Jupiter
The one who rose
Note: for this chapter I owe a special thank to PrinExe, who I know has been waiting for it for so long and helped me with the final sequence (even if mine isn't as romantic and full of feelings as yours, I hope you'll like it!).
The list of names here is longer than usual because Kirishima is too friendly, lol.
Kirishima Eijrou - Alexiares (one of Heracles' sons)
Kino Makoto - Alke (personification of prowess and courage)
Bakugou Katsuki - Cratos (personification of strength)
Ashido Mina - Achlys (goddess of poisons)
Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu - Anicetus (another of Heracles' sons)
Kaminari Denki - Keraunios (one of Zeus' epithets)
Shiozaki Ibara - Chloris (nymph of new growth and flowers)
Kendou Akira - Palaistra (goddess of wresting and physical activity)
Alexiares was only a child when he chose his path.
His father was a jovian moved to Mars to follow his wife, who he described as the most wonderful and beautiful warrior he'd ever met. Alexiares always found the story a little sappy, but at the same time he thought the decision to follow his heart was very manly of his father.
Neither his parents were particularly important: his father was a mere blacksmith while his mother was a low-level commander in the martian army, with many victories under her belt but meager power, not that she ever sought that.
She didn't mind what her child wanted to do with his life. She only ever insisted that he kept himself strong, honourable and true.
Wanting to follow in her path was only natural, the obvious choice. He had a propensity for fights and the ability to match up to his wishes, once honed his skills.
He followed the rules laid by his mother with the utmost care, training hard and being always honest with himself and the others.
Ending up in the Phobos' Dragons was a great honour for young warriors of Mars. They were Mars' elite force, known to always be the first line in every expedition, and had the fame of the most powerful and skilled fighters in Silver Millennium.
Being chosen to attend the training that would lead to be full-fledged Dragons was a recognition of ability in its own, and even those who were dismissed before the competition - the master in charge to train them was known to be ruthless and unforgiving - had better chances at raising in ranks in any other part of the army.
It was there that Alexiares met who would become his best friends: Cratos and Achlys among the first.
Together they sustained the strenuous training and were appointed Dragons young, with Cratos as their leader in a short time.
And that's when Alexiares was introduced to the Moon Court.
The Court was cohesive at that point, but never unwilling to expand.
The Princess was the most generous person one could imagine and had nothing but kindness to newcomers, effortlessly charming everyone with her smile and grace. It wasn't a stretch to say the army as a whole was willing to die just to protect her happiness.
Unlike the others, Cratos was used to the Court, having resided there for a good part of his childhood, to the point he called Elpis "Princeling" with the utmost familiarity and walked with secure stride down the pristine corridors that led the group to the Throne Room, where the new Dragons would meet the Sailor Senshi.
Alexiares, instead, was flabbergasted by the different world: its pure light, the whiteness, the elegance. It all made him feel a bit out of place at every step, even with his flaming new uniform.
«Normally, this ceremony would be held on Mars» they were explained by the young Lieutenant General of Mars, Meleager, who had been charged to meet them outside the room «But Sailor Jupiter wants to meet you too and we can't have two Senshi leave the side of the Princess at the same time»
«Whatever» Cratos had replied «As long as I can go back kicking asses soon. This place makes me hitch»
«He isn't talking for real» Alexiares tried to mediate.
Meleager rose an eyebrow «Oh, I know he is. He didn't change much from when we were children. Wait to be called in, it'll be done quick»
It was, in fact, a quick ceremony. The Royal family of the Moon was there, along with the four Inner Senshi and a large group of bystanders. The Dragons paraded inside, were received by Sailor Mars, who bestowed them the final piece of their uniform, a gauntlet with raven feathers, symbol of Phobos, then a round of applause and it was over.
The interesting part, at least according to Alexiares, came later.
Sailor Jupiter had challenged the new Dragons to spar with her, probably out of curiosity.
She was renown for changing often her sparring partners, the only of the Inners who did so, it seemed like challenging the whole new regiment of the Phobos' Dragons was her idea of fun.
And, well, Alexiares was animated by the same wish, so he was among the first to accept.
In fact, his for the princess of Jupiter wasn't love at first sight.
More like love at first fight.
The more he looked at her dragging opponents to the ground, plummeting them in the sand of the training ground, hairs in mild disarray and green eyes laser-focused, Alexiares found himself transfixed.
When his turn came, he couldn't do his very best. He went down in half a minute, a clean sweep off his feet, the irony of it not lost to him.
The dumb smile couldn't leave his face even after that.
«She could step on me and I'd thank her for that» he said, not low enough his companions couldn't hear and laugh at him.
Cratos exploded his face, both for the "idiot talking" and for soiling the reputation of the Dragons with his sub-par performance, even if the Captain himself had lasted mere minutes in the ring.
But Alexiares felt happy all the same.
Sailor Jupiter was the only one who didn't appoint a Lieutenant General in her younger years. It had started to become an issue in the last times.
It wasn't much the trouble of having a sparring partner, it was customary on Jupiter, in general, to change those often in order not to get too used to each other's ways and crystallize the fighting style. The matter was more the need for someone she could constantly rely on for troubles that weren't an immediate concern for the Senshi.
Venus had both Antheros and Hypnos to ship here and there at need, Mars kept Meleager close for any occurrence, Mercury could always count on Koios, and even Serenity relied on Elpis and Asteria in the rare occasions her Senshi weren't there. Jupiter didn't have anyone at this level yet.
Hers wasn't the hardest task: while Venus had to deal with her leadership role and her overly-complicated Venusian Court, or Mars had to keep in check the boiling blood of her people, Jovians had a large Royal family who took turns at keeping an eye on every little thing. But she'd like that connection between the Royals and the army she felt she lacked. And, as soon as the war on Earth started to outline on the horizon, she would find herself in need of it.
None in her family could take the role.
Tradition aside, her brother Keraunios was deemed too scatterbrained, and her sister Chloris had made a vow to never rise a weapon - except for her vine-like hair - in her life. Cousins of various degrees were too weak or not in good enough relationship with her, apparently there was still some resentment over Princess Alke being chosen by Queen Serenity and elevating the rank of her branch of the family, which had been a cadet for so long.
But Sailor Jupiter wasn't one to get discouraged by so little.
A competition was announced.
There were only three pre-requisites for participation: being in the same age bracket as the Princess, having received extensive training in fight and having at least one part of jovian blood.
Alexiares had all three.
«I'm going to try» he announced one evening to his companions.
Cratos sent him a weird look over his glass «You want to hole yourself up in the Castle?»
«Not that, man! I want to help...»
«Just admit you have a crush on Princess Jupiter and I'll help you» Achlys intervened, her yellow irises within the black scleras seeming to bear a hole in his skull.
«W-what?» he sputtered «No. I mean, maybe. She's amazing, okay, I could, anyone really...»
«Dammit, you sound like the Princeling» Cratos scoffed «Man up and admit it»
«Yeah, man up and admit it. Then Cratos will tell us who is his lover, finally!» Achlys emphasized.
Cratos almost exploded the table «The hell? I said you mind your own damned business!»
«I'm leaving tomorrow, so can we not make a mess, just for tonight?» Alexiares interrupted the skirmish «They said to get there as soon as possible, so...»
«So good luck!» Achlys exclaimed, cheerfully getting a bottle of liquor to pour «May the Stars bless you and your heart be strong!»
Cratos cheered too, albeit more subdued, then added «I won't wish you luck. I wish you common sense. Don't lose your head like the last time you fought her and you'll wipe the others out the table»
Alexiares thanked them both with a one-armed hug.
The trials to go through were simpler than one would think, given the importance of the job, most seemed designed to make sure some traits of the candidates' personalities could show, like their reactions to anger, to hostilities and so forth, more than an inherently physical test.
Anicetus, Alexiares' cousin and "the man who looked more like him in the Solar System" according to the respective families, was trying too and they met in the middle of the fifth round. The one only a handful of people passed because it turned out collaboration was tested there and they were the only ones who agreed to help each other in prevision of the next part.
The very last trial was, again, a sparring session with Sailor Jupiter herself and... well, Anicetus was made of metal, he went down in two seconds flat once hit by her thunder.
«I'm sorry,» she said when the man had recovered «You have a lot of good qualities, but in a fight you wouldn't be able to stand by my side. Although, there is an offer for you»
Palaistra, one of the youngest generals of the jovian army and one of the few relatives who was in good relationship with her, had helped Jupiter supervise the trials and had set her eyes on Anicetus. It wasn't as prestigious as becoming Lieutenant General for the Senshi of Jupiter herself, but it was a great chance, and as such Alexiares was happy for his cousin.
The following day came his individual trial, with shaky hands, sweaty brows and all the hype that preceded an important event, but Alexiares was ultimately calmer than ever. Not because he was among the last ones standing - as far as he knew, no one was told how many passed to the last trial - nor he felt superior, but because he had learned to calm his frenzied heart in front of her during the previous days.
At the moment of the fight, he was focused and precise, fought at the best of his abilities and put her at the ropes more than a few times, with his honed prowess and the trick of being able to withstand her electricity with his unicity.
He didn't win, though. Just at the end, his concentration slipped, enough she could sweep him out his feet, again.
It had been her smile, one that told him she was having genuine fun, and the gleam in her green eyes joined with the closeness.
He stayed down, humiliated by his defeat and she got closer and offered her hand for him to stand up.
«Come on, don't tell me I injured you so badly»
«Only my pride, my lady» he replied, accepting her hand, ready for her to drop the hold as soon as he was up.
She didn't. She was almost as tall as he was and was scrutinizing his eyes while their hands were still joined and he felt his face go redder and warmer the longer she stood there.
Then, she shook their joined hands up and down with a smile «Congratulations!»
Flabbergasted, he blinked a few times, eliciting her laughter.
«You don't say anything? I meant I choose you» she put her hands on her hips «Or did you change your mind?»
He was still staring at her with wide-eyed «But... I lost»
«You lost focus at the end, it can happen to anyone. You survived a lot of missions, as long as you bounce back, well you know how the battlefield is» she replied with a shrug «Tell me your name again»
«A-alexiares»
«Mine is Alke, pleased to make your acquaintance. Don't call me "princess" because the only one who uses the title around here is Serenity, it'd cause a lot of confusion if we all did. Oh, and... Welcome to the Moon Court, my Lieutenant General»
He felt like his face could split in two by the sheer force of his smile.
«Thank you, my lady. I'll do my best» he bowed.
«I sure hope so» she winked his way «Now, to work immediately. Have you ever visited the Castle? For real, not the tours for guests»
«Ah, n-no...»
«This way, then. The first step is to know this place and its inhabitants like the back of your hand. Follow me» she started to lead the way.
«To death and back» he said, under his breath, meaning every word.
Alexiares had been in charge as Jupiter's Lieutenant General for less than a lunar year when the news of the attacks on Earth got to the Moon Court.
In her experience, the Queen declared appropriate to send a small team to figure the situation out.
«I can't believe it» Cratos grumbled when he found out. He had been promoted Captain of the Phobos' Dragons, the highest rank for them, not long before and the last thing he needed was to lose his reputation with a pointless skirmish on Earth, or so he said when he showed up after Prince Elpis requested for him to come along.
«Nine planets, 181 moons and we get sent on Earth of all places! As ambassadors!» he complained.
Koios cleared his throat: «Ahem, technically the moons in our System are over 200, albeit we tend to consider only the inhabited, or once inhabited ones as such, we...»
«Hey, we get it, man. Cratos was only trying to make a point» replied Alexiares.
«Which he didn't» Meleager intervened, his double-coloured eyes sending daggers to the martian Captain, technically his subordinate, «We are sent where we are needed. If the High Queen in person requires for us, so be it»
«I agree with him, though» Venus' Second Lieutenant Hypnos said, ever-tired eyes squeezed even more in suspicion «Since when do we help Earthlings?»
Antheros, Venus' First Lieutenant, jumped at the occasion to correct his fellow half-Venusian «To grace them with our magnificence, what else?»
He went ignored. It was too foolish to be true, even Alexiares could say that much.
The Earth Court wasn't much different than the ones of Silver Millennium, or so Alexiares thought upon setting foot in it for the first time.
Maybe a little colder, or a bit warier, but it wasn't like he didn't understand, those people had just lost their King and they were strangers they knew nothing about.
That didn't mean he wasn't upset by the pointed gazes sent their way, especially the ones towards the Moon Prince, other than Meleager, Koios and Hypnos, who were the ones with least Earth-like traits, and those stares made it hard to keep his cool.
Prince Endymion, instead, had been most welcoming, polite and elegant, his Shitennou open enough in their stances.
In particular, it looked like between the two princes there was an understanding. It didn't puzzle Alexiares too much because Elpis was a friendly man in nature, as he knew with how quickly the Moon Prince had opened up when Alexiares joined the Moon Court, and was glad the dealings started so smoothly.
The situation outside the Royal Palace, though, was another matter.
People were on the edge for the attacks, were distrustful of the newcomers and kept staring at the ones who had outstanding traits, such as their various hair colours, his own red eyes and pointed teeth, Koios' legs and so forth. When unicities were shown, it got even worse: Earthlings didn't bother to hide their disgust, envy and fear, even when explained the "skypeople", as they called them, were there to help.
Alexiares was used to hard work, though, and didn't lose his optimism and willpower. When it was decided he was to help General Nephrite, he accepted with his usual enthusiasm.
Afterwards, when Sailor Jupiter came along with her fellow Senshi to help manage the situation, he was happy for the chance to fight alongside her and protect her the way he signed for.
Not that she needed that, she was plenty strong and powerful on her own, although his ability to become a perfect shield was optimal for her fighting style they were more partners than else.
The jovian army was the largest in numbers and they acted as the main force during the conflict, as both defence, help with evacuations and support force to the Martians, who were breakthrough forces, while Mercurians acted as messengers and other missions that required quickness and smarts, and Venusians were the rearguard and planners.
The army was the reality he had grown up in, and Alexiares felt more at ease on the field than in the Courts, as Jupiter noted one evening.
«You seem like you have more fun here than in the Moon Castle. It looks like I'm finally seeing more of the real you»
Inevitably, he blushed «It's not a matter of fun. I grew up around fights, I was in the army for most my life. I know how to move here, how to deal with things and so on. The Court is different. Not that I'm not grateful!» he fretted, soon interrupted by her.
«It is» she agreed «Had Queen Serenity not chosen me, I wouldn't be much different from you, you know?»
He tilted his head and she looked forward «The jovian royal family is large, you know that, and mine was only a cadet branch of many, one of the lowest. I have two siblings and many cousins, everybody thought I'd just turn out to be a commander in the mid-high section of our army, or a bride to some higher noble to raise my position. No one thought I'd be in this place today. But...» she looked back, smiling «The Queen saw something in me, the blessing of the Jupiter Starseed she called it, and decided to count on me. I wasn't raised for the Court before then and when I go back to my old home I feel how different I could have been otherwise. The Moon is my home now, but it started being so only after a while there. And sometimes there are still moments when I wish things were simpler»
She stopped a second, looked around and leaned closer «I'm going to tell you a secret» she added, conspiratorially «I learned how to bake and cook and it's one of the things I love to do the most. Whenever I feel like the Court is too much, I hide in the kitchens and cook something to ease my nerves»
«Really? I never saw you do that»
She nodded, blushing a bit and his heart exploded, for he didn't think she could be this lovely and his heart couldn't take it, so he resorted to his enthusiasm to cover it up.
«It's amazing! Will you ever let me try some of your cooking? I bet it's great!»
«Don't you think it's weird?»
Did he? No, not a bit: «You can do everything. Not because you're a Royal or a Senshi, but because you're extraordinary. I'm the luckiest to be able to stand by your side and I promise I'll do my best to learn to live in the Court without troubling you»
Alke shook her head «When this will be over, you'll have to let me help you settle in. I was thinking about picking up gardening, you'd probably like it»
«I sure would like to try!»
They talked about simple things and plans for as long as they could, not a new occurrence but one that felt more meaningful than before.
His crush, he knew, had naturally turned into the kind of love that could live as close friendship, for he wanted nothing more than be by her side and hear her laughter.
Wishful thinking aside, he was happy with what he had.
Alexiares wasn't so sure what was so scandalous in knowing the Inner Senshi and the Shitennou of Earth had a relationship.
Sure, he would have rather preferred to be put apart of it, and maybe he was sad to know his affection would stay unrequited, but as long as Alke was happy - and the others too, of course! - who was anyone to object?
He said that much to Cratos, when he had the chance to see him, who scoffed.
«Are you that dumb? They're Earthlings. Powerless and envious of us, not to mention useless. Why do you think they need us to save their sorry asses?»
Well, maybe the general population, but General Nephrite looked strong and competent to him. Maybe more than Alexiares was.
It was impossible to miss who had more experience and who was more used to both Courts and battlefields instead of just the latter.
One event, in particular, set light on it: there had been a pause in the hostilities, a moment after the combined efforts of the jovian and Terran armies with the Dragons had reconquered a large area and one of the local noblemen had put on a party to celebrate the newfound freedom of his people.
Alke, clothed in a lovely green dress and rosy jewels, stood out as the tallest of the women - and several men - present, the most radiant of all. Alexiares stood in a corner, nursing a glass of something definitely too light for his habits in the martian army, content to admire her from there.
«You should invite her to dance. I heard she loves dancing» Achlys had told him at some point. She had already had a turn of dances with the half of the ballroom that came from Silver Millennium, and even some braver Earthlings who weren't spooked by her vivid skin, pointy horns and black sclera, and wished for him to enjoy the celebrations too.
Alexiares had looked down. His uniform was clean and for once buttoned up to his neck but there were signs of it being battered thanks to his uncaring attitude in the field, his boots worn and too heavy for the graceful swirls of the ballroom and he didn't even know where his cape was for he almost never wore it and that night was no exception. He had been too busy with other matters to find a more suitable attire and he felt underdressed as if his humble origins showed through it all, no matter his current rank was one of the highest possible.
«I can't dance» he replied instead «I'd step on her feet and ruin her evening»
«I bet she can dodge it» Achlys replied «But keep being a coward, be my guest. Between you guys, I don't know why I bother trying!» and she left without elaborating.
He ended up being a wallflower for the best part of the night, content to watch the flush on Alke's cheeks at the excitation of the dance, with the glow of happiness that poured from her. None of her partners lingered as long as Nephrite did and Alexiares wished he had his same grace and confidence, the easy charm, the uncaring attitude that put together had his Lady look so happy and glowing.
It was Alke who sought him, at some point.
«I didn't see you dance»
He looked aside, scratching his neck with a nervous laughter «I never learned, my lady»
«No time like the present. Come on» she took his hands, roughed and calloused as they were, in her gloved ones and led him effortlessly - but perhaps he was boneless in her hands - to the dance and in its swirls.
Achlys was right: Jupiter could dodge his clumsy steps without breaking a sweat, backwards and in heels, no less, without a single cloud on her face.
«Smile a little, my friend. Tomorrow we go back to war, we may as well enjoy this moment» she exhorted him.
And Alexiares allowed himself a bit of happiness, a moment of joy at having her in his arms, at not having to hide his feelings for a short while.
He even ignored Nephrite's pointed, angry gaze of cold jealousy, he wasn't doing anything wrong in humouring his Princess for a few dances. The next day they'd go back to war indeed, and she'd be back his commander and he, her Lieutenant.
Earth fell mere two weeks after, at the hands of those who should have been its best protectors.
Alexiares' troops had covered the retreat, but even with his best efforts, the losses had been extensive.
Jupiter had shed no tears, not in public at least. The Stars knew she had cried with her sisters-in-arms for the hurt they shared, but Jupiter was the Senshi of Protection and Courage and she would have been damned if she allowed weakness in front of her enemies, or even in front of her troops.
Alexiares had no words to offer if not his steady help in anything, going to the point of trying to anticipate her wishes, because there was no time to waste, knowing the Earth's usurper could decide to attack any moment and he had to ease Alke's burdens.
Because it was unfair and unmanly to try and get closer to her when she was heartbroken, he stood quiet and nursed his own sufferance in silence, hidden behind smiles and encouragements.
His efforts didn't go unnoticed anyway.
Jupiter told him, with pride in her eyes and gratitude in her voice, that she saw what he did and how important his support was and even if she didn't want to part herself from his support, she had an offer for him that left him astonished.
Another rise in ranks, well above his greatest aspirations. To become Cuprite, the Housekitennou of Jupiter.
«Your duty will change. You'll have to protect Prince Endymion. The Stars know he needs it» she half-joked.
He was tempted to refuse for this reason only. Who would watch her back, if he was busy with the Earth Prince? But also, what did he know of such matters? Was he really the best choice? Did he deserve to become her equal?
Alke put a hand on his shoulder «It's okay to feel insecure. It's useful, to know your limits, so you can work to surpass them. It's the only way to never stop getting stronger. Even more than you are now. I trust you»
And those words he was going to recall later on, when he accepted, when he got further in his path, when he doubted himself again.
Even in his next life.
The assault started from afar. Holed in the Moon Castle, as Cratos would say, they stood helplessly, even if it was clear every one of them would have rather been out there.
It was Prince Endymion who addressed the matter «Go. It's your people. I couldn't protect mine, but you can. I'm not more important than all of them»
«We're supposed to stay by your side. It's the reason the High Queen gave us those titles» Meleager tried to oppose.
«You'll be more of help stopping the army out there, before they can get inside and do more damage» Endymion replied.
«We'll stay here anyway. We won't leave Serenity» Venus added, speaking for the Senshi.
Alexiares looked at Jupiter. The decision seemed to be taken and there was no time to waste, but he had a weird feeling about it. He couldn't pinpoint what, but he wanted to stay.
He didn't. Without a good reason, it'd be the mark of a coward to stray from a fight and the Sailor Senshi were more than plenty powerful on their own.
Perhaps he should have listened to his warrior instinct.
But then again, would have that amounted to anything?
The enemy's army, or rather the motley ensemble of humans, monsters and half-so, was pouring out the portal, scattering all around the Moon Castle.
Most of the regular troops' efforts were to make sure the people who lived nearby were safely evacuated, so when the Housekitennou got there the fight had already started between the early rabble and their soldiers.
The first wave was easy to deter, whoever planned the attack had launched the weaker forces forward first.
Followed some heavy hitters, the kind that made the likes of Cratos and Alexiares crackle their hands in prevision of a good fight.
They repelled those too before the thick of both sides could gather, thanks to the aid of some newcomers.
«Brother!»
Alexiares turned at the known voice «Anicetus!»
«Thought you may need some help, man» Anicetus bumped his fists together and slammed them on the head of a monster «My dame here and I wouldn't miss it for all the stars»
Beside him there was Palaistra, along with her troops «We came as soon as we could. We don't know who else is coming, though» she shouted. Not far, he could see Chloris wave her vine-like hair again, trapping numerous monsters for Keraunios to stun with his electricity.
«Is it possible that the other Planets won't send help?» Elpis almost screeched.
«We barely managed» Palaistra explained «The enemy cut off most communications between the Moon and Jupiter and disabled the portals leading here just after we passed through it. I can only guess it's the same for the others»
«But how?»
«Not the time for this, Princeling» Cratos rebutted, holding his own arm «There's more coming. But not the bloody cowards...»
Something made the Moon Prince change expression at that.
«It was a trap!» Elpis shouted, frantically «They got behind us!»
«What the hell?!» Cratos exploded from the other side, then looked behind «Fuck» he said.
«They must have opened a second portal, this one is only a bait! We need to go back!» Elpis ordered, frantically.
Koios was the first to obey, running towards the back to pass the message to the others.
Alexiares looked around. For how much he wished to go back and protect the ones in the Castle, the enemy forces outside still held the same urgency.
«What about here?» he asked towards Elpis, who was already running back.
«We'll deal with them!» Anicetus shouted.
«Leave it to us. We'll stop them for sure» Palaistra added, enforcing the concept by smashing some Earthlings coming her way in her huge hands.
Alexiares felt a small sense of relief at knowing he was leaving it all in capable hands - no pun intended -, and followed the Moon Prince with his brothers-in-arms.
The air was thick with static and ashes. Whatever fight had occurred there, Jupiter must have given her all, for the foul smell and leftovers of electricity were still strong.
«It's been too long» Elpis fretted, going faster, tears already in his eyes along with fierce determination.
Alexiares caught Nephrite's contorted face and charred body lying in a ditch nearby that used to be the source for a fountain of the garden, and he thought it was fitting for a lying traitor to be left there, without so much of a second glance.
He only worried in which state they were going to find Alke because he knew from experience what manner of heavy hitter Nephrite was.
The next fight must have been led by Mercury, ice made the terrain slippery, but it was melting just a little forward, mixing badly with the burnt scenery just beyond, work of Mars for certain, just in front of the main staircase that led inside.
Alexiares realized the Inner Senshi must have seen their enemies use the second portal and decided to stop the Shitennou and who was with them before they could get to the Castle.
Apparently, with mixed results.
He was the last of the line when they reached the entrance, Venus' chains blocking the view to a certain extent when he heard Elpis' bawl, the desperate way he called for his sister's name.
Serenity was... dead?
He couldn't believe it. It was too horrible to think about. She was too sweet, too kind, too bright...
Likewise, he couldn't believe the Sailor Senshi, the most powerful warriors of the Solar System, had been defeated and lied there, just beyond the door, scattered around their Princess.
With his heart in his throat, Alexiares ran to Jupiter, crouching down in front of her at the last second when he saw her trying to move.
«Hey, hey, wait, my lady. Those wounds have to be treated first. You need to lean on me, there has to be someone inside who can help you...»
Alke looked up, gathering some strength, apparently for nought. She fell back and only his arms stopped her fall.
A stray tear escaped her eye when her gaze lied on Princess Serenity's broken form.
«She's really gone? The others too...?»
«I don't know» he lied, then added «Lady Venus was still standing when we got here. We need to think about you now»
Suddenly, she had a spasm that worried him sick, only then he realized the extent of her wounds, the broken ribs he could feel under his fingers as he supported her, trying to convince her to lie down. The meekness he was met with almost sent him over the edge, but it was her smile that broke him. So beautiful, so sad, so disillusioned, warm nevertheless.
«I'm tired, Alexiares. And cold»
«No. No, please, don't- don't give up» he begged «You're the strongest person I know, you'll get through it»
«And you've been the best companion I could wish for. My only regret is that I didn't have you with me earlier. Thank you, for staying by my side even at my worst, even n-now» voice failed her.
He was sure his heart was about to stop, so tight it felt «Please, please, you can't leave me alone. Alke, I... I...»
It wasn't a "now or never". It was because he wanted to give her a reason to live on, to remind her there was love beyond what she lost, or thought she lost.
«I love you. I always did, from the day I first saw you and more every moment I spent with you» he confessed.
Her green eyes widened for a second, and she rose her hands, he was sure to put him back in place... but she grabbed the lapels of his jacket and with a strength she shouldn't have anymore, she dragged him her way, making their lips meet.
It was a kiss riddled with blood and tears and, despite that, full of passion and unexpressed feelings, with all the lost time and the time that would never be lingering in the middle.
A kiss goodbye.
«I love you too» she whispered, one last breath with closed eyes, barely a whisper that hit him straight in the chest and increased the pain tenfold.
He screamed, devastated, and cried. Little by little, for every tear that fell, his pain turned into vengeful spirit.
Alexiares laid down the body of his beloved, carefully, as if he didn't want to disrupt her peaceful sleep, then unclenched his cape - he had worn it, that morning, only because she had reminded him, silly thing to think about now... - and covered her with it.
«To death and back» he whispered as he left a last kiss on her lips «Wait for me, it won't be long»
He got up. His fellow Housekitennou were looking in his same direction, towards the Throne Room that Beryl had occupied with her sorry excuse of an army.
They moved like one, with the same objective in their minds: to avenge their loved ones and end that war at once, no matter the cost.
Or, maybe, at cost of their lives, for nothing else mattered now.
Notes: Am I late? Yup. Did I get a cold (that I really hope is just a cold)? That too. I'll answers your lovely reviews for the previous chapter as soon as I'll feel better. Hope you liked this.
Stay safe everyone!