Aurora Eos Rose
4/13/01
http://heavensdawn.org
auroraeosrose@hotmail.com

Redemption: Part 1 Chapter 05 - Fire and Sea

Athan stalked through the hallways with a bottle of whiskey, trying to drown his memories.  The 
bitter liquid burned his throat.  He stared out the window at the shadowed gardens.  Always day on 
this half of the moon, always night on the other side.  He stared at the earth, hanging in the sky, 
shining brilliant and blue.  One time in his life, he would have dreamed of returning home, but that 
dream died the day of his fifth birthday.

The memories kept pounding against the alcohol barrier, penetrating into his fuzzy brain.  He 
looked down at the empty bottle, staring at the smoked glass.  He threw the bottle against the 
marble, the shattering noise pressing into his skull like daggers.  Glassy beauty changing into death.  
He closed his eyes, watercolor images floating in his mind.  He could remember silver eyes, and a 
gentle smile.  Laughter and a huge pile of presents.  And then an angel had appeared in the sky, 
wings spread, cloaked in gold.  Athan lifted a hand to his face, surprised to find tears.  The sounds 
and smells of the past flooded his brain.

He had simply stood, absorbed in the beauty of the woman.  Pale skin, pale blue eyes, and golden 
hair, just like the angels his mother had always told him about at bedtime.  Until she drew the great 
silver sword.  Then the ground had run with blood.  Athan leaned over, pain shooting through him, 
as though that sword had sunk into his belly instead of his mother's.  The images were forever 
burned into his mind.  Dismembered bodies, and the sickly sweet smell of burning flesh.

He ran, while his mother screamed and golden light poured from the sky.  Athan painfully pulled 
himself upright.  He leaned against a wall and pressed his eyes shut tightly.  Then her arms had 
wrapped around him, and they were flying through the air.  She had strapped him to an altar of 
metal.  He remembered how cold it had been against his bare skin.  The memories of that ceremony 
still had the power to make his hands shake.  And her face, haunting him constantly.  She was in his 
dreams as an angel, in his nightmares as a demon.  Athan slumped to the ground again, shaking 
legs unable to support him.  He ignored the shards of glass digging into his flesh.

But the golden angel hadn't destroyed him.  A woman in black had appeared, her voice as cold as 
her eyes, her child's form shimmering with power.  She had drawn him into her arms.  The angel 
had slunk away, like a naughty child caught in the middle of some foul deed.  His wounds had been 
closed quickly, both those outside and those inside.  It was as though there was a golden fire 
burning in his gut, while the gentle, icy touch of the woman in black had stopped the blood and knit 
his skin.

Hotaru, bearer of silence, the destroyer, who could flatten a planet with three words.  She had been 
a mother, a mentor.  She had seen the gentleness behind the granite.  They were two of a kind.  
Athan stared at his hands.  They dripped with blood from tiny cuts.  He was the destroyer now.  Her 
own compassion had led to her destruction.  He wrapped his arms around his knees, and laid his 
aching head on top.  

He'd had his revenge.  He had taunted the angel.  Aphrodite had lost her temper, thrown herself at 
him.  And he had felt pain rip through his heart as she died.  He hated himself for those feelings of 
guilt and remorse, hated himself for the weakness he found hidden in his soul.  He had loved the 
angel almost as much as he hated her.  Aria's face filled his mind.  She looked so much like her 
mother.  Athan raised his head, staring at the brilliant globe hanging in the black of space.  He 
thought of Aria's face in the hall, the way her brilliant eyes had filled with anger.  The same way 
Aphrodite's had when angered.  The eyes were the difference.  Aria's were a pale blue; Aphrodite's 
had been a blazing sapphire.  Athan looked at his hands again, gently picking bits of glass from the 
skin.  Aria was his fantasy, Aphrodite reborn.

Aria had taken the place of her mother in his mind.  It was she who haunted his dreams now.  She 
held the sword that destroyed his family.  She was the angel of death who followed Selene's 
ruthless decree.  Athan fought with himself every night when the dreams came.  Who's face had he 
really seen all his life.  They seemed to be one in the same, angel, avenging goddess, demon, and 
murderer.  He stood up slowly, wobbling a bit on his feet.  Aria was his now.  He wouldn't spend 
the night in a strange bed when she could be curled up next to him.  He wanted a night like his 
wedding night.  His angel sleeping in his arms, not haunting his dreams.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Aria hugged the plush white kitten tightly against her chest.  Artemis had been her companion since 
childhood, and always made her feel better.  She had gotten the stuffed animal on her fifth birthday 
in a mysterious package, signed "from your secret admirer."  Aria had felt grown up, like a true 
Venusian.  Her own secret love, just like Aphrodite.  Aria stared out the window, the chains still 
pulling on her arms.  She stared at the golden metal for a long moment.  It was actually quite heavy, 
even though the links were delicate and the locks tiny.  Actually the chains were more like gaudy 
jewelry.  Aria dropped her head back on the bed.

She didn't know how much longer she could stand things.  She was eighteen years old.  She was 
supposed to be worrying about which boy would take her to the next ball.  Aria resisted the urge to 
break down and cry.  She shouldn't have to try to escape and free the solar system.  Aria's mind 
drifted back to the wedding.  She had been such a fool, letting herself get swept up in the moment.  
But it had been every dream she'd harbored deep inside.  The handsome prince, the music, the blue 
star hanging over everything.  Well, the dress hadn't been her dream.  Aria giggled at the thought.  
She had gotten married in Serenity's marshmallow gown.  But Athan was the reverse of the old 
fairy tale.  He was a prince outside and a beast within.  Aria almost smiled at the comparison.  She 
pushed her mind back to the present.  She had to stay focused.  Sere needed her calm and mature, 
not giggling over some boy or breaking down over one night with a monster.

Aria cringed as she tried to move again.  Athan did seem to have some sort of chain fetish.  Of 
course, they were also very effective.  A person couldn't run very far or fast when just walking was 
a challenge.  Aria stared at the metal circling her wrist.  The chains were real gold.  There was no 
other explanation for the weight, and the gleam of the metal.  She laughed bitterly.  Her husband 
had given her golden chains as a wedding gift.  She stared up at the silken canopy on the bed.  She 
might have golden chains, silken sheets, and satin clothes, but she was still a slave, still a prisoner.  
And now her jailer was trying to steal her loyalty.  Aria closed her eyes for a moment, letting the 
tears well up in her eyes.  He had to be lying.  

Aphrodite.  Aria had never called the woman "momma."  Aphrodite lived for love and justice.  She 
had hundreds of admirers, dozens of lovers, in fact, no one knew who had fathered Aria.  Aphrodite 
was everything the Queen of Venus was meant to be, charming, passionate, loyal, and beautiful.  
Aria closed her eyes again.  Her mother would never have hurt an innocent.  It went against 
everything in the woman's soul.  But Athan's words rang in her mind.

Aria knew that her mother and Selene had a special relationship.  Aphrodite would have done 
anything for Selene, anything at all.  Aria could remember her mother leaving her birthday parties 
to fulfill some mission Selene had deemed important enough for the leader of the senshi.  Aria felt 
emotions crashing against each other.  She couldn't find the truth.  Her mind warred with her heart, 
logic with emotion.  Aria flopped over onto her stomach.  Did she truly know her mother well 
enough to reject Athan's story?  Aphrodite had always been on the moon, or flitting around Venus.  
Aria had been left alone at the castle most of the time, with her stuffed animals and best friend, 
Andrew.  He had accompanied her to the moon, taking all the little princesses under his wing.  Aria 
smiled slowly.  She had been so lonely on the trip.  Serenity had taken away any awkwardness in 
their first meeting.  She had flung herself into Aria's arms, sending them both crashing into the 
wall.

Aria stared out the window again, catching a glimpse of Venus shimmering in the sky.  She had 
seen so little of her mother.  But Aphrodite was a senshi, sworn to protect the innocent.  She 
couldn't have done what Athan claimed.  But the little voice in Aria's heart wouldn't stop chiming.  
Aria slapped a pillow over her head and tried to go to sleep.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Athan staggered into the bedroom.  Aria was lying on top of the covers, fast asleep. One arm was 
thrown over her head, the other twisted halfway under her body.  Athan moved closer and felt a 
stab through his chest.  He sat down heavily on the bed, surprised that she didn't stir.  She still had 
her chains on.  Athan pulled the golden key from its hiding place in his boot.  He slowly unlocked 
the chains, letting them fall to the floor in a pile.  Aria murmured something in her sleep and turned 
towards him.  Then he saw what she was holding.  A tiny white cat cuddled against her.  The kitten.

He had been learning about royalty in the solar system, and had seen a picture of the tiny princess 
of Venus.  She was four in the picture, but her eyes had been sad.  Something about the little girl 
had touched him.  He pestered Hotaru for weeks, until she relented.  Hotaru had helped him pick 
out the stuffed animal, helped him write the card, and had the package shipped contraband to 
Venus, since legal shipments between the Outer and Inner planets were prohibited during the wars.  
He always wondered whether the sad little princess had liked the gift.

Athan tugged off his clothing slowly, the alcohol making the task difficult.  Then he gently 
undressed Aria.  His hands lingered on her soft form, but she merely mumbled something and 
pulled away.  He tucked her under the silk, and crawled in beside her.  She rolled toward his 
warmth, wrapping her arms tightly around him, the kitten squashed between the two bodies.  Athan 
held her tightly.

"At least, Angel, you don't fight me when you're asleep."  He kissed her gently on the forehead and 
gave in to the whiskey, knowing he wouldn't be plagued by nightmares.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Jason stared at Cassie, then turned his gaze to Endymion, and finally looked at Cassie again.  The 
transformations had both surprised and amazed him.  Cassie had erupted in a pillar of red fire, 
Endymion in a ball of white light.  The light show had been fairly short, but spectacular.

"I see new Senshi have been born."  His voice was a strange mixture of sarcasm, anger, and 
laughter.  He stared at Cassie's long legs, and at Endymion's tuxedo and cape.  "Although, Endy, I 
have to say I like the little sailor suit better than the white tux."  Endymion growled low in his 
throat.

"Sol, I am Senshi Sol."  Jason lifted an eyebrow.

"The sun has a senshi?  That's a new one."  Cassie jumped onto the balcony railing, balancing 
expertly in high heels.  Jason whistled in appreciation.  The girl had legs to her chin.  She sent him 
a dirty look.

"I am the champion of Fire and Justice, Sailor Mars.  Why have you violated this sacred place?  In 
the name of Mars, I will punish you."  Jason groaned, Sol smirked.  

"That was really lousy.  But I do enjoy the view."  Mars sent him another evil look.  Both men 
moved closer to the balcony, their eyes never leaving the slender form above their heads.

"Corny speeches mean nothing, Sailor Mars.  It is you who will be punished."  Sol held out one 
hand, letting a ball of light gather on his palm.  Mars tensed her muscles.  "Photon Ray."  He said 
the words quietly, releasing a stream of white-hot energy toward Sailor Mars, but she was a step 
ahead of him.  She flipped forward off the balcony, landing behind the two men, just as the beam 
destroyed the railing and put a hole in the wall behind where she had been standing.  Mars flinched 
at the amount of destruction, but didn't waste any time.

"Fire Soul."  A blazing ball of fire erupted from her fingertips, weaving a path toward the backs of 
the two men.  Sol dropped to the ground and rolled sideways.  Jason twisted just in time to keep 
from being singed.

"Watch it, you little Pyro."  Jason brushed a shaking hand over his torso, which was a bit warm.  
"You almost fried me."  Sol was already moving towards Mars.

"That was the point."  The girl's voice oozed satisfaction.  She moved as well.  Sol and Mars 
circled, with Jason standing in the center.

"Why do I feel like we're playing a game of Monkey in the Middle?"  Mars snorted.

"Maybe because you haven't had your banana yet today."  Jason's eyes flared.  He sent Sol a short 
look.  The two moved in unison towards Sailor Mars.  Jason reached her first.  She ducked his first 
punch, but he used his legs to knock her off balance.  Mars stumbled forward a bit, using her 
forward momentum to ram into her attacker.  Sol joined the fray at that point, using his cane as an 
effective staff.  Mars tried to block Sol's cane and Jason's punches at the same time.  Her heart was 
pounding and she was out of breath.  She back flipped quickly, Sol's cane missing her by a fraction, 
but she landed right beside Jason.  He quickly grabbed hold of her arm.

"Photon Ray."  The ball of light came shooting from Sol again.  Mars froze for a moment in terror.  
Jason yanked her towards him, wrapping both arms around her.

"Watch it, Cape Boy.  Are you trying to kill her?  Damn, you almost got me in the process.  If you 
haven't noticed, I already have her."  Mars took advantage of his distraction and kicked him hard in 
the groin.  Jason groaned and let his hold on her loosen.  She jabbed a free elbow into his gut, and 
twisted out of his arms.  She raced towards a doorway, Sol in hot pursuit.

"The senshi are dangerous, Jason.  They cannot be allowed to live."  Jason sent Sol a nasty look and 
started after the two.  

"Does that mean we get to kill you too?"  But Sol was too busy trying to catch his prey.

Sailor Mars raced through the hallways of the temple, desperate for some kind of plan.

"Diane, you have no idea how much I wish you were here, or Aria, or someone."  She ducked 
around a corner and swore softly.  She was sure there had been a door here, not just a blank wall.  
She could hear arguing voices and footsteps getting closer.

She turned around, her fingers scrabbling at the writing on the wall.  Sol and Jason rounded the 
corner, blocking her escape.  She spun around, her hands still dancing over the stone indentations.

"This is the end for you, little senshi.  Photon Ray."  Jason knocked Sol's arm upward, sending his 
shot wide.

"She's trapped, if you haven't noticed.  Are you so scared of her that you'd murder her in cold 
blood."

"Fire Soul."  Sol yanked on Jason's arm, and they both fell to the floor, narrowly missing 
incineration from Mars' attack.

"Jason, if you interfere again, I swear I will kill you."

"I think she's already trying to accomplish that goal."  Jason pulled himself upright.  "Come on 
baby, just relax.  If you surrender I promise we won't hurt you."  Jason took another step forward, 
hands outstretched.  Mars frantically pushed back against the wall.  Then her finger sunk into a tiny 
crevice, and she was falling.  Sol and Jason watched the wall open with mouths wide open.  Mars 
disappeared, and the wall returned to its former position.

"Secret passage, good move."  Jason lunged towards the wall and started running his fingers along 
the design.

"What are you doing?"  Sol moved forward as well, his voice echoing his frustration.

"If she can open it up, so can we.  Give me a hand."

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Mars rubbed her head slowly.  She'd managed to bash it on the stone floor at the end of her surprise 
fall.  She looked around slowly.  The room was pitch black.  Sailor Mars stood for a moment, her 
head still spinning.  Then a small light appeared in the distance.  Mars turned slowly, moving 
towards the light.  It grew, turning from a tiny flicker to a flame, to a roaring blaze.  And Sailor 
Mars could feel the fire pulling at her.  She walked forward as if in a dream.

*My child, I have been waiting for you. *  Mars jumped.  A soft chuckle echoed in her mind.  
*Yes, I am speaking to you, child of fire.  Come closer.  I have things to teach you, to show you. *  
Mars took a deep breath and continued forward.  She stood in front of the flames.

"You're the great fire."  Another laugh echoed in her mind.

*Of course I am.  Look within me, child.  Find the answers you seek. *  Mars looked into the 
flames, their leaping dance sending her into a trance.  Four women with wings, Serenity crying 
over a dead body, a man with silver hair caught in a maelstrom of darkness, a limp body held 
tightly against him.  And then her mother's face moving forwards, hand extended.  Mars reached 
forward.  Their hands met, and the vision was gone.  Mars opened her eyes, and found herself in 
the heart of the fire.  The flames danced over her body, yet did no harm.  She was part of the flame.  
And lying on her palm was a beautiful ruby necklace.

Mars stared into the ruby for a moment.  Her mother's necklace.  Mars sat down, still oblivious to 
the fire surrounding her.

"She would never tell who gave this to her."  Mars rubbed a finger over the gem, tracing the 
intricate setting.  "But I never saw her without it.  She even wore it to bed."

*It came from your father. *  Sailor Mars glanced upward, staring at the flames, yet not really 
seeing them.  

"My father."  Her voice sounded far away, as though echoing from the bottom of a tall canyon.  
"No one knew who my father was, no one would tell me.  Do you know?"  Her voice rang with 
hope.

*You will discover the truth soon enough, child.  Things are not as they seem.  That necklace was 
meant for you.  The proof of the powers given to you by your mother. *  The fire flared brightly, 
and another vision danced in her mind.  Her mother fighting with a young man.  Mars felt her blood 
rushing through her veins.  It was Jason, dripping sweat, eyes cold.  Her mother moved liked 
wildcat, jumping and dodging.  The fight seemed fairly even.  The two clashed and circled like wild 
animals.  But the woman began to falter, the shallow cuts she received sapping her strength.  She 
staggered, fell, and then the man took his spear and drove it into the woman's heart.

"I give my powers to you, my darling Cassandra."  Those were the only words Sailor Mars heard.  
But she saw the blonde man move over the body, ruthlessly impaling the woman a second time.  He 
looked up then, brilliant aqua eyes searching her out.  The vision faded slowly.

*You are the chosen one of this generation, Princess Cassandra, Sailor Mars.  Stand and take your 
place.  Protect this planet.  I will always be here to guard you. *  The flames died down slowly.  
Sailor Mars felt her transformation fade away.  She lifted the ruby necklace, staring at it for a long 
moment.  And then she burst into tears.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Jason was getting frustrated.  They'd been poking at the wall for a half hour now, and still nothing.

"Do you remember where she was standing?"  Sol's voice was also full of frustration.  They stood 
on opposite sides of the wall, running fingers over the many cracks and crevices.  Jason tilted his 
head back for a moment.  He glanced down at his hands, noticing the way they were coated in dust 
and grime.

"I don't remember."  Jason leaned his head against the wall for a moment.  He pounded one fist 
against the red stone, ignoring the cloud of dust that billowed with his action.  The dust tickled his 
nostrils.  Jason soon found himself doubled over, coughing viciously.

"I wonder if maybe we've been searching too high."  Sol stepped back, ignoring Jason's coughing 
fit.  Jason tried to gasp out a reply, but his eyes were watering too much.  He reached a hand out, 
leaning against the wall for support.  His finger dipped into a crevice.  The entire wall began to 
open up again.  Sol yelled in triumph.  He managed to grab Jason before the blonde fell into the 
gaping hole.

"Definitely…too…high."  Jason rubbed at his eyes and moved quickly into through the opening.  
The wall swung shut behind the two with a resounding clang.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Cassie didn't know how long she cried.  Her head was muzzy.  It felt like it was stuffed with 
marshmallow cream.  The thought made Cassie giggle a little.  Sere always did like marshmallow 
cream.  Cassie wiped her eyes, remembering a certain day only a few weeks ago when Serenity had 
stolen two jars of the stuff from the kitchens, and eaten both jars, while getting a fair amount in her 
hair.  The memory dried up the tears quickly.  Cassie stood slowly, her legs tingling.  She reached 
behind, fastening the clasp on the necklace.  The heavy pendant thumped against her chest, lying 
just between her breasts.  It felt right somehow, as though the jewel had always belonged there.

She turned quickly as a shaft of light entered the room, temporarily blinding her.  Then the light 
vanished.  She could hear her two pursuers shuffling in the darkness.  Cassie tried to avoid moving, 
keeping her breathing shallow.  Maybe they wouldn't find her.  It was wishful thinking, but luck 
had been on her side today.

"Come out, come out little princess.  I know you're in here somewhere."  Cassie hissed.  The voice 
had been Jason, very sarcastic, very arrogant.  And very close.  Cassie slowly lifted one hand, 
fingering the ruby.  The slight motion gave away her position.  One arm wrapped around her from 
behind, gripping hard enough to make her gasp for breath.  "Gotcha."

"Photon Ray."  Jason swore loudly, jerking Cassie to the ground hard.  One shoulder smacked 
against the stone, but he rolled backward, cushioning her from further impact.

"You jackass.  I'm going to kill you."  Cassie shivered at the anger in the young man's voice.

"If you interfere one more time I'll castrate you."  Cassie flinched at the coldness in Senshi Sol's 
tone.

"I'd like to see you try."  Jason stood up, yanking Cassie to her feet.  He yanked her through the 
darkness.

"Photon Ray."  Jason lurched at the words.  Cassie felt the attack fly near her back.  She felt the 
heat against her back, certain her hair had been singed.  She struggled to get air back in her lungs.

"Why are you doing this, you bastard?"  Jason kept moving, dragging Cassie with him.  His arm 
stayed around her waist, limiting her breathing capacity.

"I have a duty, Prince Jason.  You have a duty.  She must be destroyed."  Jason lunged again.  
Another attack flew past, this one given life by a mere whisper.

"What, no more warnings?"  Cassie felt her ribs being squeezed again, just before Jason jerked her 
out of another attacks path.  She felt fear rising inside.  Sol was determined to kill her, and he no 
longer voiced his attacks.  He was good, very good.  His attacks were closer and closer together, his 
aim exact, and his determination made Cassie nervous.  The flicker of fear turned to a raging flame 
of terror as another attack passed closely by, warming her stomach.  The two men continued to 
argue.  

"Jason, if you don't move away from her the next shot will take off your head."  Cassie heard a 
growl from the man holding her.  Then another attack flew through the air, and this time Jason 
wasn't fast enough.  He turned, sheltering Cassie in his arms.  Then he stiffened, and his arms 
spread wide, before he fell backwards.

She felt the pain enter her back, radiating through her shoulders and down to her toes, scorching a 
path through every nerve in her body.  She screamed, the sound echoing off the walls in an endless 
refrain.  She fell to the floor.  The stone was cool under her cheek.  She finally managed to force air 
into her lungs.  She frantically reached for her back expecting burned flesh.  There was no damage.  
Cassie's mind froze for a moment.  The pain had been so real, so consuming.  She pushed herself 
up on hands and knees, every nerve ending still screaming in pain.

"Cassie?"  The voice came from behind her, gentle with concern.  "Are you all right Cassie?"  She 
slowly turned around.  She could barely make out Jason's prone form in the darkness.  She moved 
towards him, dragging herself across the floor.  She felt the stone scraping against her legs.

"Jason?"  Smells rushed into her head.  The sickly sweet stench of burned flesh, a touch of 
sandalwood, and the saltiness of the sea mingled together.  Cassie reached a shaking hand forward.  
She leaned closer, barely able to make out his face in the darkness.  "Oh goddess."  The man 
groaned at her touch.

Anger burned through her veins, igniting in a desire for revenge.  She had felt the attack, as though 
her flesh was burned from her body.  She could feel his mind now, pressing against her.  His 
concern, his self-hatred, and intense wave of betrayal.  Cassie gripped the ruby pendant tightly.  
She slammed her eyes shut against the invading emotions.  But they seeped through the cracks, 
filling her soul.  The fire behind her blazed to life.  It reached for her, wrapping her body in ribbons 
of light.

*This planet is your power child, use it's strength. *  The voice echoed in her mind, reaching for 
the dark corners.  Revenge.  The word sang in her heart.

"Mars Planet Power."

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Diane lifted a shaking hand to her neck.  Her hands danced over the mark on her skin.  The wound 
was closed.  The speed at which it had healed astounded her.  She slowly dropped her hands back 
into her lap.  She had remained in bed, more than a little afraid of what Zavier would do if she 
defied him.  She still remembered the cold look on his face, and the weight of the chains.  A shiver 
shook her body.

"Are you cold?"  Diane jumped, twisting to meet the new voice.  Strong hands wrapped a blanket 
around her shoulders.  A hand brushed down her cheek.  Diane jerked away.

"Please, don't touch me."  Her voice was soft and gentle, but the words were clearly a command.  
Zavier pulled back, his eyes grim.

"Still ordering people around little princess?"  He turned towards the door.  "I wouldn't suggest 
you continue.  I hope you're feeling better.  I'll expect your presence at our coronation tomorrow."  
He moved out the doorway, his gait smooth and even.  Diane simply stared for a moment, her mind 
not accepting his words for a long moment.

"Our coronation?"  Her brain flipped the words over and over, but came up with only one 
conclusion.  "Over my dead body."  The words fell flat in the empty room, a gauntlet thrown with 
no witnesses.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Jason was numb.  He had lost all feeling from the moment the attack had slammed into his back.  
He couldn't feel the injured flesh or severed nerve endings.  He couldn't smell his burnt skin.  He 
couldn't take the blood coating his throat.  His mind was filled with one thought.  Cassandra.  He 
forced his eyes open, drinking in her face.  He didn't see any injuries, although his sight was 
limited in the dark room.  She lifted a hand, her mouth forming words.  Jason couldn't hear, his 
ears deaf, impervious to the outside world, just as every other sense had been wiped out.  The 
woman touched him.

Every ounce of feeling in his body came roaring back to life, drowning him in an avalanche of pain.  
He faintly heard a groan; the pain so intense he didn't realize the sound was from his lips.  His eyes 
fluttered shut.  He couldn't make them focus anymore, his mind totally absorbed with the injuries 
inflicted.  Betrayal.  The word echoed through his mind like a curse.  Sol, no Endymion, had tried 
to turn a best friend into fried chicken.  Anger came then, centering on one word.  Revenge.  And 
then the word was echoed.  Jason felt the pain being covered by a rush of power, like the one he 
had experienced on Uranus.  Fire rushing through his body, burning his soul.  He forced his eyes 
open.  

"Sailor Mars."

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Nestor paced through the halls of the Moon Palace.  The ship had arrived a day earlier, so Nestor 
had only one night of waiting in bright sunshine instead of two.  He stared out the window for a 
moment, admiring the stars.  He'd missed their gentle light.  Elysian was simply too. Nestor 
searched his mind for a word.  Elysian was everything that Nestor despised.  Bright, perfect, warm, 
fake.  He thought of the cold, sterile domes on Pluto and Charon.  Dampness seeped through the 
heavy metal domes, penetrating to the bone.  Metal.  Nestor stared at the delicate marble tiles that 
covered the floors.  The moon wasn't much better.  Too graceful, too elegant.  Concerned with how 
things looked, not how they worked.  He purposefully let the tip of his staff graze the floor.  The 
metal left a long scratch on the marble.  Nestor smiled.

He flipped through the notebook in his hands, plans for the resettlement of Elysian penned in a 
strong hand.  His plans.  Elysian had always been a playground for the rich.  Nestor smirked a bit.  
That wouldn't change.  But first the machinery needed to be checked over, roads repaired, 
technology updated.  The list seemed endless.  But Nestor didn't have to oversee every step.  He 
only had to plan the resettlement and give the job to someone else.  He stared up at the stars again.  
It was late.  Athan and Aria had both been sleeping for most of the day.  Nestor chuckled a bit.  The 
servants had told interesting tales about the two.  Attempted escapes, late nights, and golden chains.  
Nestor shook his head slowly.  He'd never let himself get so worked up over a woman.  But the 
stars laughed at his thoughts.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Endymion stood for several moments, shocked at what he had done.  He'd almost killed Jason.  A 
shadow was burned into Endy's mind.  Jason, arms spread, falling backwards.  Sol had collapsed to 
the ground at that moment, the transformation fading into nothingness.  What had he done?  He had 
betrayed his friend.  But the shadow in his heart had wanted to kill the Princess, kill the senshi.  
The words still whispered in his mind.  Threat, danger, evil, kill.  Over and over, like the old litany 
the priest at the temple used to recite.  

Endymion struggled slowly to his feet.  He moved like a sleepwalker towards the place where his 
friend was now lying.  The space seemed enormous.  Long and empty, and dark.  Endymion felt the 
heat of the stone seeping through his boots.  Heat?  When had the stone buildings on Mars ever 
been warm?  The room burst into flames.  Endymion shielded his eyes.  He opened them slowly, 
the glare from sudden illumination taking a while to fade.  And he gasped.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Tory ducked the kick and swept her opponent's supporting leg in the same motion.  The taller, 
heavier man hit the floor with a thud.

"Do not jeopardize your balance for a high flashy kick."  Tory slammed her foot on the prone 
man's throat, her emerald eyes still blazing from the battle.  "Just because you're bigger and 
stronger than your opponent doesn't mean that you will automatically win.  Balance, agility, and 
intelligence are just as important."  The man's eyes began to float back into his head.  Tory snorted 
and lifted her foot.  The man started gasping for air.

The rest of the room ignored the altercation, continuing their exercises.  Tory left the man on the 
floor and surveyed her students.  She smiled.  These were the best, gleaned from the groups she'd 
been moving through as fast as possible.  These were the ones with fire, the ones with talent.  Tory 
felt a shiver down her spine.  She moved to the right just in time to miss an attack from her last 
opponent.  She spun sideways, blocking the man's meaty fists, and dumped him on his back.

"If you'd get over your I'm a big man problem, you'd do much better."  Tory grinned at the man's 
disgruntled face.  "But your sneakiness and perseverance are wonderful."  She said the words as 
she jumped to avoid her feet from being swept out from under her.  "Excellent."  Her voice was 
filled with pride, just before she slammed her elbow down on his chest, putting her full weight 
behind it.  The man beneath grunted and succumbed to unconsciousness.

"You shouldn't beat up your pupils so much."  Tory stood slowly, turning to meet the new voice.

"What do you think of them, Rita?  Will they do?"  Rita swept her eyes over the group.

"You've done wonders, Tory.  And it's a good thing you were here.  Everything's been moved up.  
We're moving you off planet during the coronation.  The distraction should work perfectly.  Once 
you're on Jupiter, though, you're on your own."  Tory nodded.  She kept her hands clasped tightly 
in front of her to keep Rita from seeing the shaking.

"I'm ready to go home."

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Sailor Mars glared at the dark haired young man standing across the room.  The great fire blazed 
behind her, throwing dancing shadows over the stone walls.

"You have desecrated this temple, evil one.  This sanctuary is not the place to spill blood.  Leave 
now!"  Her voice echoed off the walls and ceilings, fading away to a gentle whisper.  Endymion 
pulled himself upright.

"You are an enemy of the Golden Kingdom and must be destroyed."  His eyes flicked down to 
Jason, still lying on the floor in pain, but quickly returned to Mars' flaming eyes.  "At any cost."  

"So you will destroy your friends to keep your power.  How cold.  Perhaps your heart needs some 
warming up."  A burst of fire sprung from her fingers at the last words.  Endymion dived to the 
floor, narrowly escaping the attack.

"Anyone who stands in my way will be destroyed.  Sol Power."  Endymion pulled himself upright, 
and the transformation instantly began.  Sailor Mars swore, loudly and eloquently.  She stepped 
over Jason's prone body and let loose another fire soul.  The ball of fire streaked towards Senshi 
Sol.  He grasped the edge of his cape in one arm and lifted it quickly.  The fire fell off the cape, like 
water pouring off a rain slicker.  But Mars had taken advantage of the distraction.  Sol dropped the 
cape, only to be rammed in the stomach by one red high heel.  He grunted loudly and fell 
backward.  Mars took another step forward and attempted to slam her foot down on Sol's windpipe.  
He recovered quickly, grasping her ankle in both hands, and yanked her to the floor.  

Mars hit the ground with a groan.  The stone was unforgiving.  She lay for a moment, the wind torn 
from her lungs.  Sol dragged himself upright.  He moved towards the prone girl, kicking her onto 
her back.  Mars stared at the ceiling.  The tip of Sol's cane pressed against her throat.

"Do not, Sol."  The voice was husky and laced with pain, but it still carried through the room.  Sol 
turned, his eyes locking with Jason's.  The two men stared at each other for several moments.

Mars stared at her attacker, his dark features burned in her mind.  She turned her head, her eyes 
seeking Jason's.  She felt the rage rise inside again, filling her with purpose.

"Burning Mandala."  The attack caught Sol off guard.  He staggered backward under the onslaught 
of fiery rings and fell beside Jason.

*Leave, Child.  You cannot face them alone. *  Sailor Mars moved quickly to the far wall, where a 
single door stood.  She swung the heavy wood open, and glanced over her shoulder one last time.  
Her eyes met aquamarine.

"You can run from me, Mars.  But some day I will find you, and you will be mine.  Forever."  
Jason's eyes and words made Mars shiver.  But she managed to tear herself away, and raced out the 
door.

Jason stared at the open portal for several long moments.  Then he rolled over and faced Endymion, 
whose transformation had dissolved again.

"I need to take a trip to Neptune."  Endymion nodded slowly, painfully.

"I'm sorry, Jason.  I let my emotions take control of me."  Endymion took the golden crystal from 
its hiding place in his uniform.  Golden light seeped slowly from the object, healing the two men's 
wounds.  Jason stood, his legs still shaky.

"Your apology is accepted Endymion.  I think maybe you need to search for yourself as well.  We 
started this journey for justice, to right wrongs.  I think you see things differently now, and I'm not 
sure I like the way you've been acting."  Endymion turned away.  The fire was still blazing in the 
chamber.  Jason turned towards the flames.  "I think we've all lost sight of our reasons for being 
here.  What we had meant to accomplish."  He took several steps forward, his hand reaching 
towards the dancing fire.  "But I do know that Cassandra is meant for me, that is one constant I 
know in this universe.  And nothing you or anyone else says or does will change that fact."  He 
pressed his eyes shut.  "I can feel her now, even stronger than before.  Like having a presence 
inside my brain, inside my soul.  A part of me."  Jason turned away from the fire and began moving 
toward the door.

"First Athan, and now you Jason.  I feel like these witches are stealing away parts of me."  
Endymion glanced at the fire.  "You four have been the only truth in my life."  Jason stopped.  He 
turned and moved back towards Endymion.  The two men stood face to face for a moment.

"Endymion, you have my loyalty, and my friendship, and my devotion.  But she, she is my destiny, 
my heart, my soul.  I don't know why or how, I simply know it.  And some day you will feel that as 
well.  I hope your destiny doesn't run away as fast as mine."  Jason smiled sadly and turned toward 
the door once again.  "I'm heading for Neptune.  Any orders?"

Endymion stared at Jason's retreating back for several long moments.  "No…good luck.  You'll 
need it."  The two men slowly left the room, both too deep in their own thoughts to notice the old 
man staring at them from the balcony above.

"Ah, my Cassandra.  You did well.  But that boy, he will bring you much sorrow before you show 
him light.  Selene, you really made a muck of things."  The old man crept from his hiding place and 
headed for the tunnels underneath the temple.  "Now all I have to do it catch up to Cassie."

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Serenity stared out the window of the huge spaceship.  There wasn't too much to see, but the 
spaceport at Phobos Deimos was fairly busy.  There were people scurrying everywhere.  They 
looked like little insects from her perch.  She turned her back to the window and wrapped her arms 
around her bent knees.

"Bunny."  Serenity laid her cheek on top of one leg.  "What ever convinced me to tell him that was 
my name?"  She felt the tears gathering in her eyes, but forced them back with several fast blinks.  
Her mother had given her the nickname, because of the odd hairstyle she liked to wear and her 
penchant for hopping down the palace halls, the others in pursuit.  Serenity felt a smile forming.  
She could just imagine what the others would be doing in her situation.

Diane would be examining all the high tech equipment, determining how everything worked, and 
planning an escape.  Cassie would be stalking around the room, ranting about arrogant males and 
searching for something else to wear.  Sere glanced down at the little pink costume.  It wasn't 
exactly the most modest clothing in the world, but it was a lovely shade of pink.  Tory would love 
the costume.  She'd be readying some daring escape; ready to jump the first guard she could get her 
hands on.  And Aria.  Sere flopped backward on the bed.

The one good thing about getting caught is she'd get to see Aria again.  Cassie was a good friend, 
and the others too, but Aria had always been the one Sere was closest too.  Serenity's mother had 
always been a bit cold to Aria.  Sere smiled.  Aria didn't really mind though.  The two of them had 
been the troublemakers.  The ones who skipped classes to spy on guys, or pulled pranks on their 
teachers.  Serenity giggled.  She and Aria were a good team.  Sere rolled onto her stomach, tracing 
the intricate design on the bed with one long, pink fingernail.

Aria only had one thing that she was truly serious about.  Her duty as Sere's guard.  Aria hadn't let 
anyone weasel out of fighting practice.  She could be the most air headed girl in the world, making 
Sere look intelligent, but in an emergency, Aria was stronger than steel.  Sere glanced around the 
room, letting the memories fade.  Thinking about the past too much made her chest hurt.

The room was an excellent distraction.  It was done mainly in blue and gold, with little white 
moons orbiting little earths.  Sere liked the image.  It reminded her so much of home.  The bed was 
nice too.  It was huge, and butted up against the large window.  Sere rolled onto her side and looked 
upward.  She had a great view of the sky, and she knew the view in space would be magnificent.

The rest of the room was taken up by a small desk, a couch with an entertainment console opposite, 
and a closet with enough clothing in it to make any female jealous.  Serenity had an unpleasant 
sensation.  She knew that this room had obviously been designed for someone.  And she had a 
strange suspicion who that someone was.  But her head ached from the hairdresser's harsh 
treatment, and her stomach still hadn't recovered from it's strange upset earlier.  Sere let her eyes 
drift shut, and slowly slipped off into dreams of the past.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Jason stalked across the tarmac toward his waiting ship, his heart warring with his head.  He could 
feel her, here on the planet.  He knew he could find her easily, but he also knew there was no way 
he could keep her without something more than his wits and brute strength.  The Senshi were the 
key.  Somehow, Endymion had become a senshi, and Jason was determined to do the same.

He closed his eyes for a moment, remembering the way she had looked, engulfed in flames.  She 
had looked wonderful in her tiny skirt as Sailor Mars, but the second time she had transformed, she 
had been different.  Her hair was still the same lustrous black, with violet shimmering inside, but 
her eyes had changed.  They had become red, like the dust that coated this planet.  Jason opened his 
eyes again.  She had a second spell as well, a stronger one.  Somehow, in that short amount of time, 
Cassandra had found the way to increase her powers.

The pilot and soldiers filed in ahead of Jason, taking their places before liftoff.  It wouldn't be a 
long trip to Neptune, and Jason intended to sleep the entire way.  He headed for the small passenger 
cabin, laughing a bit over memories of Nestor's last prank.  Jason missed the easy camaraderie the 
five had once shared.  Before Endymion had become obsessed with his quest, before the ice had 
entered Athan's soul as well as his face, before Nestor had retreated into his world of mysticism, 
before Zavier had started treating everything as a contest.  Jason could see the changes that power 
and conquest had created.  But at the moment, all he cared about was reaching Neptune.

He pulled the mirror from its place in his belt.  Even after all the fighting, the glass wasn't 
scratched.  He gazed into the clouded depths, his curiosity as great as ever.  Why had this talisman 
not disappeared with Michiru's death?  Why had she died with words of forgiveness on her lips?  
And why did a little princess have a hold on his heart and his soul?  Jason put the mirror away.  
Tomorrow was soon enough to contemplate things.  This would be a long ride, with two stopovers 
and a ship switch at an asteroid colony.  He would find the answers he needed on Neptune.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Endymion entered the darkened room slowly, his steps as heavy as his heart.  Jason's words tore at 
his mind.  Was he becoming like his mother?  More concerned with power than truth?  He didn't 
flinch as a gentle lamp turned on.  He moved into the room slowly, throwing his body down on the 
soft couch.  Things had once been so easy.  Simply bring the power hungry murderer to justice, do 
away with the corruption and lawlessness so common under Selene's rule.  And once peace, order 
and justice had been brought in line.  Endymion's mind went blank.

He bent over slowly and started yanking off one of his boots.  Things never were as simple as they 
should be.  He could still see his mother's face as he embedded his sword in her heart.  She had 
called him a traitor.  Endymion stood up quickly, his fingers raking harshly through his hair.  Was 
he betraying himself now?  The shadows on his soul.  His father had warned him about shadows.  
Endymion continued to stalk back and forth in front of the couch, yanking off clothing with every 
movement.  

He had been planning this for years.  His victory against the corrupt Silver Kingdom, Selene's trial 
and punishment.  Exposing her sins before the entire galaxy.  Bringing closure to the horror she had 
inflicted on his four friends.  Wiping the memories of his own ordeal.  Endymion closed his eyes 
tightly, forcing the terror back inside.  He refused to remember that day, refused to confront the evil 
that had been visited upon him, upon his people.  But Selene had stolen that cleansing with one 
stroke of a sword.  Now all he had left was her daughter.  A low growl rose in his throat.  Serenity.  
He opened his closet and yanked out a pair of silky pants, thrusting his legs inside.  His ship was 
large and spacious, but it was also very slow, and the activity of the past few days was catching up 
to him.

He stared at the picture fastened to the inside of the door.  A girl, about fourteen, staring at the 
earth.  Her silvery hair was pulled into a strange style, and she was dressed in a beautiful white 
gown.  Endymion felt a shiver run down his spine.  Serenity was the mirror image of her mother.  A 
perfect replica of the witch who had sacrificed honor to protect her way of life.  Endymion growled 
again and slammed the door shut.  Serenity would not inherit her mother's throne.  The only thing 
Serenity would ever receive from the High Prince of Earth was a sword at her neck, or a life in 
chains.  Endymion chuckled a bit at the mental image.  The little brat had probably never done a 
day of work in her life.  And when he found her, he'd make her live in a hell worse than his own 
childhood.

He moved to his bed, hardly noticing when the lamp turned off.  He slid under the covers slowly, 
enjoying the feel of silk sliding on silk.  Then his hands met something soft.

"Light."  He almost yelled the words.  The room was instantly flooded with illumination, every 
light available flickering on instantly.  Endymion sat upright quickly.  There was a woman in his 
bed.  Endymion stared at her for a long moment, wondering who she was.  Her eyes were closed, 
and her breathing even.  The light didn't seem to bother her at all.  She slept, oblivious to the light, 
his gaze, everything around her.  She had short, straight, raven black head that contrasted with her 
pale skin.  There were dark circles under her eyes.  Endymion pulled back the covers a bit, and then 
wished he hadn't.

She was dressed in a fantasy of sheer pink.  The outfit seemed to be nothing more than silken 
scarves tied together, and draped heavier over her chest and waist.  One long, slender leg peeked 
out from its silky covering from hip to slender foot.  Endymion felt himself growing warm.  How 
could such a tiny creature have such long legs.  He gently ran a hand over the skin, marveling at 
how soft and muscled her calves were.  The girl mumbled something in her sleep and rolled 
towards him.  The clothing shifted, displaying the gentle curve of a breast and most of the girl's 
buttocks.  Endymion took a deep breath.

"Lights Off."  His voice cracked a bit from the words.  He felt like shaking her awake and taking 
her immediately.  And he remembered who she was.  The silver collar still clasped around her neck 
had jolted his memory.  She was the slave girl, the one who had been a companion of Princess 
Cassandra.  Endymion swallowed loudly.  He reached forward, his hands longing to rip the delicate 
costume from her body, but instead he simply grabbed onto the collar from either side of the girl's 
neck and ripped it apart.  The two pieces hit the floor with a loud clang.  Endymion winced, but the 
girl didn't seem to notice.  She rolled over again, this time displaying the gentle curve of her back, 
barely discernable in the dim light from the window.

Endymion lay down slowly.  He had been hoping for a bit of sleep, but with this temptress in his 
bed, he was expecting nothing but torture.  His long slumbering conscience wouldn't let him 
simply take her though.  She might be nothing more than a slave, but she was also a woman.  And 
he couldn't allow his shadows to keep winning.  Endymion closed his eyes tightly and tried 
thinking of something disgusting.  The girl rolled towards him, throwing one leg over his stomach, 
and curling up to his side.  Endymion groaned loudly.

"Good night, my Prince."  The words were uttered in a husky voice, and followed by an unladylike 
snore.  The lust drained from Endymion, followed by something more akin to tenderness.  He 
moved closer and wrapped an arm around the sleeping girl.

"Good night, Princess."  He didn't question his reply, or the reason for his immediate journey to 
dreamland.  He simply accepted the gift he'd been granted.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Aria felt something stroking her gently, like she was a kitten, or a cherished instrument.  The hands 
danced over her body, moving over every area, soothing, and tickling.  Her eyes fluttered open 
slowly.

"Athan?"  The afternoon sunlight filtered through the yellow curtains, sending a golden glow over 
the entire room.  Aria arched into his touch, her mind still fuzzy from sleep.  "What are doing?"  
Athan smiled slowly, and leaned toward her.

"I'm making love to you, angel.  The way I should have the first time."  His lips closed gently over 
hers, his mouth gentle and soft.  Aria felt herself melting into a million pieces.  Athan's hands 
continued their gentle motions, bringing her body to life.  She moved her hands up over his back, 
her nails scraping over his skin.  She could feel the edges of her mind resisting, reminding her of all 
the things this man had done to her, but her body didn't care.  It craved his touch.  Just as her heart 
craved the words he was whispering in her ear.

The numbers on the clock moved slowly, but neither Aria nor Athan noticed, caught up in their 
own world of sensations.  Each motion was soft, gentle, designed for giving pleasure.  They moved 
together in their own ballet, reaching the climax together.

"I love you Aria."  Athan held her tightly in his arms, one hand stroking over her hair.  Aria felt the 
words rising in her throat, but refused to let them out.  He had shown her what life could have been, 
and she hated him even more for the dreams.  He had forever denied her this life, spending a tender 
moment wrapped in his arms.  Instead he had followed the path of darkness, grabbing what could 
have been given.  She dissolved into tears, unable to bear the disappointment.  And Athan simply 
held her.  He understood what she couldn't say.  And he knew, somehow, that he could never have 
her the way he desired.  With one stroke of his sword, she had been thrust from his reach forever.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

She wore black.  Zavier felt a surge of laughter mingled with anger and pride.  He had shaken her 
awake, pointed to a magnificent dress on the bed, and ordered her to get ready for the wedding.  
Diane had simply kept her head bowed, making no answer.  He should have realized she wouldn't 
let it go at that.  Diane was too intelligent, and too stubborn, to simply obey.  Zavier let his eyes 
stroke over the tight black dress.  The dress had a slit on each side that reached her thigh, and 
although she was wearing very little make-up, she had opted for a brilliant red lipstick.

Zavier glanced at the huge throng that had gathered to witness the marriage and coronation of 
Uranus' crown prince.  They simply stared at Diane's unusual clothing.  She marched up the aisle 
quickly, looking neither left nor right.  Her brilliant blue eyes were glued on him.  They shone with 
anger and triumph.  Zavier let a smile spread across his face.  Her triumphant gaze faltered at his 
strange reaction.  But she didn't stop moving.  She stopped inches from him.

"I see you decided to join us.  You are a bit late you know."  Diane simply stared at him for a 
moment.  Then she pulled a knife from behind her back, aiming directly for his heart.  Zavier felt 
his admiration go up another notch.  He lurched to the side, the knife finding only the flesh of his 
shoulder.  "Why you little bitch."  He used his good arm to grab her around the waist, and threw 
her to the ground.  Several guards rushed forward, but Zavier stopped them with a raised hand.  He 
grabbed the knife and yanked it out in one motion, his eyes never leaving Diane's.  Her face turned 
white at the blood.

Zavier yanked a handkerchief from his pocket and pressed it hard against his wound.  Diane 
continued to stare, her face still white, her eyes dancing with fear.  The air in the hall felt thick, 
heavy with anticipation.  Finally Zavier broke the gaze.  He pulled the cloth from his shoulder and 
examined it for a moment.  He held out a hand to Diane.  She took it slowly, as though expecting 
something more dangerous.  Zavier yanked her to her feet and pulled her beside him.  Then he 
turned to the priest.  

"Please continue, sir."  Zavier could feel anger radiating from Diane.  He felt like laughing.

"Please do not continue."  Zavier leaned close to Diane, until his mouth was almost touching her 
ear.

"I've been very tolerant of your little games, cupcake, but it's time to give up.  If you don't 
cooperate, I will start killing people, starting with the Prime Minister standing over there, and 
ending with your ailing grandmother still living on Mercury."  The rest of color in Diane's face 
drained away.

"You are an absolute bastard.  You don't play fair."  She hissed the words, but Zavier started 
laughing before she was even finished.  It rumbled loudly in her ear.

"I play to win.  Whether I cheat or not, a checkmate is a checkmate."  He turned back toward the 
priest and motioned for the man to begin the ceremony.  And Dianara, Princess of Mercury, 
cooperated.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Diane stared out the window at the thousands of cheering citizens.  Her own skin was crawling.  
She had been so sure that she could surprise him, that she could kill him.  But he had simply 
yanked the knife out as though it were merely an inconvenience.  He hadn't even been mad.  She 
closed her eyes tightly.  He had been angry over her refusal to wed him.  Diane glanced down at the 
ring on her finger.  It was cold, and heavy.  Sapphire and Tanzanite, the name for blue Zoisite.  She 
lowered her hands again.  And now she had to wait while he visited the temple here on Miranda.  
Her eyes flicked to the possible exits, but she doubted that he'd taken any chances.  The man was 
far too smart.  Diane would almost admire him, if he weren't such a cold-hearted bastard.  She sat 
down on the bed and fiddled with the ring again, her fears piling up.  She had to get away, 
somehow.  She would never let him own her body, for that would be one step closer to her soul.


*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

The temple of Uranus on Miranda was a huge wind tunnel.  The air whistled down through small 
openings, danced in ever changing patterns, and finally circled together, concentrating into a central 
vortex.  Zavier stepped inside, and instantly felt the wind sweep over him.  It caressed his skin, 
ruffled his hair gently.  And then he was soaring through the air.  The vortex deposited him outside 
a single stone door.  He raised a hand, swallowing hard.  He had deliberately avoided this place.  
This was where Haruka went to be alone, to contemplate.  This was the place that screamed at his 
soul, awakening his slumbering conscience.  He touched the icy door, almost grimacing, as it 
swung open.  The room was small, dimly lit.  He took several steps forward, but already knew what 
must be enshrined.  Haruka's body lay on a stone slab in front of him.  Zavier reached out, tracing a 
hand over Haruka's cheek.  She had been both mother and father to him.  She had seen his struggle 
with who he was, the teasing over his feminine looks and actions.

Zavier turned away, unable to look any longer.  The memories were too strong.  He had betrayed, 
tortured, raped, and finally murdered her.  Her screams and harsh words echoed in his mind.  The 
blackness in his soul threatened to eat him alive.

"And I forgave you for all of that, bishonen."  Zavier jumped a bit at the husky words.  He turned 
around slowly.  Haruka was hovering in the air, just above her body.  She gave him a gentle smile.

"Haruka?"  His voice cracked like a young boys.  Her smile broadened.

"Who were you expecting? Hotaru?  Or maybe Setsuna to give you another lecture on the 
importance of not fighting destiny?"  Haruka laughed softly, the rich tone sending a shiver down 
Zavier's spine.  She lowered slowly and perched on the edge of the slab, one leg propped on the 
ledge, the other swinging free.  Zavier swallowed loudly.

"I wasn't expecting a dead woman."  Haruka's familiar laugh filled the air.

"We all die sooner or later.  There is no such thing as total immortality.  But then again, death is not 
what you believe it to be little one.  It's more a change than…  Well, that's a speech for another 
day."  Haruka stood and took several steps toward Zavier.  She laid a hand on his cheek.  Her eyes 
danced in the pale light entering the room, looking as if she were about to cry.  Zavier felt a lump 
growing in his throat.  He had never seen Haruka shed tears.

"I've given you forgiveness, little bishonen.  You only need to forgive yourself.  I see inside you so 
much of who I am.  You have the will to do what needs to be done, no matter the consequences.  So 
you will take up my burden, since you are the one who deprived me of that job.  Good-bye, little 
bishonen.  Be happy with your water lily."  Haruka faded from view, and her body began to glow in 
a gentle light.  The light grew, and then dimmed away to nothing.  A wand lay on the slab.  Zavier 
reached for it, but it melted into a puddle.  The puddle reformed, glowing with the strange light.  
And then all that remained was a ring.  Zavier picked up the ring slowly.  He slid it on the middle 
finger of his right hand.

"I see, Haruka.  Your powers, your duty to this solar system, to this planet.  That was your curse 
and your love.  I'll take your burden, Haruka.  It will be my penance."  He lifted his hand above his 
head, just as he had seen his foster mother do so many times.  "Uranus Power."

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

AN: I'm sorry this chapter took so long.  I hope it was worth the wait, now quit griping about Sere 
and Endy…jeez…change my whole plotline for rabid SE fans…