Until next time,
Evening Star
For Love of the Past
Chapter 13
The 'moon' had risen, and the stars shone down upon them, as by moonlight,
Aurora held the Sword of Pluto, closely examining it. She'd never seen
such a peculiar sword. The metal from which it had been forged was white,
yet the luster it carried made the sword seem almost translucent, iridescent.
The hilt was of silver; a shimmering
Simply holding the Sword, for Aurora, spoke volumes of the power it held. Her mind began to wander to the events of the afternoon, of the Sword's return to its Prince, of Malachite's transformation, and was lost in thought, until the obvious anxiousness of the man standing to her side brought her mind back to reality. Malachite found himself growing uncomfortable at Aurora's heavy scrutiny, as if, were she to continue her unwavering study of his Sword, his destiny, she would surely find fault with it. She turned love and compassion filled eyes towards him, holding the Sword out for him, "It's beautiful," she spoke softly, genuinely. She gazed at Warrior Pluto, at Malachite, and the man he had become. Oh, by the Heavens, he's beautiful, Aurora exclaimed to herself. She watched, as with grace, Warrior Pluto returned the Sword into its sheath at his left side. "Thank you, Star," Warrior Pluto replied modestly.
He looked to her, and remembered her first moments as Sailor Star - how hesitantly she had looked to him, seeking his approval. He hadn't understood her anxiousness at becoming Sailor Star until now. Now, he felt foolish, and uncomfortable in the uniform he bared. He felt unsure of all the changes that had taken place, felt insecure, and despised himself for it. He also felt anger, and near disgust, at the Sword for returning now, of all times. He felt as if the Sword had been passed to him second hand, as if it were not truly his by right, but because no one else more worthy remained, there was no other choice than to give it to him. Suddenly he needed to know that all that had happened, all that he had become, was not as pathetic as he took it to be.
Malachite hadn't realized he had become lost in thought or that all during this time, Aurora hadn't taken her eyes off of him. At least not until he felt her arms wrap themselves around his waist, and fell her body press close to his in reassurance. He looked down, startled, but soon felt the peace the closeness of her presence always brought him, and Malachite felt himself relax. Aurora looked up to him, with love and compassion in her eyes. "Stop doubting yourself, my love," she spoke softly, knowing what he was thinking, what it was that plagued him. "This is a great day; for you, and all of Pluto," she paused, looking into his eyes, assuring herself that he heard her words. "You have earned this Sword, and you have earned these powers. They are rightfully yours. You do not look foolish; this situation is not a pathetic one. Don't scorn this precious gift you have been given." Her last words spoken were merely in whisper, as she reached up, and gently brushed his bangs out of his face. At her touch, his body quivered.
Bringing his hand up to rest against the side of her face, he began caressing her check with his thumb, "Thank you Star," he repeated, his voice thick with emotion. With that, he in turn wrapped his arms around her petit waist, drawing her in ever closer. Moving his head closer to hers, he gently brushed his lips against hers, and feeling her respond, deepened the kiss. Braking the kiss several moments later, Malachite looked down at her, breathless, and saw Aurora to be as equally breathless as he. A blush stained her checks as she looked up at him, a small smile playing on her lips; her eyes shone with unmistakable love and admiration. "Hmmm," she teased, "I can only hope you doubt yourself more often if that's the response I get!" Aurora laughed, and Malachite's low laugh joined hers. He tightened his hold around her waist. "You don't have to wait for my insecurities to flare, Star – not to get that response out of me," he whispered, almost seductively in her ear. He felt her shiver, and saw the blush deepen on her checks. He smiled at her reaction to him; he always loved to see her blush.
Aurora reached up, lacing her hands at the back of his neck, "So," she asked lightheartedly, "what do these new powers encompass anyway?" He cocked an eyebrow at her, " Are you looking for a demonstration Star?" She looked up at him, attempting to look innocent, but failing miserably; she could never mask the mischievousness shinning in her eyes. "And what if I was?" she asked, a mischievous smile on her face. "Than, I wouldn't deny you," Malachite said simply, and stepping off of the small bridge and into the surrounding field, drew his sword. Swinging the Sword in an arc above his head, he brought it flush with the ground, aiming his up coming attack at the one massive tree standing in the clearing. Aurora could sense, more than hear, the Gardens around her go quiet as Malachite called out his command, "Pluto Hail Storm!" His voice resonated throughout the small clearing. Aurora stood, transfixed, as a beam of snow white light, beginning at the base, swiftly moved its way along the Sword's blade, launching itself directly for the tree looming ahead. Her eyes widened she looked on, and saw shards of ice, almost cylindrical in shape, coming to a point at either end, appear within the beam. The beam then faded, leaving only the shards of ice to continue along their path to the tree. Upon impact, the ice shards hit with such force, the tree was ripped apart, completely up rooted and torn to shreds. This tree had been immense, and had been destroy with what seemed like little effort. Aurora stood, feeling something almost akin to fear, at the destructive force of his powers. She knew this one attack was all Malachite would need; this coupled with his unsurpassable skill as a Warrior would make him undefeatable on the battled field. Aurora found herself praying to the Sun Stone that Malachite's abilities and powers would never be needed.
Warrior Pluto turned around, looking to Aurora, taking stock of her reaction. She seemed duly impressed, though her slight fear showed through in her eyes. Mentally, Malachite kicked himself – he should've held his powers back, at least somewhat, and waited until she had grown most accustomed of him being Warrior Pluto before showing her the full extent of his powers. Too late now, he thought. "Aurora, are you all alright?" he asked, walking up to her. Aurora looked at him levelly, and spoke evenly, "Malachite, you are truly impressive." He smiled, than looked up to the sky, determining the hour by the 'moons' position.
"It's getting late Star," Malachite concluded, "we should return to the Palace." Aurora agreed, and turning her eyes to the sky, called out to the stars to grant her the power to transform. As Sailor Star, she called Firewalker, transformed, to her. Upon his arrival, they mounted him, both, Sailor Star at the reins, and Warrior Pluto behind. Flying swiftly through the air, the young lovers returned to the Palace, and each to their separate beds. Never could they have suspected that there had been a witness to their silent return. Nor could they have suspected that their witness looked on with a heavy heart, strained to the point of breaking.
Is their love strong enough to over come what lies ahead? It could bring about their end in so many ways, and yet, it must be done. Kiaya looked to the stars, her heart crying, breaking; though her face, her eyes, gave nothing away. Sister, forgive me for what it is I am about to do. And pray for me, Angeline, pray your daughter may forgive me as well.
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