An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Pairings: Senshi/Shitennou; Serenity/Shitennou
Rating: M (this chapter T)
Summary: After the engagement ball and sneaking and pairing off, Siobhan’s world abruptly changes once again.
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Breakfast was quiet, punctuated by yawns and requests to pass rolls or butter or sugar. They were not alone. The Senshi and the Mauens joined them. King Theseus and Queen Aretz along with the Shitennou had returned to Terra after the ball, and Queen Serenity had excused herself with work to do.
While sleep had not been a priority last night—for any of them it appeared—seeing Amelie paired with Nascha again made the food taste like sawdust. Oddly, when she looked across to where the other Senshi sat, Malikah seemed happy. What right did she have to be happy with Nascha playing doting fiancé to Amelie?
“Simmer down before we have to defrost you.” Tuon hissed in his ear and gestured toward the breadbasket. Siobhan passed it to him without looking. She did not want to see the smug expressions of the Senshi and she definitely did not want to meet the eyes of the Senshi of Mercury. The last thing she needed was some kind of ice battle with Amelie’s mentor.
Tuon took the basket, still whispering in her ear. “Last night not go well?”
“Shutup.” Siobhan cut him off. “It was perfect, but this…” is a ruse. Tuon was right. There was no rational reason for it to grate on her, especially after the night she had spent with Amelie. Still, it bothered her.
She huffed. “I don’t know.” Her voice was getting too loud. Amelie looked at her and offered a smile. Siobhan tried to return it, but she couldn’t. She also couldn’t quite ignore the hurt in Amelie’s eyes. “I don’t know.” She was quieter this time, though to herself she sounded more pitiful. It shouldn’t matter. It was annoying, sure. But this? What was wrong with her?
A sudden gasp caught her attention. Karan was the first to his feet as Endymion held his head, bent over in pain. Siobhan started to rise, but the world started spinning around her.
You’ll be fine. You’re ready.
She tried to look around her for the voice but could not find the familiar speaker. He was there; he was right there, but she couldn’t see him. But no, he was on Terra. He’d gone back last night.
I am proud of you. Gaea chose well, Zoisite.
Zoisite? No, she wasn’t Zoisite. Not yet. He was. And he was on Terra.
Strong arms caught her, though she did not remember falling.
“We have to go. Please excuse the sudden departure.” Karan. Above her. She blinked and looked around again. Endymion was being supported by Nascha and Tuon, on his own two feet, but barely.
“We understand. Do let us know if we can be of assistance.”
They were leaving? Why? Well, Endymion, but why was she being carried? And why was Amelie looking at her with concern?