"It's time."
Light from the Sacred Flames flickers across the dark room sporadically; a welcome, but unintended, side effect cast by the eternal preternatural force of nature. Meditating before the flames is the force of nature I claim for my own, whose disposition was molded to compliment mine. An eternal presence of passion, on and off the battlefield.
So entranced is she, that she does not respond. Not immediately. She always heeds my call, so I stand in vigil, stealing the moment of stillness to appreciate the statuesque guardian in her element. Hair darker than a moonless night cascades down her back, pooling around her pale feet. Not one strand shifts, nor do her shoulders rise or fall. Her body is as unmoving as her indomitable spirit.
I wonder what visions steal her attention from me. The Clairvoyant Crow. Remaining vigilant even when assaulted by mercurial symbols wrought of flame and smoke. I am no more privy to the art of fire reading now than I was when I first made love to her while enveloped in the Sacred Flames' shadow centuries ago. The scarce details she deems fit to share are as foreign to me as Mercury's formulas or Neptune's mirror scrying.
When she turns to afford me a subtle smile reflected in her amethyst eyes, I find there is little else I care to understand.
Standing to full height, the Princess of Mars adorned in her timeless gown gives my heart crystal pause, followed by an aching throb and an unsubtle gasp. Crimson fabric clings to each feminine curve before spreading out around her knees, allowing her space for more comfortable movement. I have occupied countless hours- likely multiple human lifetimes- meticulously undressing her, molding her breasts and nipples in my hands, consuming the addicting fruits of passion that are always ripe for me, and yet…
Laying eyes upon her fitted form in such a complimentary dress makes me suddenly starve for her.
A suggestive sparkle in her violet eyes tells me Mars is having similar thoughts. She closes the space between us, the brunt of her attention focused on what I wear upon my face. Pale fingers reach up to trace the edges of my mask. Our skin does not touch, and yet her heat radiates in waves, further multiplying my yearning.
"Welcome to my humble chambers, Sailor V," an ironic smile curves the corner of her lips.
"'Tis a day for farewells, not greetings," I remind her. Mars is an image of royal perfection. My hand instinctively reaches for her face, but I hesitate. My yearning is matched by my hesitation to sully such splendor.
Mars has no such qualms. A calloused hand holds mine, inviting it to her breast. "Then perhaps a proper farewell would be more suitable. What say you, Sailor V?"
Again, one of the many faces I have worn over the years graces her lips in a low, inviting whisper. Sailor V holds more meaning than the other monikers and lives I have adopted throughout the ages, for she was the instrument by which we were reunited in this lifetime. The popstar who lured the assassin with the very mask now reflecting the firelight. Its magic still works, for it mesmerizes her yet again, drawing her lips into mine with tension rivaling that of our first meeting.
I am supposed to be the unshakeable, steadfast leader, and yet I am weak. I cannot deny Mars the attention she seeks, even if it is but a fraction of what she wants; for I am as addicted to her essence as she is mine. A sample of the supple heat hiding behind her lips is not nearly enough. I keep my desires fortified behind a chaste kiss and a gratifying inhalation of her musky scent.
"We must remain presentable," I chastise her in good humor. Not to be easily dissuaded, her fingers travel along the whip wrapped around my hips. One bead at a time they traverse memories of battles and bloodshed and ecstasy; an instrument as duplicitous as my nature.
"There is not a creature living that deserves the honor of your presentation."
She does not vy for compliments. Mars does not believe herself worthy of my affections, despite all she has done to prove so, despite my insistence that it is not a matter of deserving, and despite my belief that I am the fortune one in this arrangement.
"Our Goddess created us. Her lineage is deserving of more than we have to give."
Mars finds no proper rebuttal. Still, she is not one to relinquish the last word. "Neo Queen Serenity is aware that placing you in my path wearing a dress woven of pure sunlight is an insurmountable obstacle to accomplishing much outside of our private chambers."
Now I have no response, outside of light laughter suggesting that while I do not disagree, I cannot abide her request right now. The promise of fulfilled desires after our duty is complete hangs on my lips. I wink through the mask and turn my gaze downward. "Your shoes?"
An annoyed frown levels her brow. She gestures to a pair of red heels waiting by the entrance. Before she can move, I turn and pluck them from the floor. The wooden panels beneath my feet are an oddity in the Lost City made of silver metal and marble. Her heels resemble those she wears while in her Mars battle uniform; sleek and pointed, reflecting my eyes.
I rise to find Mars where I left her, standing with expectant hands.
I shake my head. "Sit."
Wise to my act, Mars shakes her head. She nearly refuses this act of subjugation. When I level her with a stubborn glare she relents, sitting on the only bench in her meditation room. I kneel down before her. Gazing into her hesitant expression fills my heart with Venus' gift. After everything, Mars is uncomfortable with my simple gesture of servility.
"Lift your skirts," I gently order.
Her eyes narrow to my game of issuing orders to allow this humble intercourse. A nearly silent sigh escapes her lips before she obeys. The length of her legs from her knees to her pointed toes is revealed to me. I lift her right foot first, cradling her heel in one hand and massaging the arc of her foot with the other. Her toes curl, then relax. The callouses on the underside of her feet are more pronounced than those on her hands. As I massage her foot, I wonder how many miles she has traversed in servitude to the crown. How many battles have been waged at my behest? How many enemies have these heels squashed beneath them? How many steps have these feet taken at their rightful place by my side?
After a few minutes of silent prostration and reflection, I complete her ensemble and return to my feet. The heels bolster her height considerably, forcing my neck to crane upwards, as I opted for flat sandals. She is stunning no matter the attire: Assassin hood, kimono, street clothes, or formal dresses. Mars is a chameleon, much as I have been out of necessity most of our lives.
But no longer. Atlantis is fully realized. With our assistance, Neo Queen Serenity has reunited Isu and humanity. The galaxy is revitalized. Each of our planets is habitable, and the populations slowly spreading.
Peace has been achieved.
It is time to return our weapons of war.
"Any final words for Sailor V?" I make a V with my fingers and strike it across my eyes.
Mars fixes an irritable, yet amused, look before deciding to play along. She yanks me closer by the weapon around my waist, causing me to awkwardly lunge forward. Our hips crash. I begin wondering if I should stop wearing this around her while we're alone before she drops me to the floor.
"I did actually find some of your songs… catchy."
"I know," I reply with a deliberate grin. Before she can accuse me of lying, I explain. "Because the more you insist you dislike something the more you, in fact, actually enjoy it. Besides, I caught you singing C'est La Vie in the shower more than once."
I seldom best Mars in a battle of wits, so I cherish her dumbfounded, defeated expression. She is speechless for longer than she cares to admit before she closes her mouth and grunts. "You said it was time?"
"I did." Amusing, how she is suddenly concerned with punctuality. I reveal my transformation rod. Her fingers wrap around mine, providing heated comfort while inviting me to say my piece in private before assuming the mantle of leader. "What?"
"Your reservations."
She says nothing else. Nor does she need to. I may as well be shouting my inhibitions from the mountaintops, for how well I hide my insecurities from Mars. It is never my intention to erect walls around my feelings from her; it is merely a side effect of my station. In my constant effort of transparency, I nod. "Releasing this significant portion of my life, well…" I trail off to memories both pleasant and horrible before returning to the present. "I was Sailor V when I met a certain assassin."
"Who failed quite miserably at the whole 'assassination' bit," Mars added with a rare smile that warms my chest.
"Sailor V and this Piece of Eden shall always hold a special place in my heart." I inhale, as if gathering all of my courage into my lungs. "Yet I know the time of the Pieces of Eden has expired. They mustn't remain in our realm."
Mars leans down and kisses the edge of my mask. Hands resting on my shoulders, she pulls back enough to settle me with an expectant gaze, telling me everything her bond with the Sacred Flames will allow, without so much as a word.
This farewell is not forever.
Fortified by her silent revelation, I clear my throat and thrust my wand towards the heavens, keeping a vibrant image of my destination in mind. "Venus teleport!"
The light of Venus simultaneously expands from my heart and wand. Orange light swirls, filling my vision until all I see is Mars. Within a second, she is consumed as well, her amethyst eyes the last thing I see before finding myself in a new location.
Venus' essence dissipates. I feel my hair settling. The frigid air of space, specifically the center of the Milky Way, causes me to shudder as I adjust to the temperature. I am standing on a plateau, surrounded by those dearest to me. The only beings in existence who have even a remote understanding of who and what I am. Some are like me, others aren't, but we all have traveled this amazing journey together across centuries and lifetimes, culminating to this very moment.
Gloved fingers snake between mine. I do not have to look to know it is my soulmate, offering one last gesture of unity before I break away.
The royal couple stands at the edge of the platform. King Endymion's lavender cloak flaps violently in the magical ripples pouring from the Galaxy Cauldron below. The ripples present as vigorous winds laced with life-sustaining magic. Standing this close to the Galaxy Cauldron is more revitalizing than touching The Shroud.
I turn to Mars. She summons the Bow of Sharanga with a flick of her wrist. As if hearing my thoughts, it reverts to its original form. Staring at the threadbare linen cloth, I see it draped across Rei's chest. I hear my own desperate cries, begging the magic I don't understand to return her to me. My ignorance was astounding then. I hadn't begun to grasp the true depths of my connection to Rei; only knowing the thought of living without her brought a sense of despair I could not entirely fathom.
Mars caresses the fabric with a forlorn expression, reminiscing on the same day from her point of view. The day Rei died. The day she learned there was no afterlife. No heaven or hell. No nirvana. Only darkness.
At least, that's what we believed when we thought we were ordinary humans. While making our crystals whole, we learned there will always be a silver light returning us to our queen.
"Venus."
I draw my attention to the crystal bearer. The Goddess charged with protecting the Legendary Silver Crystal and maintaining peace in the galaxy. Toes curled over the edge of the platform, her back is to me. The layers of her dress flap, entwining with Endymion's cape. Her gaze is downward, staring into the endless abyss. The creator and destroyer. The alpha and the omega. The being by which all stars are born and all stars return.
The Galaxy Cauldron.
Mars releases her hold on me. I step forward, past Mercury and Jupiter to my left. Both of them clutch their Pieces in reverence, whispering their personal farewells. Without turning to look, I know the Outers are to my right flank; Neptune and Uranus inseparable as always, with Pluto and Saturn closeby.
When Neo Queen Serenity retreats from the edge to allow me entrance, my eyes fall on her belly, swollen with child. One hand rubs the crest of her womb, and her other grasps Endymion's arm. Her knowing, brilliant smile graces me when she notices my involuntary stare. Perhaps there is longing in my eyes, for she leans into my ear and whispers something unexpected. "The Galaxy Cauldron answers all manner of prayers, Venus. As it gifted my mother with me, it can do the same for any woman."
Her piercing blue eyes cast an amused look at Mars while I fail to stutter a cohesive reply. Without having time to gather my own thoughts on the matter, I find myself being led to the edge. My sandals kick a pale pebble over the chasm, watching it fall into the overflowing cauldron. Rainbow iridescence brims over the cauldron; its very nature still as much a mystery today as the day the Venus crystal was realized into existence by the Moon Goddess' prayers, the Silver Crystal, and the Cauldron's magic. This is my birthplace, where I knelt before Queen Serenity, pledging my sword and my life to her cause of Galactic peace.
And now it is time to return a piece of myself.
I remove my mask. I've grown accustomed to the magic thrumming from within, yet it is still as strong as the day Michiru lured me into the Templars. The alluring sparkles bring me to the stage lights and glow sticks and excitement in the eyes of Sailor V's fans. Returning to that life has not been an option for many years, yet committing to the point of no return by casting my Piece of Eden from whence it came proves especially challenging. My arms feel made of metal as I force myself to extend them over the gaping chasm, hands cradling the mask within them. I find my arms shaking with conflicting emotions and uncertainty.
"Farewell, Sailor V." I release the mask over the gaping cauldron of infinite magic. It falls a few hundred feet before disintegrating into red sparkles and absorbing into the Galaxy Cauldron. Tears well in my eyes but they do not fall, even as my face is cast towards the pit of infinite energy.
"Farewell for now," Mars adds as she approaches beside me. The Shroud assumes the same fate as the mask. When our eyes meet I marvel at the timelessness of her beautiful face, specifically her eyes; they somehow encapsulate the clairvoyance of the Sacred Flames, the solemn necessity of war, and her dedication to our mission.
"Thank you Venus, Mars," Neo Queen Serenity pauses to embrace both of us, giggling at the awkwardness of her pregnant belly interfering. Her aura lightens my mood considerably. It is nearly impossible not to feel the entire scope of her endless, selfless love for every creature in the universe. An innate, genetic ability passed to her from her mother, and soon to be shared with her offspring.
We move beside the King, allowing space for the others to come in pairs to return their Pieces of Eden to the cauldron. He smiles and nods at us. Given the seriousness of our gathering, his handsome visage remains equally so.
Mercury and Jupiter relieve their items together. The watery harp and the electric spear dissolve in a glittering mass of cerulean and verdant sparkles, reminiscent of fireworks. Their faces are solemn, Jupiter's more obvious with her sadness than Mercury, who is likely more concerned with the scientific explanations behind what is happening to their Pieces of Eden.
Next come Uranus and Neptune. Neptune's bond with her mirror is unrivaled. While my connection with the mask waned considerably after my career as Sailor V, Neptune had a daily attachment to the scrying mirror. As she pulls it away from her breast to cast it into the cauldron, I wonder if she had similar visions in the looking glass as Mars from her flames. Were there images or hints suggesting they would be reunited with their items again someday? That would suggest the peace we worked so hard to achieve would not last forever. Then again, even an optimist such as myself recognizes that it would be naive to believe otherwise.
The Timekeeper herself cannot say what the future holds for certain, for she is constantly barraged with visions of alternate timelines and possibilities. Pluto would never say if there were any events absolutely destined to happen. She does not feign any emotions in the realm of surprise or disappointment, because she always anticipates every possible outcome. Unlike the rest of us, I imagine she has an overbearing sense of relief when she finds herself no longer charged with the Garnet Orb. Her burgundy eyes betray nothing as she steps away from the edge and returns to Saturn's side.
With the unhappy task completed, all those present stand in a circle, facing our liege. Her natural glow, while impressive, is accentuated by her pregnancy. Our Moon Queen overflows with happiness. As I look around the circle of comrades and lovers, I realize I am hard-pressed to recall a time when I was happier than I am right now. We have achieved the unachievable, even if it is for a brief moment in the span of time, and my soulmate is beside me.
This is everything Venus has ever wanted.
I reach for Mars' hand. Under normal circumstances she shies away from public displays of affection. Perhaps it is the calming presence of our Queen, or the lingering nostalgia from losing her Piece of Eden, but she eagerly accepts my touch and draws me closer.
"You don't need the mask if you wish to perform again," she speaks just loud enough for those beside us to hear.
"I suppose not," I flippantly reply. "But I do need it to cheat while we duel."
"Now you confess to cheating?"
Her eyes narrow as I shrug. "Maybe. What are you going to do about it?"
"Nothing that should be spoken in polite company." Mars' whisper is not quiet enough to escape Neptune's ears. The Deep Sea Goddess, wearing a flowing aquamarine dress, draws uncomfortably close to her, crossing her arms beneath her breasts.
"If you're in need of punishment ideas Mars, I am always available."
Goddess help my heart, it still melts every time she blushes. And blush she does.
"On the contrary, I'd prefer no ideas be spoken in Venus' presence," Mars mumbles. She turns her face away from Neptune, only to be met with Uranus' smug grin.
"The Clairvoyant Crow needn't consult the Sacred Flames to predict what is in store for her tonight," Uranus says with a playful elbow to her ribs.
Mars looks about ready to disappear. I do pity her, only slightly, for being ganged up on by the shameless couple can feel like a fate worse than death.
"Come, Mars. Why don't we return to the Sacred Flames?" I give Neptune a salacious look rivaling her own as I slide between her and my lover. Rei's normal heat is magnified by her embarrassment. I want to press her against the wall, smothering her heat with my own brand of fire until she has forgotten what she was so flustered about in the first place.
Instead, I pull her down and whisper in her ear. "You were begging for the whip earlier. And now you shall have it."
Someone is touching my whip, and it is not Mars. I turn to see Neotune fondling the end of my whip that was dangling at my thigh seconds ago. She only has a brief moment before Mars knocks it from her grasp.
"Hands off," Mars summons her determined fury, in turn inciting Uranus to rush into her lover's defense.
Neptune stops Uranus' assault with a raised hand and sultry laughter. She besets Mars with the suggestive, yet frightening look I recognize from the day we met.
"This is the thanks I get for letting the two of you use my office?"
Mars blanches, most likely in remembrance of our exploits in said Templar building after Michiru passed me the reins.
Satisfied, Neptune takes Uranus' hand. "Come, Uranus."
The sky soldier's stormy eyes fall on Mars with a predatory glare before they walk away, hand in hand, to converse with the royal couple. I should go speak to our expecting leaders, but I find myself distracted in more ways than one.
Perhaps it is juvenile on my behalf, but Mars' simple act of possessiveness ignited the yearning in my crystal and loins. "Mars."
She breaks away from her stupor, eyes returning to mine with renewed hunger. Her hands find my hips, pulling me close as if we are alone once more. "I realize I acted out of turn. If you seek to punish me, know I have no intention of apologizing."
My heart skips a few beats before pounding exceptionally hard. "What grave offense did Neptune commit to deserve such a rebuttal?"
Dark mauve eyes narrow and harden, as if she is preparing to charge into battle. It is her primal nature, and it excites me beyond measure.
"It is common courtesy to ask before touching things that do not belong to you."
Thanks to her heels, I have to reach to circle my fingers around the back of her neck and pull her down to my level. I touch the tip of her nose with my own. "This whip is mine, not yours."
"And the memories are ours." A growl, followed by a low chuckle. "A shame you no longer have a dressing room for us to duel in."
"No. But there are many other places we've yet to christen…" Like here, on the precipice of the source of all creation. Our birthplace, where she pledged to always serve me. "Now what is the true reason for your action against Neptune?"
"Simple. She has no right to touch the Goddess of Love."
"Only you do," I agree.
"That's right." She pauses, realizing what she has inadvertently confessed. Her worth.
Insensitive as it may seem, I cannot help but laugh at her reaction. "And you are only realizing this now? How can the soldier of passion and war be so incredibly stubborn and thick?"
"Because I am as humbled by your beauty and grace as I am stubborn and thick." Mars draws me into her. Her crystal pulsates with passion and joy. I can't recall her ever confessing to her ornery tendencies before, much less while praising me.
"My heart flutters at the confession." This is partially true. The other reason my crystal flutters remains frozen on my lips. My stomach turns inside and out, giving me a sensation of butterflies I haven't felt in ages.
"Is something wrong?" She slightly pulls away. Hiding anything from her is nearly impossible.
"Now that we have set your silly quest of unworthiness aside, there was something else I wanted to discuss with you." My hands clasp hers, slightly shaking. My plan was to render her speechless, yet I find myself uncomposed.
My slight nervousness has her all out of sorts. "What? What is it?"
"Come with me." I lead her to the edge of the cliff. We stare down into the quagmire of hopes, dreams, and the miracle of life. Every unborn star in the galaxy resides inside the cauldron, eagerly waiting for the will of the universe to bring it to existence. A prayer, like the Moon Goddess who prayed for her daughter. A dream, like her dream of achieving universal peace giving birth to myself and the other Isu warriors.
Or even a thought in passing that quickly blossoms into something more.
"The Galaxy Cauldron," she whispers with a reverence normally reserved for the Sacred Flames. Her thick hair blows away from her face, revealing her stern, gorgeous jawline.
"Where we were born." I harken to the crystal's original memories. Kneeling in reverence to the Moon Goddess. "The source of all stars in the galaxy…"
"Yes." Her word hangs in the air, waiting for my thoughts to reveal themselves.
"Do you think—?" I cut myself off and swallow hard. Too hard. "Do you think you and I could create one of our own?"
Her hand releases mine. Though we've been together for centuries and lifetimes, I worry voicing the idea is too sudden. It certainly felt sudden to me. Afraid of being pushed away, which I would deserve, I preemptively look in the opposite direction, only to find she is turning me towards her. A hand rests on my belly, palm pressing against my navel. A knuckle raises my chin to force me to look into her eyes.
Damn those heels.
"If it is your desire, wish it before the Galaxy Cauldron, and it shall be so."
She doesn't seem surprised in the slightest. Or jilted. Or unsure. In fact, it's as if she has made up her mind on the subject years ago.
"The Sacred Flames," I murmur like an idiot. How long had she been holding onto this obvious possibility, waiting for me to give voice to the images dancing in vermillion flickers, taunting her in the space between reality and imagination?
Relief washes over her and she smiles. "Your will is my will."
My crystal pounds in agreement, showing a memory of the original Mars and Venus, daring to dream of peaceful times unrealized. The domestic lives they could never have. Another experience to be vicariously shared through us.
"Are you sure?"
"Believe me when I say I've thought on the subject much longer than you have."
It sounds akin to torture; keeping secrets of loved ones locked inside your heart, for even speaking on the illusion would disturb the delicate balance of fate.
I am unsure what I was expecting. Anything but calm acceptance, I suppose. And certainly not to be one-upped on what I thought was a spontaneous suggestion.
Sensing my hesitation, she fondles the beads around my waist with a coy smile. "This is The New World Order, is it not? What better way to usher in a new world than with a new generation?"
Goddess help me. I never thought I would witness her arguing in favor of having children.
"Well, when you word it so eloquently." I kiss the lips that I've longed for all my years. Swallowing her warmth into me. Sighing as it spreads through my lips, my heart, and my belly, where her hand rests.
I press my palm into the firm heat of her belly. I look into her timeless gaze. Her courage and dedication fuel my resolve. Fire burns behind her amethyst eyes. The fire that burns for me.
The decision has been made.
"To our fire, our love, and The New World Order."