressing table. He glanced in the mirror and grimaced. Haruka's eyes stared back at him. A curse and a blessing. He stared down at his hands, moving the long fingers in a gentle ripple. His hands had spilled so much blood. A soft moan came from the girl on the bed. Zavier returned to his spot at her side. She was thrashing in her sleep, moaning and calling softly for her mother. Zavier held her arms down gently. He didn't want her to dislodge the bandage. Diane was running, endlessly, through white marble hallways. Ribbons of blood began to spill down the walls and across the floor. She was searching, desperately, for her mother. Calling out for her, looking in every door and window, while the blood continued to flow. Then she stopped. He stood there, royal blue eyes filled with malice, a limp body in his arms. He threw the corpse. Diane rushed forward, hugging her mother's body tightly, but it simply dissolved into a puddle of blood. Diane stood up and screamed. Strong hands pulled her against the murderer. They stood face-to-face, baby blue eyes boring into royal blue. Diane's eyes snapped open. They focused on Zavier's startled face. "YOU." *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Tory hugged her knees to her chest. There was little room in the storage space of the shuttle. The small contraption shuddered violently and lifted off. Tory felt the tears spilling down her face. She'd cried when leaving the palace, managing to dodge the guards. She'd cried during her headlong flight into the bowels of Miranda. She'd cried when sneaking into the small mining shuttle. Tory wiped away some of the tears, uncertain if they were for her or for Diane, or for the Silver Millennium. The ship moved in a rocking motion, and Tory was lulled into a gentle sleep. The landing woke her up. Mining shuttle pilots weren't known for their flying talents. Tory cringed, feeling the jolt through her entire body. There was noise, and plenty of movement. And then the storage doors opened. The shuttle was late again. Rita mentally shrugged. There was nothing new in the life of a mining colony manager. The shuttles never arrived on time, and half of the time things were broken or just plain missing. The floating mining colonies of the gas planets might have provided valuable resources, but miners got treated like shit. There were hundreds of colonies on Uranus, all stripping elements and gases from the thick atmosphere. The view was almost pretty, from the top of the tiny dome protecting the living quarters and landing area. Rita groaned a bit. This shuttle wasn't even the right shuttle. At least the pilot was an idiot who wouldn't notice what was really going on. Project Freedom would be safe for a while longer. The shuttle would keep them. Rita moved past the ranks of mechanics and grunts. She threw the doors open, expecting to see more mangled boxes because of the nasty landing. If half the contents survived they'd manage. The light flooded the area. Tory had the urge to creep into a corner, but she stopped moving, stopped breathing, when her eyes locked with the woman standing outside the doors. "Rita?" Two sets of eyes met, and both filled with tears. "By the gods. Tory? Is that you?" *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* AN: Getting a bit convoluted with the plot and scene changes. Make sure you read carefully.