A/N: Big thanks as always to Soleil-Lune for her help and eternal fight to rid me of my obsessive use of the semi-colon.

Just to let you know, because I doubt my ability to properly convey this, I envision Revlis El'inmilnum as kind of a Eurasia culture; a hybrid of traditional Japanese and Western Europe.

Revlis El'inmilnum

Chapter 5: Threshold

Talrysc Kotyo had fallen. The walls were left with gaping holes at the gates from the fierce wind magic of Uranus and pools of water still littered the streets from the river manipulated by Neptune. Death was etched all around the city as bodies of citizens and soldiers alike lay ignored as the living fought on. Above it all, the black and white Arethian flag waved from the tallest point of the palace.

The lunarrise saw no change in the conditions except the cool night air gave some relief from the errant fires still burning in the city that marked its downfall. Skirmishes broke out between citizens unwilling to give up and give in to Arethian authority. The majority of Revlis forces, soldiers and Asliro alike, had been subdued. Many were dead, but pockets of them throughout the city resisted still. Nobles and other affluent and important citizens who had not immediately fled to hide in the vast, now chaotic capital or attempt escape outside its walls were rounded up and brought to the palace. Here, they would be informed to whom their allegiance was now owed and watched to make sure they did not incite immediate rebellion.

Those less affluent, who did not actively resist, hid in their homes, shops, and taverns, unwilling to walk the streets with belligerent Arethian soldiers patrolling by, ready to arrest or kill at the slightest deviant behavior. The few homeless, for poverty was rare in the capital as the royal family had done their best throughout the years to provide for the poor, cowered in allies and backstreets. Yet it mattered not, as any location seemed to prove penetrable to Arethian soldiers hunting down the nobles who had managed to flee and looking for resistance, be it from regular citizens or the few Revlis forces still free.

Deep inside the maze of shops and stalls that was the southern bazaar, there was a spice store of good reputation and well known for holding a number of otherwise relatively hard to come by spices and herbs. The owner was a genial young man who had only just recently inherited the store from his deceased father. He was affable and a bit overenthusiastic, but he knew many hidden details of Talrysc Kotyo and its citizens. His store was not large, but it was kept in good order and it had not been rare to find the elite of the capital venturing to it in the southern bazaar. It was in the backroom and apartment space of his spice store where five young women rested uneasily after arriving a few hours after the lunarrise.

"Hold still Makoto. This will only take a moment." Ami voiced gently. Her blue eyes narrowed in concentration as she cleaned a deep wound on Makoto's shoulder.

Sitting against the wall, Makoto winced in pain as Ami pressed an herbal compress against the injury. Ami murmured soothingly, taking extra care as she placed bandages on the wound. "Any closer and that could have been your neck."

"You haven't taken a moment took look at your own injuries yet." Makoto reprimanded softly, keeping her voice down. She reached out a hand and gently grazed Ami's ribcage, "I know you have at least some deep bruising right there from the way you move; not to mention your other cuts and scrapes and the bruise on your temple. Let me take a look once you've finished with me."

"But I still need to check up on Rei."

"Rei's…got more important things going on." Makoto responded, her eyes darting past Ami's shoulder to look over into the corner between spice racks at Rei and Usagi. The princess was curled on her side, her dress ripped and torn and sporting a few minor cuts and bruises. She had fallen into an uneasy sleep, burnt from shock, exhaustion, and sheer horror. Yet one hand still gripped one of Rei's tightly. Rei, still with undressed wounds and nearly destroyed clothes, stared at their interlocked hands. She paid no attention to anything else in the room, and it was obvious her mind was miles away.

Ami glanced at her two friends before turning her attention back to Makoto. Her expression troubled, she spoke softly, "Okay then. Let me just finished up here."

It only took a moment more to finish placing the bandages. She smoothed a hand over them slowly, pleased to still feel warm, toned skin of Makoto's shoulder. Bending her head, she placed the lightest of kisses against the bandages before righting up. Blushing faintly, she avoided looking at Makoto as she helped her readjust her tunic. As she began to pull away, Makoto gently snared her wrist. Ami paused and, after a moment of hesitation, met Makoto's eyes. The lightning mage rested her free hand against Ami's cheek.

"Makoto," Ami whispered shakily, leaning into the comforting hand, "I'm terrified."

"Me too." Makoto murmured. "I can't say things are going to be alright either…I just don't know…" Her voice trailed off.

Ami swallowed, a deep sorrowful empathy overcoming the fear displayed but a moment before. She knelt closer, between Makoto's bent legs and initiated a brief, but comforting kiss. They separated with a sad smile, hovering inches apart.

"But we have each other. And Minako, Rei, and Usagi. And we know what we need to do." Makoto continued. "Now, let me take a look at your ribs."

Ami glanced one final time over to Rei and Usagi before turning back to the concerned green eyes. "Alright."

Makoto pushed herself up off the wall, rising to her feet. She guided Ami into resting against the wall at the spot she just vacated with little regard to her now patched deep shoulder injury. Kneeling down, she slowly parted Ami's robe aside, voicing a casual statement, "It's a good thing Minako knew the owner here. Without his sympathy, I don't know where we could have turned to."

Ami winced as Makoto examined the bruising around her ribs, "Not to mention the herbs he keeps in stock are assuredly a help."

"But we won't be able to stay here for long…" Makoto trailed off. In her peripheral vision, she caught Minako and the shop owner talking lowly at a table near the solid backdoor. Minako's voice was laced with agitation, but otherwise she seemed to be holding herself together well despite everything. The owner seemed tense and nervous, but at the same time, eager to help. Makoto noted that he wore the strange facial glasses that Ami was prone to wear when reading for extensive periods. Makoto thought Ami looked quite adorable in them, but the owner's seemed to dominate his face, the glass flickering in the candlelight. Tending to Ami's wounds, she listened to Minako and the owner's conversation.

"We have a goal, Umino." Minako said, "We're…going to find someone."

The owner shifted closer to the table, his fists clenched at the edge. His eyes fell on Usagi's form and he was oblivious to the protective glare sent from Rei, "The princess…"

"Is under our care." Minako replied evenly.

Umino paused for a moment, sensing he had ventured into a touchy subject. "Okay…It would be best to get her out of the city anyway. As long as she is alive and not in Areth's grasp, we'll have hope. Plus, if you have a plan…"

"We have a plan." Minako answered. "Of sorts…"

"Where is this person you're looking for?"

Minako avoided looking at his eyes, "We don't know."

"What!" Umino responded, "Maybe I can help! I know a lot of people in the city!"

"Oh this person is definitely not in Talrysc Kotyo."

Umino sighed. "So you need to get out of the city. A city where Arethian soldiers are patrolling the streets and guarding the walls and manning what's left of the gates and –"

"I know!" Minako interrupted loudly. She recollected herself with a deep breath. "I know. But Umino, you know things about this city. I wouldn't have come here if I didn't know you couldn't help us."

"Minako you assume a lot." Umino said slowly.

Minako did not respond, casting her eyes downward. She missed the smile that broke out on his face.

"But as a friend, and considering your patronage over the years to the store, of course I'll help!"

Minako breathed a sigh of relief, her own face splitting into a grin. "That's the best news we've had all day."

Umino nodded his head and stood up from the table. Minako watched him as he paced from the table to the backdoor and back again. Her eyes slid over once in the silence of the backroom to rest on Rei and Usagi before turning her attention back to Umino.

A few feet away from the table, Umino paused, his hand coming up in a fist pump. "That's it!" He quickly jumped back into his seat at the table. "This is what you're going to do."

"I'm listening." Minako replied.

"Every entrance and exit is blocked and you can't risk a commotion…the river is grated on the downstream end of the city, but not on the upstream end."

"That's because it's impossible to swim upstream…" Minako said slowly. She shifted to look over to Makoto and Ami. "Unless if you have a powerful water mage to redirect the water!"

"The river was turned into overflowing, raging rapids today. How else could Areth do that, except with a master water mage?"

"It was more than a master water mage that did that today and that's part of the reason it's much too dangerous for us to be here." Minako replied, closing her eyes and reflecting on the encounter with Neptune and Uranus.

"Really?" Umino questioned. For once though, he brushed off his curiosity and continued, "Regardless, I don't think it'll be out of Ami's reach from what I've heard of her. She won't have to reverse the total flow of the river, just manipulate it a bit."

Minako nodded her head, "Right. That's the plan then. Thanks Umino."

He waved her off with bravado, "Anytime."

Ami stared at them both unbelieving, brushing aside Makoto's hands that were cleaning up a cut. "Wait a second Minako! What makes you think I can do something like that?"

Minako looked confused, "Why couldn't you?"

"There are an infinite number of reasons why!" Ami responded rapidly ticking off the reasons on her fingers. "For one, Neptune controlling the river is a little different than me. She's a water mage that's the Revlis deity of seas. I'm a water mage that's just specializes in ice. Two, the sheer natural force and volume of the river is not something I can easily deal with. Three, the length of time I'll have to manipulate such force. Four, add all five of us to the equation. Five, the-"

"Ami." Makoto interrupted, gently cupping Ami's cheeks with both hands and staring into her eyes. "You can do it."

"Makoto," Ami replied, placing her hands on Makoto's wrists. "The statistical probability of this working is close to zero. So many things could go wrong."

"We don't have any other choice." Minako answered.

"And we all know you are able to do it." Makoto replied.

Ami's eyes darted to Minako who looked so composed, so believing, and then back to Makoto who leaned back, giving Ami space. Ami closed her eyes and took a deep breath, but the only thing on her mind was Makoto with warm, sincere eyes and trusting words. Ami opened her eyes when she felt a familiar hand grab hers and she managed a weak smile. "I'll do my best."

Minako sighed in relief and Makoto smiled softly, leant in, and gave her a brief kiss. "It'll work." Makoto said as she drew back from the kiss.

Then in the short silence that followed, there was a pounding at the backdoor. The room went completely still aside from Usagi who stirred awake from her uneasy sleep. "Wha…?"

Rei quickly placed her free hand against Usagi's mouth, effectively stilling her. Usagi's wide eyes connected with Rei's cautionary gaze. Slowly, Rei removed her hand, bringing a finger to her lips to mime silence. Usagi nodded and sat up, keeping her hand in Rei's grip the entire time.

The rest of the room's occupants exchanged furtive glances as the knocking continued, this time with a bit more force. Umino stood up from the table slowly. The others followed suit, moving silently to grab weapons. Umino walked slowly to the solid door, reaching the handle, he paused to affirm the others were ready.

Minako stood at his back, her long sword posed offensively in a way that she could unleash either magic or a physical strike. Ami and Makoto stood side by side with staff and halberd ready. Finally Rei and Usagi had shifted around to a better position. Rei kept her bow put in away in favor of a gleaming dagger due to the close quarters, and stood protectively just in front of Usagi. The princess, despite every horrifying thing that had occurred to her today and the burnt-out exhaustion, had gathered herself together and gripped her sword in a basic defensive stance.

Umino licked his lips nervously and then turned the door handle. He cracked the door open slowly, peaking out into the night. An anxious whisper pierced the air, "Gurio, it's me! Open the door!"

"Naru!" Umino gasped, opening the backdoor wide, revealing four silhouettes.

A petite girl with shoulder-length reddish hair burst into the room, straight into Umino's arms. Umino hugged her fiercely, before pushing her back arm's length, "What are you doing out on the streets? It's dangerous!"

Naru looked down shyly, "I know. But considering who I found, I thought your store would be the best place to bring them." She turned back to the doorway, but the other three figures had stepped on into the room.

"Artemis!" Minako gaped.

"Minako." Artemis replied with a fleeting smile for her. He looked worse for the wear; a dark rough cloak over the remains of his garments and hiding a bloody sword hilt at his waist. His normally handsome features were withdrawn and desperate, his countenance unusually grim. "The princess?"

"Right here." Usagi answer meekly, stepping up from behind Rei. Artemis breathed a sigh of relief as Luna pushed on by him. She immediately went to Usagi, hesitating a mere second to half-curtsy before pulling the startled princess into a hug. Luna's appearance too, was battle-worn. Her dress had been torn short to not impede movement and a similar dark cloak hung from her shoulders. Her once long mane of black hair was now chopped off at her shoulders, but like Artemis, she seemed to sport no serious injuries.

Usagi felt her tears prick at the corners of her eyes and she swallowed thickly in the comforting embrace. Artemis came next to them, laying a hand on her shoulder. He spoke softly, his voice scratchy and pained, "I'm sorry."

Usagi resisted a loud sob, only nodding her head slightly against Luna's shoulder. After a moment, her whole body trembling and her heart aching, she pulled back from the embrace feeling as if she had gained a semblance of the self-control. Her eyes immediately fell on the final figure and she gasped in surprise. "Mamoru!"

Rei had stepped back and looked down to give the others some privacy, but her head jerked up sharply as she heard Usagi's audible gasp. There was just enough candlelight for Rei to see the small, but first signs of life in Usagi's eyes since her mother had fallen. She at once felt both the warm, comforting pressure of relief to see the princess at least taking a minor step of recovery and the cold hand of misery against her heart to know that she was not the one to provide that comfort.

She noticed that Mamoru stood stiffly, obviously injured. His movements were less graceful than normal as he pulled Usagi into a hug. She looked away, ashamed of her satisfaction in seeing the Asliro hurt and not wanting bare the chafing sight of the princess in someone else's arms, only to meet Minako's gaze. They stared at each other from across the room, the blonde's stare unreadable. Then Rei found herself receiving a sad smile from Minako as she turned to close the backdoor.

With four more people, it was extremely crowded in backroom. Luna, Artemis, and Mamoru tried to spare a moment to greet everyone. Umino caused more havoc as he frantically tried to make sure everyone was comfortable. He chivalrously guided Naru to a seat at the table before urging Luna and Artemis to do the same. Rushing about he upset one of the candles, nearly causing a fire to break out if it was not for Ami's quick actions.

Once that was taken care of, Ami and Makoto shifted back over to their spot at the wall and Umino ushered Mamoru into the final stool at the table. The Asliro wearily settled his weight onto the stool, Usagi hovering anxiously at his shoulder. Rei sunk back into the corner between spice racks, missing the quick glance Minako shot at her from her position at the backdoor. Umino took a moment to peak into the store front. Satisfied that all was as it should be, he returned his attention to the backroom.

Luna was the first to open serious discussion, "We need to get Usagi out of the city."

"Agreed." Minako spoke up. "Umino and I have already come up with a plan."

"But what are you going to do after that?" Artemis pressed.

"Get Usagi out of the country." Luna answered, shooting her partner a look. "As long as she is alive, Revlis El'inmilnum will not die."

"We can take her to the coast and charter the first ship we find to Hawkai. My father will grant her asylum." Rei said hesitantly.

This immediately set off a wave of conversation. All tried to keep their voices low, but as each clamored to be heard, the noise level was raised.

"No!"

Everyone completely stilled, attention turning to the princess standing with her hands pressed against the table, leveling a determined blue stare at the room's occupants. Seeing that she had their attention, Usagi continued, this time with her voice pitched just above a whisper, "My mother is dead, my country has been ripped away, and all this time leading up to it, I've been nothing but a silly girl without a care! I will not abandon my people and flee my country just to have you fight the battle in my place."

Silence filled the room at this announcement. They all avoided her gaze; all except for Rei, whose dark eyes shone a fierce mixture of pride, tenderness, and trepidation from her place in the corner. Meeting that gaze, Usagi took strength, receiving a firm nod and sliver of a smile from the fire mage. She took a deep breath and continued, "Mama gave me a task. A chance of hope. And I plan to follow through with it."

She paused again and this time she drew confidence from Ami and Makoto, and then finally Minako, receiving assurance to continue. "Luna, Artemis…what do you know about the Guardian of Time?"

Luna opened her mouth and promptly closed it. Artemis brought a hand to his jaw, rubbing it thoughtfully. Beside her, Usagi felt Mamoru shift in surprise at the mention of the deity. Across the table, Umino nearly toppled over from where he leant just behind Naru. The auburn-haired girl gaped and stuttered, "P-Pluto?"

"Princess please…" Luna pleaded after a moment, "Leave the country. Leave the rebellion to us."

"I cannot!" Usagi replied desperately. "I will not…" The room suddenly brightened, an intense white light emanating from the princess. It was warm and rejuvenating, washing away wounds and beginning the repair of the heartache on all occupants of the room. They stared at each other and the source of the magic in wonderment. Weariness and hopelessness ebbed away, replaced with energy and purpose.

"She subconsciously touched into her light magic…" Ami murmured in amazement, touching her now healed ribs.

Makoto peeled off the bandages and compress of her carefully dressed shoulder wound to find unblemished skin. "That's the first time she's ever done something like that."

The rest found themselves similarly refreshed as the light died away, leaving a wide-eyed Usagi in its wake. Recovering, she narrowed her gaze onto Luna and Artemis, "Please you two, I'll fight for my kingdom regardless. And I may not know much about it, but I have power. Where can I find the Guardian of Time?"

Artemis exchanged a glance with Luna. The dark-haired woman hesitated, but then nodded her head. Artemis spoke, "Xhyndria Forest. Deep inside the woods, where few have ever traveled, you'll find Charon. That is Pluto's home."

Usagi gave a deep sigh of relief, "Thank you. I feel better knowing I have your approval."

"Approval does not matter much in times like these…" Luna said thoughtfully, "You are the crown princess anyway. Just promise me you won't do anything too reckless."

As Usagi nodded with a tearful smile, Minako stepped forward, approaching the center of the room. Placing the point of her sword against the floor, she appeared calm, but there was an edge of anxiousness in her voice, "It's decided then. Usagi will accompany Rei, Ami, Makoto, and me to find Pluto. Truth be told, before you showed up," She gestured toward those at the table, "that is what I was planning on. We need to leave soon. That light was bound to attract unwanted attention."

"And we'll remain here in the city, organizing for an overthrow against Areth." Mamoru said with conviction, earning approving nods from both Luna and Artemis.

"You said you had a plan of getting out of the city?" Artemis questioned as everyone began standing up and preparing to go.

"Yes. We'll go upstream in the river, using Ami's power." Minako answered.

"Good idea." Luna responded, adjusting her cloak. "Umino, is there a place we can lay low?"

"Hmm…" Umino's brow furrowed in thought.

"What about Unazuki's tavern?" Naru suggested from Umino's side.

Umino smiled, "Perfect."

"Unazuki?" Mamoru said urgently. "Unazuki Furuhata?"

Naru nodded her head confusingly.

"Furuhata?" Usagi questioned, "Mamoru, isn't that Motoki's last name?"

"Yes." Mamoru closed his eyes. "That's his sister."

Usagi placed her hand on his arm, "Is Motoki okay?"

"I don't know." He whispered.

The others were beginning to gather by the backdoor, having hurried conversations, checking weapons, and mapping out their path through the city. Mamoru and Usagi remained by the table, focused upon each other.

"Mamoru," Usagi took his hands in hers, "Be safe."

The Asliro enveloped her into a hug. "We'll get your kingdom back."

"Together." Usagi whispered against him.

"Don't do anything reckless." Mamoru said, pulling her tighter against him. Usagi looked up, surprised at the intensity reflected in his eyes. Without warning, he claimed a deep kiss, and after a moment of surprise, she melted into it. It was a kiss meant to mesh souls together. Even after everything, it was not hard for Usagi to give in to that kind of passion. They parted and she stared up at him, absorbed into his soft gaze.

"Usagi, come on!" Minako's voice pierced their moment.

Usagi blushed, her attention turning toward where everyone else was gathered by the backdoor. Minako gave her an exaggerated wink and held up two fingers in the V sign she had done since childhood. The princess gave an embarrassed smile that faded as her sight landed on Rei. The fire mage's head was bowed, her hair providing a dark veil to her face. Usagi felt her heart thud painfully, though she could not figure out why, but it hurt, deeply. Yet it was a different hurt than the ache from losing her mother. Before the princess could respond, Makoto had cracked the door open. She peaked outside, checking to make sure the alleyway was immediately clear. There were no signs of Arethian soldiers, but she could hear shouting that originated from the main street of the bazaar. Returning her attention to the backroom, she found everyone waiting expectantly. "We need to go. And quickly." Makoto urged.

"Give her a proper burial, I'll give the blasted woman that much." Ochas said with a wave of his hands.

Attendants scurried to where the body still lay from the fight just hours ago. As they left the throne room with the lifeless form of Queen Serenity XI in tow, the emperor-king turned toward those with him: the most infamous and deadliest of his generals, Aliaxga, and the guardians known as Neptune and Uranus. "To save her daughter she expounded the rest of her energy. She could have directed that energy toward herself and possibly survived. Only possibly though. Ah, at least she didn't send us but right outside the walls." He remarked offhandedly, watching the servants carry the fallen queen.

Haruka and Michiru exchanged glances. Ochas had been livid at the time, at what Serenity had managed to do, at the fact that he was not there to ensure the death of the princess, at them for not following his orders without forceful coercion. For a few moments, it had been anger so intense and so permeated with power that it would have immediately felled a lesser being.

"Your Highness," The general began with a confident composure, "Any specific orders?"

Ochas turned his attention toward her. She was a tall woman, and despite being slender, her presence was dominating. Her hair, when not wrapped up behind her distinctive golden helm, fell far past her waist in the curious colors of a red and gold sunset. Though her features could be described as beautiful, there was an unpleasant set to her mouth and her eyes were a venomous red. Despite being a warrior, a general of renown, she remained unscarred. She was not a native of Areth as gossip went, nor of any of the immediate surrounding countries, but of an unknown land far to the West. Whatever her origins might have been, she was hard, dangerous, and powerful, even compared to the rest of Ochas's generals.

"Keep those that claim themselves to nobility here tonight." Ochas said after a moment, "I'll see to them tomorrow. You know what to do."

Aliaxga nodded her head and with sure measured steps, made her way to the throne room's doors. There she paused and looked over her shoulder. She smiled slightly, an upturning of her lips that held a hint of malicious satisfaction.

Ochas, Haruka, and Michiru did not notice. The emperor-king walked up the dais and turned with a bit of a flourish at the base of the throne. Dark eyes fell on the two guardians, standing together at the foot of the dais. He sneered and the familiar dark energy outlined their forms. With a flick of his wrist, both were sent to their knees.

"That's better." Ochas sighed and sat down in the throne. He leaned against its silver frame, his arms splayed out along the armrest with his fingers just reaching its ending curve. He drummed his fingers for a moment, taking in the nearly empty throne room. His roving eyes came to rest on the bowed figures of Haruka and Michiru. "So, has it changed much since you were last here?"

Neither answered, but he could feel their wills battling his. The wind was sharp in Uranus's green eyes and the sea was a steady wearing force in Neptune's blue orbs.

"I must admit, I have been nothing but impressed with either of you. You've retained your fighting skills and your power really is what legends are made of." Ochas said conversationally, but his voice grew softer and more dangerous as he continued, "Yet so is mine. Do you forget yourselves? Who was it that freed you? Who did you swear to?"

Ochas jumped to his feet and growled, "I am power, and you defy me?" He walked toward them, the carpet doing little to muffle the pounding of his boots as he stepped down the dais. Arriving at their side, he towered over them; his mere presence dominating the air. "I gave you two back everything that you lost! Most importantly, I gave you back each other! And you defy me?"

Ochas clenched his teeth, dark rage feeding his aura of power. He roared, "Look at me!"

Still outlined in dark energy, Haruka and Michiru's heads snapped up. Ochas was not pleased with what he saw, defiance, rage, and hatred… Yet the power shadowing their forms vanished, leaving them free to move. He turned his back to them, gazing at the throne of Revlis El'inmilnum as he spoke. His voice was low, almost crazed, "You are deities. Powerful immortals of this kingdom, yet you're under my control. Under my control. Along with this kingdom that none have ever been able to breach before…"

Ochas laughed. It was a harsh sound that echoed in the throne room. Haruka and Michiru rose to their feet. Their eyes met, seeking reassurance. Together, they moved to entwine their hands in a comforting grip, Haruka's right and Michiru's left. There was no fear apparent, not when they stood together.

Ochas chose that moment to compose himself, gaining control of his manic laughter. He turned around, his eyes falling onto their hands. His mouth twisted into a snarl, his voice rising as he strode forward. "I brought you two back together and I can tear you apart."

Haruka and Michiru stood their ground as he closed in, only for one of Ochas's hands to clamp itself around Haruka's neck. It was a steel grip, and Haruka found her windpipe put under immediate pressure as Ochas easily lifted her off her feet with a burst of power.

Michiru was at first just aware of Haruka's hand being ripped away from hers. It was sudden and unexpected, even for her. For a moment, she could only stare as Ochas held Haruka's life in his grip. But her surprise was only momentary as in the next instance blue eyes flashed from desperate horror to steely cold. "Haruka!"

Ochas inclined his head to Michiru who was surrounded by an aquamarine aura of power, yet unable to attack. He gave a sinister smile, just a curling of the edge of his lips. Haruka too, had thrown up her own magic, but it was also edged off by the obsidian power of the emperor-king's binding contract. Ochas chuckled, his eyes growing even darker than normal. "Deities, who I freed and under my control to do with as I please."

Ochas's free hand was at Haruka's waist, slowly slithering across her flat stomach. Then gradually, it crept upward. Haruka noticed. Her revulsion and horror of such a possibility edged out only by the fact that she could barely find her breath at this point. Her mind darted to the irony of dying for lack of air when she had been its master for all these years.

"Let go of Haruka, you vile beast." Michiru's voice was as cold as the icy depths of Ym'dea Eesp.

"Neptune, that is no way to speak to your benefactor. If not for me, you would still be locked up in that lonely little watery prison people call a shrine." Ochas replied, meeting her glare. "Remarkable. I see my death in your eyes. 'Tis almost shame you can't attack me. It would be an interesting fight."

Despite his words, his hand stilled along Haruka's ribs. He watched as Haruka's eyes darted to Michiru's. "This love," he sneered at the word, "you have for each other, is most curious. And because of it, you doomed Revlis El'inmilnum."

With that, he released Haruka, letting her drop to the ground. She landed on her feet, but quickly went to her knees, gasping in air. She looked up just in time to see Ochas reach Michiru. The Guardian of the Seas stood her ground, her aura still inflamed in aqua shades, staring a cool death at Ochas. He towered over her, but she did not back down, even as he roughly grabbed her upper arm in one hand. His other hand went to the underside of her jaw, forcing her to continue looking at him as he leant in close. He whispered, his mouth hovering near her ear, yet Haruka heard every cursed word as his voice seemed to reverberate in the empty throne room. "If either of you disobey me again, I'll fuck you till you bleed the sea, impudent wench."

He released her with a sneer, arrogantly turning and walking down the stretch of carpet to exit the throne room. He left them without regard, his superciliousness knowing no boundaries.

Michiru stared after him unmoving and impassive, while Haruka climbed to her feet, having finally caught her breath. They remained apart, an almost palatable tension rising between them.

"I won't let him touch you." Haruka said suddenly, her voice hoarse.

"It doesn't matter." Michiru replied. "Not now."

"Are you happy?" There was no vindication in Haruka's voice.

"I love you." Michiru answered. She said it so matter-of-factly, that Haruka blinked. They had not uttered those words since their reunion, but neither knew what it really meant at this point. Not with Michiru staring off into the distance with a cold façade. Not with the bruising already appearing on Haruka's neck and Michiru's jaw. Not with the queen's blood on the floor.

"Is it enough?" And not with Haruka's question.

Neither of them could answer it.

The night was calm and clear; the air, warm and humid. It was late spring in the southern end of the peninsula, and already the summer heat could be felt. Cicadas and grasshoppers hummed their song, joined by the occasional mimicked hoot of an owl given by the sentries at their various distant outposts surrounding the large camp to signal to the guards on duty that all remained clear. Hundreds of campfires continued to crackle and flame, tended by those awake and on guard. A few of the tethered horses neighed, restless or dreaming or both, and occasionally there was an exceptionally loud snore or cough emitted from a sleeping soldier. Yet for the most part, the camp was asleep and quiet.

In the center of the camp, protected on all sides, lay Queen Serenity's large tent. It was nondescript on the outside, only set apart from other tents by its size and the space around it. Inside, it remained just as stark for though the Queen appreciated luxury, she was just as practical. The tent double as a meeting place for her generals and prized warriors, but at this moment, Serenity entertained a solitary figure.

She was a stoic yet beautiful woman with long hair that appeared black in the dim light inside the tent. She was dressed plainly, but carried with her three instruments of power. She had come in the night, awakening Serenity from her sleep with just her presence. They both knew that the details of how and why this encounter came to be were unimportant, but it still shook Serenity to the core when the Guardian of Time prostrated herself before her. What did matter were the three instruments the woman laid between them: an orb, a mirror, and a sword. Serenity heeded the Guardian's words and then she was gone, leaving behind the mirror and the sword.

Next to this tent was a smaller one, also relatively bare. The only outside decoration consisted of two curious symbols painted next to the tent flap; one in gold, shaped by a small circle with a cross like pattern rising from its top framed by two more lines, the other in sea blue with three prongs similar to a trident. The soldiers painted them there after the last battle, adopting the ancient script of Talrysc Kotyo for the symbols of wind and sea to represent those inside. They were beginning to be thought of as more than mere human by the Revlis. Inside the tent, it was also plain; the only extra sign of comfort was the layered rugs that served as a bed for the two women within.

Haruka hovered over Michiru, placing feather-light kisses against the water mage's collarbone and neck as she struggled to catch her breath. The airy sheet that served as a blanket during the warm night had been pushed to their feet. The dim firelight strained through the tent to provide a mellow glow that reflected the sheen of sweat on their bare skin. Michiru's right hand glided upwards to gently brush Haruka's bangs off from her forehead and then rest against her cheek. Her left arm remained wrapped around her lover's back, the hand splayed out between the blonde's shoulder blades. Haruka turned her head, kissing the palm of Michiru's hand before meeting the soft sea-blue gaze. They smiled, enjoying the moment, and needing no words to affirm what passed between them.

Michiru's hand slid from Haruka's cheek to the back of her neck, pulling her in for a kiss. It was just a brushing of the lips as Haruka pulled back ever so slightly. A moment of eternity passed as they breathed each other in, separated by only a trace of air. Then the distance was mutually closed as they met in a blistering kiss that was all the things words tried to convey. Bodies tangled around each other, Michiru gently pushed Haruka onto her back. Her hands drifted downwards and soon it was the wind mage that was struggling to catch her breath.

Once recovered, Haruka brought the smiling Michiru in close, threading her fingers through the aqua hair. "Tomorrow…"

"Tomorrow we'll finish this war and the entire peninsula will be Serenity's." Michiru answered, nestling into Haruka's embrace.

"Be careful. I don't like being separated during a battle." Haruka said seriously.

"Serenity's plan will work. And cause less bloodshed because of it. Besides, you don't have to worry about me, I know my way around a battlefield." Michiru finished lightly.

"Oh I think I know that." Haruka grinned, catching Michiru's gaze. Her smile slowly left, her eyes growing distant. "Sometimes I wonder…"

"About what?" Michiru whispered, well aware of Haruka's sudden change of mood.

"It's more than coincidence. This is fate writ by the gods. Serenity, us, Revlis El'inmilnum…"

Michiru smiled sultrily in the dark, "Hmm, you say our affair is writ by the gods?"

"No, our romance is written in the stars." Haruka grinned, "That sounds better than being 'writ by the gods.'"

"By the stars it is then." Michiru whispered, giggling. "That's so saccharine. You're such a softy."

"Don't change the subject." Haruka growled, brushing a lingering kiss on Michiru's forehead.

Michiru sighed, burrowing closer into Haruka's embrace. "Fate? I can't say. Certainly, though with the way things are and the way everything is coming together. Have…" She hesitated for a moment, "Have you considered the way our power has developed?"

Haruka blinked in surprise, "No, not really."

Michiru shook her head in amused exasperation, "Haruka, why did Serenity send us away during the winter? Why have the soldiers painted those symbols on our tent? Our power had attracted attention. No one else aside from Serenity has comparable levels.

"I know, but I admit, I never really thought about it like that. The abilities we have seem…" Haruka paused, searching for the word, "natural. I know that's only because it's our own power. But you know, now that I think about it, I realize that everyday I feel myself capable of more. The wind has become not just something that I can control, it's my familiar."

"It's the same, for me. The sea…Haruka, tomorrow I'm am going to turn Ym'dea Eesp against our enemy's navy. What kind of water mage is capable of that?"

"You're full of questions tonight."

Michiru reached up and ran a hand through Haruka's hair. "Rhetorical questions though."

Haruka smiled, "I suppose."

"Whatever the case, we've been granted this amazing power and we're in position to do some true good for our world. Under Serenity, we can carve out a great nation, a great civilization." Michiru's voice held no room for argument and her eyes, even in the dark, shone with certainty.

It was that same look that caused others to find her unapproachable and cold, but Haruka knew better. In the silence that followed, she could feel Michiru's body gradually relax against the tension that had built up with her declaration. She marveled briefly at the level of comfort and familiarity they had achieved in order for Michiru to not expect anything from her after making such a statement.

Haruka's thoughts rapidly tore through their conversation and the events that led them to this night – the eve of complete unification of the peninsula as Revlis El'inmilnum because there was no doubt in her mind that they would win tomorrow. It was part of the reason she had asked about fate. In the beginning, she had just been there as part of her duty, caught up in Michiru and finding Serenity to be more than deserving of her meager talents. But Michiru hinted at something, a formation of a great nation, a rewriting of history under a divine queen, that Haruka had actually increasingly thought of, but never voiced aloud.

Michiru's breathing was growing steady, her eyes closed, yet Haruka knew she was not fully asleep, only caught in between. "I agree." She whispered, tightening her embrace around Michiru's form, "I love you."

"Love…too" Michiru breathed.

Haruka smiled, and set herself to rest for the next day. It would be the beginning of history.

Fin Chapter

A/N: Anagram Corner!

This chapter's anagrams are:

-Xhyndria

-Aliaxga

I have faith in your abilities to solve Aliaxga. Xhyndria will probably give you a bit more trouble. It is composed of two words that are the names of something in our solar system. Good luck and thanks to Soleil-Lune for the name.

Pronunciation Guide:

Revlis El'inmilnum: rev-liss el-in-mil-num

Talrysc Kotyo: tal-risk co-tee-oh

Ochas: oh-chas or oh-kass, depending on where your accent ^^

Areth: a-reth

Suwdin G'nrih: tsu-din gee-rih

Onom: oh-numm

Ym'dea Eesp: eem-dee-ah esp

Asliro: as-lee-ro

Hawkai: hall-kai

Xhyndria: zen-dree-uh

Aliaxga: ally-axe-guh

Next Chapter: Usagi and the others try to survive. Haruka and Michiru are angry in the present and happy in the past. And we finally get to the one character who hasn't even been mentioned in this entire story.