The war left scars that went far beyond the surface. There are nights where I scream myself awake with only the security of Hysan’s arms keeping me tethered to the universe and no the clutches of the Sumber.
After the war it took months to be able to be able to bring myself to commune with the stars. There were too many factors at play in the present to focus on what the future held. Factors like life after Hysan’s trail, the betrayal his people had felt by the deception of the youngest guardian in history was snuffed out by the impact Hysan made to not only Libra, but to the entire Zodiac.
“Libra has always known it’s true guardian far before its people. We, the jury, find Hysan Dax not guilty of treason and recognize his role as it always should have been known, Guardian of Libra and citizen of the Zodiac.” The young woman announced at the jurors station, her deep brown eyes reminding me so much of Ruby.
Hysan forced his features into a stoicism, but back in the penthouse. He crashed into me, kissing me and spinning me around. When he pulled away I saw the tear tracks on his golden face. He had not been abandoned by his people, his greatest fear since he was twelve years old. There was a celebration held four days after and everyone flew in by the ship full.
Pandora found me in the crowd and gave me the biggest grin, she shyly grabbed my hand and led me to a more secluded room.
“I am so glad that Hysan was pardoned and that he has been set as the true guardian. You must be so proud of him.” She told me in her misty voice. I glanced towards the crowd where Brenna had squealed and practically tackled Hysan in a hug. He radiated Helios’ light more than anyone one I have ever known and now with no secrets to hide behind he was absolutely radiant.
I absentmindedly touched my chest, at the beating heart that thawed out of darkness. Hysan saved me, in more ways than one. My love. My tether to this world.
“I am.” I said and then looked back at Pandora. She seemed to be fiddling with the ends of her blouse. The fabric hugged her skin a bit tighter than I was used to seeing on her. Still long and muscled there was nothing to deem the blouse was anything but outgrown, but then she cradled her stomach gently. My eyes widened and I searched her face for confirmation and with tears in her radiant violet eyes she laughed and nodded.
I crashed her into a hug and began to cry as well. Tears of the purest joy. There was going to be new life brought into this world and my dearest friends were expanding their family.
“I see that Pandora told you the good news.” A musical voice said from behind me. I turned to see Mathias with his hands in his pockets. He had a moon-bright smile beaming from him. Without letting go of Pandora I dragged him into our hug.
“I am so happy for both of you. I know how much you wanted a family. This child will be blessed by all the guardians of the Zodiac. I will personally see to it.” I said and Mathias laughed and shook his head.
“I have learned to never doubt you, Holy Mother.” He said and placed a sweet kiss on my cheek. I left the soon to be parents at the buffet and made my way about the entertainment hall. I plucked off a wine flute from a nearby serving tray and leaned against a pillar.
Soon a pair of arms snaked around my waist and I felt a warm breath tickling my ear.
“Are you enjoying yourself, my lady?” Hysan purred and kissed my neck. I leaned back into him and brought my hand back to cup the side of his face.
“I am. Seeing all of our friends again gives me hope. Especially since Pandora is pregnant.” I said and Hysan turned me to check if I was okay. I leaned up and kissed him lightly on the lips. He gave me his centaur smile and brought me closer to his chest.
“That’s wonderful.” He said and then leaned in closer so only I could hear the husky shift in his voice. “And if you ever feel the urge. I would be honored to have a family with you. You just let me know when you want to start trying” He said and I could feel each hair on my body stand on end. I shivered which made Hysan smirk. I made a show of adjusting the collar of his suit.
“Let’s talk about that after we’re married.” I wink at him and turn around to face the party once again. There is a swarm of bodies dancing around and laughing. Just as they had on Sagittarius, only this wasn’t a celebration in spite of the end of the world. This was a celebration of living.
“Was that a proposal, my lady?” Hysan asked from behind me. I looked over my shoulder at him and froze. Hysan was kneeling down on one knee.
“Because you beat me to the punch.” He whispered. His face was not his usually confident radiance. There was nervous excitement in his leaf green eyes. He was so open and vulnerable. I fell to my knees and stared at Hysan’s face and down at the glittering blue pearl surrounded by blue-gray crystals.
Cancer’s new planetary form.
My eyes began to well with tears and I looked up at Hysan again. He swallowed.
“I had this made before we went to Ophucius.” He said quietly. I bit my lip and thought of those moments before Ocus and I went into the Psy. Hysan had looked as though he wanted to tell me something, but he knew I needed to be focused.
“You are my everything, Rhoma Grace. Will you marry me?” He asked and I nodded quickly before wrapping my arms around him.
“You are my everything, Hysan Dax. I want nothing more, but to be a part of your family.” I said through tears. He squeezed me tighter and I could hear the roars of cheers behind us. With Brenna projecting a hollow banner that read ‘Rho and Hysan forever’.
“Well, at least we know that this part of the Zodiac approves.” I laughed and Hysan squeezed my hand.
“The only person’s approval I care about is that of my future wife.” He said and kissed me deeply and the Abisthe rush flooded into my heart to the point of bursting.
Yes, this was to begin again.
