Author's Note: A rather long and somewhat emotionally charged chapter for you. This chapter is why there were three instead of one. I couldn't help myself... you know me...

Losing Control
Chapter 21
Elysion

Timeless Days

Kunzite breathed a sigh of relief as the group crowded in the center of the room and all of them joined hands. He knew Elysion would help them. Not just to gain control of Mamoru and Usagi's birthright, but to give them time to relax and regroup. They needed it. Twenty days had passed since the major fight had begun. Twenty days where Mamoru, Usagi, and the four Inner Senshi had faced too much hardship and danger.

Minako's hand firmly held in his own, Kunzite added his power to that of Mamoru and the other Shitennou. The prince was leading the teleport, as was fitting since Elysion was part of his heritage. He could find the land of dreams easily, and in her own way Usagi could too, though she might not have even remembered it's existence had not Luna and Artemis talked of it.

There was a glow, a warmth, and then the feeling of pressure, as though he was being squeezed into a tighter and tighter space, before everything loosened and he opened his eyes to bright, warm sunlight and the sounds of birds calling. A gentle breeze touched his face and made his hair lift briefly. He squeezed Minako's hand gently and took a step back, pulling her with him.

"Elysion," someone said sighing, and then the group began to murmur.

Kunzite wasn't really paying attention to anyone else though. He had his pregnant wife to consider, and that was what was important. She needed time to rest and regroup before they began to plan. He pulled Minako into his arms, then lifted her easily. She giggled and laid her head on his shoulder, making him feel content and at peace. When she was with him, he was home.

"Who is that?" Rei asked, standing next to them with Jadeite.

"That would be the priest, and I'm assuming his wife and children. Usually the wife is a priest in her own right, though they have different functions. Any children will be trained the same." Jadeite's voice was soothing, but he was obviously tired.

Probably from worrying about Rei, Kunzite mused. The men had all been worrying about their wives since they'd discovered the pregnancies. It still seemed a little unfair that they had to fight attack after attack while pregnant. The Crystals expected too much of them. They were far too young and should have had time to grow and have happy lives of their own. Kunzite still blamed himself for the fear and pain he saw in his wife's eyes.

"Welcome," said a new voice, and Kunzite looked over at the priest. He had blonde hair and a golden horn on his head. His wife and the two little girls who scampered at her feet had silver horns, but the tiny baby in her arms also had a golden horn, his blonde hair peeping out from the blanket he was wrapped inside. He couldn't help the grin as Minako cooed over the infant. He let her down and she hurried over, instantly swarmed by the little girls as she and Usagi both made their way over to peep at the baby.

"I am Yume," the priest said. "This is my wife Maboroshi. We are the current priests of Elysion. These are our children. Wala," he touched the head of one of the girls, "Áine," he pointed to the other, "and Helios," he added pointing to the baby.

Mamoru moved forward to greet him and Kunzite took each step with him a single pace behind. "Hello. I assume you know who we are," Mamoru said, his voice soft, "and probably why we are here as well."

"Of course Highness," said the priest. "Yourself and your wife, along with her brother and cousin, all have to claim your birthrights. You also need to rest, to plan, and to train." He gave a smile. "We have food and cabins ready for you. Let us eat together, and then you should all get some rest. The tasks can wait until the morning."

"We don't have much time," said Michiru, coming closer. "We have a battle coming."

Yume waved a hand dismissively. "Time is different here. This is the world of dreams and wishes. Time flows as it is needed. Right now you need it to pass faster here than it would normally. But later it will pass slow while my son waits for his princess."

"What?" Mamoru asked, suddenly sounding much more alert. "What princess?"

"Your daughter, of course," the priest said, pointing at Usagi's still flat stomach. She turned and stared at the priest, then back at the little boy in his mother's arms. Then she smiled over at Mamoru.

Kunzite sighed. Mamoru didn't look happy to know any part of his daughter's future.

Setsuna sighed happily as she relaxed back into the chair. She was tired and this place of green, growing things and sweet smelling air was restful. Haruki sat on the ground at her feet, leaning back against her legs and resting his head on her knee. They'd all eaten a large meal with the family of priests who had offered fresh fruits and bread and honey along with juices and the coolest, most incredible water she'd ever tasted.

"I'm exhausted," Haruki admitted, looking over his shoulder at her.

"Me too," Setsuna murmured. "I don't understand it. I napped twice earlier and I was still tired."

Ami snorted as she sat in another chair across from them. "Welcome to pregnancy. Lovely isn't it? I swear I'm always tired and it's not even a month yet. I don't even understand it." She sighed as she snuggled deeper into the seat.

Setsuna felt her entire body go stiff and she sat up, looking carefully at Ami. "What?" she asked, wanting to make certain she'd heard the other girl correctly.

Ami yawned. "Well, now that you're pregnant, you're going to notice a certain level of exhaustion," she said. "We all have."

"I'm pregnant?" Setsuna asked, unsure if she was dreaming or not.

Ami flushed and sat up. "You didn't know?"

Setsuna shook her head.

"Sets," Usagi said, hurrying over. "I thought you knew. You're obviously not far along. Only a couple days, but..."

Haruki hadn't spoken since the conversation started and Setsuna looked down at him, wondering what he was thinking. His hand was tracing lines back and forth over her foot. "Ruki?" she asked, uncertain.

"Hmm? What?" He turned to look at her.

"Did you know I was pregnant?" she asked.

His eyes widened. "You're pregnant?"

"Is he deaf?" Ami asked. "Or just tired?"

"You're pregnant?" he asked again, and she could see a mixture of joy, fear, and excitement written on his face.

"According to Ami, I am. I didn't know. Did you?"

Haruki shook his head. "If you didn't know, how would I know?" he asked. Then he clambered to his feet, pulled her out of the chair and took her place before he pulled her into his lap and rested a hand on her flat stomach. "Are you really?"

Ami pulled out the Mercury computer and scanned her, making Setsuna flush. Their resident genius handed the computer over and Setsuna grabbed it gingerly, wondering if handling a live grenade would be as frightening. She looked at the screen which had a scan of her body, and read that she was healthy... and pregnant. She gasped and showed Haruki.

The added pressure of his arms squeezing her closer showed his response. His breath hitched and he put his face against her neck. It took her a moment to realize hot tears were falling onto her shoulder.

"We'll give you two a minute," Usagi said. Ami grabbed the computer and the two girls hurried away.

Watching them leave, Setsuna felt fear well up within her. How could she fight the Negaverse if she was pregnant? Would her child be safe? She began to understand what the other girls had been going through.

"Are you angry?" she asked, turning in Haruki's arms.

He lifted his head, his eyes shining. "No. I'm happy," he whispered. "But, I'm also terrified," he admitted. "I don't want you fighting if you're pregnant," he added. "Are you feeling okay? Do you need to lay down?"

Setsuna laughed. "I'm fine right where I am. I don't feel pregnant," she added. "I just feel a bit tired, but that's probably because we're constantly in battles lately."

Haruki nodded. "I know. How am I supposed to keep you safe?" he asked.

"Maybe I'll have a shield like the others."

"It didn't work for Usagi tonight," he said, his voice breaking.

"I'll be okay," she promised. Then she smiled. She couldn't believe she was going to have a baby. She would do whatever it took to make sure her child knew he or she was loved.

"We're going to be parents," Haruki whispered, his voice breaking. Then he pulled her closer to him and held her tight. Their lips met in a kiss so tender it brought tears to her eyes. "I think we should go celebrate," he said, standing suddenly as he carried her toward the cabin they'd been given.

Setsuna giggled happily.

Haruka lay facing Michiru, running her fingers through the long aqua locks that framed her face. She was incredibly beautiful. They'd only been dating a few weeks, and it was rather intimate for them to share a room, but so much had happened since the concert earlier that evening and they needed time to process everything, so she hadn't said a word about it.

"Can you imagine it?" Michiru asked, turning her head slightly. her blue eyes glowed with emotion and Haruka bent to kiss her lightly on the lips.

"Which part?" she asked curiously.

"Making love once and becoming pregnant," Michiru sighed. "The younger girls worry me. They are far too young for such responsibility. It's no wonder the guys have gone all caveman and overprotective. Setsuna though... she's ready for the challenge." She sighed again, heavily, and Haruka watched her swallow convulsively.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Michiru turned on her side and wrapped her arm around Haruka's waist. "Nothing, she whispered."

"Don't lie," Haruka warned, pulling her closer until her head rested on her arm and she was wrapped in a tight embrace. Michiru turned away and Haruka spooned against her back, running her hand gently over the soft skin of her arm. "Tell me."

Another soft sigh followed. "That won't happen for us," she said in a small voice that held so much sadness it broke Haruka's heart.

She silently wished with all her might that it could happen for them. That Michiru could know the joy of motherhood. Then she sighed and laid her head over the aqua hair. "I'm sorry," she whispered. She wished she could give Michiru a child desperately. "At least we have Hotaru to care for," she added.

Michiru sniffled and nodded her head, but there was a sadness in the air. Desperate to change the mood, she moved slightly before turning her girlfriend onto her back again. Leaning over her, she kissed her lips gently. When Michiru sighed against her mouth, she ran here tongue along her bottom lip until she opened her mouth, then plunged inside, desperate to memorize every part of her.

Within moments their passion had built until the sighs were no longer sad but filled with intensity and need. They moved together, Haruka's hands digging into Michiru's hair as she held her still for her tongue's invasion. They danced and dueled together, and when she finally lifted her head, they were both panting heavily.

Slowly, to give Michiru time to say no, her hands went to the first button of her blouse, and she unhooked it, then the next and the next until she could see the pale aqua bra that lay underneath. She bent and kissed the tops of her soft globes, running her tongue along the lacy edge of the material covering them from her sight.

"Do you want this?" she asked, her voice hitching uncharacteristically.

Michiru nodded and lifted her hands to pull Haruka closer. "I do. I want you. Forever," she whispered.

"I love you Michi," Haruka murmured, and bent for another kiss.

When she lifted her head, Michiru was smiling. "I love you too,' she said on a happy sigh.

Stripping her of clothing, Haruka focused on the soft skin hidden beneath, running her fingertips up and down Michiru's soft belly, her breasts, her thighs. She was the most beautiful woman ever born, and Haruka knew even a million years would never be enough.

When Michiru pushed her onto her back and began to remove her own clothes, Haruka grinned, exalting in the feel of her fingertips and warm breath. Michiru kissed a path down her neck, making her shiver, so she pushed her back and took over.

Soft sighs and warm touches, skin against skin. It was beautiful and wondrous. They touched and memorized each other, each taking control as they learned every scar, every contour of each other's bodies. When Haruka finally closed her mouth over Michiru's nipple, her girlfriend moaned and instantly opened herself to further exploration. Haruka found herself longing to taste her, and worked down her body to sup at her heated folds. Then Michiru took control again and they were both touching, both tasting, both sighing at each other. Fingers and tongues worked at each other before she pounced on Michiru and kissed her wildly.

Within moments they were both exploring one another, their tongues intertwining while fingers pressed into hidden depths. A soft melody began to play around them. Warm breezes ruffled their hair, and glorious lights enfolded their bodies as a dome formed over their heads. Ribbons of light circled them, wrapping around and around and pulling them closer together as they built one another up to furious orgasm. When they had both released and let out a cry of joy, they clung together, skin coated with a sheen of sweat, eyes slumbrous and heavy lidded.

She sighed and once again kissed her girlfriend, her Soul-Bonded, as the strings of their bond wrapped tighter and tighter until neither could move an inch, and then they sunk into their skin, disappearing from sight, though they could both feel them continuing to bind them together.

'The only thing that could make this better,' Haruka thought, 'is if Michiru could have the baby she desperately wants.'

Mamoru smiled at Usagi and took her hand as they followed Yume in the cool early morning air. The priest pointed into the temple and turned to face them. "Your challenge awaits," he said in a calm voice. "Inside is your birthright. You must work together to collect them."

"We will," Usagi promised. "Thank you," she added, as they both looked into the darker interior.

Taking the first step, Mamoru and Usagi both shivered as they passed into the cooler temperatures inside the temple. He looked out through the massive columns, able to see fields of wildflowers and the forest beyond them. It was an idyllic place for a temple.

"You ready for this?" Usagi asked, her sweet voice ringing on the stone around them.

"I am. We have to defeat her once and for all Usagi. And if we have to collect our birthright a bit early, well, we've done a lot of things a bit early."

Usagi sent him a fulminating look. "Don't remind me. I'm still waiting for my dad to reconsider and tell me he hates me again."

"He wont Usako. I could tell he feels bad, and when Luna explained about the Crystals pressuring us, it seemed like he felt really guilty. I don't even think he hates me anymore."

"That's a good thing," she murmured. "I'm sorry," she added, her voice barely a whisper as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "I don't know why I'm in such a mood this morning."

Mamoru wanted to suggest hormones, but he wanted to live more, so he kept his mouth shut.

The temple was one long rectangular room, open to the elements through the massive columns. There were several smaller rooms at the very back of the temple that were not open to their sight. It made him curious, but his eyes were caught by a dais in the center of the space.

His footsteps and Usagi's scraped and scratched, echoing back to them from the ceiling above. They made their way to the center of the room and their task opened up before them. Sitting on the dais, in holders that appeared to be hands and upper arms, were two swords.

One was wide and thick, with a blue hilt and scabbard. The other was thinner, the hilt and scabbard a silvery color with hints of pink. They stopped in front of the dais and Mamoru turned to Usagi, the priests last words still on his mind. "Together," he whispered, and with their hands still tightly clasped between them, they reached out at the same time. Usagi's hand wrapped around the hilt of the smaller sword in the same instant Mamoru's closed around the hilt of the larger. Their minds connected completely. His thoughts and hers unified in that moment, and together they lifted the swords out of their holders.

Mamoru felt a wash of power through him. It rushed into every molecule of his body. He felt himself changing as the power swelled and he felt a strange heat. His clothing changed. He was wearing a dark blue uniform with armor over it, the sword belted at his hip.

When he looked at Usagi, he was met with the sight of a glowing crescent moon on her forehead. Where she had been wearing and ordinary outfit, now she was in a long white dress with golden embroidery along the bodice. There were partial sleeves over her arms, and feather clips in her hair. She had a low breastplate over the dress, and wings had sprouted from her back, huge and white. The sword was belted around her waist, hanging low on her hips. Her hair had turned silver, with a hint of pink at the tips, and there was a new wisdom in her eyes.

He could hear her every thought as though it was his own. Her eyes caught on his hair, and for a moment he saw it through her eyes, and realized it had changed, it was still black, but the tips had changed to add a hint of royal purple. Her eyes caught on his shoulders and he watched from them as she took in his widened stance and larger muscles. Apparently his shoulders were more broad from the gasp of surprise and her shocked thoughts. At least she still found him handsome, he thought suddenly and she grinned.

"Of course I still find you handsome," she murmured, and leaned in to kiss him.

"This is a heavy burden," he said, "a massive responsibility."

He could feel the wisdom of his predecessors. He could feel their strength running through his veins. All the knowledge of every King that had lived before him was now in his mind. He could feel his connection to the planet, and to the world of dreams. He knew Usagi was experiencing a similar understanding as her eyes lifted toward a moon that could not be seen. He smiled at her and ran the backs of his fingers over her smooth cheek.

"I know how to defeat Metallia," she whispered.

"I know it too," he said, and wrapped his arms around his wife in comfort.

"I will take her soon after we get back."

"She's ready. I know it," Mamoru encouraged her. "She's been training just as hard as you have."

Usagi nodded. He took her hand again and led her out of the temple and into the bright sunlight.

Haruki frowned as the priest led him to the temple. He'd understood that Mamoru and Usagi had to claim their birthright, but hadn't realized he had to collect his own. Or that Shingo had one as well. It was a bit unnerving to realize that he had to physically accept something in order for his powers to grow.

Usagi and Mamoru seemed to have accepted everything just fine. He sighed. He already had so many new things in his life. As soon as they returned to Tokyo he wanted to get married to Setsuna. They had a child on the way after all. Plus he had to worry about keeping her safe during battles without her knowing exactly how much he was protecting her. And now this.

He wasn't certain he was ready to accept his birthright, whatever it was. And Shingo seemed far too young. But his cousin had already agreed and would be making a trip into the temple on his own as soon as Haruki returned.

He caught a glimpse of Usagi, her wings unfurled as she trained to use them while battling with the sword, and he sighed heavily. He really hoped he didn't have wings when he came out. Or anything else strange like the changed hair, or the heavy burden they seemed to carry.

"Simply ask, and it will be given," Yume said, and patted his shoulder before he walked away.

Haruki nodded, though the priest could no longer see him, and stepped under the edge of the temple. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dimmer light, but then he was caught by the sight of a dais in the center of the massive room. Light filtered in through the columns, helping him see where he was going as he stepped closer and closer. Still uncertain, his pace was slow, but he squared his shoulders and held his head high.

On the tall pedestal was a stone, made of amber he thought, shaped into the form of a sun. It was incredibly beautiful and almost seemed to glow. When he reached out to the dais, nothing happened. His fingers touched only air. With a sigh he looked around, unsure how he was supposed to collect something that wasn't there when he reached for it.

Frustrated, he muttered. "I don't really want this birthright. I don't think I'm ready for it, but if my younger cousin can accept hers, then I suppose I can't be childish and avoid it forever. I need to reach it, so please, if anyone is listening, help me."

Warmth filled his chest and he reached out again without thought. His hand closed over the stone. It was heavier than he'd expected, and filled with heat. He pulled it toward himself and a bright glow made him close his eyes as the knowledge of his forefathers filled him. When he opened them, he was holding his sword in both hands, and on the pommel the stone rested as if it had always been there. The sword had an orange glow to it for a long moment before it faded.

Haruki sheathed the blade, and then caught sight of his arms. He gasped as he watched the tendons flex with his movements. Then he held up both arms and took in the changes. He was more muscled, like Mamoru had been before him. Instead of his normal clothing he was now wearing his Sun Knight clothing, though the armor had changed to include a sunburst that matched the stone now attached to his sword.

The burden of knowledge was a heavy weight, and as it settled over him, he frowned, knowing that there were some things that could not be changed. He thought of little Hotaru, who had no idea she was the guardian of destruction and rebirth and sighed. He too was a guardian of destruction and rebirth. The knowledge settled into him like a weight pulling heavily at his shoulders. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, knowing that if Usagi and Mamoru failed to defeat Metallia, it was up to him to destroy everything so she couldn't escape.

He turned around and walked away from the dais and out into the bright, beautiful day. The moment he left the temple Setsuna embraced him, and he let his head fall onto her shoulder with a sigh.

Shingo felt a touch of trepidation as he stared up at the tall columns of the temple. Mamoru and Usagi had seemed sad and heavily burdened when they appeared. Haruki hadn't said anything when he came out, but there was a pinched look around his eyes that spoke volumes.

Yume turned to him, just before the massive temple, and spoke gently. "The knowledge is already yours. Simply take it," he said, then patted him on the shoulder, and walked away.

Shaking his head, Shingo steeled himself for whatever he was about to face, and headed into the dim interior. Worry ate at him, but he knew he had to do this, take this, whatever it was, and help the others. His footsteps rang on the stone as he made his way inside, blinking rapidly so his eyes could adjust.

In the center of the temple was a glowing light. He walked forward slowly. When he grew closer he could see a pedestal on a raised dais, and hovering over it was a simple scroll, yellowed with age. He hesitated, unsure exactly what he was supposed to do, then, remembering the words Yume had spoken, he reached out his hand and took the scroll.

A warm wind rushed over him as his hands closed around the ancient parchment. Knowledge filled him. Ancient knowledge as well as new. The histories of his people, and the people of all the solar system ran through his mind. The fate of each of his friends and loved ones was a massive burden. He gasped and closed his eyes tight against the pain of it.

The scroll disappeared from his hands and instead he was holding something heavy. He opened his eyes to find his own sword. Now however, silver scrolls were etched along the blade and tiny script ran along the edges. He read the words. "Knowledge is a burden that has heavy cost."

He sighed. "That's certainly true," he said, his voice echoing back to him. He sheathed the sword, only then noting that there was a stone in the pommel made of hematite. It was forged to look like an open scroll. He sighed, and let the hilt go. When he lifted his hands to his face he saw that he too had physically changed, his arms growing sinewy muscle. He could feel his broadened shoulders and muscled thighs. A heavy burden indeed.

A memory played in his mind of a day when he and Usagi had been extremely upset, begging for Haruki to come and stay with them. He sniffled. If only they had asked for their aunt to stay as well, she might be alive today. The knowledge weighed on him and he sighed, turning back toward the entrance to the temple. A shadow in the form of a young girl waited just outside, and he hurried to Hotaru for comfort.

As Minako settled on the grass, the two blonde girls who had been running circles through the wildflowers raced towards her. She smiled at them and opened her arms bracing just before they both impacted against her chest. With happy giggles they each perched on a knee and grinned up at her. Their silvery eyes shone with laughter.

It looked like Elysion provided a happy existence. The daughters of Yume and his wife were sweet children who laughed more than children back in Tokyo. They were almost constantly playing in the flowers, building little crowns of the blossoms. She couldn't help but love them. After two days of rest, training, and heavy planning, she couldn't help but welcome every moment with the girls.

Rei settled next to her and Usagi sat on her other side. One of the girls instantly moved to hug the other blonde. For some reason they seemed to have grown attached mostly to Minako and Usagi, which neither teen minded.

"Are the others almost ready?" Rei asked, sitting back to lean on her hands.

"I think so. I know this might sound awful, but I don't want to go home yet." Minako sighed. "It's just so peaceful and pleasant here."

"It really is," said Usagi, giggling as Áine put a wreath on her head made of pink roses and white carnations from one of the gardens. "But we have more plans to make, and as much as I've enjoyed this break, I don't want to put too much stress on our friends. Naru and Umino took a watch, and then Motoki and Reika. Now I'm sure they're all exhausted."

"I can't believe it's only been seven hours there." Rei said, obviously remembering Artemis' latest check in.

Makoto and Ami made their way to them, fluttering butterflies circling their heads to get at the flowers that had been tucked into their hair. She watched as Ami held out a hand and a butterfly landed on her finger. It really was peaceful in this place. She would be sad to be forced back to a reality of constant battles, secret identities, and school. She didn't particularly like school.

"Where are the guys?" Rei asked, looking around for them.

"Not sure," Ami shrugged. "Doing guy things I guess. Maboroshi has Michiru and Haruna hidden away in her room, talking about Heart Wishes or something. I figured we could just spend a little time, just the five of us before we go back."

"Well," Makoto interrupted, "It's not really just the five of us anymore," she said, patting her stomach.

Usagi giggled and Minako couldn't help but snort. There were two little girls listening in, but also between the five of them there were seven babies growing. It was a big deal. She was excited to return to Elysion later in her pregnancy. She adored Ikuko's idea of taking a rest here and letting the pregnancy's progress more rapidly.

"How is Setsuna?" Usagi asked.

Ami blushed as she sat down. "She's good I think. Haruki is still in shock of course. He was crying when we told them."

"He was?" Usagi sat up straighter, looking concerned. "He looked happy though."

"Happy tears," Makoto corrected.

Minako sighed. Kunzite had been upset at first, but he was obsessed with her belly now. Talking to their unborn children. It was adorable. If he hadn't gone to the extremes of being overprotective, she wouldn't be so annoyed with him.

Usagi leaned her head against Minako's shoulder. "You and I have something we need to do after we get back to Tokyo," she said in a quiet voice.

Minako nodded. She'd been expecting it of course. She was the leader of the princess' gado after all, and the sword was her responsibility. "I'm ready," she said, keeping her voice calm and quiet. "Don't worry so much. We all know we'll get through this," she added, rubbing Usagi's back.

She heard the little sigh and leaned her head against Usagi's, giving her what comfort she could.

Mamoru checked on the girls again, certain they were probably annoyed at all of them for taking their time. He grinned at Usagi, who was being cuddled by both little girls, and Minako. He liked the little ones. Wala and Áine were sweet children who seemed to love everyone. He lifted a hand to touch the wreath of flowers Wala had given him. Her little lip had quivered when he hadn't immediately put it on his head, so he'd quickly settled it in place and had given her a hug.

Shaking his head, he turned back to the others. "How long will the changes take?" he asked, looking at the priest.

Yume had informed them that the claiming of his and Usagi's swords and birthright would flow from him into the Shitennou and from Usagi into the Senshi. He could still feel the hum of power. The pressure of new strength would wane according to the priest, but it still sat a bit uncomfortably on him.

"It could take hours, or days," Yume said, peering over at the girls. "I don't think it will be long. As their power grows they may notice other things, including physical changes such as you and Usagi noticed in yourselves."

Mamoru frowned at that. They had to fight a battle, and soon. Haruki and Shingo both seemed overwhelmed, and he had to admit the changes and knowledge his own birthright had given him were heavy to bear. But it was time. He saw Hotaru and Shingo, who were watching little Helios while Maboroshi talked to Haruka and Michiru. Hotaru was smiling, but Shingo simply looked sad. Haruki and Setsuna were sitting at one of the tables and while she ate he picked at an apple, worry written on every feature of his face.

With a sigh, he turned back to Yume. "Will they be okay?" he asked.

"Knowledge comes with a price," the priest said simply. "It is a heavy one, which is why the four of you must bear it and the others must help you. Remember that there is also joy in knowledge," he added, and nodded his head to where Michiru and Haruka had reappeared. Both were grinning wildly and Michiru had tears streaming down her face. He wondered what knowledge they had gained that made them so happy, but didn't ask.

"Thank you for all you've done for us," he said and bowed low to show his respect.

"Come back and see us soon Majesty," Yume said.

Mamoru gasped. In accepting his birthright, had he already accepted the mantle of the king? He hadn't thought that far ahead. If he was already king, then Usagi was already queen. It was a burden, and one he knew neither truly wanted.

With a heavy heart, he made his way toward the field where the girls were all smiling happily as they crowded around Michiru and Haruka. Something had happened, and he was curious to find out what it was. But first, it was time to go home.