The burden lies heavy on his back, making every step feel like ten. Breath does not come easily. His whole body hurts, and he would give anything to just stop and ease the burning in his legs.

But he must not yield. The beautiful blonde haired boy knows that to surrender now is to disgrace himself forever. To surrender now would only confirm what the bullies have said his whole life. He is too small, too weak, too stupid, too afraid. He is not good enough. He will never be a man.

He knows if he can endure, he will be more than a man. He will be a Shitennou, the carrier of a proud title and the mightiest servant of Earth.

But knowing this does not make the miles any easier, or the load any lighter. It does not drown out the marching orders of the Teacher, and it does not dull the glint in the eyes of the older boys who would pounce on any display of weakness.

For that, he only has the steadying presence of his friends. They are there for each other, a tight knit band standing against all others. They stay together, keeping each other from despair and pushing each other forward. In this life they have chosen, they have no names, no family, no property. They only have each other, and a common determination to reach their goal together.

"Stay strong brother," the tall brown-haired one says. His encouragement is a balm for the battered spirit. The miles are still long, but they are not so empty and alone anymore. The burden is no lighter, but it only serves to tighten the bond. His brothers believe in him. While they do, there is no thought of surrender. To do so would disgrace not only him, but it would disgrace them as well. It would destroy the faith they have shown in him, and betray they love they have given him. Their fate is tied now. There is more at stake than just his fate alone. Knowing that, he can not quit. He will not quit.

***

"Really General, is this so difficult?"

She speaks teasingly, as though he can not solve a simple arithmetic problem. This woman drives him crazy. The poison coursing through his veins does not help. She is trying to break him. He fights to keep his wits. He must not give in to the growing madness. If he surrenders now, he will be lost forever.

"You lie!" he spits.

"So there is no truth to the rumors that the Alliance has forsaken us?"

That knowledge is classified. The mere fact that she knows negotiations have been suspended proves she is a traitor and confirms his suspicions. Beryl is dangerous, and not to be trusted. He must not give in to her. If he turns, it will be disastrous. There is no telling what she wants of him. He only knows that it can't be good for Earth.

"We are not ready!" His voice is thick and his speech is becoming more slurred. Even keeping his eyes open seems a struggle, to say nothing of resisting her suggestions.

"The witch used you, seduced you, manipulated you."

Her voice makes his head hurt. He can hear the blood pulsing in his ears. A part of him is consumed with rage and it wants to be let out. He fears what might happen if he lets it.

"She is immortal, hidden away in a palace in the sky. How could she possibly love you?"

He tries to remember the feeling of her hands in his, the softness of her skin, the warmth of her lips. In his growing madness, the memories are mixed with images of barren villages and burnt bodies.

"You were prepared to turn on your brothers, leave them behind, for some heartless whore who never cared for you."

She could have cut him with a knife and it would have been less painful. His resolve is weakening. His breath is coming in short gasps. Death is near, and the fear begins to take him.

"I can forgive you, give you a chance to redeem yourself. You can still be a servant of Earth. All you have to do is yield to me Zoisite. I can give you true power."

The last of his resolve slips away. He is hers. He is lost.

***

He hears the sweet voice singing again. It is the only one of two things that keeps the nightmares away anymore. Minako's voice has some power over his demons. He relies on her when Ami's duties take her far away. In truth, he sometimes prefers it. It is true that in this lifetime he fought all the Senshi, but a lifetime ago, it was his blade that took Princess Mercury's life, and her powers that consigned him to death. In that lifetime, he did love her, but he betrayed her. Beryl used his own feelings against him.

And so, when he returned this time, he left his heart behind, because that was his weakness, and he had learned a lifetime ago that weakness was not something he could afford. It is ironic then that he must be sung to sleep as though he were the same weak boy that the Teacher had to beat the softness out of.

"That you for your kindness Princess. It is most appreciated."

"I'm glad to help. But you know, there is another way for you."

"I can't ask for anymore from Ami. She already does too much. She should be allowed to focus on her duties, and not my weakness."

"You're right. Ami's done her part. Now it's time for you to do yours."

His face shows his confusion, and Minako smiles.

"You have to be pretty clever to keep up with Ami-chan. So I'm sure you'll figure this one out. I'll leave you to it."

***

When she returns, the first thing Ami does is come to see him. It has only been three days, but for both of them, it has been an eternity.

That fact only makes him more ashamed. He has grown so weak that he depends entirely upon her. He wonders if he has the strength to do whatever it is that Minako thinks he has to do. She was always so cryptic when she got enthusiastic. He wished she was more clear with her guidance instead of opting for the mysterious goddess of love routine.

He is so lost in himself that she manages to take him by surprise when she takes him in her arms. For a moment everything is fine. Her lips find their way to his. The kiss is sweet and tender and it eases some of his burden. The longer it goes, the more difficult it is to break. Passion grows. Her hands seem to be everywhere, and something inside of him begins to thaw.

His arms encircle her and he kisses her like he means it. He can not get enough of her and she responds to him. They both let go and feel the passion they thought they had lost a thousand years ago. They rediscover it in a moment of sweet surrender.