Disclaimer: I do not own Sailormoon or its characters.
Disclaimer 2: I do own the story idea and any fictional character of my own design.
A week has passed since Selene has been living in Helios' golden palace. She is not free to walk the grounds as she first thought. Aphrodite has been sent to watch over her and make sure that she does not contact anyone outside of the palace. She is hurt to learn that Helios does not trust her enough, but he's taking extra measures to make sure nothing goes wrong so close to the battle.
He hasn't even revealed any of his plans to her yet, but she doesn't need him to anymore. She has overheard some interesting details that she is sure Zeus would love to know. So she had lied to Helios claiming that she had a headache and she was going to rest in her chambers.
In actuality, she is sneaking out of the palace and is heading over to see Zeus. She had tried to call forth Thanatos, but he's not answering her call. She can't wait for him, because it might be too late. Helios is already moving his plans along.
No one knows that Selene has another secret power. She is able to transport herself to anywhere she desires. It's an ability she hardly uses, but she doesn't have a choice this time. She can't be seen leaving the palace. It will give Aphrodite the chance she needs to get rid of her and Helios will have no choice, but to punish or even imprison her.
She transported herself into the secret passage that only she and Zeus knew about. She tapped lightly on the wall and waited for him. She didn't want to suddenly appear in his chambers, because he could have someone in there with him. The wall opened a few moments later, revealing a disheveled Zeus.
They stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like a very long time. Zeus was the first one to turn away. He couldn't believe Selene was really here, standing before him. It was almost like he was dreaming. To make sure that he wasn't, he reached out and touched her cheek. She stared at him with a confused look, but he didn't offer her an answer. Instead he caressed her cheek, realizing that he has missed the feel of her skin against his fingertips.
Selene leaned into his touch briefly before taking a few steps back, noticing the displeased look he gave her. She will not lie to herself and deny that she has missed his touch, because she has. But things can not be as they were before.
He let his arm fall back to his side and waited for her explanation. He has given her ample time to accept their situation. He will not give her up simply because he is married. She might as well accept her fate, because he's not letting her go. He will order her to sleep with him if he has too. Then, she will not be able to deny him. His word is law.
She knew what he wanted from her, but she wasn't going to explain her reasoning. She has already told him her feelings on the subject. She only acted like that because she was caught up in the moment.
Zeus suddenly realized what his appearance looked like and knew he had to clear things up. He didn't want her to jump to conclusions. Especially when he hasn't slept with anyone since Selene decided she wanted to end their relationship. "It's not what it looks like, Selene," Zeus said before she could draw her own conclusions.
She shrugged her shoulders. "It's not any of my business what you do anymore, Zeus," she calmly told him. "I'm here on different matters."
Her words were partially true. She didn't want to admit to herself that his disheveled appearance appealed to her. She wanted to run her fingers through his blonde hair and to feel his muscled chest against her body, while they shared a passionate kiss. She wanted to make love to him right here, right now.
She shook her head of such thoughts. It would mean she dishonor her own words. He was a married man and if they continued their affair, it would be wrong on both of their parts. Until he gets rid of Hera, there will be no future for them.
Zeus wished he knew what Selene was thinking about, but he couldn't dwell much on it. He knows their time is limited, so he must get his point across and hear what she had to tell him. He can always try to convince her at a later time. "I don't like the idea of you being in harms way, Selene," he told her crossing his arms tightly across his chest. "If he learns you are spying on him, he will punish you severely."
"I know," she replied calmly. "I didn't go in blindly, Zeus. I knew the consequences."
He knew she was the only one who could get close enough to Helios, without him getting suspicious, but he still doesn't like it. "I worry about you, Selene. I don't want to lose you."
Selene stepped towards him and placed her hand on his arm. "I know you're worried about me, but I can take care of myself."
He looked down at her hand on his arm and then lifted his gaze to hers. "I know that," he said loosing her hold on him. "I can't help but feel helpless when you're concerned. I still have feelings for you."
"Please don't do this," she pleaded knowing where their conversation was heading. She wanted to stop him before he brought back old memories.
"Damn it, Selene," he spoke harshly to her. "We will talk about us at some point."
Selene needed to change the subject and fast. She has wasted enough time as it is. "Zeus," she said cupping his face within her hands. "You need to listen to what I am about to tell you. Can you do that for me?"
Zeus stared into her eyes and nodded.
"I overheard Helios talking to Aphrodite," she began to tell him. "He plans on releasing the Titans tonight. We need to stop him. This will be our only chance at defeating him."
Zeus' eyes widened with surprise. He should have seen this coming. Instead he has been feeling sorry for himself. "I thought the battle wasn't for another week. Isn't that what the Fates have told you?"
"Yes," she said realizing where her hands were and dropped them quickly to her sides. "During the time I spent with the Fates, I learned that we have the power to change the future. Even though it seems like it is, nothing is final until after the tablets have been carved."
He cocked his head to the side. "What tablets are you talking about? I have never heard of them."
Selene wanted to slap herself for her stupidity. "Forget I said anything," she replied trying to save her ass. The Fates are going to yell at her for the slip up.
"You're not telling me the whole truth," Zeus said, sensing her lie. "But we don't have time to dwell on it. We have to stop Helios first."
Selene nodded in agreement. Finally, they were getting somewhere.
Zeus stayed silent for a moment, thinking things through. "I should have killed the Titans when I had the chance. Now, Helios is planning to use them to bring about my downfall."
"It's not your fault, Zeus. You couldn't have predicted this."
He began to pace back and forth. He stopped in mid-pace and turned towards his chamber doors. "Hermes, come forth," his voice boomed out, echoing across the chamber. "I have a task for you to perform."
The chamber doors bursts open, revealing a very displeased winged messenger. "A few days ago you called me a pain in your ass and told me not to disturb you. Now, you want my services again. I demand an apology."
Zeus growled. "I do not have time for this, Hermes. There is a more pressing matter that demands my attention."
Hermes floated a few feet away and crossed his arms over his chest. He snubbed his nose up into the air, refusing to acknowledge Zeus.
"Swallow your pride, Zeus, and apologize to him. We don't have time for this."
Zeus sighed, knowing she was right. "I'm sorry for my behavior towards you, Hermes."
Hermes focused his attentions back on the two gods before him and grinned. "Now, was that so hard?"
"Don't make me take it back," Zeus growled out. He glanced behind the winged messenger and motioned for him to close the chamber doors.
Hermes clapped his hands and the doors automatically closed. He flew closer to Zeus and hovered. "Nice to see you again, Selene," he said, nodding towards her way. "It has been lonely without you and Zeus has been moping ever since you left him."
Selene saw Zeus stiffen and covered her mouth to hold in a giggle.
"Hermes," Zeus hissed out in warning, "You are trying my patience."
"Aren't I always?"
Selene stepped in between the two quarrelling gods. She placed her hand on Zeus' chest. He stopped and looked down at her. "Now is not the time. Tell Hermes what you called him here for. There is much to be done still."
"You're right, of course," Zeus agreed with her. He lifted her hand form his chest and brought it to his lips. He lightly kissed the underside of her wrist, causing her to shiver in pleasure. She stared lustfully at him, letting him do whatever he pleased. Taking it a step further, he sucked on her tender skin leaving a slight red mark.
Hermes cleared his throat, bringing them back to the present.
Zeus reluctantly released her hand and she cradled it to her chest. "Go to the Underworld and fetch Hades. Tell him I need to see him on an urgent matter."
Hermes didn't waste any time and flew quickly out of the chamber.
"What do you plan on doing?" Selene asked him once they were alone. "We can't go in blindly. That is just what he is going to expect."
"I don't know, yet," he replied seriously. "I will decide after I hear what Hades has to say on the matter."
Selene couldn't help but agree to that. It seemed the logical thing to do at the moment. Besides, she couldn't think of anything herself.
"Zeus, may I ask you something while we are alone?" She stopped and waited for him to answer. He gave her a slight nod, pressing her to go on. "I wish for you to release the Titans who are innocent. They do not belong in Tartarus and should be given a second chance."
"Why should I?" He inquired of her, raising a perfectly shaped eyebrow.
Selene couldn't tell him the real reason behind it. He would never listen to her if he knew his mother was involved. "I wish for my mother to be free."
Zeus knew he couldn't deny her dearest desire. It would be wrong of him to keep her mother away from her. It would cause her to hate him. Besides, her relationship with her mother might turn out better than his relationship with his mother. "If it pleases you, I will do so."
Selene squealed with delight and threw herself into his arms.
"Well, well," a deep voice sounded. "What do we have here?"
Selene blushed and quickly stepped away from Zeus. "It's not what it looks like. I was only thanking him."
Hades smirked in amusement. "I don't remember receiving such a thank you for my services." She blushed even harder and Hades laughed.
Zeus couldn't help but add to her embarrassment. He decided that she looks so cute with the slight pink hue across her cheeks. "Why did you interrupt us?" He asked his brother, trying not to laugh. "You could have waited a few more minutes. I was so close to kissing her."
"Where would the fun in that be?" Hades roared with laughter and Zeus soon followed.
Thanatos made his way over to Selene and gave her a brief hug. "What are you doing here?" He scolded her. "It's not safe to leave Helios' palace just yet."
Selene didn't even notice that Thanatos had come with Hades. That is why he never answered her. "I came here to tell Zeus that I overheard Helios tell Aphrodite, he is releasing the Titans tonight."
Hades didn't like these turn of events. He hoped they would have another week to plan. "Something must have happened for him to push up the event."
Selene shrugged her shoulders. "I don't have any clue what it might be. He never told me anything."
"We can't think about that now," Zeus reminded them.
Hades didn't want to tell them what Thanatos had revealed to him earlier, but Zeus and Selene needs to know before they discuss the Titan situation further. "There is something else that the two of you need to know," he said glancing back and forth between the two. "This involves mostly you, Selene."
Zeus moved closer to her. He has a feeling she will need his support.
"Tell them what you have told me, Thanatos," Hades ordered.
Thanatos frowned. He hated when Hades put him on the spot. "You're not going to like this, but Helios plans on making Selene his queen and…" He stopped. He wasn't sure how he was going to say the next part.
"Go on," Selene encouraged him. "I need to hear it."
Thanatos braced himself. He hates that he has to be the one to tell her. "He plans on killing the child within your womb. He doesn't want Zeus' child to succeed him."
Selene felt herself begin to fall and grabbed onto Zeus for support. He helped her by lowering her to the floor and kneeling next to her, bringing her into his embrace. She began to shake and he felt her hot tears on his chest. He will make sure that Helios pays for threatening his child's life and making his love terribly upset.
"That bastard needs to die a slow and painful death," Zeus hissed out.
"I agree with you, but we can't let our emotions get the better of us," Hades spoke wisely, taking a few steps closer to the broken Selene. He wanted to comfort her, but he didn't know how. "It will give Helios the edge he needs to defeat us. Then all will be lost."
Zeus didn't bother to answer, even though his brother spoke truthfully. There is only one thing left for him to do before he heads into battle. She will not like the outcome, but he needs to keep her and the child safe.
He lifted Selene into his arms and took her over to his chaise. He laid her down onto the soft cushion and summoned a metal chain. He attached one end to her slender wrist and attached the other end to the chaise's legs.
Selene ceased her crying when she felt something heavy on her wrist. She instantly sat up and lifted her arm up, staring at the attached chain. She realized what he had done and began to struggle, causing the metal cuff to rub against her skin, leaving a red line across her wrist.
"Let me go," she yelled at him, her eyes blazing in anger. "You have no right to do this to me."
Zeus wished he had other options to consider, but chaining her was the only one he could think of at such a short notice. She would insist on joining them in battle and he couldn't bare it if she got hurt. "This is for your on good, Selene. I will not allow you to get hurt."
"I am willing to take that chance."
"But I'm not."
Selene realized that while he is still here, she cannot change his mind. She will have to wait until he leaves to free herself. She will have to make sure that she convinces Zeus when he leaves that she will not try to escape.
"Promise me that you will kill him and I will allow myself to be yours again."
Zeus leaned over to whisper in her ear. "I promise," he vowed, leaving a chaste kiss on her lips.
Hades hated to interrupt their moment, but he had noticed the sun's departure from the sky. "We need to go, Zeus. He is heading to the Underworld as we speak."
"Stay with her, Thanatos," Zeus ordered. "If anything happens to her, I will hold you personally responsible. Not even Hades will be able to save you."
Thanatos bowed towards his ruler. "As you wish," he obediently replied.
Zeus and Hades vanished from the chambers, leaving Selene and Thanatos alone.
Selene shifted her glance on him and grinned, causing him to groan. "We're going to follow them, aren't we?"
"You know me so well."
He sighed heavily. "Sometimes, I wish I didn't," he wisely stated. "You get me into all sorts of trouble."
To be continued…