Hi everyone! Happy New Year!

AN

This is going to be long because it involves a trigger warning and a bit of explanation. PLEASE READ

I am finally getting a chapter up; I'm just upset that it took me this long to do it. I had kind of lost my drive to write for a while, forgot why I loved it so much. I ended up taking a writing course recently and that opened up my mind to writing again so here I am. I think that my writers' block was also because of the sensitive topic in this chapter. I think if I said I'm not a fan of suicide it would be the understatement of the century. I hate it so very much and I was contemplating for a while to just take it out of the story but it would have been too much work in reconfiguring in earlier chapters. It flowed that way earlier in this fiction so I left it. Suicide is selfish and senseless and I in no way support it. I am not saying this to be preachy or anything; I am speaking as someone who has been there more than once. The only thing that kept me was the thought of my family and how it would affect them if they found me like that, especially my dad. I said all that to say, if you are struggling with it, please seek help. Suicide is never an answer to hurt or depression. It only brings hurt and confusion to those left behind. I've seen it in others who had loved ones who took their lives. Please, if this is a trigger for you don't read this chapter. PM me and I'll give you a chapter summary. And remember no matter what you think there is always someone who will be negatively affected if you die. Talk to someone who can help. Ok so with that said I didn't really focus on the suicide itself, mainly the effects it caused as I didn't want to make it too depressing.

Oh and as a reminder, the Serenity in this past segment is Queen Serenity, who is Princess Serenity's mother.

Without further ado…

PKPKPK

Chapter 24

Terra rushed as fast as her six months pregnant body could carry her, down the front steps of the castle. She wanted so much to throw herself into her husband's arms; but to do so in front of his soldiers and court would be unbecoming of a Queen. She dipped into a curtsey in front of Endymion as he descended from his white stallion. Her eyes scanned both him and Reuel looking for injuries, finding a few cuts and bruises on their weary faces. Reuel was sporting a long gash above his eye, but other than that both were relatively unharmed.

"I am so happy you are back safely my King."

"I am happy also. All of us were not so fortunate; we lost ten this night."

Terra closed her eyes and took a deep breath before steeling herself. Opening her eyes again, she watched as a horse and cart was guided in behind the returning soldiers, carrying the bodies of the deceased.

Instructions were given out to notify the families of the fallen soldiers and for the others to go home, before Endymion guided his wife back inside.

Once inside their family wing of the castle Endymion pulled Terra into his arms, taking in the scent and feel of his wife.

"I feel so useless Endymion. I should be out there fighting with you." Her muffled voice came from where her face was pressed into his chest.

"While I must admit that your powers and expertise on these creatures would be invaluable, you carry with you this kingdom's future. The health of the child and yourself are first priority. The men know that Terra," Reuel spoke up before Endymion.

"Father!"

Endymion pulled away from Terra and turned in time to catch the boy that practically flew at him.

"Yori why are you awake?" he asked curiously.

"Mama said if I could stay awake until you came back, I could greet you."

Endymion raised an eyebrow at his wife, who shrugged very unladylike.

"I did not think he would be able to stay awake this long."

Endymion laughed, "Your mother should know by now not the underestimate your determination to avoid bedtime." Yori giggled as Endymion poked his side.

"Did you kill all of the monsters? You are hurt!" With that exclamation Yori brought his hand up to Endymion's face; the hand glowed golden yellow, and warmth filled Endymion's body. His cuts and bruises healed and the muscles and bones, that were aching a few seconds ago, felt as good as new.

"You are getting much better at your healing Yori. And yes, we did kill all of the monsters. Now, how about you help Reuel with his bruises as well?"

The child was transferred into Reuel's arms and the healing process was repeated. Soon Yori was yawning from using up his energy.

"How would you feel if I tell you a story before bed tonight?" Reuel suggested.

Yori bounced excitedly in his arms before hugging Terra and Endymion goodnight, and then the two headed off to Yori's room.

PKPKPK

Endymion lay wake in bed staring up at the ceiling as his wife slept curled up against him. The past few months were straight from his nightmares. His grandmother, Apollo and he tried so hard for years to keep Olympus as separated from Earth as possible and now the worst part of that realm had broken through somehow. Youma had shown up on their planet. The first time it had come to light was when Endymion had taken Yori out for a ride. Endymion had never been so terrified in his life. He had gotten hurt in that fight; his back being slashed as he defended Yori, but he had come out victorious. That was also when it was made known that Yori could use his powers to heal. In the boy's panic to help his injured father his powers flared up unconsciously and healed Endymion's wound. He had passed out right after from using up so much energy, but he was fine after a good night's sleep.

Now it was battle after battle and no way of knowing how the Youma were getting through. Terra was getting more restless every time he and his men went out or reports came in from other cities. He could not deny that her powers would have been paramount, but she was with child. Even if she were not so far along, using her powers were risky.

As if thoughts of her roused her, Terra began to shift and with weary sigh she removed herself from his side and to the chamber pot.

Endymion sat up to help her, knowing that squatting was hard for her.

"I can do it," she said sleepily as she held onto a nearby chair for balance.

"This child of yours…" she groused as she crawled back into bed when she was done.

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. "I am sorry my love. Three more months and your burden will be done."

She sighed wearily. "But will he know peace? Olympians have been battling Youma for centuries. They breed faster than they can be killed. We do not even know where they are getting into this realm."

Endymion placed a finger on her lips. "We will find the portal and we will close it. Then we will get rid of those pests and after deal with Taranus also. Our son will know peace." He kissed her softly before pulling back slightly.

"You are usually the one to tell me I need to have hope," he teased as he tried to lighten the mood.

Terra wrinkled her nose. "This pregnancy has my emotions all over the place." As she was talking their son made his presence known; pushing up against her stomach. "He is awake," she announced taking Endymion's hand and resting it against her belly.

Endymion smiled softly as he felt a nudge against his hand. He loved these moments when he could feel his son moving. It meant that he was alive and healthy.

"You know, this is the first time you have admitted that he is male," Endymion stated as he focused on her again.

"Well I have come to the realization that a girl would not give me half as much trouble to carry," she answered with a smirk.

Endymion laughed before sliding down the bed so that his face was in line with her stomach. He placed a kiss on her clothed navel before he began talking to her stomach.

"Do not pay attention to your mother, she is just being irritable. She loves you very much."

Terra giggled at the sensation of his voice rumbling against her belly as she ran her fingers through her husband's hair.

"You are going to love her as well. I am sure you already do, with the way you are always trying to get her attention." As if to prove him right the baby gave a strong kick. Strong enough to see Terra's stomach move even in the weak light of the early morning.

Endymion chuckled and nuzzled the spot, "I do not blame you. Your mother is an amazing woman. I pinch myself every morning because I cannot believe my fortune in having her as my mate. I don't know what I would do without her."

His eyes met hers and Terra could not help the tears that formed in her eyes at the pure love she saw in Endymion's.

Unfortunately the spell was broken by an urgent knocking on their chamber door.

"Who is it?" Endymion called out with irritation colouring his voice. It was too early to be knocking on their door.

"I am sorry to disturb you my king, but Lord Apollo has requested the queen's and your presence. He is in your study," came the nervous voice of a servant.

"Where is Prince Reuel?" Endymion asked through the door again as he began to quickly dress.

"I knocked on his door and heard no answer. When I checked he was not in his room sire," the man answered.

"Check Yori's room. And for Zeus' sake do not wake the boy." Endymion groused.

"Endymion, do not be rude!" Terra scolded in a whisper, as she slipped on a simple day dress.

"Thank you for alerting us," he added for Terra's sake.

"Y-your welcome sire," was heard before the sound of hurried feet crossing the hall to their son's room.

"It is not his fault that Reuel fell asleep in Yori's room. You really need to stop scaring the servants with your grouchiness," Terra tsk-ed at her husband.

"This from the woman who had my soldiers afraid to move about because she thought they walked too loudly?" Endymion teased as he remembered her earlier days of pregnancy and how quickly her emotions switched.

His smirk turned into a grin as his wife stuck her tongue out at him.

"You have been spending too much time with Yori. Come; let us not keep your father waiting. He must have some important information for us if he is here so early."

On exiting their room they came upon Reuel coming out of his.

"I know, I know. He begged me to stay until he fell asleep. You know I cannot deny those eyes anything. I was tired from the battle; I must have fallen to sleep before him," he answered to Endymion's raised eyebrows.

Terra giggled, "Do not mind Endymion, Reuel. He is not as immune to Yori's charms as he would have everyone believe."

Endymion glared down at his wife as Reuel grinned. Their bantering continued until they reached the study. A servant was waiting at the door to take care of anything that they may need.

"Jaen, have the cook prepare a meal to break our fast and have it brought here. We may be here for some time," Terra instructed.

The servant bowed and hurried off.

Reuel opened the door for her and Endymion to step through. On entering they found Apollo speaking quietly over a map with a tall male. The male, Endymion realized, was Yojinbo. He looked like an adult version of Yori. He had the same pale blue skin and white hair and he even had Yori's Lilac eyes. Who was this male?

"Father, you are back from Olympus earlier than we expected. Chief Laros it is an honour to have you in our home," Terra said as she bowed her head respectfully.

"Queen Terra it is good to see you well, congratulations on the coming birth of your heir. King Endymion it is an honour to meet you. I have heard much about you," the Yojinbo Chief greeted.

"I am pleased to meet you as well."

"Endymion this is Laros, the leader of the Yojinbo and Yori's grandsire," Apollo explained upon hearing Endymion's curious thoughts. "Laros may I also introduce Endymion's cousin and one of his generals, Prince Reuel."

The two exchanged greetings before Apollo got down to business.

"I believe I have found the breach where the Youma are getting through." Apollo waved them over to the map he and Laros were looking at.

It was a point between Elysion and Aron (Endymion's kingdom).

"Is there a way to close the rift?" Terra asked.

"I have tried. A force is keeping it open."

"You are saying someone created this rift?"

"I believe so, yes."

"Who would do such a thing?" Terra asked incredulously.

"There is only one person who has powerful enough magic to keep the rift open without anyone else being able to close it."

"You mean Serenity, don't you father? Have you talked to Zeus?"

"I have. There is no evidence to link her to it. All we have is her threat. He has made inquiry into it and her whereabouts only because I have asked it. She has many witnesses in her kingdom saying she has not left the Moon. Her subjects would never say otherwise if she had left, but without any evidence Zeus has to let it be."

"I can't believe she would do this. What do we do?"

"What else can we do? We find a way to close that portal and then we kill those wretched creatures. After that we can think about Serenity and her treachery," Reuel spoke up.

"But Father tried closing the portal and it didn't work. Serenity has been building her powers for centuries. Her spells are stronger than most Olympians can counter. Can't Zeus do anything? He is stronger than she is."

"You know Zeus' policy on interference in this realm. He already thinks me a fool for still being here. The only reason he investigated at all was because Serenity is part Olympian."

"But the Youma are an Olympian problem. They don't belong in this realm!" Terra exclaimed angrily. How could her grandfather just sit back and do nothing?

"We don't need him anyway," Endymion spat. He never liked the King of Olympus. From the time Endymion met him when he had come of age; he was left with a sour taste in his mouth. The extent of his powers had leaked over into Olympus and Zeus had all but demanded to meet the young King of only thirteen summers. The fear and anxiety was palpable from everyone present as Endymion walked into the throne room with Apollo and his grandmother. Zeus could never understand Gaia, and her grandson was as much of a puzzle if not more. He did not understand how Gaia was so powerful or even where she came from and for Endymion to have so much power and be only half Olympian was mind blowing and a bit frightening. However it was soon seen that like his grandmother, Endymion had no interest in Olympus and just wanted to run his planet in peace. After that day Endymion never heard or saw Zeus again, much to his relief.

"Serenity tried her spell on me and I was able to overcome it. I can close the portal. I just need to get near it," Endymion explained.

"The Youma have congregated themselves around the opening in an area a few miles away from Elysion. Lady Gaia has begun to erect a shield around Elysion to keep her creatures safe. If you use your powers from there it should be close enough to close the doorway. Hopefully it will also be hard for the Moon Queen to reopen it or open another; this sort of magic uses up much energy. I will have my warriors deal with the youma on the other side of the portal while you are closing it," Laros explained.

"With that done we only have to worry about the Youma left." Reuel was interrupted by a knock. The door opened and five servants entered with trays of food.

Terra directed them to place the food on a table in the corner of the room near the door and dismissed them.

"I may have an idea on how to deal with the Youma problem," she spoke up when the servants left.

"We need as many men fighting as we can get. I believe we should form a truce with Taranus."

"You cannot be serious Terra."

"Think about it Endymion. We know that he has been having trouble with youma as well. He has not been as fortunate as we have, in knowledge and man power. He has lost many soldiers. He will be willing to at least listen to a proposal."

"She has a point Endymion," Reuel agreed.

"Taranus would never agree to a truce with me. And if he did, what is to stop him from trying to kill me on the battlefield?"

"If he breaks the truce you can kill him fairly and be done with him," Reuel suggested.

"What can we use to entice him though?" Apollo asked

"Allow him to keep what lands he has. You will not encroach on his territory and he will stay away from the cities you have up north. The odds of him breaking the treaty are high; if and when he does you can have the united Earth you always wanted. Besides you will outlive him; his successor may be more willing to come under your rule than he is," Terra proposed

"You have thought about this," Endymion stated

"I want this to end. These creatures do not belong on this planet."

"I will send a message to Taranus today. We will see what he has to say," Endymion agreed.

"If he agrees I want to come with you," Terra decided.

"That is absolutely out of the question. Reuel will come with me," Endymion growled.

"Endymion he will never take you seriously if it is you and Reuel. He will more than likely think it is a trap and try to strike first."

"You are with child Terra. How can you even think of going into the enemy's territory with our child? You might as well walk onto the battlefield!"

"Please Endymion calm down and think about it. Two warriors walking into what is supposed to be a peace talk is only going to have everyone's guard up and make it harder for a truce to be made. No one would expect you to bring a pregnant woman. It will catch them off guard and they will know you have no intention to fight if I am there."

"She speaks sense Endymion," Apollo spoke up reluctantly.

"Not you as well Apollo. You would send your daughter into that lions' den?"

"Look at it as if Taranus came to you with a treaty petition and brought one of his young sons. What would you do?"

"I would still be suspicious but I would think twice about his offer. No real father would bring a young child to a place he was looking to do battle," Endymion said reluctantly.

"It is the same in this case, and I will go with you. They will be least likely to attack if you have a 'god' with you," Apollo offered.

Endymion's shoulders sagged in defeat. "I still do not like this."

Terra touched his arm lightly. "It will be fine Endy, I promise. I will have you and father there to protect me."

Endymion turned to look at her before pulling her into his arms holding her as tight as he could with her pregnant stomach between them. He sighed deeply before speaking.

"Alright, we will try it your way."

Pulling apart Terra turned to the others in the room. "Let us eat. We still have much to discuss."

"I was wondering, majesty, if I may have permission to see the boy?" Laros asked her.

Terra smiled gently, "You do not need to ask Chief Laros. He is your grandson. Yori should be awake by now; I will have his caretaker bring him here for our meal."

And just like that the tension in the room drained away.

PKPKPK

It was not hard for Endymion to close the portal. It was almost too easy as Endymion had commented when he was done. Another odd thing was that the youma stayed in the area, only a few would break off and cause havoc on certain cities. It was as though they were waiting for something, and everyone feared what they could be waiting for. Dealing with Taranus was also easier than Endymion expected. Terra was right when she said they would let their guard down with her there. Terra did most of the talking and after a bit of resistance at a woman leading a peace talk Taranus realized that the offer was too good to refuse. The treaty was written up and signed and now there was a tense peace between Endymion and the man who ordered the death of his parents. Now with all the preparations finished the time had come to be rid of the Youma plaguing his planet.

PKPKPK

Terra could not sit still. It had been hours since her family left to battle and she was unaware of how they were faring. She spent that time haunting almost every room in Gaia's home. She was sure that if Endymion was hurt that their connection through the crystals would alert her, but it did not keep her from worrying. Yori had fallen asleep a long time ago but she couldn't rest. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Suddenly there was a rumbling and the ground began to shake under her feet. She moved quickly to the nearest window and what she saw turned her blood to ice. Gaia's shield had been shattered and about fifty youma came pouring out of the wooded area surrounding the mansion. Nymphs, faeries, unicorns and other creatures were scattering to escape. Some were not fast enough and the youma cut them down, not even bothering to drain their energy.

She needed to get out of there. Her only thought was to reach Endymion. The battlefield would be dangerous but she knew her men would protect her until they got her to husband. It was her only option, she couldn't fight and she couldn't take the chance of leading them back to the castle. The battlefield was closer in any case.

She ran out of the room to be met in the hall by Ina and Belen coming toward her with Yori, who was riding on Ina's back.

"We have to get you to safety Terra!" Belen's deep voice sounded in her head.

"Take us to Endymion," she instructed as she climbed onto his back.

The wolves led them to a secret door and passage that led into the forest. It was set up for situations such as these.

As the hidden door closed behind them, the door to the entrance could be heard exploding open.

Once in the forest the wolves moved quickly heading in the direction they could smell the battle was in. Only five minutes into their escape they heard the sound of someone pursuing them. The wolves began zig-zagging through the trees trying to lose their hunters only succeeding in put a little more distance between them.

When Belen felt the distance was enough for a short pause, Terra was transferred onto Ina with Yori.

"Go on ahead. I will deal with them and join you when I am done," he instructed his mate trying his best to keep positive for her, but they both knew that the odds were not in his favour.

Ina nuzzled under his snout wishing she had more time. "Be safe," was all she said before she had to rush off again leaving her mate behind to battle the youma by himself.

The sound of growls and fighting could soon be heard behind them. It began to get distant then suddenly there was a loud yelp, and Ina began to whimper.

The wolf beneath them faltered before she came to a stop.

"Terra, take your cub and continue east. The battle is not far from here soon you will be able to hear the fighting. I will hold them off for as long as I can."

"Ina…"

"Go, there is no time."

And there wasn't. Terra could hear the youma crashing through the trees gaining ground.

"Go!"

And with that Terra took off as fast as her pregnant body would allow with the extra burden of her son in her arms.

PKPKPK

Endymion yanked his blade out of the youma in front of him, watching in satisfaction as it crumpled to the ground. He had lost count of how many youma he had killed at yet it seemed as though they were never ending. He had closed the barrier but they were still faced with tens of thousands of youma. The creatures didn't seem to be tiring and while him, his grandmother and Apollo could last as long as they could, his men were only human. And they were beginning to tire.

Gaia gasped and he turned toward to see her stumble slightly. Apollo, who was close, steadied her after dispatching the youma that tried to capitalize on her falter.

"The barrier," she answered his questioning look, "it has fallen."

Endymion's heart stopped and a fear that he had never felt before ran through his body like a chill of winter. His family was in danger. As the thought passed through his mind he felt Terra's panic and helplessness fill their bond.

"We need to get to Elysion!"

And just like that they were swarmed. It was as if the youma knew that Terra was in trouble and they were keeping any help from her.

This went on for what seemed like an eternity but in reality it could not be more than a quarter hour. Unexpectedly a piercing pain sliced through his body bringing him to his knees. The only thing that saved him from losing his head to a youma's claws was Reuel's blade slicing its hand off. Then, about a mile away from the clearing where the battle was taking place, there was a flash of silver light in the trees. And the battlefield went still. The light rapidly moved over the clearing disintegrating youma. It was at that moment that Endymion felt it. There was a pull on his power that didn't feel right and then his connection to the silver crystal cut off.

'I love you." Those whispered words he heard in his mind, as the silver light washed over him before it dissipated.

Reuel helped him off the ground, "Endymion?"

"Terra, I can't feel her anymore. We need to get to Terra!" he explained his voice rising with hysteria.

Without further prompting Apollo opened a portal to the last place he felt his daughter. When they stepped through, the sight before them caused his legs to give out and he fell to his knees. Telepathically he reached out to his daughter and felt nothing. And he knew, even as Endymion rushed over to her to check for breathing, that his daughter was gone. There was too much blood.

Apollo heard Endymion give a heart-wrenching cry as he gathered his wife and child into his arms, rocking them as he sobbed. This wasn't right. This shouldn't have happened.

"Yori…where is Yori?" Endymion asked in a broken voice as he lifted his head from Terra's hair.

"I've found him!" Reuel answered. He had already started looking for the boy when he realised Yori was missing.

"He is breathing, but barely. We need to get him to the healers quickly."

He knelt in front of Endymion so he could see Yori clearly. As Endymion's eyes moved over his son, he took stock of his injuries. His hair was caked with blood, one of his arms hung at an odd angle and there was a trail of blood coming from his mouth. Who did this to a child?

Endymion rose to his feet, followed by Reuel. He looked down at his wife and the son he would never know, and before everyone's eyes a light seemed to die in him. He moved toward Apollo and his grandmother robotically as Apollo rose from his knees.

The Olympian rested his hand against his daughter's cheek and kissed her forehead even as tears streamed down his face.

"I am sorry," Endymion whispered to him.

"This was not you're doing," he replied.

"We need to get them to the healers; they're so cold."

Apollo's heart constricted at the hollowness of Endymion's voice. He knew that Endymion was in shock, and that it had not fully set in yet that his wife and child were dead. But this deadness to his voice scared both him and Gaia.

"I need to check on Elysion. I will meet you at the castle," Gaia told him.

Apollo paused but before he could suggest going with her she stopped him.

"Go with him; he will need you. I will be back in time for the funeral," she whispered to him.

Nodding Apollo opened another portal allowing Endymion and Reuel to step through before following after them.

After they arrived at the castle everything became a blur for Endymion. He vaguely remembered his aunt and the healers crowding him before his family was taken away and he was being led outside of the infirmary by his uncle. At some point he was taken into a room and Reuel coaxed him into taking off his bloody clothes and into clean ones. Then there was a meeting with the council; Reuel and his uncle took charge of that. He hardly remembered what was said but as they talked something occurred to him.

"Her crystal."

The men in the room turned to look at him, as he lifted his eyes to meet Reuel's.

He saw relief flash in his cousin's eyes when he looked at him.

"Terra wasn't wearing her crystal when we found her."

"Where did it go? Did it disintegrate when she used her energy to kill the youma?" one of the council members asked.

Whoever spoke after that Endymion didn't know; he fell back into the numb haze that wouldn't seem to let him go. He didn't see the looks that his council exchanged when he didn't answer direct questions; or the sadness that overcame Reuel when he realized that the moment of clarity was simply just a moment.

The haze followed Endymion through to the next day and only lifted that evening while he watched his wife and son sail away from him in the small boat. Reuel handed him the bow and the lit arrow and mechanically Endymion did what was expected of him, shooting the arrow with accuracy into the boat. Pain and ice seemed to fill him as he watched the arrow ignite the oil and consume the vessel.

He felt Apollo and his grandmother on either side of him, but he drew no comfort from them. Now that the haze was broken, the Earth came out of the same shock he was in and began to respond to his pain. Black clouds formed in the skies and thunder shock the ground as the clouds burst open with torrential showers. Fear filled his subjects around him, but he was beyond caring. If the Earth wanted to rage on his behalf, let it. After the ceremony was over Endymion found himself in the infirmary sitting at Yori's side. The healers had told him that there was nothing more they could do for the boy; there were too many internal injuries. At the moment the only thing keeping Yori alive was sheer will. Their son was a fighter. Despite that, none of the healers had faith in him lasting through the night. And like that the last tether to hope was snapped. Now Endymion sat with Yori, after asking for some time alone with him.

He stroked his son's snow white hair and allowed the tears to finally fall, having not cried since he found Terra in the woods the day before.

"I am so sorry. I've failed both you and your mother. Your brother never even got a chance at life." His words broke off as he bit back a sob.

"You don't have to fight anymore. Go to your mother and brother; I will join you all shortly."

Endymion leaned forward and kissed Yori on the forehead. "I love you, my son. I'm sorry I was never able to tell you that while you could hear me." He then stood and walked out of the room, not even worrying to wipe his face.

Reuel was waiting outside for him when he opened the door.

"Your grandmother and Lord Apollo went back to Elysion. Lady Gaia seemed as though she was worried about something," he told him.

Nodding, Endymion rested a hand on his cousin's shoulder.

"Thank you."

Reuel didn't need clarification on what he was talking about.

"You are more than just a cousin to me Endymion, you are my brother. Where else would I be if not by your side through this?"

In a rare show of emotion Endymion hugged his cousin to him and now Reuel was truly fearful.

"I am going to my chamber. I am tired."

Reuel nodded and stepped back from him.

"Send one of the servants to find me if you need anything. I have a meeting with one of the spies we sent out to watch Taranus' movement."

Endymion nodded before turning and headed in the direction of his chambers, leaving Reuel watching worriedly after him.

Reuel promised himself he would check on Endymion as soon as his meeting was over. His cousin would need his family gathered around him at all times to help him through this.

It was halfway through the meeting that Reuel realized Endymion was far beyond help.

The whole castle erupted into chaos and fear as the ground began to rumble and shake. Objects crashed to the floor and huge cracks formed in the foundation. Servants and members of court alike were running to any safety they could find. The only one who seemed to be moving with any purpose was Reuel. He had bolted out of the meeting room the moment the quake began. His only thought was to get to his cousin's chambers as soon as possible. When he arrived he found the guards pounding on the door and calling for Endymion. Reuel ordered them to break the door down, pushing himself through as soon as the doors flew open. He rushed to the open balcony doors and froze at the sight that greeted him. Endymion had run himself through with his own sword. Reuel staggered forward and dropped to his knees next to his cousin. He barely noticed that his mother and father had joined him on the balcony as he gathered Endymion into his arms. The quaking had long ago stopped but he failed to notice that either.

"What have you done, Endymion?" he asked through his sobs, even though he knew his cousin could no longer answer.

What were they going to do now? The kingdom was now more vulnerable than ever. Taranus would be on the warpath when word reached him about Terra and Endymion. How did they move on from this?

PKPKPK

"Gaia, would you stop for a moment and tell me what is happening?" Apollo queried, with frustration colouring his tone.

His lover had been in frenzy ever since they made it back to the mansion. She had been running here and there looking for this or that and muttering frantically under her breath. When she passed him again he grabbed her elbow and stopped her in her path.

"Gaia, what is happening?"

"I need to get everything in order; there is not much time. Endymion is not in his right mind and he is determined to join Terra."

Apollo cringed as he realized what she was telling him.

"Can we not stop him? We can bring him here and keep him close."

Gaia shook her head. "It would not matter, he would find a way. I have seen it. And with his connection to Earth and with her connection to Terra already severed, the planet will not survive."

She pulled her arm from his hold and began fluttering around again.

A sense of foreboding came over Apollo as this information settled in his mind.

"What are you not telling me?"

Gaia stilled but refused to turn to face him; she should have known he would sense she was hiding something from him.

"When the connection breaks the only way to stabilize the planet is to feed it my energy until it can function on its own."

"No," he said firmly.

At this she finally turned to him.

"Apollo-"

"No! I just lost my daughter and one of my grandsons, the other one may not even last the night. And now you tell me the man I helped raise like a son is soon going to be lost to me as well. I will not lose you too!"

"I have watched this planet grow and thrive and helped it do so. I will not allow it or the humans to perish. If Endymion was not so deep in grief he would never allow the Earth to fall apart this way!"

"And what about me; how am I to exist without you?" he asked brokenly.

Gaia moved back to him, and rested her hand against his cheek.

"When I lost my husband I thought I would never find someone who could possibly make me happy again. Then you came along and pushed your way into my life and I was laughing again. I was in love again. You will find someone too."

Apollo shook his head at her words and pulled her closer, resting his forehead on hers. He did not care that tears were streaming down his face.

"How do you not understand are my heart. If you leave me there will be no other; I will not survive it. Let me help you; with both our powers we can stabilise Earth without it taking your life."

"It is not so simple. The reason why my family and I have such a connection with this planet is because our energies are the same. We were always meant for this world. Your energy will do more harm than good. When everything is done I will not be fully gone. When my energy merges with Earth it will be as if we are one. I will be in everything around you."

"It is not the same," he said angrily.

"You must hold on. Endymion will need you when the time comes."

Pulling away from her, he looked down at her in confusion.

"What?"

"Their lives were interrupted; the fates are going to give them another chance. I can't be there for him, but you can."

She stepped away again and moved to a box she had set on a table. She opened it and beckoned him over. In the box lay four stones: Kunzite, Nephrite, Jadeite and Zoisite.

"In his next life he will have four men around him to help guide and protect him; these stones will grant them the power to do so more efficiently. When each is born the stone will lead you to the child. It will then merge with the child's body."

The earth rumbled under their feet and Gaia knew they did not have much time.

"Will you do this for me please Apollo. Guard this planet and its people while I cannot. There is no one else I can trust with this, and I know that you love Earth as much as I do."

She saw from his expression that Apollo had reluctantly accepted her request even before his whispered affirmative.

Nothing more could be said before all Hades seemed to break loose. Gaia forced herself to push pass the pain that tried to overwhelm her; both her pain and the pain that she felt from the planet at the death of her grandson.

She allowed her energy to flow into the ground and slowly the quaking and storming began to subside. The more energy she pushed into the earth the weaker she felt. Opening her eyes that she hadn't realized she had closed she met the eyes of her lover.

She gave him a watery smile and whispered "I love you," as everything turned black.

As she dropped to the floor Apollo wrapped his energy around her like a cocoon, keeping her suspended in between life and death.

He stepped over to her and looked down into the energy case. He could see nothing now but her silhouette.

"I am sorry my love. I will do as you ask and wait, but I refuse to lose you. When Endymion is reborn and old enough to know his past, we will find a way to return your energy. I am not strong enough without that small hope."

PKPKPK

Reuel started as Apollo appeared beside him in the infirmary. He had been standing over his cousin's now covered body, trying to channel the emotionless façade that Endymion was known for. He did not want to seem weak in front of the council.

"My lord Apollo, I was about to send a messenger out for you and lady Gaia. I am sorry my lord-"

"I know Reuel, Gaia informed me before she gave the last of her energy to stabilize the Earth."

A rush of breath left Reuel's body in his surprise and grief at Apollo's news.

"Today is a grave day."

"It is," Apollo agreed as he laid his hand on Endymion's head above the cloth. After his silent farewell he turned back to Reuel.

"I am here to take Yori. His people may know a way to save him, and I refuse to allow more family to die if I can help it."

Reuel nodded in understanding and allowed hope to fill him at the thought of Yori surviving. He watched as the Olympian moved toward the small form and lifted the child into his arms.

"My lord, if they find a way to heal him will you allow him to visit me?" Reuel asked tentatively.

Apollo smiled, "I am sure he will demand it of me. Even if they cannot save him, I will let you know he has passed."

"Thank you."

"Endymion loved you as a brother King Reuel. He trained you to rule in his stead if anything were to happen. I know you will rule well."

"I will make sure his dream of a united Earth comes to pass. This kingdom will not fall."

"I know it. Elysion is no longer there; I have moved it for the protection of the creatures that are left. However if you need me for anything call for me, and I will hear it; this planet is now under my protection."

Reuel bowed to him in gratitude and reverence, when he straightened Apollo was gone as suddenly as he appeared.

"My King, the council has gathered and is waiting."

Reuel did not bother to acknowledge the guard who had entered to summon him.

He turned back to the body of his cousin.

"I will make you proud, Endymion." Bowing for the last time to the past King, Reuel turned and walked out the infirmary to allow his mother and the healers to prepare his cousin's body burial.

PKPKPK

Finally we are finished with the past! Next chapter will be the present again. Only a few more chapters to go, so we are finishing this before the end of 2016. I just wanted to say thank you all for your abounding patience with me through 2015 and I won't make you wait this long for another chapter again. Please let me know what you thought about this chapter.

Love you guys lots,

Princess Kitten.