There was nothing but silence in the dark cage. Granted it was an elegantly crafted carriage, but it was a cage of darkness the seeped into Hotaru's body. The delicate silks were even painful to her touch. She watched as each planet floated by. Thoughts of her and Calvin swept through her mind. She held back her tears as she realized she was never going to see him again. She was changed to her choice and there was no escape. As she passed the planet Pluto her thoughts gave new light. She had saved the universe form any more of Chaos destruction. Setsuna would be safe and peace will come at last. She arrived at Chaos' Castle and was amazed of the vibrant light color of gold it was. She had expected dark things, but even the inside of the palace was bright and bustling with maids and servants preparing the royal wedding.
"When do I get to see my parents," Hotaru asked.
"Good time my sweet," Chaos replied, "You do know that you were a far greater treasure then what I was seeking."
Hotaru thought for a moment about what he actually was seeking.
"There was only one treasure I was seeking, my lady, it was the imperial silver crystal," Chaos answered before Hotaru could even ask.
"What was your reason to have such a thing," Hotaru pressed.
"Nothing really," Chaos laughed, "I mirly wanted it as a souvenir that the queen had fallen. It doesn't hold any such powers it's all wise tails."
Hotaru and Chaos walked up the long flights of stairs in silence. Hotaru could not help but feel anger and what happened. If only the queen realized to make a fake copy none of this would have happened. Chaos would not have cared about anything, but the idea that the mighty symbol of queen Serenity was put into the hands or Chaos. A copy would have done the same and people could still be at peace.
"I wish I could help make your night more comfortable, but alas it is bad luck to see the bride the night before the wedding," Chaos said gleefully. Hotaru fell awful about leading him to love her and that she would love him for an alliance. He did not seem as awful as she was told or read in the papers. She almost felt guilty of betraying her love for a stupid souvenir. Hotaru turned around and looked at her room. It was very similar to her room at home. It was a nice gesture for him to make her feel welcomed.
Just as Hotaru let her muscles relax they were touched by warm strong hands. Her heart jumped into her throat; stopping her from screaming.
"Shh princess, I wont hurt you," said a calming whisper upon her neck. Hotaru twirled around and realized it was Calvin. She could not stop her tears this time. She cried into his coat.
"The queen sent me as guardsmen, and Chaos agreed to it," Calvin informed her, "She knew he wanted the crystal, but she also didn't believe his naive sense about it. Look out your window." The two walked to the window, but it was Hotaru who went further out into the balcony. The castle still held its gold luster, but the ground was death. Trees were brunt and villages were very dim. It would have been hard to believe that anyone could live in such a place. Shadows loomed through the land searching for hosts to feed upon. They bred and feasted on their young because of their numbers. Hotaru knew they were vile creatures, but they were part of the food chain. They only ate wild beasts and their young, but the bones on the ground were of human nature.
Hotaru ran back into Calvin's arms and cried. She shook with terror more powerful then her nerves at the meeting. Calvin lifted her chin and kissed her quivering lips. Hotaru engaged in the passionate kiss.
The next morning Hotaru awoke in Calvin's arms. She dared not wake him, but watched as he slept peacefully. Their naked bodies were comforting together. Hotaru wanted nothing more, but to stay in her beloved's arms forever. Calvin barely opened his eyes, but was still able to kiss her forehead. He smiled and slide from the bed covers. He put on his uniform and waited in the corner of her room. He crouched down and held his sword as if he had used it for a pillow the whole night. Hotaru slipped into a fur coat that covered her feet as well as most of her face. Calvin smiled as he looked at her. Suddenly a few dozen maids came in with grooming tools of all sorts. Calvin was asked to guard the door as they prepared Hotaru for her wedding day.