A/N: An update! This chapter has also not been beta-read.

Revlis El'inmilnum

Chapter 8: Reality

From the road above, Mamoru stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of Motoki. Behind him, he could feel other Revlis hurry along, all trying to their best to go about their business without attracting attention and mostly ignoring the commotion below in the fair interest of self-preservation. Mamoru put the risk out of his mind and leaned over the parapet between two street vendors to look down at the busy road below. People desperately scurried out of the way of the Arethian soldiers who were escorting a half-dozen tightly chained Asliro. It was more than he had dared to even hope, but though in chains, Motoki was alive! As were five others, all Asliro who he had trained and grownup with – Kalic, Takeo, Aki, Sunal, Ryamo.

Mamoru's mind raced. Six Asliro being escorted by a dozen Arethian guards. Where were they going? Could he risk a rescue attempt? Why weren't Motoki and the others making any effort to escape? Could he even pull off a rescue attempt? How quickly would other Arethian soldiers make it to the scene? Were these guards especially skilled or just the average type?

He realized he was already forming a rescue plan, though Luna would skin him alive if he took any stupid risks. Yet even completely disregarding his best friend, here were six Asliro, which would enormously help their cause. It was one thing to have the pledge of ordinary Revlis citizens and a few ordinary foot-soldiers in their underground resistance, but it was something else entirely to have members of the Asliro. And right now, aside from himself, they only had managed to find two other Asliro; the rest of the proud force, assumingly dead, or in a position much like Motoki and the others.

Peering closely as Motoki came closer to being directly underneath him, Mamoru noticed his friend's odd step. As an Asliro, he had never seen Motoki fully inebriated before, but if he had to guess, his intoxicated walk would look something like this strange shuffling lurch. Mamoru quickly scanned the other chained Asliro, noting their varying dissimilar strides as well as their slumped shoulders. If he squinted just enough, he could also see their half-lidded eyes. It certainly wasn't injury, and Mamoru knew of no magic that could weaken the body so. Inherently then, he knew they were drugged with something that prevented them accessing their magic.

Now Motoki was just past him, and Mamoru knew. Damn if he was going to let his best friend and fellow Asliro go without even trying. Unazuki's tavern was so close, which was both a blessing and a curse. He would possibly put the base of their resistance at risk, but he could also quickly get Motoki and the others there and into hiding. Though she had yet to mention him since Mamoru's initial arrival, he knew Unazuki would be so happy…

Fleetingly, he wished that he had time to retrieve Artemis and Luna or anyone. But there was no time. Not even for a swallow of nerves or his heartbeat to jump in apprehension. And certainly, there was no time for fear.

Without much of a thought to it aside from the rationality of hiding his face, he snatched a carnival mask from the vendor cart next to him. It was a simple white thing that settled across the bridge of his nose, but it fit perfectly, wrapping around his face and covering his eyes. Then he leapt over the parapet, his black cloak flapping out behind him, as he left behind startled gasps of Revlis on the road above.

He had a split second to call his magic. For the smallest of moments, earth strained underneath the cobblestone road before bursting upwards, forming a steep slope that guided his fall. Simultaneously, the ground shook violently just in the immediate area, but it was enough to knock the captive Asliro, the Arethian soldiers, and the passersby to the ground.

Those who were just outside the range of Mamoru's small earthquake scattered, shrieks of both terror and surprise echoing off the buildings and drawing attention from people both around and above.

Mamoru landed easily and slipped the dagger at his waist out of its sheath. Swift as night, he grabbed the nearest Arethian soldier and slit his throat. Mamoru let the now lifeless body drop to the ground, no time to hesitate and meditate on the act of bringing death. Trained as they were, the soldiers were back on their feet even as their comrade fell dead. The captive Asliro remained on the ground, the drug and the shaking earth too much for their weakened bodies.

With a stomp to the ground, a carnal yell escape from Mamoru's throat, as he forced the magic out. The ground split into a chasm at the site where his foot landed, snaking forward to a line of Arethian soldiers who had no time to react. Three of the soldiers toppled into the rift, one howling as he landed awkwardly with his leg bent into an unnatural angle.

Mamoru had no time for another attack as a burst of fire headed his way. He gritted his teeth at the prospects of another mage, but summoned a wall of earth upwards to block the flames. The fire licked around the edges, but Mamoru was safe for the moment. Ensconced behind his makeshift wall, he knew his only chance would be to cause as much chaos as possible. He just had to avoid Motoki and the others, which was much easier said than done considering they were in the middle of the street and not going anywhere.

He could see a couple of soldiers picking their way too him. Luckily, aside from their gleaming sword blades, they didn't seem to have any other weapons. Just in time, the fire mage gave up on his direct attack and Mamoru took the chance. With some of the earth from his wall still smoldering, he clenched his right first and then released it, palm forced against the earthen barrier. A shiver of magic channeled down his arm and the earth exploded outward in rock hard clumps. He heard shrieks of pain and the unmistakable thud of bodies falling to the ground as the smoldering earth slammed into one, two, three soldiers.

Before he could so much as think about sighing in relief at taking out five Arethian guards, a ring of fire erupted around him. It was an effective reminder that there was still the mage to deal with, plus six other angry guards who were now inching toward him with swords raised defensively.

Through the encroaching, licking flames he spotted the fire mage taking carefully measured steps toward him. The fire mage was panting from exertion, obviously not holding the easy, natural skill of most Revlis mages. A snarl played at his lips and he roared, "Get him alive!"

Mamoru didn't know where to look as the soldiers closest to him feinted in one direction and then went another, while the others opted for a direct charge. The mage redoubled his efforts, and Mamoru went on the defensive. Growling with effort, he forced a thick wall of earth up all around him. His chest heaved as he was suddenly shaded by his makeshift wall. He knew he didn't have time to linger and recollect his wits; more guards would arrive before long. Neither did he want to give up his shield, especially now when he couldn't see what was going on around him. His immediate thought of causing another earthquake was rejected. His element of surprise was gone and they would be ready for that sort of attack – at least at the amount of strength he was willing to put behind it. Mamoru didn't want to risk hurting nearby Revlis civilians or his fellow Asliro.

Before he could put together any sort of plan or the Arethians could execute one of their own, a furious and familiar shout pierced through the air. "You idiot!"

Mamoru could not help the relieved smile that spread across his face. He could hear a whistle of a blade and a shriek of pain just outside his enclosure, and that was enough of a signal for him to drop his shield of earth. The wall collapsed, nothing more than dirt forming a ring around where he stood.

At the sight of Mamoru, Luna locked blades with the soldier she was fighting and scowled, feeling the need to repeat her sentiments. "You idiot!"

Artemis was near the prone form of the fire mage, gracefully fighting off two other soldiers. Parrying one strike and then another, he managed to fit in a warning edgewise, "Luna, let's save the scolding for later."

Mamoru was quick to help Artemis even as Luna finished off the Arethian she was fighting. Earth quickly rose; catching one of the soldiers by surprise as it first snatched his heels, and then encased the rest of his body, leaving Artemis just one to fight. Mamoru added layer after layer of earth and quickly condensed its mass and pressure on the soldier inside. He did his best to ignore the dying scream of the soldier even as Artemis expertly killed the remaining threat.

There was but one soldier of the original twelve guard left – the man whose leg he had broken earlier. But as Mamoru turned his eyes upon him as the soldier attempted to drag himself away, Luna was there. He couldn't help the wince as she effortlessly dispatched the soldier despite his desperate pleading. Unbidden, his thoughts turned to Usagi and for the first time, he was truly glad she was not there. He didn't want her to see them, him, kill mercilessly even if it was for the kingdom.

A sudden cheering sounded from above, startling the three of them. There, lined along the parapet and the road Mamoru had leapt from, were the Revlis who had not fled the scene. Even as he picked his way though the carnage to Motoki and the other Asliro, Mamoru couldn't help the small smile of satisfaction at giving the Revlis something to cheer for.

He crouched at Motoki's side, suddenly anxious when he realized his friend's eyes were closed. "Motoki!"

Mamoru's fear was short-lived as Motoki's eyes cracked open, and he slurred together some words, "Mamoru. You are an idiot."

Mamoru smirked, "So I've been told." His smile faded, "Do you think you can stand?"

"I'll need help." Motoki replied slowly, "We've been drugged. It's something that relaxes our muscles, prevents us from focusing on calling magic too."

"That's what I thought." Mamoru nodded and held out a hand. "Come on. You can lean on me. We have somewhere safe."

He pulled Motoki to his feet, a task made all that more difficult by the chains and drug. He helped to steady his friend by throwing Motoki's arm around his shoulders, once he finally got him to his feet. Artemis already had Sunal, a fierce but extremely petite Asliro, thrown over one shoulder much to her dismay and was helping an unsteady Kalic stand. Luna meanwhile was seeing to Ryamo and Aki. Despite the fact that the two Asliro almost looked to be the worst off out of the lot, she already had both on their feet and was steadying each with an arm a piece.

"Oi!"

Mamoru's head turned sharply to find the source of the noise. He spotted the source of the noise, a man waving frantically from the road above.

"More are coming from that way!" The man pointed frantically up the street as the rest of the Revlis around him began to quickly disperse.

Mamoru quickly got Takeo to his feet, supporting him on one side and Motoki on the other as Luna waited rather impatiently with Ryamo and Aki. Artemis was already edging down the street with a weakly protesting Sunal draped over his shoulder and Kalic walking unsteadily with Artemis's help.

Artemis hesitated at the mouth of the nearest ally in order to hurry Luna and Mamoru along, "Come on!"

Though having to support two drugged and chained Asliro a piece, they did have advantage in knowing the streets of Talrysc Kotyo. More importantly, Artemis had already pieced together a pathway to the back of Unazuki's tavern. Mamoru got Motoki and Takeo moving as fast as possible, which admittedly wasn't very fast at all, as Luna disappeared down the ally with Artemis. They dodged around the corner just as the shouts of Arethian guards became much more pronounced. This particular ally was shaded by the curve of the retaining wall and street above, which formed part of the upper district where he had been before his rescue attempt, and sandwiched on the other side by numerous shops and homes.

Thinking quickly, Mamoru grimaced and heaved Motoki and Takeo forward as he reached the dark corner of the first building they passed. Motoki and Takeo stumbled and fell, drugs and chains too much for them to stay on their feet. Already strained, it took a moment for his magic to properly respond to Mamoru, especially when he was trying to control it for exact measurements. Luckily, the earth rose under his manipulation as he crouched down and then swept his hands up. Showered with debris from the cobblestone ally street, a crude barrier nonetheless formed between the retaining wall and the building. Even better, as long as no one ventured down the particular ally, they shouldn't be able to see the difference between the dark stone retaining wall and the muddy earth. Mamoru allowed himself to relax slightly as he heard shouts of Arethian guards coming from the street they had just escaped.

"Good thinking," Luna acknowledged briefly, having stopped to see the commotion, and then she hissed, giving a good imitation of an angry cat, "Hurry up!"

They made it to Unazuki's tavern, somehow without incident. The Revlis they encountered along the way, purposefully turning their heads even as the echoes of angry Arethian soldiers could be heard throughout the city.

Artemis pounded on the backdoor. Sunal had long since given up protesting and looked as if she had passed out, her head lolling against Artemis's gray tunic. Kalic collapsed next to the door, the others soon joined him. Mamoru felt like collapsing himself as he gently guided Motoki and Takeo to the ground. Luna, however, had other ideas. "Take off that mask. You look like a fool. Though, I admit, hiding your identity was the one bright thing you did."

Mamoru was startled to realize he still wore the white mask he had snitched, and took it off, tucking it into his belt. He was also exhausted, but he didn't need Luna to tell him he had taken a risk. He knew she only cared and, rightfully so, didn't want to risk compromising the little bit of headway they had made. With that in mind, it was much easier to temper his words. Plus she was technically still his superior. He managed a stiff sort of bow, "My apologies Lady Luna."

Luna blinked in surprise, and then her features softened, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "It was reckless, but I couldn't say I wouldn't have done the same thing."

The door to the tavern opened behind them, Unazuki appearing in its frame. Her eyes went to Artemis, Luna, Mamoru, and then finally landed on Motoki. She gave a startled gasp, a heartbreaking smile gracing her features, and was clutching the near-delirious Motoki in a blink of an eye.

"Unazuki," Artemis broke in gently, "Sorry to interrupt, but we really need to get inside."

"Right. I take it you're the ones who have caused them to get all riled up." Unazuki responded in reference to the audible shouts of Arethian soldiers. She let go of her brother, wiping at the tears in her eyes. "Quick then! Down to the cellar!"

They all managed to shuffle inside the warm kitchen, Unazuki supporting Motoki herself. A couple of their resistance members hurried to aid them, while others stood guard at the kitchen entrance, eyeing, not the patrons who all knew exactly what kind of business was going on in Unazuki's tavern, but the main door.

Luna saw familiar red hair in her peripheral vision. Turning her head, she caught Naru watching from the edge of the kitchen. She looked worried, wringing her hands, eyes wide. Luna decided to remedy that situation, "Naru!"

The girl near jumped out of her skin, but she quickly snapped to attention, "Yes Lady Luna?"

"Go get Umino!" Luna ordered.

Naru nodded fervently and disappeared out of the backdoor before anything else could be said.

"Very wise my dear." Artemis responded, Sunal still draped over his shoulder, "If he doesn't know what they've been drugged with, nobody will."

Mamoru ushered Takeo down the steep cellar steps, following Unazuki and Motoki. The cellar itself was quite large and cavernous. A few oil lamps were lit overhead, hanging from the wooden floorboards of the ceiling and casting a flickering light in its space. Wooden casks of wine and beer covered most of the floor space, and along the backmost wall were a half-dozen huge tuns that had been built inside the cellar itself. Artemis was at the second one, prying open the wooden front. The large cask was empty except for the lingering stench of fermented alcohol. Artemis placed Sunal inside first and climbed in after her. He stepped around her, and then without much ceremony, knocked open the back of the tun where by all rights and deception a solid wall should have been. Instead, another room was revealed, this one even more cave-like than the cellar with earth walls covering all sides, but much smaller.

Mamoru had dug it out with his magic, after Unazuki nearly begged her collaboration for a resistance against Areth. Wooden support beams had been added to prevent a possible collapse as well a number of oil lamps. There were chairs and a few cots, but most telling was the large table that held city blue prints, maps, notes, and books. Also in stock was a collection of first-aid equipment, food preserves, and two casks of wine. In one corner was an improvised armory with whatever weapons and armor pieces they had managed to collect thus far.

Once the captive Asliro had been settled into the cots one by one, a resistance member, a handy and quite useful locksmith, bustled inside and began picking at their chains. Starting with the burly Kalic, the locksmith soon had his hands and ankles free and moved on to Aki. Moving out of the locksmith's way, Artemis and Luna shared a look, and then ducked out of the secret room after gesturing toward Mamoru to join them. Mamoru nodded, but first went to Motoki's side, standing next to a teary-eyed Unazuki. He clasped his hand on Motoki's shoulder, "Good to see you're alive."

Motoki looked up through droopy eyes, "You too. Thought you were dead."

"Do you know anything about the drug they gave you?" Mamoru pressed

"Wears off." Motoki whispered.

Mamoru smiled, relieved. "Rest easy, you're safe. I'll be back later."

"Mamoru," Motoki said wearily, "Thanks."

Mamoru nodded sincerely, and then motioned for Unazuki to follow him. She leant over and placed a kiss against Motoki's forehead, "Go to sleep, Motoki. I'll be here when you wake up."

The locksmith brushed by them as they left, quickly working at Motoki's chains. The other Asliro had already been freed from their shackles, and had more or less allowed their bodies to rest in states of unconsciousness. Finally they were safe from the untold conditions the Arethians had put them through, and Mamoru felt a glimmer of contentment at the sight of his Asliro brethren.

He slid out of the empty wooden tun, following Unazuki. Artemis and Luna were waiting in the cellar, talking in low voices. For the first time, Mamoru noticed the blood that flecked Luna's khaki colored tunic, "Luna, are you alright?"

"What?" Luna replied and then looked down at her clothes, "Oh. Yes, I'm fine."

"Mamoru, we certainly won't treat you like a child." Artemis said, crossing his arms, "You've proven yourself time and time again, and we both know you were aware of the risks."

Artemis shot a look toward Luna, who smiled, "Well done."

"Thank you Mamoru, for saving my brother." Unazuki said.

"You don't have to…" Mamoru said, looking uncomfortable.

"I know. I know you would have done it regardless, but still, thank you." Unazuki said.

"Unazuki, its best you head upstairs. You know the plan." Luna said briskly, "Our rescue attempt wasn't all that far from here so I wouldn't be surprised if they don't perform searches. We'll wait to brief Umino here."

"Right," Unazuki nodded, and quickly called for any lingering resistance members in the cellar to follow her. The locksmith jumped out of the empty barrel and closed the front of it behind him, immediately masking any sign of the hidden room. He nodded to them and followed Unazuki and the others up the stairs, the creaking of the floorboards above signaling that business had returned to normal in the kitchen.

"Assuming the drug they were given is not permanently debilitating, that gives us a total of nine Asliro." Artemis said. "And our friends in there might have plenty of useful information too about where we can find more."

"Motoki said the drug wears off. Hopefully he's right." Mamoru added. "They'll need to stay in there a few days, especially until we get them some new clothes."

"Those prison rags would be a dead give away." Artemis acquiesced. He cast a glance toward the tun that hid the secret room, "In any case, the sooner they're on their feet, the better. Everyone knows Asliro to be the true strength of the kingdom; it'll give hope for our supporters."

"Our supporters?" Luna said wryly, "Every single Revlis citizen is one of our supporters. Taxes, conscription, property seizure, searches, daily abuse, lack of basic human freedoms…that's all they have to look forward too now. They still call the name Serenity. They curse the name Ochas. All except for the most cowardly."

"Cowards are the most dangerous of people." Artemis responded carefully, "Though they typically have a very good reason to be. Not everyone can have fortitude when faced with a living nightmare."

"I think…" Mamoru interrupted, "The worst hell is not the personal threat of agony or death to the self, but the mere thought of that happening to one's loved ones."

"Not everyone…not many…can deal with the sacrifices. Not everyone can face what menaces them," Luna said somberly. "Though I count the majority of people of Revlis El'inmilnum far from cowardly. In any case, let's step away from philosophy. As far as I know, it's never won wars."

"Truer words have never been spoken, dear." Artemis replied.

Luna ignored him, immediately delving into more practical matters. "Now is the time to become more organized. Nine Asliro to base our resistance on combined with the few soldiers we've managed to find thus far."

"With them, we can start taking in and arranging Revlis civilians." Artemis said.

"You two will be in command of course." Mamoru put in. There was never any question of that, and Luna and Artemis knew it too.

"We can't risk getting too excited." Luna cautioned. "Becoming organized is one thing, actually being an effective and feared force against the Arethians is another. We know that they have an awful large force inside the city itself, and that's not counting the soldiers stationed across the country."

"We need to start spreading the word that Usagi lives and is free from Ochas." Artemis said, "Even if it's only a whisper of a rumor, something like that will catch like wildfire. It does help that it's actually true."

Mamoru swallowed, "Everything, everything rests on the Princess."

Though Luna and Artemis had said much the same thing many times before, they both gave him a knowing look. Mamoru cleared his throat in order to suppress his sudden embarrassment, saying the first thing that jumped into this head, "We need a name."

"Hmmm…" Artemis said, rubbing his jaw line with his hand, "I suppose just calling us the resistance is rather bland. Doesn't really strike dread into the hearts of our enemies."

Before anything else could be said, the cellar door banged open. A pattering of feet was heard, and Umino came into sight, flying down the steps. Unfortunately he tripped, missing the last few steps and fell the rest of the way. The pack he was carrying went flying out of his grip and landed near Artemis's feet. He quickly climbed to his feet, pushing his glasses back up on the bridge of his nose. "I heard! Are they…?"

"Yes, go on in." Artemis replied, handing Umino his pack. "Can you stay in there with them until we send someone else down? We won't make you wait too long."

"Of course." Umino replied, opening and then scrambling into the empty tun.

"Make sure it stays quiet in there." Luna warned as Umino closed the front of the tun. They heard the creak and the thud of the second door that marked Umino's clambering into the concealed room.

"Alright, upstairs." Luna motioned, and then looked down at her bloodied clothes, "I need a new tunic too."

"Personally," Artemis said as they climbed the cellar steps, "I could use a good drink."


The night wore on as Setsuna spoke of Uranus and Neptune. Her voice was low and steady, enrapturing her listeners. And slowly, as the story unfolded, Uranus and Neptune became Haruka and Michiru. When Setsuna's words stopped, a consuming silence filled the room as the girls processed the truth.

"No…" Usagi whispered, breaching the silence. As always, she wore her emotions on her sleeve, tears evident in her eyes. "I don't understand…why? After everything they did…"

"The Revlis were afraid." Setsuna answered. "Haruka and Michiru had proved their loyalty to Serenity time and time again, but, in other minds, they had never proven it to the kingdom. They were too much of a wildcard to power-hungry individuals. Too powerful. And, most importantly, they were terrified of one particular thing…"

"Saturn." Hotaru spoke softly, but was heard by all.

"Saturn." Setsuna affirmed. "They discovered something...Something that Saturn told me. Something that I had told the first Serenity. It is my belief that they discovered a version of Serenity's private notes on the knowledge I imparted to her…The Sky, the Sea, and Time to summon deity Saturn."

"Uranus, Neptune, and yourself," Ami said slowly.

"But it's more than just our actual selves. It's our Talismans. The manifestation of our Pure Hearts that have existed even before our physical bodies came into being. The promise of our existence that can summon Saturn."

"I mean no disrespect Lady Plu…I mean…Setsuna, but why did they not target you? Why only Haruka and Michiru?" Makoto asked with an edge of hesitation.

"I believe the circumstances as they were dissuaded them from tying me to Charon. Haruka and Michiru were young, new to their powers, and right there in Talrysc Kotyo. I, on the other hand…am a rather ancient power, even at that time, flitting in and out of history as I pleased. I think they were intimidated." Setsuna answered.

"So for them, Queen Serenity I's retainers – the nobles, the scholars, the mages – they thought they were doing the kingdom a service?" Minako asked rhetorically. "Locking away Neptune and Uranus...I could feel it when we met them in the throne room, their connection. I can't imagine…"

"That separation." Usagi filled in for Minako, "The strength that took. They were hurt so horribly…All on the chance they might summon deity Saturn."

Setsuna opened her mouth to speak, but Hotaru beat her to it. Her small voice trembling as she looked down at her hands, "You met Saturn, Lady Setsuna? It's terrible, isn't it? Saturn's power."

"No." Setsuna said adamantly, almost looking as if she was going to spring to her feet, "It's wrong. Serenity's court, Ochas, every book you have ever read. Legend has been warped over time. Saturn is not just the Guardian of Ruin."

This proclamation was met with a bewildered silence. Hotaru looked up sharply, purple eyes boring hesitant anticipation into crimson, and timeless Setsuna, who had seen near all the horrors and hope of history, felt her own heart break. "Saturn is the Guardian of Ruin and Rebirth."

"Rebirth…" Hotaru murmured in wonder, her heart pounding as she looked down at her hands again. She felt a pressure on her shoulder, its weight comforting and warm. Looking up, she met a smile from Rei still sitting beside her, a real genuine smile, and not one of the fake ones that Rei had been prone to give during their journey.

Ami looked the most stunned out of all of them, "Everything was wrong. Every text. Every document. Every legend. It's so significant. How the truth gets manipulated says just as much about history as the actual events."

"But why was that part of Saturn forgotten?" Usagi pressed, "How could people just let the promise of Rebirth go? I mean…why let something good vanish?"

"And why didn't you correct them?" Minako shot at Setsuna before she could answer.

"Saturn is as ancient as me, if not older." Setsuna answered, looking not at all affronted, "Definitions rarely remain static over such a lengthy period of time. As for me, the years and generations in which Saturn became known just as the Guardian of Ruin, I was lost in Time. There was nothing I could do."

Minako scowled at the enigmatic answer, but didn't press the issue. Instead Makoto spoke; her brow creased in a combination of worry and thought that would look much more in place on Ami. "After everything, betrayed, separated from each other, forced to live in solitude, they still tended to the kingdom for all these years. With their powers in those shrines, they could have made the land inhospitable. But they didn't."

"As you have no doubt gathered, us beings who are called deities and guardians, we're still human though gifted with certain abilities. Haruka and Michiru are good people, but I think what tamed the anguish and pain until Ochas presented such a ripe opportunity was Serenity. Even when free, they were fiercely loyal to Serenity I and subsequently the royal family." Setsuna responded.

"Serenity I died in childbirth didn't she?" Ami asked. "I think I remember reading that at some point…"

Everyone except Setsuna glanced toward Ami in surprise. The Guardian of Time closed her eyes and murmured, "Yes. Yes, she did."

"It's the only reasonable explanation." Ami explained for the benefit of her friends, "Serenity highly regarded Haruka and Michiru."

"They were friends," Usagi assuredly interrupted, "Close friends."

"I can't imagine she would have settled for what was done to them otherwise." Ami continued.

"Yes. Serenity II came premature." Setsuna said, "It was while they were crossing Y'mdea Eesp. No one was prepared on the ship. They didn't even have a proper midwife. It was a wonder Serenity II even survived."

"What about Serenity's husband? It sounded as if he was friends with Haruka and Michiru," Makoto asked.

"He was not the same man following his wife's death." Setsuna explained, "It's part of the reason why interactions with outside countries are limited to trade today."

"We could certainly use some allies now." Rei said, surprising everyone as she rose to her feet. Dark eyes settled on crimson and words spilled forth with purpose, "Lady Setsuna, I know we can count you as an ally. It is my understanding that you have always served the line of Serenity and the late queen's last words were to find you. Forgive me for pressing the issue, but what path should we take now? It's all well and good to know what has shaped Uranus and Neptune into the decisions they made, but where do we go from here?"

"Haruka and Michiru joining Ochas have far more dire consequences, part of which, I believe, is Ochas's true goal." Setsuna replied.

"Which is…?" Minako pressed, eyes narrowed.

"Stealing my Talisman ignited my suspicions, but your news of Haruka and Michiru at Ochas's side has made it apparent."

"Saturn." Ami said with horror. "He wants to summon Saturn."

Setsuna nodded gravely, "And bind her to his will."

Unnoticed by all, Hotaru trembled. Her arms clenched around her body, trying to make her self as small as possible.

"Can he do that?" Makoto said.

"I wonder." Setsuna replied, "Why did he not enact some sort of magic like that on me? Perhaps he has not yet found a magic in which to do such a thing. However, if any place were to hold the keys to a clandestine power that would bind a deity as old as Saturn it would be the palace library in Talrysc Kotyo."

"Haruka and Michiru acted funny when we encountered them that…awful day." Usagi said softly, "They didn't want to hurt us at first. I could feel it. And they said as much, but Ochas did something…"

"It could be that he knows some variation of a spell that binds a person to another's will." Ami reasoned, "Or…it could be that he already knows a spell that does exactly what he wants and he is just waiting for the right time to approach Saturn."

"How exactly do you go about approaching Saturn anyway?" Makoto said.

"Saturn has a shrine, Titan, at the ruins of Genum Ku'gnae." Setsuna answered. "That's where she is summoned…yet another thing Serenity I's retainers got wrong. They believed that regardless of location, once myself, Haruka, and Michiru were together, Saturn could be summoned."

"History is full of so many holes." Ami said, almost excitedly.

Setsuna gave a low chuckle that startled nearly everyone, "It is. Even for me. Even for Ochas. I don't think he knows about the Talismans."

"Why do you say that?" Minako said, "He took yours."

"He did…my Garnet Orb…so he can tap into my powers. But…you, Ami, knew that I had visited Serenities of the past. I go in and out of history as I please. Even if it is just the barest details, I am known to always have the Garnet Orb with me. Ochas must have deduced that it is tied to me through a number of recollections and documents that depict me. He can't have known about Haruka and Michiru's though so he swore them to his side instead."

"Does that necessarily change our situation though?" Rei said darkly.

"Yes!" Usagi exclaimed, springing to her feet, "Rei, if we can get Haruka and Michiru on our side…"

"There are still a lot of difficulties with that though." Minako said evenly. "What if they are magically bound to him? What if they truly remain sympathetic to Ochas? What if even Ochas figures out the Talisman detail and takes theirs?"

"We can't know right now, but there is still a chance!" Usagi said. "We can't let him summon Saturn and have that power. We have to try to stop him!"

"How?" Rei answered sharply, "He defeated Pluto. He has both Uranus and Neptune. We were like ants to him in the throne room. How can we defeat him? He murdered your mother!"

An immediate, tense and uncomfortable silence consumed them. Usagi trembled, her head down, unable to respond and full of indescribable, raw emotions. Hotaru edged away from Rei who glowered darkly, while Setsuna watched impassively. Minako frowned, and, despite her own feelings, didn't hold back from admonishing, "Rei!"

When Rei didn't respond, Usagi swallowed thickly. She managed to speak, though her voice came out in a shaken whisper, "Min-Minako. It's okay."

"No! It's not okay!" Minako shouted and then whirled toward the fire mage, "Rei-"

Rei interrupted her before she got any farther. Her voice was curt as she summoned the necessary courage, cutting into Minako's speech, but underneath there was an aching vulnerability, "No, it's not okay. Usagi…Princess…I can't let you die. I…couldn't stand to see you in pain."

Usagi looked up, "Rei…I'm already in pain. My people…It is my duty to protect them…for them to suffer…It hurts me too."

In the quiet that followed Usagi's words, Setsuna spoke, easing the tension with her curious announcement, "There is a reason you are all here today."

There were uncertain glances exchanged around the room, but Setsuna had voiced her words in such a way that left no room for questions. Instead, Makoto shifted, feeling anxious, "What should we do?"

"I can access my magic now; however, Ochas has blocked me out from the Time Stream through twisting the Garnet Orb. I can't see any possible paths, but I believe there is only one logical step to take at this point." Setsuna said calmly.

"And that would be…?" Minako said impatiently.

"You travel deep into Genum Desert to Genum Ku'gnae, find the shrine Titan, and you summon the Guardian of Death and Rebirth before Ochas can noose his dark magic around her." Setsuna replied wryly.

She received a number of blinking, confused stares in response.

"I thought you said that Saturn could only be summoned with the Talismans." Hotaru said with an odd quaver to her voice. "That Saturn herself told you that."

"There are many unexplained phenomenon in our world. Magic grows and magnifies. Seemingly arbitrary power is given to certain individuals. And the line of Serenity has always been capable of the impossible." Setsuna said, crimson eyes steady on Usagi.

"You…you think I can summon Saturn?" Usagi replied. "I barely know my magic. It's always been so hard for me to use."

"You broke through Ochas's magic that was placed on me." Setsuna responded simply. "If there is anything in this world capable of performing extraordinary, impractical, unfeasible feats, it's the magic that runs through your blood."

Usagi was flustered, "Well…I...I don't…I'll…I'll try."

"I think you know you are related to this land, your kingdom, in more than purely physical ways. That includes connections to us, the Guardians of Revlis El'inmilnum." Setsuna said, "To be utterly honest, I can't say that I know you'll be able to summon Saturn for sure, but I think there's a good chance."

"It's our best option." Minako agreed confidently. A grin worked its way across her face as she stared at the princess, "You'll be able to do it."

Makoto joined the others on her feet, a gleam of composure and assurance in her eyes, "We just have to beat Ochas there."

"We have to remember that Ochas is not omniscient. He does not know about the Talismans or Saturn's true identity as the Guardian of Ruin and Rebirth." Ami said, rising to stand beside Makoto.

"It will be a long journey. We'll have to travel back into more populous territory and Arethians will be everywhere. Then will have to cross high into the mountains only to meet the desert on the other side. It won't be easy." Rei said purposefully, "But Usagi, if that's the path you choose, I will be there. And for the Revlis too."

"Thank you everyone." Usagi beamed, unabashedly wiping at a sudden tear. She closed her eyes, one word fleeing from her lips, "Hope."

"What about you, Hotaru?" Minako said, casting a glance to the girl still seated on the stone steps of the depression.

"I know it'll be dangerous so I understand if you don't want to come." Usagi said. She took several steps forward and kneeled at Hotaru's feet. "I'm scared too, but will you come with us?"

"I…" Hotaru felt her heart soar at the invitation, a sense of completeness feeling her, of true friendship. At the same time, however, she could feel the blood pounding in her head, a flash of darkness around the edges, a forewarning that made her hands shake. Her answer was obvious though, and she answered shyly, "I wouldn't choose anything else."

Usagi sprung to her feet, beautiful in her joy. She offered a hand, and Hotaru automatically took it. She was pulled forward, suddenly a true member of the group as she stood in a loose circle with them.

Usagi's attention swiveled to Setsuna who had already rose to her feet. The Guardian of Time held out a hand, gesturing for silence for the question she knew was coming. "I may not retain all my abilities, but I still can wield magic, hold my own in a skirmish, and have years of experiences stored away. I'll be joining you. It is, after all, my duty to serve the Queen of Revlis El'inmilnum."

"It's not duty." Usagi said simply and leaving it at that. Setsuna received a smile just as stunning as the last and was pulled into the group so that they all stood gathered close together in the middle of Charon. Pluto's symbol gleamed in the ceiling and firelight danced across all their eyes. And for a heartbeat, they all just stood there, an unbreakable entity.

"I feel like there's something we're supposed to shout right now." Minako said.

Rei, next to her, smirked, plenty amused and wonderfully lighthearted for the first time in weeks. She caught Minako's gaze and the light mage flushed, a pretty red filling her cheeks and highlighting the blue of her eyes.

Setsuna gave an imperceptible smile and shifted, backing away from the group. She was still a creature of solitude, and anymore of this almost ceremonial intimacy would edge toward uncomfortable. "Ah… you should rest for tomorrow's departure. Please feel free to sleep anywhere."

"Thanks Setsuna." Usagi responded. She suddenly felt completely exhausted, and stifled a yawn. "Till morning then."


Like clockwork, as soon as people learned that there was to be a…demonstration…at the Lunar Square located in front of the palace, they came spilling out of the streets and buildings prey to their curiosity. They started slowly and hesitant as only the courageous or foolish slipped up closer to the high decorative platform placed a short distance from the main gates of the palace where public announcements, exhibitions, and shows had been made in the past. But their numbers seemed to increase exponentially, the first few Revlis citizens paving the way for others, and before long, the Lunar Square was filled and still more people hovered in the surrounding streets.

Above them, manning the ramparts were scores of Arethian soldiers. They stood at ease, but kept a careful eye on the crowd, crossbows ready for use. The Revlis citizens remained rather quiet, an uncertain hush filling the square. There were angry whisperings and a few obscene gestures directed toward the Arethians, but no one ventured to do anything more. Instead they waited, morbidly curious as to what the usurper was planning. And many of them perhaps were waiting for somebody, like the rumored masked man that took out a whole squad of Arethians two days before, to gain the courage to instigate a revolt, in which case, they would join in a heartbeat. Regardless, the gathered Revlis waited.

When the sun was directly overhead, the gates to the palace thudded opened. Arethian soldiers in full-armor immediately spilled forth, hundreds of them, lining the already well protected platform and filing into impenetrable lines. They pushed against the Revlis gathered closest to the front earning spitted curses from those brave enough, but the sight of the bared spears kept the worst at bay.

Ochas had walked out of the gates before his soldiers had even finished setting themselves into an unbreakable barrier. He slipped up the stairs onto the platform with light steps. Many were taken a back to see him so close. They had not necessarily expected Ochas to show himself, and if he did, it surely would have been from the high safety of the battlements. Yet here he was, a striking figure standing on the platform. His presence was such that he had the attention of every Revlis in the square in a matter of seconds.

Dead quiet reigned. Ochas smirked, and then turned, beckoning with a hand back toward the palace gates. No one could see what waited there due to the wall of soldiers, but it didn't take long for four guards to pull a finely dressed, shackled middle-aged man and woman onto the platform. The couple was shoved to their knees by the guards who then stepped back to the edge of the platform. Only the Revlis closest to the front could see the panicked fear in the captives' eyes.

Ochas paced the length of the platform, looking for all the world like a prowling tiger. He pitched his voice just so in order for it to carry across the Lunar Square, "I heard there was a bit of a scuffle the day before last. Twelve of my soldiers dead and six prisoners of war freed."

There was a murmur across the crowd at this and Ochas waited patiently for silence to be seized again, "Now, I had thought you Revlis were being treated more than fairly. After all, I have let you keep your lives however trivial they may be. I was quite…" He made a show of hesitating, before letting the word slip off his tongue with a wry smirk, "…distressed…to find that you, my new citizens, were not happy. Certainly, I thought, this is my city, my kingdom, my people, and I must be doing something wrong if my people are not happy."

There was a shift from the audience, many of the people realizing where Ochas's words were leading.

"Do not mistake me; I know that only a few individuals were involved. I do hope I can make them happy with this gesture, but I also trust that this action I undertake as your sovereign pleases the remainder of you as well." Ochas kept his tone light and stopped his pacing, stepping between the two kneeling individuals. He opened his hands, gesturing to them, "May I present the Lord and Lady Aino. They have been chosen to help me express…my desire to see to your contentment. After all, if you, the people of Talrysc Kotyo, are displeased, we need to see to it that we never have an incident like the one from two days ago again. Otherwise, I might just have to take further action."

Even the most obtuse Revlis felt the chilling threat behind Ochas's words. The Lord Aino shook, hands trembling so violently that the chains binding him rattled, and his breath came in ragged gasps. The Lady Aino appeared composed from a distance, but upon closer inspection her features were notably ashen and two tear tracks marked her cheeks.

"But first, let me introduce two other players that will aid in our demonstration." Ochas said, patting the couple on their heads with either hand. Then, not even deeming it necessary to turn around, he raised his right arm and beckoned with his hand.

The Revlis closest to the platform and the palace gates anxiously looked around the wall of soldiers, failing to spot anything that stood at the gates other than more Arethian guards.

There was a murmur of confusion as nobody new appeared, but Ochas immediately put that to rest, "Ah, it seems I forgot to inform them that they would be assisting me today." Now he turned his back to the Revlis gathered in the square, his head tilted upwards as his gaze traveled the height of the palace walls to the parapets at the top. "Uranus. Neptune. If you please?"

Michiru caught Haruka's hand in her own on the palace wall above, clenching it tightly as Ochas's gaze found them. They both knew what the emperor-king had in store them on that platform. Haruka tried to focus on the softness and familiarity of Michiru's fingers wrapped around hers, but even that failed to distract her. She was not proud of it, but Haruka had taken many lives in the span of her years. Yet, at the thought of merciless execution under Ochas's order, she felt bile rise in the back of her throat.

They had been forced to watch the proceedings above and they had gone unnoticed, cloaked as they were, framed by soldiers, and with Ochas commanding interest. Now, invariably, attention turned toward the palace walls and they could no longer hide. Ochas's voice carried steel and menace, and they knew that they had no choice but to obey.

Taking one last look at each other, Haruka nodded first and then smoothly vaulted herself over the parapet. A normal person's legs would have broken on impact from that height, but the landing in front of the palace gate was nothing to the Guardian of the Skies. There was a dull thud behind her that announced Michiru had made it to the ground in similar fashion.

Ochas waited for them up on the platform, a smirk playing across his lips and his eyes flashing. Haruka cast a glance at Michiru before deciding not to waste any more time. She walked up the steps of the platform steadily, all too aware of Ochas's eyes on her…and Michiru. She could almost feel his words from the night following the invasion… 'If either of you disobey me again, I'll fuck you till you bleed the sea, impudent wench.'

Haruka schooled her features into an expressionless mask as Ochas took a large curved sword from one of the soldiers stationed at the edge of the platform. She resisted a low growl as the emperor-king offered her the blade once he had inspected it. Stepping close in order to take the sword, she was unable to keep her thoughts from rushing to the idea of running the blade through Ochas's heart. Though, as her hand brushed his in taking the hilt, she could feel the ready dark power and knew such an action would be far from easy.

Ochas repeated the process for Michiru, who accepted the blade impassively. Then he casually addressed the audience, the faces he could make out in the crowd staring up at him in growing horror, "Revlis citizens, these are your deities, Guardians of the Skies and Seas, sworn to me." He sneered wickedly, casting a side glance at Haruka and Michiru, "Even your gods acknowledge me."

He let the words hang in the air, and the crowd gaped, aghast, and transfixed on Ochas, on the Guardians, knowing yet dreading the truth. Haruka was sickened at the sight of the emperor-king as he reveled in the alarm and dismay, dark eyes calculating. Ochas stepped in between the Lord and Lady Aino again, a hand placed almost affectionately on both their heads as he took in the crowd.

"Lord and Lady Aino, it's a shame. They are simple creatures really, as far as I can understand, living off their inherited fortune and throwing lavish parties. Most of you have probably never even heard of them," Ochas said, his mouth twitching upwards in what could have been a smile at the couple, but his eyes hardened in the next instance. "That's why I don't think they are enough to make my point. You are my vassals now to do with as I please – to kill, to take, to feed, to fight. I will not accept rebellion. I will not accept disobedience to any Arethian. I will not accept the filthy blood of Revlis that runs through your veins as being greater than my own. I trust my point is clear. Now, who would like to join the Lord and Lady Aino in serving as an example for what happens when you break such conventions?"

Some of the Revlis that packed around the edges of the Lunar Square tried to slink away with Ochas's implications sending a wave of fear through the crowd. However, every street found a wall of Arethian soldiers that had slipped into place when Ochas had first made his appearance, which effectively closed the square. Others were held by morbid curiosity, unable to find the will to move. Still those closest to the platform, instead of bolting for a possible exit, stood unmoving. It was akin to playing dead or even freezing in place so as not to provoke a large animal into attacking.

"No." The words slipped out of Haruka's mouth, but even after she realized she had spoken, she wouldn't have taken them back.

Ochas was making note of the Revlis citizens' reactions, looking oddly pleased at the general calm in Lunar Square, but he spared a glance at her. "No?" He murmured, "There is no one that can tell me no."

Haruka could feel Michiru's eyes on her, relief palatable when the emperor-king chose not to pursue the line of insubordination.

"Captain Sawmien." Ochas barked.

"Your majesty!" The officer standing at the bottom of the platform responded with a stiff, respectful bow, his full array of armor squeaking in response.

"Pick out some..." Ochas sneered, "…volunteers."

Sawmien inclined his head, a hand clenched over his heart in salute, but Ochas had already turned away. He stepped up close enough to Haruka in order to whisper into her ear, his voice low and threatening, "Tread carefully Uranus."

Haruka let the words wash over her, but her attention remained on the happenings below the platform. Sawmien prowled the line in front of the Arethian soldiers, eyeing the Revlis before him, who were finally beginning to show the signs of panic. Some of those at the very front scrambled to put as much distance between them and the Arethians as possible, but there was nowhere to go and the people behind them pushed back. Others cursed and shouted threats, fists raised. As Sawmien passed a particularly volatile group of youth, a young man spat at his feet. The captain scoffed and then backhanded the boy with a gauntlet covered fist. As he fell, Sawmien signaled for his soldiers and two dashed forward grabbing the boy off the ground. The captain drew his sword immediately to dissuade any ideas of attacking, the tip of the blade nicking a number of the Revlis as he made his point. The young man was dragged back toward the platform struggling as the soldiers laughed, and Sawmien continued making his selections.

Six in total were snatched from the crowd. There was a middle-aged man who glared, but didn't struggle. A young woman was grabbed from a few rows back, her screams as haunting as those of her loved ones that were helpless to do anything. Another young man who had lost all sense of self-preservation and had leapt at Sawmien, but the captain quickly subdued him. There was an older woman that was pressed up against the palace wall that Sawmien had selected, who immediately began murmuring prayers. And finally a large, stoic man who was covered in scars, an ex-Revlis soldier by the look of him, the calm he possessed flagging Sawmien's attention. These five joined the first young man next to the Lord and Lady Aino on their knees with their hands chained before the emperor-king.

There was anger from the crowd now; the fear and panic had passed. They bristled and a few heated shouts were heard clear. The Arethian soldiers began to get antsy as Ochas waited and waited, hands holding their spears twitching and ready to deal with the Revlis if necessary.

Ochas didn't rise to the anger of the crowd. Instead he crouched next to the older woman who was frantically murmuring prayers with her eyes closed. "Why are you praying?"

The woman didn't answer, her stream of prayers remaining unbroken.

"Why are you praying?" Ochas whispered again, "Your gods are right here."

The woman's eyes squeezed closed as if she was trying to throw herself into deeper concentration and block out Ochas's words. Ochas sighed, almost with exasperation, and with the crowd becoming more and more frenzied, gestured to Michiru. "Neptune, execute the crone."

There was seemingly no hesitation from Michiru, but only the closest of observers would have seem the barely perceptible shift in her stance and flash of anguish across her face. For a mere moment, she locked gazes with Haruka. They knew they were without other alternatives and Michiru saw the twin desperation and resignation in Haruka's eyes.

She moved fluidly up to the older woman, the thick, curved sword suddenly heavy in her hand. Michiru exhaled once, and spoke just loud enough for the woman to hear her, "I'm sorry."

The woman's head snapped up, her eyes a startling blue against her lined face. "Neptune?"

"I'm sorry." Michiru whispered again.

The woman looked back down, hearing the note of finality in the Guardian of the Seas' voice. Then she knew no more.

The crowd went utterly still, shocked into silence. The headless body fell forward, blood pooling on the platform. Michiru closed her eyes, unable to escape the feeling of the honed blade slicing clean through flesh with minimal resistance.

There was a scream of terror from the young woman on the platform. Ochas sighed, eyeing the girl with distaste. "How grating…Uranus?"

"As you wish." Haruka growled in obvious distress.

And the young woman met a similar fate.

At the sight of the second body, the Lord Aino began to hyperventilate, his terror plain to all eyes.

"Neptune, put the Lord Aino out of his misery. Uranus, the Lady Aino." Ochas commanded, standing back, looking almost eager to see the carnage unfold. Or perhaps just enjoying the obvious torment of Haruka and Michiru.

To the eyes of the crowd, their Guardians, for it was obviously their Guardians with those features and that presence matching the legends and text on them, methodically executed the chosen Revlis citizens with no hesitation and no grief. To their eyes, it was apparent: their deities had turned against them. Then there was just one left, the stoic, scarred man.

Haruka's blade was dyed red as she leveled with him, the sword held parallel to the blood-stained wooden floor of the platform. Before she could place the execution blow, distantly there was a shout that travelled through the relative silence Lunar Square. It was a clear, masculine voice, though it was certainly not coming from the Revlis clustered in the square. Haruka paused, just making out the words and an unbidden smile flashed across her face. She knew she couldn't hesitate for long, and she mentally willed for somebody else to take up the call.

The man on his knees before her did not disappoint. With raw, desperate passion, he bellowed the words, "The Princess lives!"

And suddenly, it was everywhere.

"The Princess lives!"

"The Princess lives!"

"The Princess lives!"

The crowd had become animated answering to the scarred man's call. Everywhere some one was shouting those words accompanied by wild cheers. The Arethian soldiers poised themselves to subdue with force as the Revlis grew more ardent. The man on his knees smiled even as death claimed him in a condensed blast of obsidian magic.

Then in a fury of that dark magic, Ochas leapt off the platform, pushing aside his own soldiers and strolling straight up to the Revlis at the front of the crowd. With one hand, he grabbed the throat of a man, lifting him up into the air and threw a magic-encased fist into his gut. The man choked once, and died. Ochas dropped the lifeless body go.

The Revlis around the emperor-king tried to scramble away, but again, there was no where to go.

Ochas gave his answer to the Revlis mantra, his voice raised and magnified by his magic, "This is a promise to you middling, plain Revlis and masked crusaders alike. So much of a hint of insurgence and you will be taken from your very homes to meet death. I will not discriminate between old and young, male or female, innocent or guilty. It matters not."

Then, casually, he took three more lives in quick succession with blasts of obsidian magic. Twelve Revlis in total for his twelve dead Arethian soldiers. Those around the bodies screamed in terror as they fell, smoldering with dark energy, yet still the call came back again. "The Princess lives!"

Ochas whirled, turning his back on the crowd, finished with them. Haruka and Michiru recognized the signs of fury even as he snapped a hand in their direction, the familiar feeling of Ochas's dark magic controlling their bodies spurring them to follow. It was a mark of how agitated he was that he chose a direct approach and decided not to enter a battle of wills and mind games with them.

Ochas stopped inside the gates as they caught up, the palace looming over them. He minced his words into an ominous hum, "The princess lives hmm? And why is that?"

Neither Haruka nor Michiru answered.

For a heartbeat, Ochas looked as if he was going to enter into a rage. The moment passed though, and instead he chuckled lowly. "No matter. I have plans for you two later. As for now…"

He trailed off, his eyes darting around in search of something. Or more aptly, someone. "Llematai!"

An almost waifish woman hailed the call from where she rested beneath a tree in the courtyard, passively and indifferently regarding the Arethians moving about with purpose. She rose to her feet, picking her way to the emperor-king. She looked like a typical Arethian with pale skin and dark hair, but her features were especially dark and her clothing, a wispy black dress, didn't help matters. Her eyes briefly landed on Haruka and Michiru before fully regarding the emperor-king. "Yes, your highness?"

"I will no longer wait for the princess's head. Assemble a team and set out immediately. Bring back her head at the very least, though if you can get her alive, that would be preferable. I grow weary of her ability to hide from my soldiers. I trust you can find a mere girl and her friends?" Ochas said.

"Of course, your highness." Llematai responded, inclining her head and clenching a hand over her heart. She disappeared quicker than she had arrived, seemingly vanishing from existence.

"A bit of a special operative." Ochas damn near grinned to Haruka and Michiru's disgust. "Not every one falls into the rank and file of military order. You're free for today."

They watched him march away into the palace, his mood abruptly changed from his earlier fury.

"You think he's off to the library again?" Haruka asked.

"Probably." Michiru answered. She looked out through the palace gates where many Revlis still lingered. Chants of 'the princess lives' were still clearly heard. "Do you know anything about this Llematai character?"

"No. I've seen her lurking around before, but I've never heard of her." Haruka responded, then taking a close look at Michiru. "You're worried."

"For his mood to change like that…She must be dangerous." Michiru rationalized.

"Has the Mirror shown anything?" Haruka asked.

"Nothing but the same for the princess. A dangerous threat. Unsettling dynamics. I think Ochas's magic may be interfering with my ability to read it though."

"What should we do Michiru?" Haruka suddenly sounded desperate. She could remember "Today…today was just…"

"I know. But what choice do we have?" Michiru answered, "We said we would stay alive and do what we can."

"If we could just get free of this curse!" Haruka growled, "I don't know how much longer I can deal with this." Her voice softened, "It's funny though...how happy I was to leave Miranda at first even if it meant I would turn my back on Revlis El'inmilnum. I remember watching their backs as they left me on Suwdin G'nrih...and still I feel such hatred for Revlis El'inmilnum...Yet now...Now I would do anything for Serenity's kingdom."

"Winds change, seas turn, we find out the truth." Michiru said, looking distant. She blinked, snapping back into reality, "These people should not pay for the betrayal we suffered. I forgot. In my solitude, I forgot humanity…Haruka, if we reach a point in which it looks hopeless…"

Haruka reached forward, wrapping a hand around the back of Michiru's neck and pulled her almost roughly against her. She ran a hand though the aqua hair, "Don't say it. Don't say that we won't…that we can't…"

Michiru hid her face in Haruka's shoulder, not caring about the presence of scores of Arethian soldiers marching around at arms. "If the worst happens…we can't let our actions forever be controlled by Ochas to use at his will…we'll have to…"

"We'll figure something out." Haruka whispered vehemently, "There's still Pluto. There's the princess. If she carries the blood of her ancestors…perhaps we can expect something remarkable. Once were free of this curse of his magic, we can fight back. For now, we have to do what we can."

Michiru smiled wanly, looking up at Haruka, "Of course. Perhaps…we can do a little research of our own. No more sulking."

Haruka ran her thumb over Michiru's cheek. "That's the spirit," She whispered.

"We should at least figure out what he's doing in the library so much." Michiru said, "And maybe we can find answers to Ochas's magic."

Fin Chapter

A/N: I hope this chapter was at least interesting. Sorry for throwing a bunch of random names at you at the beginning of this chapter. I figured actually naming the little people of the story would help the flow a bit.

!Anagram Corner!

Last chapter's anagrams were Amazon (Zanoam), Iapetus (Patusei), and Souichi (Siihuco)

This chapter's anagrams are:

-Genum Ku'gnae (each word is its own anagram)

-Sawmien

-Llematai

No hints this time. It's all BSSM somethings.

Yavapai's ExtraSpecial Pronunciation Guide:

Aliaxga: ally-axe-guh

Areth: eh-reth

Asliro: as-lee-row

Bunaju: boo-nah-jew

Genum Ku'gnae: gin-um coo-nay

Hawkai: hall-kai

Llematai: lay-mah-tie

Ochas: oh-chas or oh-kass, depending on accent

Onom: oh-numm

Patusei: pay-two-say

Revlis El'inmilnum: rev-liss el-in-mil-num

Sawmien: saw-me-in

Siihuco: see-who-co

Suwdin G'nrih: tsu-den gee-ray

Talrysc Kotyo: tal-risk co-tee-oh

Xhyndria: zen-dree-uh

Ym'dea Eesp: eem-dee-ah esp

Zanoam: zan-no-um

Next Chapter: Off to Genum Ku'gnae and Titan! There will probably be a little trouble along the way. And something else is revealed about Hotaru…

All reviews are appreciated and will be responded to!