Divinity: Fates and the Afterlife

Chapter Forty-Five

Akira began packing whatever came in front of her in a frantic mode. From clothes to personal items, she threw in whatever as much as her duffle bag could carry and ran to the other room where she kept her research and just had the strangest and most amazing conversation of her entire career. She began packing all of the pictures, her laptop, scriptures, and items found despite being told by the prince to leave them behind. Now that her theory was right, she had a more meaningful purpose to now follow the truth and clean her father's name and honor. As she turned to leave, something in the corner of her eye caught her attention and turned, her eyes widened with surprise when she saw the gold medal the terran prince showed her as a credential to prove his true identity. Akira walked over the table and grabbed the precious and rather unique item and took another closer look at it; her mind began to drift again in her own train of thoughts completely ignoring her surroundings and the reason why she was told to leave as soon as possible.

O—o—O

Inside the apartment, a pair of high spiked heels walked around the glass covered floor crashing the tiny pieces with a strong stride; Asteria glanced around the now destroyed living room and narrowed her dark eyes, "You are toying with me..." she muttered dryly and turned to look over her shoulder at Akira who was standing in the middle of the hallway looking back at her with wide eyes. The archaeologist tightened her grip on the gold medal hidden in her coat's pocket silently praying for an alibi and find a way to escape.

"You were here... all this time."

Akira widened her eyes and turned to Mikael standing behind the kitchen island, "Mikael..." she said with surprise and a weak voice, "H-How did you..."

"He came, just like I told you he would—you saw him."

"W-What?" Akira blinked, trying to pretend to be as calm and casual as possible "I don't know what you are talking about..." she said nervously. Mikael narrowed his eyes and walked over to her like a beast hunting for its prey; his eyes were vacant and cold, his lips chapped and dry and his once luscious hair appeared to be almost gone which frightened Akira even more. Mikael sniffed the air around them and rolled his tongue over his chapped lips, "I can smell it—I can feel it."

"Mikael..." Akira said on the verge of tears, "I don't understand, I don't know what you are telling me!"

"You are protecting him," Mikael's eyes turned completely black and grabbed the young woman by her neck without any consideration. Akira tried to break free, frantic that she might be losing her life right there and by the man she once loved, Mikael looked at her with rage, "Tell me! Where is it!?"

"I don't know what you want!" Akira gasped for air as she looked into his vacant eyes, "Please, let me go... just let me go..." her teary eyes spotted the other figure in the room and shook her head, "L-Let... him... go..."

"Where is the crystal, mortal?" Asteria looked at her with disgust; "Mortal?" Akira widened her eyes in horror, silently confirming the nature of the woman in black and whatever was taking over Mikael's body. She turned to Mikael with tears in her eyes and tried her best to make him react and come back to his senses, "Mikael, please... it's me... I know you are there, somewhere, I know you are there..."

"You mortals disgust me, always so emotional..." Asteria crossed her arms over her chest, "This man cannot longer reach you. You see, what you mortals do not understand is how low you are. How useless you are, how pitiful you are..." Asteria walked towards Mikael who still had his hand around Akira's neck, "So primitive... all of you."

"W-What did you do to him?!" Akira looked at her angrily and couldn't hold her tears under control anymore, "Why are you doing this!?" Asteria arched her brow, "He is trapped deep inside his own fears, your voice is a blur to him, it will never reach him." The goddess of fallen stars looked at Akira and narrowed her eyes, "Where is the hybrid, mortal?"

"I really don't know what you are talking about..."

"I am not one who waits for things—either you tell me or your soul goes straight to hell just like his," Asteria growled with exasperation. Akira began crying desperately, "I don't know! I really don't know!"

"Ugh," the goddess of fallen stars rolled her eyes with annoyance and turned to the possessed Mikael, "Do whatever you want with her... I do not waste my power on such low creatures, torture her, kill her, do as you damn please—I do not care for the carcass." Asteria turned to Akira and frowned, "Your soul is condemned either way." she turned on her heel and disappeared into thin air. Mikael grinned wickedly and tightened his grip around Akira's neck bringing her close to lose consciousness, "Please Mikael... please come back..." she sobbed and took the medal out of her pocket and cut Mikael's face using the sharp edges of the cross, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!" Mikael screeched in pain and brought his hands to his face. Akira fell roughly to the floor and coughed desperately trying to gasp for air, thinking if she had taken a few more minutes to attack him she would probably be dead by now. She turned to the man who was now bleeding from the cut that crossed his pale face, "Mikael..."

Mikael gasped for air and turned to look at Akira with wide eyes, "A-Akira..." he said with a strain in his voice, proving he still was in and out of deep trances of pain and unconsciousness; Akira crawled to his side and tried to wipe the blood from his face, "Mikael..." she broke into sobs, "Mikael?!"

"It's too late for me Akira..." Mikael turned his head to finally look into her red eyes, "It's too late..."

"Too late for what?!" Akira leaned closer and tug his torn shirt, Mikael coughed and closed his eyes for a brief moment, "Salvation."

"No, no—don't say that!" Akira said between desperate sobs, "You are going to be fine... you'll be fine and we will return to our crazy adventures..."

"No..." Mikael weakly shook his head and looked at his love and companion with shame and sadness, "Akira, you were right... they exist... the cosmic monarchs you always talked about... they truly exist..."

"Mikael..." Akira tried to comfort her lover with sweet caresses, "Mikael I need to take you out of he—"

"Listen to me—they are searching for the Guardian or Protector of Earth, I hear the voices in my head... they want a sacred weapon, they want blood, they want a crystal... look for that person again... find that person..." Akira widened her eyes and looked at her shaking hand still holding the medal, "But—what can I do?"

"Save yourself Akira—save yourself, it's coming..." Mikael growled in pain and curled into a ball on the floor, scaring Akira "Mikael!"

"I will lose control again, any time now... you must run Akira, run away!"

"I can't leave you here! I can't leave you like this!"

"No!" Mikael gritted his teeth and turned to push her away, "There is not much time! Akira!" Like he predicted, the same demonic face and voice began to overpower the man's tired and weak body leaving Akira no other option but to follow her lover's request and flee the apartment with hurry and worry. Mikael took a deep breath and let tears of sorrow roll down his eyes as he watched her leave and felt his body being consumed by the poisonous entity inside him and slowly closed his eyes, "I'm sorry my love... please... be... safe..."

O—o—o—o—o—O

Mamoru widened his eyes when he saw Usagi running to him with a worried look and pulled her into his arms as soon as she came close, "Usa..." The princess took a deep breath and placed her hands on each side of his face as she looked into his deep blue eyes and took a deep breath of relief, "I was so worried about you..." she said on the verge of tears. Mamoru leaned down and kissed her lips gently, "Let's go back..." Usagi noticed Mamoru's prismatic eyes showed a spectrum of deep blue hues, a sign that he was still upset about something, giving her notice that there was more to his sudden disappearance. Nodding, she walked back to the building in silence while holding hands with the shitennou following behind. The minute they crossed the door, Mamoru knew he had to address the situation and talk about with his wife, but what worried him the most was how was she going to take it, because it was sure a drastic change to the events earlier that day. He let out a deep breath and turned to his worried wife to finally address the situation, "I'm sorry—"

"Something happened, am I right?" Usagi asked in a calm but serious tone; she didn't show any signs of frustration and anger, but her worry was there, the look in her icy blue eyes gave her away no matter how much she tried to pretend she had her emotions under control. Mamoru carelessly tossed his keys over the dining table and pulled out a chair, not really paying attention if they were alone or not, "It's not a coincidence these people found the ruins to the palace that once belonged to my family, Usa."

"W-What?" Usagi's eyes widened and turned to the generals who were now standing by her side and looked up at Kunzite, "What does this mean?"

"It means, Princess, that the enemy has other intentions rather than just finding a lost civilization—" Kunzite crossed his arms, "It means someone guided those archaeologists there to find those ruins as a way to contact the Prince and waking him from his sleeping state and make him fight." Usagi turned to Mamoru and frowned, "You saw her? The archaeologist?"

"Yes." Mamoru looked at her and sighed, Usagi pulled out another chair from the dining table and sat next to him, "You talked to her?"

"Yes,"

"Mamo-chan, why did you go so recklessly?" Usagi shook her head, still very confused, "Why did you expose yourself this way? You better than anyone knows how to decipher these tactics... you are a strategist, why—?

"Because a part of me still wants to believe there is more to know about what my family tried so much to hide from me, Usa. I feel responsible for not being able to stop this mess sooner." Mamoru took a deep breath and looked at his wife with shame in his magnetic blue eyes, "I know the truth but I can't believe this is it. I don't want to accept the fact that this is all there is." Usagi leaned closer and reached for his hand, a warm smile graced her beautiful face showing sympathy and understanding to her husband, "I see..."

Kunzite watched the sweet intimate moment between the royal couple and figured the prince needed his time alone with the princess to talk about this without any distractions and it was going to be difficult for them to come to an agreement if there was the need to come to one if they stayed there. Kunzite knew the struggle Endymion was going through, he knew the confusion and the anger was slowly eating him alive and he also knew that the only person that could appease his inner demons and insecurities was no other than the moon princess, "Master," he interrupted, "We will stay alert until things calm down again so we can continue with our strategy—"

"I will try to reach for the stars and see what information they can offer that could be used for our benefit." Nephrite nodded and put a hand on his chest in respect to both royals and turned to Zoisite who also joined their leader's silent cause, "We will monitor the area and get rid of any malicious trace,"

"Please try to have some rest, Master." Jadeite bowed his head in respect, "We managed to leave before a catastrophe unveiled before us—we still have time to figure this out."

"Thank you," Mamoru looked at them with gratitude and gave them an understanding nod, especially to Kunzite, "Thank you for everything,"

All four shitennou turned to Usagi and bowed their heads to show their respect to her as well and walked out of the apartment in silence. The soft click of the door closing was the confirmation they needed to know it was just the two of them now. They took a moment to stare into each other's eyes in silence, both aware of a truth they could no longer ignore. "Mamo-chan..." Usagi was the first to break the silence but before she could say something else, Mamoru interrupted her by caressing her cheek with the back of his hand, "I'm sorry Usa, I—"

"I know," Usagi whispered as she put her hands on each side of his face again and leaned closer, "I know... and it's okay. I am your wife and I am here for you—I am here to fight by your side, no matter what."

"I feel so embarrassed," Mamoru looked down with remorse and pain in his eyes, "I always knew there was something about the Queen and up to some extent, I learned to ignore it, but..." he sighed tiredly, "I never imagined the extent of my family's history. The more I dig, the more things I find and I don't know how to deal with it, I don't know how to take it—it's all so bitter."

Usagi looked at him and leaned back in her chair with her hands were still holding his, "Your mother, her story—I think it's admirable."

"Usa..." Mamoru arched a quizzical brow, Usagi nodded with a smile on her face, "Mamo-chan, come on. The Queen is one of the first Sailor Senshi, she protected Earth and not only that, but she also earned a rank as Polemarchos, I mean, who does that?! Not even Galaxia could achieve that and she was tough." Her enthusiasm made Mamoru crack a soft chuckle as he mimicked his wife's gesture and leaned back in his seat feeling a little more relaxed than he was just minutes ago. How she could dismantle his hermetic and stubborn self and lifted the heavy energy flowing between them with just a smile was still a wonder for him to see, "You are amazing."

"So are you." Usagi smiled and kissed his cheek lovingly. In all her years of knowing, dating and profoundly loving Mamoru, Usagi started collecting the few bits and pieces he willingly and sporadically gave her about his past and considered them to be valuable clues for her to understand why he was the way he was and how he came to be the person he is now. Independent, strong-willed, valiant and also stubborn—very stubborn, like a lion, as she would always say. She understood his reasons why he was overprotective of those close to him and why he lived for her the way he did. As she looked into his blue eyes, she came to realize that even when he didn't know more about his past and family, his roots and education were deeply carved in his soul and nature; it was crystal clear to her now, Mamoru, or, Endymion, is the way he is because he lived by their example, because his mother did the exact same thing for the ones she loved and everything she held dear. For what she had learned over the past few months, just like him, Gaia was strong-willed and a woman who believed in justice and fairness above all. A woman that did not want to live by the god's generic standards and wanted more in her life. She wanted love, she wanted adventure, but most of all, she wanted peace—at any cost. She, just like her son, had the heart of a warrior and that power in them is the fire they need to protect the most sacred thing for them—their loved ones.

Gaia protected her son the same way Endymion protected Serenity—the same way Mamoru was protecting Usagi now. It was crystal clear.

"Before the shadows could locate my whereabouts... I had a chance to talk to her—the archaeologist." Mamoru interrupted Usagi's train of thought. She blinked once she realized his voice was more serious and rich than his usual casual tone, showing a glimpse of his royal heritage. "The shadows? They showed up?" Mamoru nodded and slowly intertwined his fingers with Usagi's to calm her, "Thankfully, Zoisite, Jadeite, and Nephrite created a wall strong enough to keep them away and give me enough time to escape." he sighed heavily, "I am aware I looked like a jerk leaving the poor girl behind, but it would have been worse if I stayed—"

"Mamo-chan!" Usagi widened her eyes with clear surprise, Mamoru pursed his lips, "I asked the Shittenou to make sure she was safe before we left—I'm not a monster... I mean," he rolled his eyes and clicked his tongue with annoyance at the mention of the word he was perfectly aware the one gods used to describe him, "You know..."

"I didn't say you were a monster, it's just... it's so unusual... coming from you," Usagi pouted her lips, "You are always this suave guy, a charming and mysterious masked hero." The comment made Mamoru crack a weak chuckle, "Charming—yeah, of course." he leaned closer and tuck a long strand of silver hair behind her ear and cupped her cheek, "You look pale... are you alright?" Usagi leaned her head on his hand and smiled softly, "Yes, I just feel a little tired. Actually, I was hoping we could go to bed early but when I woke up and I didn't find you anywhere and I got very scared."

"I'm so sorry, Usa," Mamoru caressed her lips with his thumb, "I truly am..."

"You are here now, that's all that matters," Usagi smiled and stood up with her hand still holding his, "Care to join me now?" Mamoru kissed her hand and looked up at her, finally flashing her a handsome, much more relaxed smile, "I will, in a minute."

"Alright, but don't take too long... you know I can't sleep well if you are not by my side,"

"I know bunny, me neither,"

Usagi leaned down and kissed him fully on the lips before walking to the bedroom and start her nightly skincare routine and comb her hair before going to bed. Being the distracted and sometimes lazy woman, she was, it was a probably one of the few unfaltering customs she acquired since very young and while she was at it, Mamoru stayed at the table in silence and looked for the small crystal case he carried in his pants' pocket and looked at the pendant carefully resting over the purple velvet cushion. He opened the case with tremendous care and grabbed the lustrous fine piece of jewelry by its chain and looked at the stone catching the soft light of his apartment and narrowed his eyes, "Gaia..." he mumbled as he slowly felt being pulled back in time.

-O-

Endymion walked down a long, very familiar hallway after debating with himself whether he should come forward with his troubled feelings or not. The conversation he had with Kunzite the night before had left him wondering if he was being fair to the woman that has not done anything else but to love him without measure—his mother. He stood outside his parent's royal quarters and looked at the heavy oak door with a little hesitation before deciding to step inside.

The terran prince walked past the elegant foyer and lounging area to the king and queen's bedchambers where he knew his mother was getting ready to go downstairs to meet the others for breakfast. The minute he stood by the door, he saw his godmother, the always bold and passionate Aurea, braiding the queen's long hair while talking to her with a confidence only they could share. It was not news to anyone in the palace that the queen and brutally honest maid had a close friendship, and that, was something Endymion was very grateful for because if it wasn't for Aurea, he knew his mother's health would probably have decreased considerably over the course of time, and with him absent for so many years, it only made things for her more difficult. He was about to enter the room when he heard Aurea's worried tone in her voice that made him stop.

"Why are you so gloomy? I made a special blend of rose tea for you this morning."

"Oh, Aurea... you know me too well," Gaia looked at her reflection in the mirror and gave her maid and friend a weak smile, "I do not know at this point if it is a good or a bad thing,"

"It is a good thing, Gaia, it is always a good thing," Aurea muttered as she continued weaving the queen's luscious dark hair. Endymion saw the maid smiling at his mother while she finished the long french braid and put some crystal pins all the way down to give it a little royal sparkle as she would often say while Gaia, his beautiful and courageous mother, sighed and lowered her hazel gaze and took another hairpiece she was planning to wear for the day. Her delicate lips frowned and released another heavy sigh, "I am not in the mood for tea, Aurea. I have not seen my son in days," she looked up at the mirror at her friend standing behind her, "That for me is enough to take away all inspiration,"

Aurea knew what Gaia was talking about and she also knew the prince had his reasons to do so. She felt impotent for being practically useless in moments like these when both parties were in their most stubborn state; she gave her queen a sad and worried glare because she knew how much all this affected her health. Aurea perfectly understood her son was the light of her life and now that he was obviously avoiding her it was tearing her spirit apart to uncontrollable measures because the worst part was that she felt responsible for his actions. "Has he spoken to His Majesty?" she asked, curious. She knew the prince has been having rough days and that he was far from being pleased and happy for all the attention he was receiving and he had to return to the ladies of the court now that he had returned from his training in the army. Gaia shook her head, "No, not even Eros has seen him. He had told me he does his work when nobody is around him. I do not know how he manages to do such thing, my son grew up to be incredibly hermetic with his life... it appalls me in a heavy measure."

"I understand, but, you cannot really blame him for that."

"What do you mean?" Gaia frowned; Aurea shrugged her shoulders softly, "He is a military soldier Gaia, he was trained to be that way. You better than anyone should know that. He had a very strict education when he was a child, it is only natural that being stoic and reserved is part of who he is now, besides, you are also the same way,"

"As always, so brutally honest, Aurea," Gaia frowned, "How sweet of you."

"Always," Aurea looked at the queen's sad reflection in her golden mirror and nudged her friend's shoulder playfully to lift her spirit, "He will come around, I am sure of it—just give him time." Gaia gave Aurea a the weakest of smiles and turned on her seat to take her friend's hands into hers with a sad expression on her face, "I do not even know how he is, I am worried he—"

"Mater,"

Both women widened their eyes with surprise and turned to see Endymion standing in the doorway this time wearing a dark forest green and much simpler version of the usual military uniform he normally wears. The serious look on his face was far from being casual, it was just like Aurea had said, stoic and reserved. Endymion grew up to be a master with poker faces, a trait very useful in political meetings but complicated for the two women because they could not read his emotions. The prince did not give any chance for questions and quickly turned to his godmother, "*Matrina, could you give me a moment with her, please?"

"Yes, of course," Aurea nodded and put the golden hairbrush over the queen's vanity table and closed the bedroom's double doors as she walked out to give them privacy. Gaia looked at her son with hopeful and kind eyes, her perfectly deep red lips slowly curved into a soft smile, she was relieved and happy to be able to finally see him,"Endy—"

"*Bonum mane, Mater," Endymion stayed still in his place by the door while looking at her with a hint of hurt in his deep blue eyes. The magic in them was evident with all the different tones of indigo, cerulean and sapphire changing like a prism, just like hers did once. She would often say it was like looking into a kaleidoscope, ever changing, ever beautiful. Endymion grew up feeling completely indifferent about it, to him, the change of color in his eyes was a natural thing since his mother always told him it ran in the family and he never paid attention to it. Gaia tried to stand up but she was quickly stopped by Endymion's raised hand, "No—it is alright, do not get up, I will not stay long." his words and the sudden dismissive tone in his voice froze her blood, making her look at him with worry. The queen nodded and took a deep breath, "Alright… as you wish,"

The prince lowered his gaze trying to find the exact words to say, careful enough to not disrespect his mother in any way. No matter how upset he was, he loved her deeply and he owed her all of his respect; clearing his throat, he raised his head again and looked at her, "You are probably wondering where I have been these past few days. I understand it was careless of me not to let you know of my whereabouts."

Gaia sighed and nodded, "I asked the Shitennou but not even they could give me a straight answer; either they were obeying a royal command from you or they were just respecting your wishes, but they never said a word." She frowned, "Endymion, I want to know what is happening."

"I needed some time for myself," Endymion turned to look away, "To get away somehow,"

"Why?" asked the Queen curious and partly confused. Endymion turned his face back to his mother and frowned, "Because I needed to breathe," he sighed with more security in his words, "I needed to breathe."

"I see..." Gaia sighed softly, "I know these past events have been taking their toll on you, the—"

"It is not only that Mater," the prince interrupted her and frowned, "To be honest with you, I have been feeling very upset by all of this,"

"By what, exactly?" Gaia asked.

"This—" Endymion put his hands together as he tried to describe all that has been happening lately at the palace, "All these social gatherings, the brunches, the fancy dinners, the tea parties—I am sick of it all," he said with annoyance and raised a hand to stop her mother from retorting his words, "Before you say anything else, I just want to clarify that I know my grandmother is the one behind all this and I understand her motives. I know all these little reunions are in my honor and with the sole purpose to introduce me to the ladies of the court… but Mater, I did not leave for ten years to come back and turn my life into a party… that is not who I am."

Gaia looked at her son and nodded with acceptance, "No, it is not. You are right, Endymion, it is not who you are…" she looked into his ever-changing blue eyes and arched her brow, "But something tells me that is not all that troubles you."

Endymion sighed and leaned on a wall; he crossed his arms as if the gesture would defend him from whatever their conversation would lead them from this point onward. "No, that is not all." At his response, the terran queen gave her son a quizzical look, "Then tell me the truth." Endymion shook his head and frowned, "No Mater, you, tell me the truth."

"I beg your pardon?" Gaia arched a brow the same way Endymion did and was quickly reminded of how Aurea constantly said how much the prince looked like her in so many ways. They would imitate each other's gestures without even realizing it, the way they spoke, the way they moved, they expressed themselves almost the same way and shared very similar opinions with the difference that the prince was much more reserved than the queen's well-known restless character. This was enough for Gaia to stand up and walk over to her son, "What are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I am talking about," Endymion narrowed his eyes and gave his mother a serious look, one that made perfectly clear he was not joking about the matter, "Are you going to continue hiding whatever it is hidden?" Gaia arched her brow, "Why are you acting like this Endymion? Why are you so angry at everybody, why are you so angry at me?"

"Because you treat me like if I do not exist!" Endymion raised his voice with frustration, "I have this burning feeling in my gut, this calling trying to tell me something I cannot understand and I am certain you do."

Gaia placed a hand on his arm and looked at him with loving eyes, "What is it to understand my son? You are a gifted man, blessed with health and beauty, talent, intelligence, and strength—five qualities you don't get to see in one person very often."

Endymion lowered his head and closed his eyes briefly, "I have been hearing the same thing since I was a child but I always felt there is something else… I am tired of all this, Mater. I know what I feel—I know there is more to know but somehow, I am being kept in the shadows." the prince pushed himself from the wall and away from his mother grasp and stood by the balcony and looked outside, "Neither you or Pater have never really talked about my grandparents."

"But you know very well who your grandparents are dear," Gaia said softly, Endymion turned to look at her over his shoulder, "I meant my other grandparents…" he said in a nostalgic tone of voice. Gaia exhaled and went to seat on her vanity chair again and looked away, "There is nothing I can say about them, Endymion," the dry and distant tone of her voice made Endymion frown with doubt, "Nothing?" Gaia turned to him with a stern look on her face, "No, nothing."

"I do not know anything about you."

"I am your mother, Endymion, that is the most important thing to know about me,"

Endymion's frown deepened and looked down at the sword proudly hanging from his waist-belt and took it from his belt and went to put it over her vanity and looked at his mother with clear frustration, "You gave me a sword you said belonged to my great-grandfather and grandfather and now you are telling me there is nothing to say? That there is nothing else for me to know?"

Gaia sighed tiredly, "Quid tibi vis dicam eis proderit Endymion? Quid possum dicere, quod ut leniret furorem versus tibi subrepat tibi sunt mecum?" she raised her voice with frustration.

(What do you want me to tell you about them Endymion? What can I say that will calm that anger you have been harboring towards me?)

"Aliquid mater! Quid! Volo scire ubi sunt, qui venerunt ex infernis, et mihi!" (Something Mater! Anything! I want to know where I come from and who the hell I am!) Endymion raised his voice to match his mother's frustrated one and ran a hand through his dark hair with exasperation; Gaia arched her brow to show her pride was being tarnished, "You come from your father and me—you are the heir to the throne, the future King of Earth and Elysion. A warrior and a Commander—a Polemarchos. You are a man with dignity and intelligence, one that will rule this planet with care and understanding for its inhabitants." She frowned and grabbed the sword and put it back in his belt, "This sword is part of it. It is an extension of you."

"Why do you insist on carrying that big burden of yours alone? Can't you see that I did all this so I could be able to protect you someday, but you acting this way…" the prince combed his hair back as a common gesture to show his frustration, "It makes me feel that all my effort was pointless."

Endymion's words pierced Gaia's heart, this time the tears in her eyes couldn't hold any longer and roll down her flushed cheeks. It was true what Obelix told her before, her son felt responsible for her weak health; she realized her son's burden was bigger than hers and it broke her heart to see him that way, "Endymion," she sobbed softly, "I—" she trailed off and bit her lower lip nervously. Endymion looked at with sad eyes, "It is sad to think about it but—" he looked down and took a deep breath, "The truth is that Pater will not be around forever and I will have to follow his steps and continue his legacy—your legacy. The one that you instilled in me since I was a child. I was born because fate wanted me to protect you but how can I do so if you do not let me?" his words hit a soft spot in Gaia's heart; he talked so regal, so mature, and so conscious of his position and his obligations but also his words were full of love and hurt at the same time. After all, he was her son, he lived inside her for nine months and shared a special bond; he has been protecting her since he was in her womb and even after all these years he was still doing the same, despite him not knowing.

Endymion kneeled before her while looking into her hazel eyes, "You are the treasure of our lives but you are too stubborn to let us help you. You are too stubborn to let me help you." he whispered and dried her tears with the back of his hand. Gaia sniffled softly and pulled him close to her, "I do not want you to get hurt—I would die if something happened to you." she mumbled in his chest.

The prince looked down and pulled back, "Nothing is going to happen to me Mater," Gaia started crying with an uncontrollable force and fear, worrying the prince "I would die if something happens to you!" she repeated more to herself than him. Endymion frowned and held his mother in his arms, "Mater, nothing is going to happen—why are you so scared?"

Gaia parted away from him and looked up at his handsome face, "You are not the culprit for my weak health, do you understand Endymion?!" Endymion widened his eyes, surprised by her words "What?"

"You are not guilty of anything. You are the best thing that ever happened to me, never ever forget that." Gaia placed her hands on each side of his face and looked into his eyes, "You are so beautiful—inside and out. You are a true warrior, and I am very proud of you," she smiled softly, "But it doesn't matter how strong you are my setting sun, I am your mother and I am always going to be by your side to protect you. I will always worry about you, whether you like it or not." she combed back a lock of his hair that was falling into his hypnotic blue eyes and sighed, "I know why you joined the army and I know you feel responsible for my bad health and you still do after all this time."

Endymion sighed and dried her tears again, "It was my decision to join the army, it is something I wanted to do. I did it because I wanted to be a good example to our people—I wanted to become someone by my own merits. I did not want to be a careless or a spoiled Prince while there are real warriors risking their lives for the sake of this Kingdom—for the sake of this family. Of course, you were on my mind all the time and you were my fuel and the reason to keep going because yes! I want you to stay here with us for a long time, I want you to meet your grandchild—if I ever get married, that is. I want you to be well and I want you to be happy because I love you." Endymion said in a loving and understanding tone, "But please... please stop being so stubborn and let me help you carry the weight you have upon your shoulders—let me be there for you."

Gaia looked at her son and smiled, "So, my grandchild eh? That means you are thinking about it..." she arched her brow, "My, my, have you met someone already?" Endymion blushed and shook his head, "No..." he frowned, "But with so many social events happening almost every day, it is almost as if you are urging me to bring an heir to this Kingdom." Gaia took a deep breath and combed his dark hair back, "Endymion, all I ask of you is to be careful and follow your heart. Beautiful women are everywhere, my dear sun, but a true jewel is very hard to find."

"A true jewel..." Endymion cracked a weak chuckle, "Oh Mother, forgive me for disappointing you, but, love is not something I believe exist, or something I have in my mind either way."

"Well, you should." The queen arched her brow, "I am not saying you must be married by now. Unlike your grandmama's beliefs, spending the rest of your life with somebody is not something you should ever take so lightly, and it is not easy either. Being married is a daily challenge, but when you find the right person... all of your differences are just that, differences, and you learn how to turn them your strengths. The minute you share your life with somebody, your souls merge and become one. That is the magic of it, you become an unbreakable team. It is a beautiful feeling Endymion, it truly is, and I wish for you to live it." Gaia patted her son's cheek softly and smiled, "When that time comes... do it because it feels right, do it because you love her and because she loves you back. Marry the woman that makes you feel complete, the one that makes you smile even when she is not around. Marry the woman that brings reason and madness into your life—marry a woman that makes you laugh but also gives you the support you need when you feel weak and low. Marry a woman that matches you and complements you in every way. Marry a fearless woman, one that is not afraid to speak her mind and fights for what she wants, one that takes your breath away every single day, a woman that makes you feel you have a place in the world by the way she looks into your eyes. Marry a woman with beautiful dreams so you can make each and every one come true, like the Prince charming I know you are."

Endymion gave his mother a cynical glare, "I am beginning to ask myself if that is even possible, if a soulmate truly exists." Gaia nodded with certainty, "I asked myself that same question, a long time ago—then I met your father. She exists, my dear sunshine, and she is somewhere out there waiting for you to sweep her off her feet and love her for the rest of her life."

Endymion smiled softly and put a strand of her dark hair behind her ear "Te amo, a fundo cordis mei,"*

*"Te amo quoque pulchra mihi et sole," Gaia sniffed a little and turned to look at herself in the mirror to make sure her makeup endured her tears and turned to look at her son again as he helped her stand up with most care, "You don't have to come with me to this brunch, I will tell your grandmama you had to attend something with great importance,"

"It is alright," Endymion half smiled and sighed, "I will go, but only for a little while. As a matter of fact, I do have to attend some matters of great importance later today, so there is no need to burn that excuse." the prince offered his arm for his mother to take and both walked out of the room, it was when he was about to open the door when he saw a tray sitting on her nightstand, "Mater…" he said. Gaia turned to look at him "Yes, dear?"

"Please take your medicines,"

"I already did."

Endymion narrowed his eyes, "Do not lie to me." Gaia gasped pretending to be hurt, "How dare you?"

Endymion sighed tiredly, "Mother..." Gaia pursed her lips and turned to her son slightly hurt, "How can you even tell I have not taken them?"

"Oh, please..." Endymion sweatdropped and pointed his finger at the tray, "Your pills are over there,"

"Wonderful, Aurea left them in plain sight. Clever woman." Gaia rolled her eyes with annoyance and sighed, "I thought I would be free of them for today," she mumbled, "Clearly I am not."

"It is for your own good, you know that," Endymion arched his brow and nudged her arm, "Come on, take them."

"They may be for my own good but I do not like being drugged all day, I am perfectly fine!"

Endymion arched his brow, "Mother, what did we just talk minutes ago?"

Gaia sighed "Fine, I will take them," she walked over the small table with the tray, took the pills and swallowed them with a sip of water, then turned to prove her son she had indeed taken them without cheating. The prince chuckled at her gesture and wrapped his around her shoulders in a protective hug, "There, there, pretty Lady, see? It is not so bad."

-O-

"Queen..." Mamoru breathed softly as he wrapped his fingers around the golden chain and looked at the pale golden stone gleam in the light; it still felt a little warm from the energy that flowed from it to vanish the shadows a while ago, "I found her, my soulmate... I married her," he turned to the hallway and smiled with complicity, "The woman that brings reason and madness into my life, the woman that gives me a place in this world—the woman that takes my breath away every single day."

Mamoru went to turn all the lights off and joined his wife in the bedroom. He stood by the door and saw Usagi sitting on her side of the bed rubbing her favorite rose scented lotion in her delicate hands while humming the same annoying pop song she was signing while he was cooking dinner earlier that day. She finally had changed her clothes to a white silk nightgown with lace straps and heart neckline proving she was more than ready to go to sleep. It didn't take her long to look over her shoulder and see him standing by the door and she flashed him a beaming smile, "Ah, there you are! I was starting to wonder what was taking you so long," she patted the spot next to her on the bed, "It's late, come to bed... I miss you."

Mamoru leaned on the door frame and exhaled pure love for his wife; the woman his mother predicted so many years ago existed—his soulmate. At his lack of response, Usagi frowned with worry, "Mamo-chan, you okay?" Mamoru crossed his arms and smiled at her, "Do you have any idea of how precious you are?"

Usagi stopped rubbing the buttery cream on her hands and cracked a sweet chuckle, "What?"

"You heard me," Mamoru grinned, "You heard me loud and clear,"

"I did," Usagi giggled, "I just like to hear it,"

"Well, do you?" Mamoru looked at her lovingly, "You have not answered my question,"

"Uh... no," Usagi tilted her head, "But as long as I am precious to you, that's all that matters to me."

Mamoru went to sit next to her on the bed, "You are more than just precious to me," he whispered in her ear and kissed her bare shoulder, making Usagi blush. "Really?" Mamoru nodded and looked into her eyes, "You changed my life, Moon Princess."

Usagi put her rose scented hands on his face and smiled widely, "You changed mine, Earth Prince—you truly are a dream come true."

"You are mine." Mamoru's hand played absently with the delicate strap of her nightgown for a minute and pulled it down to kiss her exposed collarbone making her jolt with pleasure; Usagi closed her eyes and ran her arms around his neck before finding his lips get lost in the passion of their kiss that lasted a couple of minutes. With their eyes closed and still immersed in the aftermath of their kiss, Mamoru smiled and caressed her swollen lips with his and slowly pulled back to put the pendant around Usagi's delicate neck and let it sit and shine proudly like it did in its old glorious days. Usagi looked at the stone with astonishment, "W-What...?" Mamoru smiled softly and caressed her milky skin, "Well, look at that... it fits!"

"Mamo-chan..." Usagi looked down at the amber colored stone and then at her husband, "W-Where did you get this?"

"Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful!"

"It's a very valuable antique," Mamoru said softly while closing the chain clasp behind her neck, "It belonged to a very strong woman that wanted nothing more than to protect her loved ones,"

"How do you know?"

"It belonged to the Earth Queen—it was my mother's." Mamoru's warm tone was slowly granting the maternal word some permission to slowly make sense to him once again. Usagi widened her eyes completely surprised by his words but before she could say anything Mamoru continued, "The archaeologist found it in the ruins of what it was once my home—many lifetimes ago."

"Is this why you went to see her?"

"I wasn't lying when I said a part of me was there to find something else that could lift this heavy past of mine but—" Mamoru shook his head and let out a soft sigh, "I am trying to pick up the pieces and move on, the Shittenou warned me about this being a decoy to catch my attention and get what they want but I needed to go... I needed to see it with my own eyes so I could let it go and carry on. It was then when she showed me all the things they found, pictures, records, personal items I know belonged to my mother and grandmother—handkerchiefs I recognized being my father's. Then she showed me this..." his hand caressed the stone then slowly slid his finger down, tracing the line of her gown's neckline, "She never took it off, she loved this pendant. It was an extension of her—it was her sacred amulet," his eyes turned darker, sadder, "She must have dropped it the moment she disappeared."

Usagi understood what he was trying to say and what he has been trying to understand ever since he regained his memories from his life in Elysion. More than looking for something that would lift the heavy weight he was carrying on his shoulders and more than being angry at his mother for not telling him the truth, he was frustrated for not knowing what happened to her and his whole family after Beryl and Metallia attacked.

He went to meet the archaeologist despite the shitennou's advice and risked his life knowing the damage it would cause because he wanted to find an answer to that question—he needed answers, and he was running out of time. A wave of emotions took over her, of frustration and impotence; unlike her mother whom she knew died when using the silver crystal, nobody really knew what happened to Gaia, the Terran Goddess and her charming and noble King. Her hand reached for his hair and combed it back softly, knowing the gesture would instantly make him feel better, more relaxed, more like himself. Mamoru leaned closer to her and caressed her lips with the tips of his fingers, "I want you to have it now—I know it's something she would have wanted, I know it's something she would have done." he smiled softly. Usagi curled her fingers around the stone and looked at it in awe, "I will guard it with my life, I swear." she intertwined her fingers with his and caressed his hand with her thumb ever so gently. She brought his hand close to her chest and closed her eyes for a moment allowing her to feel the warmth coming from him, that constant energy that has always made her feel protected and safe. She moved closer to him until her face was only inches away from his and locked her gaze with his, "Stay with me..." Mamoru leaned his forehead on hers and nodded, "Always,"

Usagi moved her head back slightly and opened her eyes, he opened his seconds later and looked at her in silence for a minute before moving his head away to kiss her neck, the feeling of his warm breath against her exposed skin made her swoon and moan with pleasure. Usagi tilted her head to the side to look at him and put her hands on each side of his face, "Your eyes..." she sighed her words with wonder, feeling completely helpless and drawn to its mysticism "They have that rich color again…"

She always felt exposed when looking into them, it was like if he could see into her soul and also show her his deepest feelings without the need to mutter a single word, he had that power over her, ever since she met him he has made her feel like the only girl in the world. Her hand caressed one side of his face until the tip of her fingers reached for his lips and followed their natural line, always so sensual and inviting—she thought. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she kept contemplating the magic behind his prismatic blue eyes, "What are you trying to tell me, Prince of Earth?"

Mamoru combed her long fringe away from her face to allow him to move closer and nib her earlobe gently, "That I love you, Moon Princess, that I love you madly." he whispered and closed his eyes as he took in her sweet, delicate scent. "That my life has no meaning if you are not in it—that my heart and soul has been yours since the very first time we met."

Usagi moved her head, desperate to find his lips and lock them with hers in a sweet kiss again. Her hands played with his hair to make their moment more intimate. She couldn't help it, she was addicted to him, all him marveled her, "I am forever yours..." she said between soft moans imploring him to never stop kissing her. Mamoru smiled softly when he remembered the countless times they said those words when they were alone and hiding from everyone in the past and let another wave of nostalgic emotions flow inside him. This has been their way to let themselves know that no matter the circumstances or the obstacles ahead of them, they would always stray true to themselves and overcome whatever trial that would try to break them apart. It was her promise to him, that as Goddess of the Moon she would never stop watching over him and that she would always be by his side and it was a promise from him, as a mortal man, that he would always devote his prayers to her so he could always be blessed with her purifying light and undying love.

Usagi looked at him with flushed cheeks and hasty breaths in silence before she claimed her place in his world once again. Mamoru secured his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to his body and bent his head low to capture her lips again in a deep kiss that would soon unleash their most raw and pure desires. Usagi loved the feeling of his strong arms holding her, making her feel safe and certain she wanted to be nowhere else in the universe but there, with him.

Mamoru's fingers ran through her silky moonbeam hair as he leaned down to deepen the kiss and parted to catch his breath after a couple of minutes; Usagi opened her eyes slowly and looked into his feeling completely hypnotized, she felt a pull in her chest, something up to this day she still couldn't find the right words to explain but felt deliciously right. Usagi had reached a point where she could no longer keep her hands and emotions to herself and slowly started to pull his clothes off him in any way she could and gasped with pleasure when she felt his warm hands moving all the way down her back until they reached the end of her nightgown and pulled it with most care away from her body, leaving her completely exposed. Mamoru felt completely spellbound as he looked at every inch of her milky skin and curve in her body; he bent again and kissed her cheek and slowly moved his lips down her neck and chest, sending all kinds of shivers and sparks all over Usagi's body, making her gasp and take short breaths, to keep her from losing her mind completely. Usagi felt hazy, in a trance, she lazily opened her eyes and with all the strength she could muster pulled pull the t-shirt he wore underneath his sweater away and threw it far away without paying any attention where it landed. She tilted her head back and basked in the feeling of his lips gently tugging her skin; her hands slid down his back and traced his toned muscles with each stroke. Mamoru caressed her legs with the tips of his fingers with the softest touch and let his body respond to hers and be one with her. The feeling of her bare skin against his sent shivers down all over realizing he had come to a moment where he just couldn't stop touching her; everything about her drove him crazy, her sweet flowery scent, her warmth; everything in her reminded him that she was the only one that had that kind of power over him, the only one that could make him lose all control over his own mind and body. With one hand caressing her side and the other keeping her close and secure in his arms, he slowly lay her down on the bed with his lips never leaving hers and let the few remains of clothing came off them in a natural flow as she protectively pulled him closer. Usagi took a deep breath as she felt a warmth running all over her body and tilted her head back in pleasure. Her breathing, her heart beats, her entire body and emotions were something she could no longer control because they were no longer hers.

Tangled between slow and deep movements, soft panting, and gentle love whispers, they gave in to the raw act of love and let the moment take its natural course. Usagi secured her arms around his waist and looked into his deep blue eyes with so much love and devotion; she was not foreign to intimacy or to be sexually active with her now husband, but ever since they welcomed this part of their lives there was something that made them feel more connected—stronger, almost like if their hearts beat in their chest with the same force and rhythm, becoming one. They were no strangers to passion, but this was a whole new level of intimacy and devotion they had for one another. Their senses intensified, their touch ignited more of that deep, new found energy neither of them could get enough of and that made them feel free in a world away from anything that could do them harm. Away from the past, one that treated them like criminals and a confusing and uncertain future.

Usagi closed her eyes when she felt her body was ready to succumb to all the pleasure that had been nesting inside her and let go to enjoy the pleasure and tranquility that was to be with her husband. Mamoru felt his heart could leave his body any moment as he tried to catch his breath, but just like his wife underneath him, he savored every second of being with her in complete peace. He slowly opened his blue eyes and hummed with pleasure when he felt Usagi's delicate hand caressing his back and used the other one to flick back a chunk of dark hair meddling between their visual contact. Usagi's cheeks were flushed and her lips were slightly red and swollen from all the kissing and nibbling, but she loved it, she loved it all, and she proved it to her husband with a sweet and beautiful smile.

Mamoru leaned down and kissed her lips one more time before trying to move and rest on his side but Usagi tightened one leg around his waist and looked at him with a playful grin, "Where do you think you're going?" she bit her lower lip with mischief, "I have you."

Mamoru smiled and propped down on his forearms, "You always do." Usagi giggled and flicked another piece of hair falling over his eyes, "Forever?"

"Forever," Mamoru smiled and tried to move again but Usagi wrapped her other leg around his waist to secure him in position. He narrowed his blue eyes and leaned closer to her, "What are you doing?" Usagi giggled again, "Keeping you with me, you can't—" she widened her eyes when she felt his arms wrap tightly around her waist and turned on the bed so she could rest on top of him. Usagi gaped at him and pinched his nose, "Oh my god, you are such a cheater!"

Mamoru let out a hoarse seductive chuckle as he saw her lean down to rest her head on his chest and heard her take a deep breath, "I love you so much... more than you can imagine." Mamoru smiled and leaned to kiss her head, "I love you madly, Usako."

Usagi closed her eyes when he felt his hand caressing her lower back comfortingly, "We will win this fight..." Mamoru tilted his head to look at her, "Usa..." Usagi looked up at him with tears in her eyes, "We will win this fight, right?"

"Yes, we will." Mamoru wrapped both arms around her and kissed her temple, "We will."

Usagi clung to her husband like if her life depended on it and took a deep shaky breath and let out a soft sob, "All we did was fall in love."

Mamoru closed his eyes and nodded, the pain and truth in her words made her voice quiver with intense emotion, breaking his heart, "I know baby, I know..."

"Why they can't understand that?" Usagi let out another sob charged with raw emotion, "Endymion, why can't they just leave us alone?!"

"Because..." Mamoru opened his eyes at the sound of his name—his real name. One that made him feel tied to a dynasty he now felt obliged to preserve and protect. "They don't see what you and I see... their conviction is clouded with ambition."

"All we did was fall in love, why is it such a sin?!" Usagi sobbed angrily, "Why are we treated like the worst of criminals?!"

Mamoru tilted her chin up so she could look at him, "It's not the act itself Serenity, it's whom you fell in love with." Mamoru's eyes darkened, "They cannot see beyond that but we are stronger. What we feel for one another is stronger than all of their disgust and rage."

"They are the real monsters... love should not be considered a crime," Usagi nodded and cuddled her head in his chest again, "We will prove them wrong my love," she closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she tightened her arms around her husband's waist, "I love you, to the Moon and back..."

"I love you too," Mamoru nodded and closed his eyes, "To the world where we belong."

O—o—o—o—O

Asteria appeared at the top of Tokyo Tower and looked at the lights below her with disgust. The cool breeze played with her long hair that looked like black fire around her and narrowed her eyes, "We have played this little game long enough—it is time for you and me to meet and have a little chat." She raised her hands, "Army of Shadows! I grant you power to cross into this realm and get rid of any trace of light—kill those with the blessing from the stars!" in one swift move, she stomped her spiked heel on the concrete again and allowed her poisonous energy flow like veins of venom across the floor taking over everything in its way, "I, Asteria of the Fates and Fallen Stars command you to rise against those who oppose our laws!" her lips curved into a malicious grin, "Traitors must die."

Like a thick blanket of darkness, her poison slowly began to spread all over the city allowing the vicious spirits controlled in the deepest parts of the underworld crawl and rise from a large pit opened on the ground where she opened the portal with her heel. Asteria's eyes began gleaming with a red tint as she looked at the energy power die below her feet "Come out, come out wherever you are... let me see that face of yours and see who has more control over whom,"

Another shadow appeared next to the dark goddess and looked at the scenario unfolding before him with satisfaction, "Is this what you had in mind two thousand years ago?" Asteria asked with pleasure in her voice and turned to Athamas who was staring at the shadows spread like fog all over the city, "Close enough," he turned to the dark goddess and frowned, "You are being more condescending than I thought you would be."

Asteria turned and arched her brow, her long sharp nails caressed his jaw and smiled, "Do not believe everything you hear, Andromedian. My kind is more helpful than it seems and I am always looking for a good bargain." Athamas turned to see the void allowing the tar and smoke creatures crawl its way out into the planet and crossed his arms, "They should be out by now like cockroaches, looking for a way out."

"I thought you were doing this to avenge those who stole your right and power," Asteria said in a low, monotone voice, "Is not your beloved alive in this era?"

"I want that damn mortal dead," Athamas growled, "I want her to see his corpse so she can open her eyes and realize the truth."

"My, my... this love triangle is much more complex than I thought; the plot thickens with every curse you say," Asteria chuckled, "You really hold a deep grudge against the hybrid," Athamas narrowed his eyes with anger, "I hate he had to have her—I hate he has always been in the mouths of every immortal being—I hate that despicable monster."

Asteria sighed and rolled her eyes in a mockery fashion, "Yes, yes... he is a disgrace..." she turned to the andromedian and arched her brow, "Then kill him. Kill them all and retrieve your lover from his grasp, regain your power, Andromedian. Was not she yours in the first place?" she saw Athamas frowned, "They should be out by now!" his voice spiked with frustration. Asteria tilted her head up "Patience Andromedian—the hybrid has noticed by now, that I am sure. I can almost taste its energy," her black eyes narrowed as she licked her lips with pleasure, "And I can already tell it is delicious."

O—o—o—o—O

At the other end of the city, Rei was doing her usual prayers by the fire when she felt a heavy and dense energy coming close to the temple. Her eyes widened in horror and ran to look out the window and saw Phobos and Deimos flying in circles above the shrine, "This vicious energy..." she turned on her heel and ran outside the temple and chanted a prayer to exorcise the evil spirits coming her way.

"That will not help!" she turned to see Jadeite who was walking towards her, "Jadeite..."

"They're coming, the shadows, they are coming again!" Rei widened her eyes and saw Megumi standing by the door with a horrid expression on her face "They are coming again!"

"Megumi-san! Go back to the house!" Rei urged the girl to get away from the dark creatures then turned to Jadeite with horror in her amethyst eyes, "It's too strong—they're stronger than before, I can feel it... I don't know if I will be able to stop them,"

"You need to alert the other Senshi..." Jadeite turned and grabbed Rei by the shoulders "Mars, you need to come back and you need to do it now. Step away from that shadow of self-doubt, you are the daughter of the God of War—it is in your veins, stop denying yourself! You are stronger than this!" Rei looked at Jadeite with hesitance, "I—" she shook her head and tried to grab a charm from her sleeve but the blonde general stopped her abruptly, "Mars... your Princess needs you! My Prince needs your help—I need you! It's time Mars, time to wake up!"

"Rei-chan!" Luna ran out to the porch and widened her burgundy eyes in shock and horror, "No..." Artemis caught up with her and tried to urge his lover to come back inside, "Luna, they're strong we need to come back inside! We need to look after Megumi!" Luna shook her head, "Usagi-chan!" she turned with panic to her beloved, "Artemis... I need to go to Usagi-chan!"

"Luna, Usagi is with Mamoru—she is not alone. We need to alert the girls... they need to gather and fight." Artemis's green eyes narrowed, "The power in the city is dead, if these are the same shadows, it won't take them long to find us." Luna's breathing fastened, she was beginning to have an anxiety attack "I—"

"Luna!" Artemis tried to hold her, but she was becoming unresponsive to his voice "Luna!" Rei turned and watched the black kitty suffocating "Luna!" she turned on her heel when she heard a loud growl that made her turn, "Sulfur?" she muttered, her amethyst eyes widened when she spotted an inhuman form coming closer to them like a vicious creature hunting its prey, "You evil spirit..." she muttered angrily, "I will not forgive you for trespassing holy grounds!"

She raised her hand with her transformation pen and allowed her ancient form take over her as she shouted the words that until now felt foreign to her.

"Mars Crystal Power—Make... Up!"

The rage from the sacred flames began bursting from her transformation rod and wrapped around her body quickly morphing into her sailor senshi uniform. Jadeite looked at her slowly become the woman he met and fell in love with all those years ago and with amazement, he noticed her fuku was now different from what he saw back then, he noticed her V-shaped and the center of her front bow was now a red five-pointed star. Her shoulder pads no longer were white but instead, were large light red puffs with two patches of red fabric attached to the bottom. Her gloves became longer, reaching to her upper arms and her belt consisted of two ribbons in a lighter and darker shade of red, with an extra two long, thin back ribbons, clipped together by a golden five-pointed star. Her back bow was now light red instead of purple and her skirt became two-layered also, in two shades of red, the top being red darker than the bottom layer that was on a lighter shade. Her red high heels were now replaced by knee-length high white boots and each had a red V-shaped border with a five-pointed star at the top and her tiara had a five-pointed star gem in its center, replacing the red stone she had in the past.

Jadeite widened his eyes with wonder and turned to summon his own power go back to his grey military uniform with deep blue lining and turned to Rei as he raised a wall of clay to stop the enemy coming closer to Megumi and the mauian advisors, "Mars! Now!"

Rei felt her hands feel warmer and warmer, she looked down at them and saw tiny sparks waiting anxiously to be called upon and gave it to her nature, her power, and slowly opened her amethyst eyes with determination. "I won't run away... Father... Ojisan... lend me your strength," she frowned and extended her hand and summoned for a holy ofuda, "I won't forgive you for threatening my loved ones... for disrupting peace, I am the Soldier of Flame and Passion—in the name of Mars, I will chastise you!"

Akuryo—she moved her arm to trace a circle and cursed the shadows moving before her, and summoned for her sacred fire, "—Taisan!

The raging flames coming from Mars' hands soon engulfed the vicious shadows trapped inside the barrier Jadeite created to block their path and burned until there was no trace of malicious energy. Mars exhaled and looked down at her hands and closed her eyes, accepting her truth and life "Papa..." she whispered and opened her eyes slowly and turned to look at a very surprised and pleased Jadeite looking back at her, "Now, this is the Mars I remember..." he smirked with pride, "Welcome back."

Mars's eyes widened "Jadeite..."

The blonde general frowned, "Now, we must meet with the others—they are multiplying, we must stay focused. The other Shittenou are probably aware and taking matters into their hands." Mars nodded and turned to Luna, Artemis, and Megumi "But I can't leave them here alone!"

Jadeite's lips tightened, with a heavy sigh he turned towards the tower's direction, "Then they will have to come with us... I feel this energy coming from the High Tower,"

"Me too." Rei narrowed her eyes, and looked at Megumi "Please... can you take care of them?"

Megumi nodded with determination and carried Luna and Artemis in her arms as tight as she could and looked at the general and senshi, "I will not run away anymore." her words made sense to Mars, who was still getting used to this strong wave of power she did not know she missed so much. Running away—the Miko thought, "That is what I have been doing..." she muttered and frowned, "But not anymore," her deep amethyst eyes narrowed, "Not anymore."

O—o—o—o—O

Mamoru laid on his side in silence and watched his wife sleeping peacefully, his hand was absently caressing her arm while thinking what she said just hours ago with so much pain and desperation.

"The only thing we did was fall in love..."

Her quivering voice still echoed in his mind as he remembered all the times they repeated the same words while hiding from everybody like criminals. That was the part that made Mamoru his past so much, because, in the end, he could not fulfill the promise he made to the princess, it was because of it that their love was forbidden in the first place. "Gods..." he muttered bitterly when he felt a strong pull in his chest and noticed how the room had gotten considerably darker than it was before. He got out of bed and quickly got dressed and walked to the window to look outside. He frowned when he saw the city was in total blackout and narrowed his deep blue eyes when he saw a strange energy surrounding the tower in the distance allowing no room to wonder; there was no mistake about it, they had arrived, "Damn it..." he cursed under his breath and quickly walked back to the bed, "Usako," he shook her slowly to make her come back to her senses, "Baby, wake up."

Usagi slowly woke up and widened her eyes when she saw him kneeled on her side of the bed, fully dressed, "Mamo-chan? What's—" Mamoru covered her mouth with his hand and pressed his finger on his lips to ask her to be quiet, "They're here." he whispered in her ear and passed her the clothes she was wearing the day before, silently asking her to get dressed as quickly as she could. Usagi turned to her husband with horror when she heard a growling sound echoing in the dark and turned to her husband with worry; once dressed, Mamoru held her hand and walked towards the window of their bedroom to show her what was happening outside in silence; Usagi widened her eyes when she saw the city had gone completely dark and shook her head, "No..."

"We need to get out of here," Mamoru whispered and turned to look out the window again, "Emergency—staircase—now." Usagi quickly nodded and held Mamoru's hand as they walked out of the apartment in silence. The hall was lit with the emergency lights but it was still dull enough for the dark spirits to lurk in the corners. She turned and gasped at one strange looking creature standing at the end of the hall and tightened her grip on her husband's hand, making him turn. Mamoru cursed under his breath when he saw the creature crawling after them, "Don't look at them—whatever you do, don't look at them!"

They ran down the long emergency staircase that would lead them to the building's parking. Halfway down, Usagi gasped when she felt something tugging her sweater but this time she didn't want to turn around; Mamoru turned quickly over his shoulder and knocked the creature with his elbow as he pulled his wife closer to him and looked down, "We will have to jump from here—get on my back," the tone of his voice was clear enough for her not to ask any more questions or hesitate to his request and so she climbed on his back and wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist and bit her lip, hoping for the best, "Okay Usako, this is going to be a long jump... take a deep breath..."

"It's so dark..." Usagi mumbled with worry and took a deep and shaky breath, "I know this rail like the palm of my hand, love, don't worry—I have to take you out of here, that's all that matters." Mamoru frowned, trying to study where to land and jumped on the metal handrail before jumping down. Usagi found it incredible how he was able to see a rail to grab on so they wouldn't plummet to their deaths on the way down when it was pitch dark. Usagi got off his back feeling a little weak and nauseous and held her husband's hand to remain focused and keep up with his rhythm. She turned and saw more shadows were sprawling in the vacant space like tar and frowned, "We are surrounded!" Usagi said with desperation in her voice, Mamoru gave a quick look around and spotted an emergency exit sign that and pulled Usagi with him, "Over here,"

Usagi could feel them coming closer to them and closed her eyes, silently praying for an alibi that would allow them to get out of the building safe and quickly. It was so dark they could barely see where to go, she was surprised Mamoru could even think under such penumbra; she let out a panic scream when one of the creatures crawling pulled away from Mamoru, "Noooo!"

Mamoru turned and widened his eyes, "Usa!" he turned and ran to grab her hand but he also was being pulled another shadow, "Mamo-chan!" she turned to see one of the creatures tugging her leg and making her lose balance and fall to the ground. "Let me go!" she yelled on the verge of hysteria and used her other leg to kick the creature away but heard another one was crawling faster towards her. "Stay away from her!" Mamoru frowned with a anger and extended his hand, "Statuam Dea, quæ de Terra est, intende orationi meae, responde mihi mandatum et viveret Pascitur umbra comburendum vivit!"*

Usagi widened her eyes when she heard him chant the words in Latin and looked down at the stone in her pendant shining bright and bursting golden flames and fed on the shadows that were pulling the royals apart. Usagi widened her eyes with amazement and quickly turned to Mamoru who was running towards her and wrapped his arms around his wife in a secure embrace, "Usa..." he breathed with relief and gave her a determinant look once the emergency lights in the garage flickered back on; Usagi nodded, knowing exactly what they had to do and grabbed her brooch from her pocket and raised her hand,

"Silver Moon Crystal Power Make—Up!"

I do not own Sailor Moon, just this plot and some of the characters.

Divinity is an M rated story. Intimate and explicit scenes might happen from time to time, please keep that in mind.

-O-

Glossary:

*Matrina: Godmother.

*Te amo, a fundo cordis mei: I love you, from the bottom of my heart.

* Te amo quoque pulchra mihi et sole: I love you too, my beautiful sunshine.

*Sacred stone that belonged to the Goddess of Earth, listen to my prayer, answer my command and come alive! Feed on the shadows, burn them alive!