In God's Hands: Return of the Inferno Prince
Dessy awoke, stretching her arms.
She noticed her ankle didn't hurt as much anymore. But the rest of her body still hurt.
"You've awoken, princess child."
She looked over, to see the raven-haired man leaning back in a chair, smiling at her.
"Did you sleep well?"
She nodded. "Did you really stay with me the whole night like you said you would?"
"Indeed I did. I don't break promises."
She turned over on her side, resting her head in her hand. "What was it like being a Hell Keeper?"
He shook his head. "Must you make me recall that..."
"Please tell me! I love stories... I know what it was like being on the good side... What was it like on your side? How did you meet my mother?"
"I met her long ago little cherry blossom... I first became aware of her existence when she was about your age."
"Back... Back in the Silver Millennium?"
He nodded. "She was a queer little thing. So different from your grandmother... Your grandmother had a commanding presence... Very stern, powerful... But not your mother. She was gentle, delicate... Just like you my dear. She wore a purple dress, with silver pearls, and a silver bow..."
"Like mine?" she asked.
"I guess so. She had the longest hair... Your hair would be very long too, if you had let it grow. I can tell, by those two thin strips that hang down."
"I just let most of it stay shorter, like this..."
"It gives you a pretty look... I could not imagine you any other way. But her hair... It was made of golden threads, I swear it... Her skin was just... A little less pale then yours. And smooth as silk, like yours. Her eyes, as green as the forests, with some blue mixed in... They captured me. And finally, it was her kindred personality that got me to fall for her."
"So... You really loved my mother? It wasn't just evil lust?"
"It could have been... More then likely was... A bit of lust. But yes... I loved your mother. A part of me always will."
"Well... You can see her again, and you can become friends!"
He shook his head. "That would not work Destiny. Your mother hates me, nothing can change that."
"That's not so! My mom is a very forgiving person!"
He didn't answer, and removed the bandage from her ankle. "Let's see if you can walk on this." He lifted her off of the bed and put her down, keeping an arm around her, to support her.
"Try to walk."
Her lip quivered. "It hurts."
"Try."
She sighed and took a step forward, only to almost fall, if Dallas hadn't been there to support her.
He shook his head and set her back down.
"Are you gonna take me home tonight like you promised?"
He shook his head. "No way I can take you back tonight."
"But you promised!"
He looked outside. "Little one, what moon is it tonight?"
"Kokuki of course."
"And what will it be tomorrow night?"
"Paradicius."
"Would you rather be taken home in the night, or in the day?"
"I would much prefer the day... But that's about a day and a half away!"
"But what if an animal came and bit me? Then how would we get there? We can't see out there anyways. And I'd have to carry you. And we're quite a ways away from the palace dear girl."
"Well then... What are we gonna do for the next thirty-seven hours?"
"Eating and sleeping are two of the necessary activities that we must perform," joked Dallas.
"Well what about the rest of the time? You gonna hit me again?" She smiled, thinking that funny.
That hurt him a bit, but fought the emotional pain back, knowing she meant no harm. "No dear, I'm not going to hit you."
"I was kidding..."
"I know..."
They both sighed, wondering exactly how long they would have to live together.
***
Trinity and Lance were still frantic.
Chi-Chi and Jay had learned by this time what had happened with their sister.
But at least Jay wasn't very worried.
"Mom, Dad, you should try to relax. Bliss said she'd be back by Apollo, right?"
Lance was very close to punching his son, as he was sick of hearing about how 'Bliss said this was going to happen and so she'll be alright.'
"Announcing King Keith and Queen Allura Kogane of Arus, and their children," a voice boomed over the intercom.
Trinity and Lance perked up a little at the thought of seeing their old friends and siblings.
Jay however was not at all happy at the thought of having to see Darrot.
Allura wore a dress of pink with empress sleeves. The dress itself was lined in gold. The dress no longer had a high neckline but more of a peek-a-boo neckline She wore satin slipper like shoes, as she was already pretty tall. Thick golden hair fell to her waist. Her eyes were a deep sapphire blue with long thick lashes. Her skin was pale, but nowhere near as white as Destiny's. Her features were small and delicate. This was Queen Allura Giovanna Kogane of the planet Arus.
The man by her side had quite the muscular build, with unruly black locks and big chocolate brown eyes. He was dressed in military uniform. This was King Keith Britton Kogane, Allura's husband.
There were three children behind him. Well, not exactly "children." They all looked about sixteen.
The eldest of the three was indeed sixteen. He had jet-black hair that spiked upward in the front, but was well gelled down in the back. His eyes were an amber color. His skin was well tanned, mainly from many hours of intense training with his father.
"If it weren't for the big amber eyes, you'd think he was Spanish, or Caribbean."
His lips were curved into a frown, and his arms were crossed, eyes downcast, deep in thoughts of his own. This was Prince Darrot Allen Kogane.
One of the girls was also sixteen. She had low-lighted blonde hair that fell a bit past her waist. Her large eyes were a beautiful emerald green. Her skin was also well tanned, but she was nowhere near as dark as Darrot. Her smile was bright and vivacious. This was Princess Victoria Abigail Kogane.
The other, the youngest, was also sixteen. She had beautiful dark brown tresses that streamed down her back in a fountain of chocolate. Her skin was the golden color of honey. She had big deep soft brown eyes, much like her father's. Her lips were brought into a sad pout. Her small hands were clasped tightly in front of her. This was Princess Calandra Eleanor Kogane.
These three were the royal triplets of the planet Arus, children of Keith and Allura.
"We heard about Destiny Lance," said Keith. "We decided to come by to see if you were okay."
Lance wasn't listening. His face was buried in his hands.
"He sure doesn't look alright," Darrot said in a voice barely intelligible.
"Well would you be if your daughter was missing?" shot Victoria back at him in an angry whisper.
"I ain't alright either... I think we're all upset about Destiny's disappearance."
"All I want to know is," said Lance quietly, "is where she is... If someone took her... Who... And why..."
"That would be easy to figure out," said Victoria. "It's probably just some nut ball wanting to take over the Crystal Galaxy... What better way to do it than hold the heir to the throne captive?"
Darrot glared at Victoria. "Hold your tongue."
Calandra couldn't bring herself to say anything.
"Trinity," said Allura gently. "Where was Dessy last?"
"The Night Forest," Trinity answered. "She went there to look for Moonie."
"Has anyone seen Moonie?"
Nobody had.
"This is ridiculous," said Keith. "If there really was someone holding her prisoner, word would have gotten out of it by now... Evil beings aren't the best at keeping secrets. They like to brag about their latest find... The Star Princess would be a great prize."
"Maybe she found Moonie," said Calandra, "but maybe Moonie got hurt... And Dessy didn't want to leave her."
"Well... There's no evident danger," said Trinity. "The Diamond was glowing last night. But I called upon its visions and all it showed was Dessy running through the woods in a little faerie outfit. She didn't seem to be in any trouble. But the Diamond kept glowing... Until after awhile... It stopped."
Darrot's face grew grim. "Does the Violet Diamond stop glowing when the endangered person dies?"
That did it for Lance. He passed out there on the sofa.
Trinity sat down beside the unconscious warrior and put her arm around him and laid his head on her shoulder.
"Nice going Darry," Victoria muttered.
"It's a possibility," said Darrot.
"No," said Trinity. "The Diamond would still glow if she had died, especially if she had died. She has a bond with the Diamond too. Not very strong yet, but, still a bond."
"Scratch that then," said Victoria in relief.
"And Darrot," said Keith, "what have I told you about causing panic and hysteria?"
"I didn't cause panic and hysteria. You said not to hide things like that from someone. And he only passed out."
Keith shook his head. "You still have much to learn..."
"There must have been some kind of danger in her running about the forest that wasn't really able to be seen by the eye," said Allura. "Like a hidden variable."
"Well according to the Diamond, she's safe," said Trinity. "No evil force, or any force for that matter, can evade the Diamond's sensitive feeling for tracking danger."
"I hope so Trin..."
"There is no way," interrupted Trinity. "No way at all."
***
Amalthea wandered through the woods. Of course she, the guardian of the sacred forest, had heard of Dessy's disappearance.
And she was making it her business to find her.
Amalthea concentrated hard, trying to gather up any sense of where the little sprite had last been.
"Where are you faerie princess... Fine day to run off..."
Her hooves treaded lightly on the fertile soil, as she tried to pick up Dessy's sense, or scent, whichever came easier.
"She's got to be somewhere in the Night Forest... Surely I would have felt something if something bad had happened... Not that it isn't bad enough that the princess of Crystillia is gone..."
Her silver mane fluttered in the light breeze that swept through the night air. Her horn glistened like a gleaming white pearl seashell. Her neck was long and slender, her small head perched on top.
"She has to be somewhere on the planet. I would have felt it."
She took off into a gallop, desperate to find her princess. Her whinnies of worry could be heard as far as the human ear could hear.
Suddenly, she smelt something. "Destiny?"
It was. She recognized the scent of the girl against a birch tree.
Amalthea carefully began to sniff out Dessy's trail, and follow it. She knew she may be Dessy's only way home, and that the king and queen would lose their minds, if Dessy did not return soon.
***
Dallas sat quietly in his chair, reading a book in some forgotten ancient language.
"You never did tell me what it was like being a Hell Keeper."
Dallas sighed and set his book down in his lap. "Why are you so eager to know?"
"As I said earlier, I love stories."
"My life is not a story dear girl. It is a tragedy."
"Tragedies are stories too."
He laughed lightly. "Okay, okay... If you must know..." He took a deep breath. "My mother's name was..."
"Nerachnia!"
He nodded. "I didn't really have a father to speak of. If I did, I never knew of him. I was a very lonely child. I was taught by those around me that things like love and friendship weren't important parts of life, if they were parts of life at all. My mother was my only family. I was close to no one. I lived a sad pitiful life, being drenched in evil and darkness for a lot it. I was often alone, and when I wasn't, I was training, so I would someday be able to take over the clan whenever my mother passed on. Then one day... I heard of an upcoming attack my mother was plotting... Against your mother's family. Destiny Marguerite was queen at the time. Your mother was the Star Princess... But she was not yet officially crowned... I escaped to Harmonia one day... I thought it so beautiful compared to the barren land of the Hell Keepers. And there... In a golden meadow... I saw your mother. She was a little thing... But so beautiful... I had to go to her..."
"Golden meadow? Sundance Field?"
"If that's what you call it..."
She nodded.
"I was about eighteen... Your mother was thirteen, your same age."
"But you were so old, and was so young..."
"Where I came from, those things didn't matter. She did not know who I was... Though I knew very well who she was. I didn't care if she was who Nerachnia said was the enemy... I became... Friends with her..."
"Does she know?"
"I never found out. I never brought it up to her. But then the time came when she died... That's when I just totally lose any sense of good in me. I was so horrified with seeing her die in that battle, that I threw it all away... And dedicated my life to bringing her back. Of course I found her... But my gentleness, and my feelings of good were gone. But my love wasn't. But without good without inside me, my love appeared to be nothing but lust. And eventually... I went crazy. I almost killed her. And they ended up blowing my family into oblivion. My life was nothing but sadness, loneliness, and evil."
Dessy was silent.
"The evil is gone... But the loneliness and sadness will forever remain a part of me."
Dessy glanced outside.
Paradicius, beautiful and bright, now shone in the sky.
***
Keith, Allura, and Darrot had returned to Arus.
Victoria and Calandra had insisted on staying, in case Destiny were to come home early.
Lance was asleep, sprawled out on the sofa across from them, where he had passed out earlier.
Trinity sat by him, quiet as a mouse.
Calandra broke the painful silence. "Aunt Trinity... Is... Is Uncle Lance alright?"
Trinity nodded slowly. "He'll be fine. Darrot just gave him a fright."
"Where's Chi-Chi?"
"Out playing at this hour I suppose."
"Does she know?"
"She knows as much as people have told her... Which really isn't much. She only knows that Dessy is gone..."
Victoria sighed.
Calandra looked at the floor, twiddling her thumbs.
"According to Bliss's prophecy, she'll be home soon. Don't worry."
Trinity shook her head, and gently stroked Lance's hair. She kept doing this for awhile.
The two Arusian twins got up and sighed. They left her there alone with her husband, to find something to do elsewhere.
The second half of the night soon descended upon Harmonia.
"In twelve hours... It will be Apollo... Destiny will come home..."
Chi-Chi came springing in, covered in dirt. "I was playing with Jay. We had a mud fest!"
Trinity didn't respond.
"Mommy?"
"Chi-Chi... Leave me..."
Chi-Chi, remembering how her mother had told her to leave during Sol, made an angry face. "You never want to be around me anymore! You hate me, I know you do! You like Destiny better then me! Ever since she left, all you've been doing is sitting around crying about her! It's always her! If you didn't like me, then why did you make me in the first place!?"
With that, Trinity burst into tears and wails, burying her face into the sofa cushion.
Chi-Chi felt no sympathy for her mother at the moment. "Maybe I should just leave like you told me, except I'll never come back! I'll go and find a place where everyone will love me and where no one will tell me what to do!"
Trinity just sobbed harder, already hurt by her eldest daughter's disappearance, and now Chi-Chi's harsh words.
"Goodbye forever mommy!" Chi-Chi ran out of the room, almost in tears herself.
She ran behind a corner, and looked back into the open door, where her mother lay crumpled on the floor, spilling her tears onto the burgundy carpet. "I... I love you..." She quietly transformed into Sailor Paradicius, and sped out to the outside, where she intended to disappear into the forest like her sister had done.
***
Destiny was tiring. Twelve hours of doing nothing but laying in bed bored her, and being bored is often likely to tire a person out.
"Tired, little one?"
She looked to the side.
Dallas had suddenly got up and left abruptly hours ago, after his discussion about his previous life. He had just now come back.
"Where did you go?"
He shrugged. "Does it matter?"
She sighed, and buried herself under the covers.
"I am sorry if I upset you star princess." He winced at those words.
He could recognize the shape of a shaking head under the blanket. He sat down and pulled the covers off of her. "Why are you hiding from me?"
She shrugged.
Dallas pulled the young girl into a hug. "If I can help it child, I'll protect you forever, just like I did the last few days."
She wondered why he just said that out of the blue.
He sensed her question and smiled. "I look at you, and see your mother. I so badly wanted to be your mother's knight in shining armor. But... That never happened, because I wasn't pure enough at the time to possibly be able to serve her and protect her. And now I have another chance to protect her, through you... I can be your friend, like I always wanted to be hers."
Her own eyes were tearing up at his words. "You really did love her."
"I did. And now I will make up for hurting her by being your protector."
"Does that mean you'll come back with me to the palace and see my mother!?" She smiled.
"I don't know... I cannot promise you that."
"But you can't do anything else for me now, unless you see her! She knows everyone I spend time with. She would find out about you very quickly!"
"Perhaps that is so. I will have to think about it... Now, Destiny, it is bedtime. I'm taking you home, come Apollo. You need your rest."
"But I won't possibly be able to walk!"
"Maybe. But then I need my rest, so that I may carry you. Go to sleep now." He kissed her forehead.
She snuggled under the covers with a tranquility she had not had last time she had fallen asleep. She quickly fell asleep, filled with dreams of her family, friends, and her dark haired saviour, who would tomorrow take her home.
Dallas couldn't bring himself to leave. He sunk down into a chair and watched the sleeping girl, eyes filling with tears, knowing this small child might've been his daughter, if only fate would have allowed.
Outside, an individual watched, gentle eyes focused on both the sleeping princess and the weeping man, who she immediately recognized. She forgot her intentions to retrieve the girl, and laid down nearby, planning to confront them in the morning
***
The church towers chimed loudly.
Trinity sprang upwards in bed
Lance was already up, staring out the window in his baby blue pajamas.
"Lance..."
He looked over his shoulder. "Good morning sweets."
"Are you waiting for her?"
He nodded.
Victoria waltzed in, smiling, even though her hair was flying all over the place. "Good morning guys."
Lance hugged his niece. "Have a nice sleep?"
She nodded. "I'm glad to see the sun shining again."
"It'll be shining for a long time Vicki," said Trinity.
"Any sign of her yet?"
Lance shook his head. "Nothing so far."
"Did mom or dad call?"
Lance shook his head again. "Um, Trin, try and call on Bliss."
"Why?"
"I want to know exactly when we should be expecting her."
"The Diamond's downstairs... I don't want to go all the way down there... And it's not respectable for a queen to be tramping about her palace looking like an angry housewife like I do right now," she said, glancing at herself in a mirror.
"Vicki... Could you run downstairs and grab the Diamond for your aunt?"
"Will they let me Unc? That room is heavily guarded. For all they know, I'm some disguised spy."
Lance groaned, knowing she was right. "Fine... I'll go. You watch Vick."
Victoria took Lance's place on the window seat.
Lance sleepily trudged off.
He returned a few minutes later, with the Diamond clasped in his hand. He tossed it to Trinity.
Trinity pressed on the jewel meant to call on Bliss.
But Bliss did not come.
"Dammit! Bliss, where are you!?"
"Try one of the others auntie," suggested Victoria, who had not taken her gaze from the window.
She sighed, pressing on the jewel that would summon Faith.
A slender, delicate woman appeared before her. She had long, straight lavendar hair that fell to the small of her back. Bangs fell over her face, but parted enough to see the turquoise jewels that were her eyes. A band of amethyst circled her head, and long strings of pearls came from the sides of her glittering headpiece. Her lips were red as a rose, and her skin almost white. She wore a light purple dress, dotted with seed pearls. On her finger, she boasted a tanzanite ring. This was the Peace Keeper, Faith.
"Yes, Trinity-sama?" asked Faith in a gentle voice.
"Where is Bliss?"
"Bliss will not appear to you Trinity-sama."
"I want to know when my daughter will be home."
"I do believe Bliss told you that."
"She isn't home."
"She did not say that she would return at the dawning of Apollo. She said she would be back within Apollo."
Trinity sighed a frusterated sigh.
"Is that all you wanted to know, Star Empress?"
"Yes," Trinity grumbled.
"I will be going then. We demi goddesses have things we must do."
"Of course."
With that, Faith disappeared.
Trinity held back the urge to throw the Diamond out the window.
Lance and Victoria sighed, and kept watching out the window for any sign of Destiny.
***
Destiny awoke for the second time in Dallas's little cottage.
Dallas was lying in his chair, legs draped over the arm.
She slid out of bed, and winced when her feet touched the cold, hard floor. She limped over to him, the floor creaking with her every step.
"Dallas, wake up!" she hissed, trying to be quiet.
"Hmm?" Dallas opened one eye. "Oh... Good morning m'lady."
"We have to get going soon!"
He sighed and nodded. "Hold on... Give me some time to get ready."
With that, the door flew open.
Dallas grabbed the girl close to him, afraid that someone may be trying to break in, to harm her.
"It is alright, prince of Hellions. I am not here to harm you, and I am especially not here to harm the faerie princess. I am here to retrieve her, and bring her home."
There in a doorway, stood a woman. She had long white hair that fell to her waist, and skin almost as light as her hair. Her eyes were a deep, deep sapphire blue. They were eyes that held much pain and sadness. She wore an amethyst colored dress that fell to her feet. A pinkish mark of a star was on her forehead. This was the Lady Amalthea.
:) "For a pic of this woman, go here." http://moskva-gw.cccpnet.gov.ussr.net/unicorns/movies/tlu/4.jpg
"Who are you?" Dallas asked, his voice trembling.
"I am the unicorn of the Night Forest," she answered calmly.
Dallas had to breathe very slowly and deeply to keep himself from bursting into laughter. "You don't look at all like a unicorn to me."
Destiny finally understood what was going on. "Moonie!" she cried out happily.
"Destiny, do you know this woman?" asked Dallas.
Dessy broke free of Dallas and ran into Moonie's waiting arms.
Dallas rose, and gasped. "I know you now!"
Amalthea smiled. "I am glad you do. Now do tell, Dallas, how did you come across Dessy?"
"I found her bleeding on the ground. A creature had bitten her."
"And why didn't you return her home?"
"There was no way I could have navigated myself through the forest in the dark, Moon Dancer."
"My name is Amalthea," she answered cooly. "Now what are you doing on Harmonia?"
"I've been here for the past fifteen years."
Amalthea frowned.
"An old medicine man saved him Moonie and made him good. He isn't bad anymore."
"I'll be the judge of that. Later. Come Destiny... We're going home."
"He has to come with us Moonie!"
"No Destiny."
Dallas scowled at the white lady. "The princess has asked me to accompany her. If that is her wish, I will do so."
"You've brainwashed her somehow."
"No Moonie! He's been good to me! He saved me from dying, and he's taken care of me!"
Amalthea sighed. "Dallas, she can never trust you as such! What have you done to her!?"
"It was not I. It was the princess's heart that forgave me for what I did. Will you not do the same, unicorn?"
"Never," she hissed.
Dallas growled.
Amalthea closed her eyes and transformed herself into the beautiful unicorn that she truly was. "Onto my back Dessy."
Destiny obediently climbed onto Amalthea's back. "Please, please Moonie. Let him come back with us."
Amalthea whinnied in annoyance. "Fine! But I swear... If you try anything that I deem wrong, you will be impaled on this!" She pointed her horn at Dallas.
Dallas nodded. "I completely understand, guardian of the forest."
"Keep up with me if you can, mighty hellion!" The unicorn took off running.
Dallas smirked and ran after them, determined not to lose the star princess once more.
***
It had been hours since Trinity had called upon Faith.
Calandra had joined Lance and Victoria at the window.
Chi-Chi's disappearance had not been noticed.
"It is nearing the end of the first half of Apollo," Lance said quietly.
Calandra nodded and sighed.
Victoria saw something move, but the sun blocked her vision. She pressed her face against the window, squinting against the light. She grinned. "Look! It's Moonie! And look who's riding her!"
Trinity flew at the window, eyes widened and teared with joy, as she saw her daughter clinging tightly to Amalthea's neck as she ran. "Destiny!" she cried allowed.
They all rushed downstairs, and out one of the back ways, so they could wait for the two.
In no time at all, Amalthea and Destiny had arrived, gleaming in the sunlight in front of them.
Trinity and Lance ran to their daughter and brought her into their arms, holding her close and crying.
Nearby, a sandy haired girl, in her soldier uniform watched sadly. "I wonder if they'd ever be so happy to see me... If I came back now."
Suddenly, out of the forest came another figure.
Amalthea stayed silent.
Trinity looked up and gasped in shock. "No... It can't be..."
Amalthea glared at the man, and ran in front of Trinity and her daughter.
"Des- Trinity," Dallas corrected himself. "I... I mean you no harm."
"Stay back!" Trinity yelled, pulling her daughter close.
"Momma... It's okay. He's good."
Lance paid no mind to Destiny's words. He drew his sword and held it offensively at Dallas.
"He saved me! I got bit, while out in the woods, and he saved me!"
"Lance, stand down!" Trinity cried.
Lance backed down, but his eyes did not empty out their hatred.
Amalthea still stood between Dallas and the two women of the stars, keeping them as far apart as she could.
"Tell me what happened darling," Trinity told her child.
"Well, I went to go look for Moonie, like I told you I would. But when I got in the woods, something really weird happened. I got really energetic and I started running and I just couldn't stop. I didn't stop until I tripped over a log, and that was after Kokuki had risen. I hurt so much, but I knew I had to go home. I started off to look for a place to go when I got bit by something. And then he came and took my into his house and helped me and took care of me."
Trinity herself knew that Dessy, no matter what, would never lie to defend evil. "Was this the way of it Dallas!?" she shot at him.
He nodded solemnly. "My lady, I am not the man you used to know."
"Is this some sick way of getting to me!?" she hissed.
"Of course not. I had no desire to come here, until begged to by your daughter. I wish nothing but to protect her, to make up for what I had done to her in the past. And to you."
"And to the rest of Crystillia!" she spat.
"No. That was all my mother's doing. I was only interested in you. Not the Diamond, not Harmonia, not Crystillia, only you. I loved you, queen. But I can never do so again, even though I have rid myself of evil..."
"No." She shook her head. "You have not. How did you survive!?"
"You did not kill me. You injured me. I was rescued by an old man who taught me right from wrong, and showed me things I should have been shown long ago. I am good now Trinity."
"There is still evil in you. As long as that mark is on your head, you still have a chance of losing all these wonderful things you say this man taught you. It would take powerful healing to rid you of evil."
"Then please, empress." He knelt before her. "Heal me. I know you have the power. Heal me, please."
She looked into an eyes and saw a sincerity in them.
^^You really want this, don't you Dallas?^^
^I do... I really do. Please Destiny... Trinity... Heal me. Please... Princess. Only you can save me now.^
Baby, please try, to forgive me.
Stay here, don't put out the glow.
Hold me now, don't bother, if every moment it makes me weaker.
You can save me, from the man that I've become.
Lookin' back on the things I've done,
I was tryin' to be someone,
To play my part, kept you in the dark.
Now let me show you the shape of my heart.
The Diamond involuntarily rose above Trinity.
Send in this beautiful loneliness, that's tragical,
So help me, I can't win this war.
Touch me now, don't bother, if every second it makes me weaker.
You can save me, from the man that I've become.
Lookin' back on the things I've done,
I was tryin' to be someone,
To play my part, kept you in the dark.
Now let me show you the shape of my heart.
The Diamond cast a glow over Dallas.
Without him knowing it, he was levitated into the air.
The others watched intently.
I'm here with my confession.
Got nothing to hide no more.
I don't know where to start.
But let me show you the shape of my heart.
I'm lookin' back on the things I've done.
I never wanna play the same old part.
I'll keep you in the dark.
Now let me show you the shape of my heart.
They saw Dallas shrink a bit. His features grew younger. His eyes were no longer dull and full of pain, but big and bright. The mark of the flame on his forehead shattered, and disappeared.
Lookin' back on the things I've done,
I was tryin' to be someone.
I played my part, kept you in the dark.
Now let me show you the shape of my heart.
Lookin' back on the things I've done,
I was tryin' to be someone.
I played my party, kept you in the dark.
Now let me show you the shape of my heart.
Show you the shape, of my heart...
Dallas, no longer near forty years old, now a teenage boy, lay at their feet, eyes shut in blissful slumber.
"Trinity... What happened?"
"I... I don't know. I just don't know." Trinity bowed her head in confusion.
Amalthea walked stealthily over to the unconscious Dallas. "He is asleep."
Lance reluctantly picked Dallas up. "Let's take him inside."
They all silently walked back inside, Dallas in Lance's arms, Destiny holding her mother's hand, Victoria and Calandra walking with their heads bowed, Amalthea, now in human form, staring straight ahead.
Lance lay him down in one of the guest rooms. "He will do well here for now. I'll have them place guards here." He looked to Victoria, Calandra, and Destiny. "You three, go into Dessy's room or something. Don't come anywhere near here."
They nodded obediently.
Victoria and Calandra started to walk away, trying to drag Dessy with them.
Dessy lingered a bit, before her father gave her a warning glance, and she quickly followed her cousins.
"Usagi will never believe this," muttered Trinity.
"My dear," said Amalthea, "I am thousands of years old, and I'm not even sure if I believe it. We'll have to wait and see what happens."
"Only God knows," said Lance, looking down at the sleeping boy. "Only God knows."
Disclaimer: I do not own, Sailor Moon, Voltron, TLU, or any of that stuff. I also do not own the song The Shape of My Heart, by the Backstreet Boys. I do own all other characters and stuff and if you are confused about who is mine and who is not, email me. What will happen to you if you take my characters without my permission and don't have a very good excuse? Do the words red-hot pokers mean anything to you?
Anyway, hey to Selenity-chan, Gemini, Vicki, Reenie, and all my other friends and family this is dedicated to. Farewell for now minna-chan. ^.~
p.s. I am NOT a backstreet boys fan... Really I'm not. I just thought the words fit the situation. Just so you know, those are Dallas's emotions, not Trinity's, as if you couldn't tell. Hehe. Ja ne.
Dessy awoke, stretching her arms.
She noticed her ankle didn't hurt as much anymore. But the rest of her body still hurt.
"You've awoken, princess child."
She looked over, to see the raven-haired man leaning back in a chair, smiling at her.
"Did you sleep well?"
She nodded. "Did you really stay with me the whole night like you said you would?"
"Indeed I did. I don't break promises."
She turned over on her side, resting her head in her hand. "What was it like being a Hell Keeper?"
He shook his head. "Must you make me recall that..."
"Please tell me! I love stories... I know what it was like being on the good side... What was it like on your side? How did you meet my mother?"
"I met her long ago little cherry blossom... I first became aware of her existence when she was about your age."
"Back... Back in the Silver Millennium?"
He nodded. "She was a queer little thing. So different from your grandmother... Your grandmother had a commanding presence... Very stern, powerful... But not your mother. She was gentle, delicate... Just like you my dear. She wore a purple dress, with silver pearls, and a silver bow..."
"Like mine?" she asked.
"I guess so. She had the longest hair... Your hair would be very long too, if you had let it grow. I can tell, by those two thin strips that hang down."
"I just let most of it stay shorter, like this..."
"It gives you a pretty look... I could not imagine you any other way. But her hair... It was made of golden threads, I swear it... Her skin was just... A little less pale then yours. And smooth as silk, like yours. Her eyes, as green as the forests, with some blue mixed in... They captured me. And finally, it was her kindred personality that got me to fall for her."
"So... You really loved my mother? It wasn't just evil lust?"
"It could have been... More then likely was... A bit of lust. But yes... I loved your mother. A part of me always will."
"Well... You can see her again, and you can become friends!"
He shook his head. "That would not work Destiny. Your mother hates me, nothing can change that."
"That's not so! My mom is a very forgiving person!"
He didn't answer, and removed the bandage from her ankle. "Let's see if you can walk on this." He lifted her off of the bed and put her down, keeping an arm around her, to support her.
"Try to walk."
Her lip quivered. "It hurts."
"Try."
She sighed and took a step forward, only to almost fall, if Dallas hadn't been there to support her.
He shook his head and set her back down.
"Are you gonna take me home tonight like you promised?"
He shook his head. "No way I can take you back tonight."
"But you promised!"
He looked outside. "Little one, what moon is it tonight?"
"Kokuki of course."
"And what will it be tomorrow night?"
"Paradicius."
"Would you rather be taken home in the night, or in the day?"
"I would much prefer the day... But that's about a day and a half away!"
"But what if an animal came and bit me? Then how would we get there? We can't see out there anyways. And I'd have to carry you. And we're quite a ways away from the palace dear girl."
"Well then... What are we gonna do for the next thirty-seven hours?"
"Eating and sleeping are two of the necessary activities that we must perform," joked Dallas.
"Well what about the rest of the time? You gonna hit me again?" She smiled, thinking that funny.
That hurt him a bit, but fought the emotional pain back, knowing she meant no harm. "No dear, I'm not going to hit you."
"I was kidding..."
"I know..."
They both sighed, wondering exactly how long they would have to live together.
***
Trinity and Lance were still frantic.
Chi-Chi and Jay had learned by this time what had happened with their sister.
But at least Jay wasn't very worried.
"Mom, Dad, you should try to relax. Bliss said she'd be back by Apollo, right?"
Lance was very close to punching his son, as he was sick of hearing about how 'Bliss said this was going to happen and so she'll be alright.'
"Announcing King Keith and Queen Allura Kogane of Arus, and their children," a voice boomed over the intercom.
Trinity and Lance perked up a little at the thought of seeing their old friends and siblings.
Jay however was not at all happy at the thought of having to see Darrot.
Allura wore a dress of pink with empress sleeves. The dress itself was lined in gold. The dress no longer had a high neckline but more of a peek-a-boo neckline She wore satin slipper like shoes, as she was already pretty tall. Thick golden hair fell to her waist. Her eyes were a deep sapphire blue with long thick lashes. Her skin was pale, but nowhere near as white as Destiny's. Her features were small and delicate. This was Queen Allura Giovanna Kogane of the planet Arus.
The man by her side had quite the muscular build, with unruly black locks and big chocolate brown eyes. He was dressed in military uniform. This was King Keith Britton Kogane, Allura's husband.
There were three children behind him. Well, not exactly "children." They all looked about sixteen.
The eldest of the three was indeed sixteen. He had jet-black hair that spiked upward in the front, but was well gelled down in the back. His eyes were an amber color. His skin was well tanned, mainly from many hours of intense training with his father.
"If it weren't for the big amber eyes, you'd think he was Spanish, or Caribbean."
His lips were curved into a frown, and his arms were crossed, eyes downcast, deep in thoughts of his own. This was Prince Darrot Allen Kogane.
One of the girls was also sixteen. She had low-lighted blonde hair that fell a bit past her waist. Her large eyes were a beautiful emerald green. Her skin was also well tanned, but she was nowhere near as dark as Darrot. Her smile was bright and vivacious. This was Princess Victoria Abigail Kogane.
The other, the youngest, was also sixteen. She had beautiful dark brown tresses that streamed down her back in a fountain of chocolate. Her skin was the golden color of honey. She had big deep soft brown eyes, much like her father's. Her lips were brought into a sad pout. Her small hands were clasped tightly in front of her. This was Princess Calandra Eleanor Kogane.
These three were the royal triplets of the planet Arus, children of Keith and Allura.
"We heard about Destiny Lance," said Keith. "We decided to come by to see if you were okay."
Lance wasn't listening. His face was buried in his hands.
"He sure doesn't look alright," Darrot said in a voice barely intelligible.
"Well would you be if your daughter was missing?" shot Victoria back at him in an angry whisper.
"I ain't alright either... I think we're all upset about Destiny's disappearance."
"All I want to know is," said Lance quietly, "is where she is... If someone took her... Who... And why..."
"That would be easy to figure out," said Victoria. "It's probably just some nut ball wanting to take over the Crystal Galaxy... What better way to do it than hold the heir to the throne captive?"
Darrot glared at Victoria. "Hold your tongue."
Calandra couldn't bring herself to say anything.
"Trinity," said Allura gently. "Where was Dessy last?"
"The Night Forest," Trinity answered. "She went there to look for Moonie."
"Has anyone seen Moonie?"
Nobody had.
"This is ridiculous," said Keith. "If there really was someone holding her prisoner, word would have gotten out of it by now... Evil beings aren't the best at keeping secrets. They like to brag about their latest find... The Star Princess would be a great prize."
"Maybe she found Moonie," said Calandra, "but maybe Moonie got hurt... And Dessy didn't want to leave her."
"Well... There's no evident danger," said Trinity. "The Diamond was glowing last night. But I called upon its visions and all it showed was Dessy running through the woods in a little faerie outfit. She didn't seem to be in any trouble. But the Diamond kept glowing... Until after awhile... It stopped."
Darrot's face grew grim. "Does the Violet Diamond stop glowing when the endangered person dies?"
That did it for Lance. He passed out there on the sofa.
Trinity sat down beside the unconscious warrior and put her arm around him and laid his head on her shoulder.
"Nice going Darry," Victoria muttered.
"It's a possibility," said Darrot.
"No," said Trinity. "The Diamond would still glow if she had died, especially if she had died. She has a bond with the Diamond too. Not very strong yet, but, still a bond."
"Scratch that then," said Victoria in relief.
"And Darrot," said Keith, "what have I told you about causing panic and hysteria?"
"I didn't cause panic and hysteria. You said not to hide things like that from someone. And he only passed out."
Keith shook his head. "You still have much to learn..."
"There must have been some kind of danger in her running about the forest that wasn't really able to be seen by the eye," said Allura. "Like a hidden variable."
"Well according to the Diamond, she's safe," said Trinity. "No evil force, or any force for that matter, can evade the Diamond's sensitive feeling for tracking danger."
"I hope so Trin..."
"There is no way," interrupted Trinity. "No way at all."
***
Amalthea wandered through the woods. Of course she, the guardian of the sacred forest, had heard of Dessy's disappearance.
And she was making it her business to find her.
Amalthea concentrated hard, trying to gather up any sense of where the little sprite had last been.
"Where are you faerie princess... Fine day to run off..."
Her hooves treaded lightly on the fertile soil, as she tried to pick up Dessy's sense, or scent, whichever came easier.
"She's got to be somewhere in the Night Forest... Surely I would have felt something if something bad had happened... Not that it isn't bad enough that the princess of Crystillia is gone..."
Her silver mane fluttered in the light breeze that swept through the night air. Her horn glistened like a gleaming white pearl seashell. Her neck was long and slender, her small head perched on top.
"She has to be somewhere on the planet. I would have felt it."
She took off into a gallop, desperate to find her princess. Her whinnies of worry could be heard as far as the human ear could hear.
Suddenly, she smelt something. "Destiny?"
It was. She recognized the scent of the girl against a birch tree.
Amalthea carefully began to sniff out Dessy's trail, and follow it. She knew she may be Dessy's only way home, and that the king and queen would lose their minds, if Dessy did not return soon.
***
Dallas sat quietly in his chair, reading a book in some forgotten ancient language.
"You never did tell me what it was like being a Hell Keeper."
Dallas sighed and set his book down in his lap. "Why are you so eager to know?"
"As I said earlier, I love stories."
"My life is not a story dear girl. It is a tragedy."
"Tragedies are stories too."
He laughed lightly. "Okay, okay... If you must know..." He took a deep breath. "My mother's name was..."
"Nerachnia!"
He nodded. "I didn't really have a father to speak of. If I did, I never knew of him. I was a very lonely child. I was taught by those around me that things like love and friendship weren't important parts of life, if they were parts of life at all. My mother was my only family. I was close to no one. I lived a sad pitiful life, being drenched in evil and darkness for a lot it. I was often alone, and when I wasn't, I was training, so I would someday be able to take over the clan whenever my mother passed on. Then one day... I heard of an upcoming attack my mother was plotting... Against your mother's family. Destiny Marguerite was queen at the time. Your mother was the Star Princess... But she was not yet officially crowned... I escaped to Harmonia one day... I thought it so beautiful compared to the barren land of the Hell Keepers. And there... In a golden meadow... I saw your mother. She was a little thing... But so beautiful... I had to go to her..."
"Golden meadow? Sundance Field?"
"If that's what you call it..."
She nodded.
"I was about eighteen... Your mother was thirteen, your same age."
"But you were so old, and was so young..."
"Where I came from, those things didn't matter. She did not know who I was... Though I knew very well who she was. I didn't care if she was who Nerachnia said was the enemy... I became... Friends with her..."
"Does she know?"
"I never found out. I never brought it up to her. But then the time came when she died... That's when I just totally lose any sense of good in me. I was so horrified with seeing her die in that battle, that I threw it all away... And dedicated my life to bringing her back. Of course I found her... But my gentleness, and my feelings of good were gone. But my love wasn't. But without good without inside me, my love appeared to be nothing but lust. And eventually... I went crazy. I almost killed her. And they ended up blowing my family into oblivion. My life was nothing but sadness, loneliness, and evil."
Dessy was silent.
"The evil is gone... But the loneliness and sadness will forever remain a part of me."
Dessy glanced outside.
Paradicius, beautiful and bright, now shone in the sky.
***
Keith, Allura, and Darrot had returned to Arus.
Victoria and Calandra had insisted on staying, in case Destiny were to come home early.
Lance was asleep, sprawled out on the sofa across from them, where he had passed out earlier.
Trinity sat by him, quiet as a mouse.
Calandra broke the painful silence. "Aunt Trinity... Is... Is Uncle Lance alright?"
Trinity nodded slowly. "He'll be fine. Darrot just gave him a fright."
"Where's Chi-Chi?"
"Out playing at this hour I suppose."
"Does she know?"
"She knows as much as people have told her... Which really isn't much. She only knows that Dessy is gone..."
Victoria sighed.
Calandra looked at the floor, twiddling her thumbs.
"According to Bliss's prophecy, she'll be home soon. Don't worry."
Trinity shook her head, and gently stroked Lance's hair. She kept doing this for awhile.
The two Arusian twins got up and sighed. They left her there alone with her husband, to find something to do elsewhere.
The second half of the night soon descended upon Harmonia.
"In twelve hours... It will be Apollo... Destiny will come home..."
Chi-Chi came springing in, covered in dirt. "I was playing with Jay. We had a mud fest!"
Trinity didn't respond.
"Mommy?"
"Chi-Chi... Leave me..."
Chi-Chi, remembering how her mother had told her to leave during Sol, made an angry face. "You never want to be around me anymore! You hate me, I know you do! You like Destiny better then me! Ever since she left, all you've been doing is sitting around crying about her! It's always her! If you didn't like me, then why did you make me in the first place!?"
With that, Trinity burst into tears and wails, burying her face into the sofa cushion.
Chi-Chi felt no sympathy for her mother at the moment. "Maybe I should just leave like you told me, except I'll never come back! I'll go and find a place where everyone will love me and where no one will tell me what to do!"
Trinity just sobbed harder, already hurt by her eldest daughter's disappearance, and now Chi-Chi's harsh words.
"Goodbye forever mommy!" Chi-Chi ran out of the room, almost in tears herself.
She ran behind a corner, and looked back into the open door, where her mother lay crumpled on the floor, spilling her tears onto the burgundy carpet. "I... I love you..." She quietly transformed into Sailor Paradicius, and sped out to the outside, where she intended to disappear into the forest like her sister had done.
***
Destiny was tiring. Twelve hours of doing nothing but laying in bed bored her, and being bored is often likely to tire a person out.
"Tired, little one?"
She looked to the side.
Dallas had suddenly got up and left abruptly hours ago, after his discussion about his previous life. He had just now come back.
"Where did you go?"
He shrugged. "Does it matter?"
She sighed, and buried herself under the covers.
"I am sorry if I upset you star princess." He winced at those words.
He could recognize the shape of a shaking head under the blanket. He sat down and pulled the covers off of her. "Why are you hiding from me?"
She shrugged.
Dallas pulled the young girl into a hug. "If I can help it child, I'll protect you forever, just like I did the last few days."
She wondered why he just said that out of the blue.
He sensed her question and smiled. "I look at you, and see your mother. I so badly wanted to be your mother's knight in shining armor. But... That never happened, because I wasn't pure enough at the time to possibly be able to serve her and protect her. And now I have another chance to protect her, through you... I can be your friend, like I always wanted to be hers."
Her own eyes were tearing up at his words. "You really did love her."
"I did. And now I will make up for hurting her by being your protector."
"Does that mean you'll come back with me to the palace and see my mother!?" She smiled.
"I don't know... I cannot promise you that."
"But you can't do anything else for me now, unless you see her! She knows everyone I spend time with. She would find out about you very quickly!"
"Perhaps that is so. I will have to think about it... Now, Destiny, it is bedtime. I'm taking you home, come Apollo. You need your rest."
"But I won't possibly be able to walk!"
"Maybe. But then I need my rest, so that I may carry you. Go to sleep now." He kissed her forehead.
She snuggled under the covers with a tranquility she had not had last time she had fallen asleep. She quickly fell asleep, filled with dreams of her family, friends, and her dark haired saviour, who would tomorrow take her home.
Dallas couldn't bring himself to leave. He sunk down into a chair and watched the sleeping girl, eyes filling with tears, knowing this small child might've been his daughter, if only fate would have allowed.
Outside, an individual watched, gentle eyes focused on both the sleeping princess and the weeping man, who she immediately recognized. She forgot her intentions to retrieve the girl, and laid down nearby, planning to confront them in the morning
***
The church towers chimed loudly.
Trinity sprang upwards in bed
Lance was already up, staring out the window in his baby blue pajamas.
"Lance..."
He looked over his shoulder. "Good morning sweets."
"Are you waiting for her?"
He nodded.
Victoria waltzed in, smiling, even though her hair was flying all over the place. "Good morning guys."
Lance hugged his niece. "Have a nice sleep?"
She nodded. "I'm glad to see the sun shining again."
"It'll be shining for a long time Vicki," said Trinity.
"Any sign of her yet?"
Lance shook his head. "Nothing so far."
"Did mom or dad call?"
Lance shook his head again. "Um, Trin, try and call on Bliss."
"Why?"
"I want to know exactly when we should be expecting her."
"The Diamond's downstairs... I don't want to go all the way down there... And it's not respectable for a queen to be tramping about her palace looking like an angry housewife like I do right now," she said, glancing at herself in a mirror.
"Vicki... Could you run downstairs and grab the Diamond for your aunt?"
"Will they let me Unc? That room is heavily guarded. For all they know, I'm some disguised spy."
Lance groaned, knowing she was right. "Fine... I'll go. You watch Vick."
Victoria took Lance's place on the window seat.
Lance sleepily trudged off.
He returned a few minutes later, with the Diamond clasped in his hand. He tossed it to Trinity.
Trinity pressed on the jewel meant to call on Bliss.
But Bliss did not come.
"Dammit! Bliss, where are you!?"
"Try one of the others auntie," suggested Victoria, who had not taken her gaze from the window.
She sighed, pressing on the jewel that would summon Faith.
A slender, delicate woman appeared before her. She had long, straight lavendar hair that fell to the small of her back. Bangs fell over her face, but parted enough to see the turquoise jewels that were her eyes. A band of amethyst circled her head, and long strings of pearls came from the sides of her glittering headpiece. Her lips were red as a rose, and her skin almost white. She wore a light purple dress, dotted with seed pearls. On her finger, she boasted a tanzanite ring. This was the Peace Keeper, Faith.
"Yes, Trinity-sama?" asked Faith in a gentle voice.
"Where is Bliss?"
"Bliss will not appear to you Trinity-sama."
"I want to know when my daughter will be home."
"I do believe Bliss told you that."
"She isn't home."
"She did not say that she would return at the dawning of Apollo. She said she would be back within Apollo."
Trinity sighed a frusterated sigh.
"Is that all you wanted to know, Star Empress?"
"Yes," Trinity grumbled.
"I will be going then. We demi goddesses have things we must do."
"Of course."
With that, Faith disappeared.
Trinity held back the urge to throw the Diamond out the window.
Lance and Victoria sighed, and kept watching out the window for any sign of Destiny.
***
Destiny awoke for the second time in Dallas's little cottage.
Dallas was lying in his chair, legs draped over the arm.
She slid out of bed, and winced when her feet touched the cold, hard floor. She limped over to him, the floor creaking with her every step.
"Dallas, wake up!" she hissed, trying to be quiet.
"Hmm?" Dallas opened one eye. "Oh... Good morning m'lady."
"We have to get going soon!"
He sighed and nodded. "Hold on... Give me some time to get ready."
With that, the door flew open.
Dallas grabbed the girl close to him, afraid that someone may be trying to break in, to harm her.
"It is alright, prince of Hellions. I am not here to harm you, and I am especially not here to harm the faerie princess. I am here to retrieve her, and bring her home."
There in a doorway, stood a woman. She had long white hair that fell to her waist, and skin almost as light as her hair. Her eyes were a deep, deep sapphire blue. They were eyes that held much pain and sadness. She wore an amethyst colored dress that fell to her feet. A pinkish mark of a star was on her forehead. This was the Lady Amalthea.
:) "For a pic of this woman, go here." http://moskva-gw.cccpnet.gov.ussr.net/unicorns/movies/tlu/4.jpg
"Who are you?" Dallas asked, his voice trembling.
"I am the unicorn of the Night Forest," she answered calmly.
Dallas had to breathe very slowly and deeply to keep himself from bursting into laughter. "You don't look at all like a unicorn to me."
Destiny finally understood what was going on. "Moonie!" she cried out happily.
"Destiny, do you know this woman?" asked Dallas.
Dessy broke free of Dallas and ran into Moonie's waiting arms.
Dallas rose, and gasped. "I know you now!"
Amalthea smiled. "I am glad you do. Now do tell, Dallas, how did you come across Dessy?"
"I found her bleeding on the ground. A creature had bitten her."
"And why didn't you return her home?"
"There was no way I could have navigated myself through the forest in the dark, Moon Dancer."
"My name is Amalthea," she answered cooly. "Now what are you doing on Harmonia?"
"I've been here for the past fifteen years."
Amalthea frowned.
"An old medicine man saved him Moonie and made him good. He isn't bad anymore."
"I'll be the judge of that. Later. Come Destiny... We're going home."
"He has to come with us Moonie!"
"No Destiny."
Dallas scowled at the white lady. "The princess has asked me to accompany her. If that is her wish, I will do so."
"You've brainwashed her somehow."
"No Moonie! He's been good to me! He saved me from dying, and he's taken care of me!"
Amalthea sighed. "Dallas, she can never trust you as such! What have you done to her!?"
"It was not I. It was the princess's heart that forgave me for what I did. Will you not do the same, unicorn?"
"Never," she hissed.
Dallas growled.
Amalthea closed her eyes and transformed herself into the beautiful unicorn that she truly was. "Onto my back Dessy."
Destiny obediently climbed onto Amalthea's back. "Please, please Moonie. Let him come back with us."
Amalthea whinnied in annoyance. "Fine! But I swear... If you try anything that I deem wrong, you will be impaled on this!" She pointed her horn at Dallas.
Dallas nodded. "I completely understand, guardian of the forest."
"Keep up with me if you can, mighty hellion!" The unicorn took off running.
Dallas smirked and ran after them, determined not to lose the star princess once more.
***
It had been hours since Trinity had called upon Faith.
Calandra had joined Lance and Victoria at the window.
Chi-Chi's disappearance had not been noticed.
"It is nearing the end of the first half of Apollo," Lance said quietly.
Calandra nodded and sighed.
Victoria saw something move, but the sun blocked her vision. She pressed her face against the window, squinting against the light. She grinned. "Look! It's Moonie! And look who's riding her!"
Trinity flew at the window, eyes widened and teared with joy, as she saw her daughter clinging tightly to Amalthea's neck as she ran. "Destiny!" she cried allowed.
They all rushed downstairs, and out one of the back ways, so they could wait for the two.
In no time at all, Amalthea and Destiny had arrived, gleaming in the sunlight in front of them.
Trinity and Lance ran to their daughter and brought her into their arms, holding her close and crying.
Nearby, a sandy haired girl, in her soldier uniform watched sadly. "I wonder if they'd ever be so happy to see me... If I came back now."
Suddenly, out of the forest came another figure.
Amalthea stayed silent.
Trinity looked up and gasped in shock. "No... It can't be..."
Amalthea glared at the man, and ran in front of Trinity and her daughter.
"Des- Trinity," Dallas corrected himself. "I... I mean you no harm."
"Stay back!" Trinity yelled, pulling her daughter close.
"Momma... It's okay. He's good."
Lance paid no mind to Destiny's words. He drew his sword and held it offensively at Dallas.
"He saved me! I got bit, while out in the woods, and he saved me!"
"Lance, stand down!" Trinity cried.
Lance backed down, but his eyes did not empty out their hatred.
Amalthea still stood between Dallas and the two women of the stars, keeping them as far apart as she could.
"Tell me what happened darling," Trinity told her child.
"Well, I went to go look for Moonie, like I told you I would. But when I got in the woods, something really weird happened. I got really energetic and I started running and I just couldn't stop. I didn't stop until I tripped over a log, and that was after Kokuki had risen. I hurt so much, but I knew I had to go home. I started off to look for a place to go when I got bit by something. And then he came and took my into his house and helped me and took care of me."
Trinity herself knew that Dessy, no matter what, would never lie to defend evil. "Was this the way of it Dallas!?" she shot at him.
He nodded solemnly. "My lady, I am not the man you used to know."
"Is this some sick way of getting to me!?" she hissed.
"Of course not. I had no desire to come here, until begged to by your daughter. I wish nothing but to protect her, to make up for what I had done to her in the past. And to you."
"And to the rest of Crystillia!" she spat.
"No. That was all my mother's doing. I was only interested in you. Not the Diamond, not Harmonia, not Crystillia, only you. I loved you, queen. But I can never do so again, even though I have rid myself of evil..."
"No." She shook her head. "You have not. How did you survive!?"
"You did not kill me. You injured me. I was rescued by an old man who taught me right from wrong, and showed me things I should have been shown long ago. I am good now Trinity."
"There is still evil in you. As long as that mark is on your head, you still have a chance of losing all these wonderful things you say this man taught you. It would take powerful healing to rid you of evil."
"Then please, empress." He knelt before her. "Heal me. I know you have the power. Heal me, please."
She looked into an eyes and saw a sincerity in them.
^^You really want this, don't you Dallas?^^
^I do... I really do. Please Destiny... Trinity... Heal me. Please... Princess. Only you can save me now.^
Baby, please try, to forgive me.
Stay here, don't put out the glow.
Hold me now, don't bother, if every moment it makes me weaker.
You can save me, from the man that I've become.
Lookin' back on the things I've done,
I was tryin' to be someone,
To play my part, kept you in the dark.
Now let me show you the shape of my heart.
The Diamond involuntarily rose above Trinity.
Send in this beautiful loneliness, that's tragical,
So help me, I can't win this war.
Touch me now, don't bother, if every second it makes me weaker.
You can save me, from the man that I've become.
Lookin' back on the things I've done,
I was tryin' to be someone,
To play my part, kept you in the dark.
Now let me show you the shape of my heart.
The Diamond cast a glow over Dallas.
Without him knowing it, he was levitated into the air.
The others watched intently.
I'm here with my confession.
Got nothing to hide no more.
I don't know where to start.
But let me show you the shape of my heart.
I'm lookin' back on the things I've done.
I never wanna play the same old part.
I'll keep you in the dark.
Now let me show you the shape of my heart.
They saw Dallas shrink a bit. His features grew younger. His eyes were no longer dull and full of pain, but big and bright. The mark of the flame on his forehead shattered, and disappeared.
Lookin' back on the things I've done,
I was tryin' to be someone.
I played my part, kept you in the dark.
Now let me show you the shape of my heart.
Lookin' back on the things I've done,
I was tryin' to be someone.
I played my party, kept you in the dark.
Now let me show you the shape of my heart.
Show you the shape, of my heart...
Dallas, no longer near forty years old, now a teenage boy, lay at their feet, eyes shut in blissful slumber.
"Trinity... What happened?"
"I... I don't know. I just don't know." Trinity bowed her head in confusion.
Amalthea walked stealthily over to the unconscious Dallas. "He is asleep."
Lance reluctantly picked Dallas up. "Let's take him inside."
They all silently walked back inside, Dallas in Lance's arms, Destiny holding her mother's hand, Victoria and Calandra walking with their heads bowed, Amalthea, now in human form, staring straight ahead.
Lance lay him down in one of the guest rooms. "He will do well here for now. I'll have them place guards here." He looked to Victoria, Calandra, and Destiny. "You three, go into Dessy's room or something. Don't come anywhere near here."
They nodded obediently.
Victoria and Calandra started to walk away, trying to drag Dessy with them.
Dessy lingered a bit, before her father gave her a warning glance, and she quickly followed her cousins.
"Usagi will never believe this," muttered Trinity.
"My dear," said Amalthea, "I am thousands of years old, and I'm not even sure if I believe it. We'll have to wait and see what happens."
"Only God knows," said Lance, looking down at the sleeping boy. "Only God knows."
Disclaimer: I do not own, Sailor Moon, Voltron, TLU, or any of that stuff. I also do not own the song The Shape of My Heart, by the Backstreet Boys. I do own all other characters and stuff and if you are confused about who is mine and who is not, email me. What will happen to you if you take my characters without my permission and don't have a very good excuse? Do the words red-hot pokers mean anything to you?
Anyway, hey to Selenity-chan, Gemini, Vicki, Reenie, and all my other friends and family this is dedicated to. Farewell for now minna-chan. ^.~
p.s. I am NOT a backstreet boys fan... Really I'm not. I just thought the words fit the situation. Just so you know, those are Dallas's emotions, not Trinity's, as if you couldn't tell. Hehe. Ja ne.