Lady Gaia sat at Lucas's table reading through all his old herbalism journals.  So far she hadn't found anything about the Black Throneless Rose.  "Maybe its not here..maybe in some other book he was reading?" she said and rubbed her eyes.  The sun had long since set and the room had lost its warm glow.  She had been there most of the night and was about ready to give up.  "Children die around me all the time, so why am I so sad about the loss of this child?" she whispered.

Lucas, dressed in his Advisor's uniform, silently walked the darkened halls of the Crystal Palace. He walked to his room and went straight through the door..and didn't notice it.  He saw Lady Gaia sitting at his desk with books sprawled out everywhere..she looked tired and sad.  "Lady Gaia...what is going on?  why are you here..if you needed me why didn't you summon me?" he asked.  He noticed his voice was airy and had no body to it.

Lady Gaia turned around and saw the figure of Lucas..he was transparent.  "Lucas..." she whispered.  "Oh by the heavens..Lucas.." She then let out a blood curling scream as she reached  for him and her hands passed through his body.

Jeremy jerked awake at the scream and sat up quickly grabbing his a nearby robe and throwing it on.  He glanced at his bed, forgetting that his wife was still away dealing with the epidemic in Northern Japan.

He sprinted to the source, Lucas's chambers and triggered his emergency override, opening the door.  He stepped in and saw Gaia there screaming, "What's wrong, Lady Gaia?"

Bentaris laughter filled his empty chambers as he glazed at the black rose sitting on his trophy case, "That foolish Gaia is screaming like a child at seeing Lucas's ghost and she doesn't even realize I have his only hope of salivation, but I'll have to prepare in case those fools manage to track it down."

Hearing the scream Raye shot straight up in bed and flew out of the room.  Forgetting a robe she wore only her pajamas.  The scream seemed to be coming from Lucas's room.  "Gaia?!?!  Oh no I've got to help her."  Raye sprinted faster towards the screaming.

Endymion heard the scream and jerked.  He looked at Serenity still asleep beside him and pulled her close to him.  That was Lady Gaia... he thought and he kissed his wife and slipped out of the room.

Gaia stood there motionless.  She just pointed at Lucas's shadowy body.  "What..what has happened?" she asked looking at him.

Lucas took a step forward.  "My Lady..what are you talking about...why do you scream so...did I frighten you..I'm sorry if I did..please...what's wrong..you look as if you've seen a ghost." he asked.

Gaia felt tears stream down her face.  "I am looking at a ghost, Lucas..you died earlier today..please...tell me what you know of the Black Throneless Rose...." she said in a pleading voice.

Raye burst into Lucas's room and looked and Lady Gaia with tears streaming down her face and pointing at something.  "Lady Gaia"  Raye rushed over to her and put her arms around her she looked like she was about to faint.  She lowered her back down into a chair and brushed tears off her face.  "Lady Gaia what happened what is wrong?  Please tell me."

Jeremy noted Raye entering the room and glanced at Gaia as she started to talk, Has she gone nuts over Lucas's death?  I hope not, because I'd hate to convince Endymion to lock her up.

Lady Gaia looked at Raye and then at Jeremy then back at Lucas.  "You..you can't see him can you?" she asked and started to calm down.  She looked at Lucas's shadowy form.  "Please....you are...were the only one who knows of the Black Throneless Rose." she pleaded.

Lucas looked confused.  "I died?" he closed his eyes.  "Oh yes..Lady Mars..." he turned to leave.  "It might be for the best that I allow this form to walk the halls for the next three days..and then depart, Lady Gaia...the information you need is in a journal which I no longer possess." he said and walked out the door.

Lady Gaia broke out of Mar's grasp.  "Lucas...no...don't doubt yourself..please..it was an accident..please..where is it...where is the Black Rose!  If you don't tell me to save you then how about to save others after you.  The Queen..and princess..maybe even Endymion...please." she sobbed.

Jeremy shook his head, I'm sorry to do this Gaia.

He reached out and firmly grabbed her, pulling her backwards and towards the exit, "You need to rest Gaia, get some sleep and begin again."

His head tilted slightly, "Mars, get a couple guards to Gaia's room  ASAP."

Lucas clinched his fists when he saw Jeremy grab Lady Gaia.  "GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF HER!" he yelled and charged him...passing straight through Jeremy.  He turned around and looked at Lady Gaia and back at Jeremy.

"Lady Gaia.." he said trying to find the memory he needed.  "Tell Jeremy how I saw him and the Princess of Venus on the lake back in the Millennium.  He made me swear never to tell anyone and I never have...TELL HIM!" he said.

Gaia looked confused.  "Jeremy...tell me about the time Lucas found you and Venus on the lake...back during the Silver Millennium." she said looking into his eyes.

Endymion entered the room with two guards in tow.  "What's going on in here?" he said looking at the situation

Jeremy's eyes flew open at the comment and his grip loosened on instinct, giving Gaia the opportunity she needed to slip away.  He didn't even notice Endymion enter as the memories flooded back to his head, Lady Venus and myself.  Not even Ami knows about that, I never wanted to tear a rift in their friendship.

His mouth opened as he stuttered, "How..in, in, in the hell did you know about that, hardly anyone knows about that."  His face started to glow slightly red, "Who could have..."

The realization dawned on him, "Of course!  That bastard, he swore he'd never tell anyone."

Lucas started laughing.  "Oh I need to die more often..this is too much...what about...about" he said clutching his side.  "The time that Endymion...walked in on you two kissing...oh this is too much..and you can't do a DAMN thing about it can you..cause you can't hear me!" he said in Jeremy's face.

Lady Gaia slipped away from Jeremy.  "Lucas..please..this is no time to bring up embarssing stories about Jeremy!  Please..tell me all you know of the Black Rose." she pleaded with the spirit right in front of Jeremy.

Lucas stopped laughing and looked at Lady Gaia and bowed.  "Forgive me My Lady..but he deserves it.  The Black Rose...he said and walked over to his stack of books.

"The main book I had on the rose was stolen a long time ago..and I don't know who took it..but..here are some notes I have of the rose.  It can only grow in a place where light is called Darkness...it only holds one bud at a time and it is very rare...I wish I could tell you more..but a new day is dawning..and I must depart...Adieu for now, My Lady." he said bowing and attempted to kiss her hand but faded.

Lady Gaia stood where she was.  "A place where light is called Darkness." she repeated.

Endymion looked around.  "I'm lost..what is going on?" he asked again

Jeremy turned to the King frowning, "That damned Phantom is actually roaming around the palace as a spirit, telling secrets he swore not to tell."

Gaia shook her head.  "Now is not a good time for arguing.  If you hadn't been so forceful and would listen you would have figured out he was here instead of insisting I was crazy.  That's what threw him over the edge.  You were lucky he wasn't alive.  He passed right through you in a fit of rage." she said and looked at Endymion.  "The rose we are looking for is located in a place where light is called Darkness."

Endymion frowned.  "That describes the Seven Chambers of Hell...but which one I don't know." he said.

"We'll just have to find out now won't we.  Jeremy..assemble a team..a small team, but effective.  We leave in two hours." she said and turned to leave the room.

Atanax had to dodge her as she left.  He watched her walk away for a second, then entered the room.  "She looked pissed." he stopped and looked at everyone.  Their faces ranged from determined to shocked. "Did I just miss something?"

Jeremy looked at Atanax and shook his head, "Yeah, you missed a lot.  I need you in the main conference room in ninety minutes, we've got a Priority A mission beginning in two hours and you all still need briefed on the situation."

He turned to Endymion, "I have a feeling that we're going to need your help on this one."

Endymion nodded to Jeremy.  "I understand.  I will let Serenity know
what is going on and join you in the briefing room to look over the plans.  And Jeremy..don't worry so much...everything will work out for the best." he said and left the room.

In her chambers Lady Gaia had changed her clothing and put her hair up into one long braid and then doubled it under the nap of her neck so that it came down to only the small of her back instead of the floor.

She wore blue pants with a greenish tunic.  She exited her chambers and the guards looked at her with an astonished gaze.  But they bowed and let her pass.  She made her way to the briefing room ready for anything.

Atanax ducked as he followed her, careful not to scrape his horns against the top of the doorway.  He pulled up the three-legged stool he usually sat on whenever he was in this room since human chairs were very uncomfortable for him.

As the others filed in he tightened the straps on his gold armor.  Unlike other suits of armor his was made up of carefully placed plates of metal, letting him block with his arms and legs.

He reached back, positioning the obsidian matrix box on the back of his head.  When he needed it the small box would become a light helmet.  He didn't know how it attached itself to the back of his head or how it knew when to expand, but he wasn't good at that magic crap anyway.

Jeremy entered the briefing room after Endymion and took a seat at the table.  He looked around and noticed Lady Gaia with a different hair style and different clothing.  "Lady Gaia, what are you doing here?" he asked.

She didn't smile.  "I'm going with you..I'm the only one who can see Lucas..we can send him ahead and look for the rose in other chambers while we search the first chambers.  He can't get hurt and his spirit can go where we can't." she said with a stern look on her face.

Jeremy wasn't about to argue.  "As we all know we had a tragic loss yesterday, but we have found a way to bring Lucas back.  A black thronless rose that grows in one of the seven chambers of hell, mixed with certain other herbs can revive the dead.  We don't know which chamber its in and its going to be a dangerous mission.  Are there any questions?" he asked.

Lady Gaia remained silent and looked over the maps before her.  "Then let's move out." she said standing and looking closer at the maps.  "I can get us here." she said pointing to the first chamber of Hell. Endymion looked at Jeremy and nodded that he was also ready.

Jeremy looked around the room.  "Alright people, lets go..we don't have much time.  A day at the max." he said and singled for everyone to gather around Gaia.  They were teleported the center of the first chamber of hell.  "Everyone keep on your toes." he said.

Bentaris silently mused, "They'll be long fighting before they reach this location, but I must prepare for the worst in case."

Lady Gaia concentrated hard and was able to teleport the small group around her to the first chamber of hell.  It wasn't as bad as she thought it was, but it obviously wasn't the chamber they were looking for.  "There is too much light here...I don't think this is the darkness we are looking for." she said looking about her.

Endymion nodded in agreement.  "But we can't have you teleporting us everywhere.  You need your rest..we'll walk from here." he said.

Jeremy nodded, heading downward, trying to remember the ancient lore he learned during the Silver Millennium.  Something inside of him had been compelling him to think of an ancient riddle, the Riddle of Hell.

Suddenly something clicked in his mind, 'from the bright light emerges a force of pure darkness.'

Jeremy turned looking behind him, "Oh shit."

Lady Gaia was right behind Jeremy and saw the look on his face.  "What is it..what's wrong?" she asked.

Endymion looked at Jeremy.  "Did you think of something?" he asked.

Jeremy nodded, pulling his blade, "Yeah, and I don't want to know what it is exactly, but I have a feeling..."

Suddenly he felt himself hurled back by the force of a black shadow.  He looked behind him at his adversary to see himself, and solid black duplicates of the others.  He mumbled under his breath, "The purest darkness someone can face is the evil within themselves.  Great, just great."

Lady Gaia turned and came face to face with a young woman with black hair wearing a black dress.  "Forget about him.  He never cared about your safety. He only cared about himself and getting in good with the royals.  It's better now that he's dead.  Where is he now?  Isn't he a spirit able to walk the Earth for three days?  Where is your protector now?" it asked advancing on Gaia.  Her mouth dropped and tears formed in her eyes.  "No...no" she whispered her spirit breaking in hopes of helping Lucas.

Endymion pulled his sword out of the cane and looked about him.  "They..they are our other selves." he said unbelieving it.  His other self stepped forward.  "That's right..and here you are out matched." it said swinging to strike the King.

"Coward!" the black-furred minotaur shouted.

"Liar!" Atanax shouted back.  The sound of scraping metal filled the air as they both extended their lances.

"It's true, such a brave bull has been reduced to a craven cow, a pet for the humans."

They charged each other, sparks flying as their lances stuck.  They began to blur as they moved, their lances ricocheting off each other's weapons and armor plates.

"What should I tell them for your litany of sins?  How you kill for fun?  How you lust for the human princess and her rose-colored hair?"

"Lies!"  Atanax screamed as the frenzied war dance continued at blinding speed.

Jeremy's sword flew with blinding speed meeting each of his opponents blows, Damn he's good. The black warrior managed to get a kick through his defenses, "Do you honestly think Ami is away on a mission? You fool she's simply off with another man, she doesn't care for you anymore."

The words echoed through Jeremy's head as he stood up and glazed at his adversary, "I know the true strength of you shadows, you use your adversaries doubts to empower you, and I know my wife would never cheat on me."

The Dark Lady Gaia laughed mockingly at Gaia as she fell to her knees in despair.  "It's not true." she whispered.

"Your children never cared for you.  Remember when you almost died because of their greed. You had to allow the new Ice Age just so you could live." the Dark Gaia said.

Lady Gaia's tears flowed heavily down her cheek.

Endymion attacked the shadowy figure.  "Come come, Your Highness.  I know you can do better than that.  At least in your younger days you could.  face it, King Endymion, you are no longer the warrior you were.  You're too old, too gray to fight." it mocked.  Endymion charged again, not answering and was disarmed.  "Now...you die." it said.

Lucas's form appeared behind Lady Gaia.  "Lady Gaia, don't listen.  There is only one way to defeat these and that is with the Light that is inside of yourself. Remember..the only way to defeat a shadow is to case light apon it." he said.  But Gaia couldn't hear or see him. She continued to sob.

Jeremy grunted as his shadow slammed another fist across his face,  Gotta beat him, but how.  How do I beat myself, only myself being pure evil.  Of course, I can't beat my darkside because it is a part of me.

Jeremy sheathed his sword and his shadow laughed, "So you finally accept defeat?"

"No, I finally accept that you are a part of me.  You're the evil that I have to fight against every day, but rather I like it or not your evil and darkness is a part of my being. No one can be pure good, we always have a dark side that we keep in check, and you are a part of me."

His shadow charged and brought his sword to Jeremy's chest, but as it connected he merely flickered and was absorbed back into Jeremy's body.  He turned to the others, "You can't beat them, only embrace them because they are a part of you."

"What should I tell them for your litany of sins?" the black furred minotaur said as he spun his lance.
"That you enjoy killing people? That you are in love with Chibi Usa?"

"Liar!"  Atanax yelled as he parried another blow.  Slowly it hit him that if they were perfectly matched then he could never win.

"Admit it!  You're just they're little pet!"  The two spun around each other, metal striking metal over and over.

He heard Jeremy's advice but ignored it.  I'm going to kill the fucker...

"Good! Give in!  Use your fury against me! Revel in your bloodlust!"

Endymion heard Jermey's idea.  I can't help the fact that I have grown old.  But I can still use my wits to fight and help others.  This spirit just wishes to break me from the fight..make me thing I am useless in my age.

Endymion put his arms by his side.  "With age comes wisdom.  And with wisdom will come peace.  I have grown old and wise and no longer need to sword to fight." he said as the shadow merged with his body.

Lucas could not stand to watch Lady Gaia cry anymore.  "GAIA!" he cried and merged his spirit with the shadows.  The shadow too the form of Lucas and it helped Gaia to her feet.  "You are the mother and the creator. You are the spirit which makes the entire world a whole. Case your motherly light on me...and show your children the way." he said with a smile.

Lady Gaia looked at the shadowy Lucas and the called a ball of light to her hands.  The shadow disappeared from Lucas and he remained where it stood. "Thank you, Lucas.  I shall never doubt you or my children again." she said with a smile.

Jeremy watched as Atanax screamed in rage and shook his head, "We can't do anything to help that damned fool.  He needs to accept what his shadow is saying the best he can, but he'll never manage to beat the thing with his bloodlust."

Atanax was sweating hard as he blocked blow after blow from his opponent.  Every time he struck out himself, the shadow minotaur parried it effortlessly.

He moved to the right, and swung out in a wide arc.  The other minotaur dodged away, and parried the second blade.

Atanax paused for a moment, giving him a nice easy target.  The other minotaur thrusted, sinking his blade into Atanax's shoulder.

He sunk his blade into his evil clone's chest, and seperated his staff into two parts.  While he dug his spear deeper into the doppelganger's body he hacked away with his free hand, slashing and ripping at his foe.

The minotaur paused for a moment, reversed his grip, and jabbed the spear into it's eye.  He pushed hard, sending his spear tip deeper into his opponent's brain.  Suddenly his leg burned as he realized the other minotaur had stabbed him.

"Well?" it asked as black fluid pumped out it's eye, "Is this what you want?  Power and glory?"

"Oh yeah," Atanax said as he drew his speartip out of the minotaur's head and raised it to stab again.

Suddenly his skin began to ripple as his flesh melded with the other minotaur's.  "Sometimes," it said, "You're just like Ithil..."  Then it's face sank into his chest and Atanax sank to the ground. For a long time after the evil clone had vanished he was quiet.

Jeremy shook his head slightly, "There was probably a cleaner way to do that, but it worked at least.  Shall we move to our next chamber of hell?"

Lucas looked at Lady Gaia and then at Jeremy.  "I'll go ahead and try to find your goal.  Stay safe, My Lady.  And Jeremy better protect you in my absence, or he's going to pay alot more than just a hurt reputation.  And do I have some stories to tell if needed." he said with a smile to Lady Gaia.

Lady Gaia shook her head.  "Lucas..please..we have no time." she said with slight aggregation in her voice.

Lucas put his ghostly hand to her lips.  "Don't worry, My Lady..all will be well." he said and disappeared.

Gaia turned to the rest of the group.  "Lucas has gone ahead to see what he can find." she announced.

Atanax still hadn't moved he just sat still on the grass.  His spear fell from his limp grasp.

"Well, IK," he said, "Looks like you were right all along."

For the first time Jeremy heard a hint of sadness in the minotaur's voice.  "Maybe I am just a killer."

Gaia nodded at the sadness and pointed towards a stairwell.  "Looks like that's the entrance to the next level.  Let's go." she said.

Lucas was already four levels down into hell.  It gets darker and the challeneges get greater and greater as they go down.  Wait a minute..I know all these trials.  To enter Hell they had to face themselves..pride, greed, envy, anger, so far and I'd bet that lust, gluttony, and Sloth will follow.  Damn can they handle all this, he thought as he continued on his way.

Jeremy stepped into the next chamber, his sword drawn and at ready.

He glanced around the setting to see four small children, decapitated, a large youma standing over them.  His eyes grew red with anger and dived towards the monster.

Lady Gaia watched Jeremy and stayed back.  She saw before her a group of humans charging her.  "You liar, you fake.  You created this world so we would just die here.  You don't care for us." they yelled at her and started throwing stones and anything else off the ground they could find.  Gaia was hit by a few and went down.

Endymion wondered why Jeremy went into the a fury for he saw nothing.  Suddenly he heard a cry behind him.  He turned quickly and saw his wife, Serenity, being attacked by five large men.  He drew his cane and started to charge.  "SERENITY!" he cried as he slashed the first large man.

Atanax grabbed up his lance and charged into them.  He blurred as he moved, hacking and slicing and stabbing.  Blood sprayed as he crushed their heads beneath his hooves and his hands became slick with crimson gore as he impaled them on his spear, revealing in his dark side.

Jeremy's blade shredded through the youma's skin, but more just kept coming, he slashed, and slashed through them until finally he came upon a young lady bound to the wall.  She looked vaguely familiar and his eyes flew open in recognition.

"Terra!  I haven't seen you since the Silver Millennium and the fall of the Zodiac.  I can't..."

Jeremy never finished his sentence before a broadsword was impaled through her heart.  He watched a dark figure emerged from the background, another shadow of his past.

The figure smiled, "First I took her as my own and now I've taken her life."

Jeremy charged his adversary, Terra was only a young, innocent girl with no memories when he had met her and this monster had ruined her life, he was going to pay.

The people around Gaia continued to stone her.  Rage filled her heart and then instantly left.  She stood up against the stones and took one of the girls by the hand and pulled her close to herself.  "My child. IF I could I would make this world a paradise, but the only thing that brings down the world is the things my children are taught when I am not around.  It is not you fault that you are this way..and because of this there is love and forgiveness in my heart for all of you." she whispered to the child.

The child and the other people instantly vanished.  Along with all the bruises and cuts the stones had given her.  She looked around her at the others fighting things that weren't there. They are all illustions..our own personal test.  The answer is not in anger but forgiveness, she realized and watched the other battles.

Endymion sliced into the men that held his wife.  "You dare touch my wife." he shouted in rage and killed the another man.  Serenity smiled at this and yelled for him.

"Oh Endymion...please..." she said as another man jumped her.  Endymion's eyes and face were blood red as he went to slash the next victim.

Atanax cut down the last human before him and turned.  In front of him stood scores of minotaurs.  Their lances glittering in the light. He slowly picked out one face he knew, then another, and a third.  He realized these were all the people he held grudges against.

They charged him, and he leapt into the fray, determined to decorate his room with their skulls.  If the shadow creature had let him know he was a viscous killer, he was going to live up to that precedent.

Jeremy slashed into his foe, his former student who turned against Crystal Tokyo and was the reason he first traveled to the past before the time key was bonded to his armor.  His blade met his student's as he breathed deeply, steadily.

He felt himself sent reeling back by his adversary and cursed himself, Damnit, a rookie could have avoided that blow.  Then again, I'm letting my anger take control.  Whoever is behind this made one mistake, when I fought the Master Zodiac it was initially in anger, but it wasn't the way to win that fight, and it isn't the way to win this one.  I have to fight through this illusion to save my friend, even at the cost of my life.

Jeremy stood up as his former friend charged him, "Swordsmen, your fall has arrived."

His katana met his foes blade and they clashed as Jeremy moved fluidly his attention focused on the task ahead.

Bentaris smiled at the site, "The fools don't possibly have the will to face their representations of the seven deadly sins, the Senshi will never reach the final chamber where I have hidden the rose."

Gaia stood in the center of all the fighting.  "STOP! You are fighting yourselfs..you are fighting your own anger.  You must look past your anger and look for the forgiveness in your heart if you are ever to move on with life.  If not you will be condemned to fight here forever." she cried to those around her.

Endymion stopped when he heard Lady Gaia's voice.  He then looked at Serenity and at the men.  Serenity would have been able to take one of them on..and would be fighting back. he thought and put his cane away and walked off towards Lady Gaia.  The illusion disappearing behind him.

Atanax felt to his knees, breathing heavily.  He heard Lady Gaia as white, foamy sweat began to soak his fur.  He looked up at the mass of minotaurs.

There was Thatnum, the scum who had married his sister and disgraced his family.  He saw Cadun, who had stolen his kill in the hunt.  He could never forgive these people.

And there, among the sea of minotaur faces, stood the Imperium Knight.  Atanax realized he still hated him for all the grief he had caused.

Jeremy had stifled him at every turn, tried to keep him away from Chibi, kept him locked up in the palace like it was some kind of grandeur cage, and worst of all he had messed with his Kathar.

His legs shook uneasily as he stood and raised his gore-tipped spear.  Then he slowly stopped and sank it's tip back into the ground.  He couldn't kill Jeremy.  He knew he had done what was right, even though it hurt him.  There was only one thing he could do..

"I'm sorry," he whispered.  In a final act of defeat, he uttered, "Master."

Jeremy's phantom vanished.  Atanax felt strange inside, he had never known to forgive anyone.  Before where he had felt bloodlust, he now felt something different.

"It's okay." he whispered, "It doesn't matter anymore.  You're all forgiven."  He put his head down until his horns touched the dirt.

In front of him the army vanished, and inside Atanax was confused.  On one hand he felt defeated, but on the other he felt a great burden had been lifted.

Jeremy sheathed his katana and walked away from his fallen foe, "I vowed to kill you the day you betrayed us to the Pantheon, but I can't kill an illusion of one I once called friend."

He stepped towards Gaia as the illusion vanished, "Now what?  Any idea on
what's next?"

Lucas's shadowy form appeared before Lady Gaia.  "My Lady..I have seen what
lays ahead for you, and its not an easy.  You're next test is gluttony, followed by pride. I have found the rose, but it is pasted the other tests." he said and looked at the group.  "It seems you have already pasted the test of anger.  That is good.  It is one of the harder tests to pass."

Lady Gaia nodded.  "Yes..it was hard." she whispered.

Lucas looked at the minatour.  "I know he can't hear me, but tell Atanax that his was the hardest to face in this chamber.  Please let him know that this test will follow him for the rest of his life, and he will be freer than he has ever been because he has learned forgiveness...something not all of us are able to learn." he said.

Lady Gaia nodded and turned to Atanax smiling.  "You're test was the hardest today...but you were able to over come it because you learned a virtue that not many of my children are able to learn in a lifetime."

Jeremy shook his head, I'm amazed that damned, stubborn Taurian can forgive someone.  I've seen him in his blood lust and now he seems a hell of a lot more like a normal, caring, living being.

He glanced at Gaia, "Any idea on the next challenge we'll face, something tells me that each of these challenges are based off of one of the seven deadly sins, which is not what I'm looking forward to."

Lady Gaia nodded.  "Yes, Lucas has already gone ahead and seen what will happen.  Our next test is gluttony.  Follow by pride.  He found the rose as well...its past all the tests...and.." she said and trailed off looking at Lucas's shadowy form.

Lucas's eyes grew saddened.  "He will have problems with the last test. I should not have said anything about Princess Venus before for that is fresh on his mind.  The last test is lust...I don't think that he will make it..." he said and looked at Jeremy.  "So much happened between them before he and Ami got together...." he said.

Endymion looked at Lady Gaia and smiled.  "Then we will pass them together.  Come the next chamber is this way." he said leading the group onward.

Jeremy followed the King, his sword sheathed, breathing deeply, I'm still winded from the test vs. anger, but I can't let my weakness show.  There are five tests to go, and each one will be more intense as our minds weaken from the tests before.  I'm sure of one thing though, someon extremly strong with these tests, someone else is behind it.

Bentaris smiled from his shadowy enclave, "How right you are Imperium Knight.  My traps will wear you down."

Jeremy following the King into the next chamber and felt an irresistible urge to eat.  He looked around the room and saw tables covered in food of all sorts.

He licked his lips at the smell, I'm so famished from the challenges we've faced.  It won't hurt to eat just a small morsel.

He reached out to grab a turkey leg and pulled his hand back, No. I can't let eat this, it could be poisoned for all I know.

He pivoted to see how the others were reacting.

Atanax staggered behind them all, using his spear for support.  He was very shaken, shivering as he walked.  The minotaur seemed weaker than Jeremy had ever seen him.  As he stepped into the cave, for a second Jeremy thought he saw a tear.

As the others stopped he squatted down on the ground. While he looked at the food, even hungered for it, he didn't have the will to move.

Lady Gaia entered the room and saw the mountains of food on the tables.  She walked to the door and noticed it was locked.  "How do we leave?" she asked.

Lucas walked over to her.  "Each person must consume at least one thing in this room..only then will the door open." he said to her.

Lady Gaia turned to everyone else.  "This is the test of gluttony.  In order to leave the room we must each consume something in this room." she said to them.

Endymion walked over and picked up a goblet.  He smelled the inside and poured out the contents.  "Lady Gaia,  would you mind filling this with water." he asked.

Lady Gaia smiled and put her hand over the goblet. It filled with water and Endymion took a small sip.  "I feel better already." he said and headed for the door.

Atanax climbed to his feet and walked over to the table.  Sitting at one end was a massive wolf-like creature, easily the size of a dire wolf, but with massive canines protruding from it's jaw and small horns running down it's back.

"Tarrynth beast, freshly killed, too." he said, feeling the wound on it's ribs.  With the point of his spear he cut out a small square from around the wound, and ate it raw, one of those minotaur rituals that he observed and annoyed everyone else.

Jeremy headed for the door, eating a banana as he went.  He paused at the door and awaited it to open.

As soon as it was clear that everyone had finished, the door opened and showed two hallways.  Lucas peered at Lady Gaia.  "My Lady, how is it the door has opened without you consuming anything?" he asked.

Lady Gaia smiled.  "I'm not human.  This is the form I wish to take because it keeps me closer to my children.  My original form does not require the nutrition that my children need, so I am not required for this test.  which way?" she asked.

Lucas shook his head.  "This wasn't here when I came through.  I don't know." he said.

Lady Gaia turned to the others.  "This part of the labyrinth is new to Lucas so he doesn't know which way.  I do not suggest splitting up...its up to you." she said and waited.

King Endymion looked down each hallway and remained silent.

Jeremy shook his head, "Either way is equally dangerous so let's go right."

He walked by the others, taking the lead down his chosen corridor.

King Endymion stayed behind the others watching their back.  The entered a room that was very dimly lit, but had nothing inside.

Suddenly everyone around his disappeared and Queen Serenity reappeared, "Oh Darling I as so worried about you.  Thank goodness you have returned." she said and threw her arms around her.  "Oh my love you're so brave, so noble, you must be history's greatest ruler." she said holding him and then bowing to his feet.

Lady Gaia turned as the others, including Lucas disappeared.  People formed around Gaia and sang her praises.   "All Hail the Great Mother. Forever live the Lady Gaia."  Lady Gaia just stood there shocked at what was happening about her.

Lucas looked around confused as he saw his friends acting strange and yet didn't even notice on another.  Odd..I wonder which test this is? he thought.

Atanax's vision blurred, and at his feet was a dead minotaur, and others were walking towards him.

"Hail Atanax, Son of Katal, Master of Thyfar!"

"My Lord," a young warrior said, "You have forced Ithil into retreat, slain challengers by the score; Let us learn from your wisdom."

"Please," they begged, "Teach us of your power!"

Jeremy's senses peeked as everyone vanished from around him.  All around him was nothing.  Why nothing?

Then suddenly one by one people entered, each on praising him and his mighty skills as a warrior.  He shook his head, Vanity, or something along that line.  Nice try whoever you are, but I don't want to be worshipped as a warrior, all I want is to live a normal life, but I have a responsibility to uphold with my skills.

All around him the people vanished, leaving him in the room with his friends, each facing their own challenges.

King Endymion kissed his Queen on the forehead.  "Oh darling.  I'm glad you think that way.  But it is not just me that makes this country great, but it is also you, Chibi and our people." he said with a loving smile.  The queen vanished in his arms, leaving him alone with only his thoughts and friends.

Lady Gaia picked up the little girl at her feet and laughed.  "Oh child...you're wrong.  It is not I who should be praised, but those you see around me.  I only create what is needed.  It is my children that make this world happy and great." she said and the child disappeared. She looked somewhat saddened.  "The children are who I do this for." she whispered.

Lucas put a ghostly hand on Lady Gaia's shoulder.  "And it is the children for whom you have always done this for." he said and smiled

"Think of the power you could have," someone whispered to Atanax.

"You could defeat any one of them," another said.

"The power is there for you, all you have to do is take it.."

"You could carve out a new empire in their blood.  The throne awaits you."

Atanax looked down on them, each facing their own trials.  Now was the time.  All he would have to do is strike now, and in no time an army of minotaurs would be following him to march across Japan.

"No," he whispered, "This isn't right.  I don't want your praise.  Not like this."  He looked at the tip of his spear.  He had killed and defeated many with it, but none of them were worth it.

His worshippers vanished.  Inside he felt like he had lost something, but again he felt like his spirit was free.

King Endymion looked around at the others as the came out of their trials.  "Well then..that one wasn't so bad...but I fear it will only get worse as time passes." he said and noticed a light out of the corner of his eye.  "This way." he said and lead them down a hallway.

Lady Gaia walked in silence with Lucas behind her.  "My Lady..I'm sorry I can't help more."  he said to her.  "That's alright...everything will be alright." she said.  Lucas's body started to fade.  "What's going on?" she asked in a panic.

Lucas smiled at her.  "Its the end of the second day.  I can no longer travel with you in this form.  I will be able to see you, but will not be allowed to speak..and you won't see me.  Take care, My Lady." he said and vanished.

Jeremy nodded at Endymion, "Yeah, I'd say it'll get worse."

He headed down the stairs and stepped opened the door to the next room.

As the group walked down the stairway, the steps turned into a harder stone then the steps before..almost to the point of tiring out their feet.  The next room was dimly lit with cobwebs and spiders all over the place.  The room was extremely cold, and the walls had mold and moisture on them.  The floor was all tiled stone with a crest in the center.  Words surrounded the shield of the crest saying..."Tread lightly weary travelers."  A large oak door sat at the other side of the room.

Endymion looked around the room and shrugged.  "This doesn't look too bad.  I guess we just go on." he said and started walking across the room.  Lady Gaia followed.

Atanax pushed the cobwebs away with the tip of his spear as he walked, slowly and deliberately.  He felt like absolute crap.  As they reached the door, he reluctantly opened it.

Endymion found it extremely hard to walk about halfway through the room.

Lady Gaia walked up beside him.  "What's wrong, my son?" she asked. Endymion shook his head.  "I feel so tired..so weak." he said.

"Funny...I don't feel tire..if you are then here..lean on me." she offered holding him up.

Jeremy fell to his knees and glanced at the doorway, It's only a few feet away, but it seems like a mile away.  I just want to rest, but I can't.

Damnit, Jeremy, Phantom's depending on you, I've got to get up.

He jammed the Imperium Sword into the floor and pushed himself to his feet.  Slowly, using the sword as a cane he made his way to the doorway.

Gaia helped Endymion tot he door and helped him through.  She then took Jeremy's hand and pulled him along.  She smiled at Atanax and gestured To the door.  "That wasn't so hard..was it?" she asked him and followed him into the room.  When she walked into the room, she was completely alone.  "Where is everyone?" she asked herself looking around the empty stone room.

Endymion entered the room and he knew where he was the second he walked in.

"This is Princess Serenity's room on the Moon." he muttered softly.  He
looked down and noticed he was no longer King Endymion of Cyrstal Tokyo.
 The grayish tuxedo was replaced by a dark suit.   "I'm 18 again..how is that..." he started to ask and stopped when her heard humming.  Princes Serenity, dressed in a loose robe walked out of the adjoining room.

Her wet hair was all down and clinging to her body as she walked over to the dresser.  She pulled out a brush and started combing her hair while humming.  The sleeve of her robe slipped off she shoulder as she put down the brush and picked up a picture of Endymion and she sighed.

Mina stood on a dock lighting candles.  She wore a red form fitting dress.  It was strapless and backless.  It was form fitting until it reached her upper thigh then it hung loosely by her.  The sun was setting behind the dock as she looked out.  She suddenly turned and smiled.  "Jeremy..I knew you would come..please..I have dinner already for you..its your favorite..." she said.

Chibi walked the palace gardens.  The moon was high above her.  She wore a silk nightgown and was barefoot.  She head a small pink rose to her nose and breathed it in.  She put it up on her hair, which was hanging down and cascading over her.  She slowly turned and smiled.  "Oh Atanax, I'm so glad you're here.  Will you walk with me?  The night is so beautiful..I don't want to go inside just yet." she said.

Atanax stepped back, shocked at her sudden appearance.  He didn't think much of it, though, since the humans were pulling weird magic stunts all the time.

His mind was also tired and confused by the tests he had just been through.  The thought crossed his mind that she might be the next test, but his worn-out soul quickly surrendered to her.

His lance and helmet retracted, and he clipped his weapon to his belt as he started to follow her.

Jeremy smiled, Something just seems wrong.  What though.

He walked to Mina's side and sat down, glazing into her blue eyes and smiling warmly, "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Slowly he started to lean in towards her and noticed a glint on his right ring finger, a golden band.

Mina smiled and put her arm around Jeramy.  A soft waltz played from the distance and she led him into a dance.  Jeremy could now notice that the front of her dress had a large V cut starting form the valley of her breast to just above her belly-button. She took Jermey's right hand into hers and twirled around..laughing a beautiful crystal laugh as she did and resting her head on his shoulder.  "Oh, dear heart..I wish we could dance forever..." she whispered in his ear softly.

Chibi walked with Atanax slowly through the garden.  She sighed and smiled up at his as they reached a small holding pond with large golden fish in it.  She took the pink rose  out of her hair and pulled the stem off the end and set it gently in the water.

She pushed it and watched it glide across the water and the fish nibble at it as it went.  She then looked up at Atanax.  Her eyes shined in the moonlight.  She looked at her reflection in the pond.  "I hope..one day..I can be as beautiful as Mother..and maybe...maybe I can find someone who loves me as much as father loves mother." she said and sighed.  She looked back at Atanax and smiled at him.  "Tell me about your home...what's it like..what do you do there..." she asked her eyes full of questions.

Endymion approached Serenity and knelt down beside her putting his hand on her bare shoulder.  She whirled around to face him.  "Endymion..oh Endymion." she cried happily and threw her arms around him.  "I was so worried when I heard of the attack on earth." she said.  Endymion felt a surge of power course through his body as he held the girl in his arms.

"Dearest...I told you I would be fine." he whispered to her.  He then pulled back and looked into her eyes and pulled her close to his and kissed her tenderly.

Jeremy glazed into Mina's brilliant blue eyes, This feels so right.

He smiled widely, "I wish we could as well.  Someday maybe your father will be able to understand our realationship and we not keep it in the closet."

He leaned down gently kissing Mina's cheek.

Atanax followed Chibi through the rolling hills, stopping beneath an imaginary waterfall.  He knew it was all an illusion, but somehow he wanted it to be real.

Chibi put her hand into the pool and played with the water between her fingers.  Suddenly a fish jumped up and bit her hand.  She squilled and jumped into Atanax's arms.  Her breathing was fast and her chest moved with it into Atanax's.  She looked up at him with her sparkingly eyes. Her hair flowing between them as she held him.  "Sorry..I guess I jump at anything." she said with a neverous giggle.

Mina sighed softly as Jeremy kissed her.  She smiled at him with a bright and dazling smile.  "Come on..before dinner gets cold..I made your favorite." she said and led him over to the table and sat down across from him.

She uncovered her dish and then reached over the table and uncovered his.  A large steak sat in front of him..but what looked even more appatizing was the view he was getting down Mina's dress.  Everything was shown.  From the firmness of her breats to the fact that she wasn't wearing any panties..and was very well shaven.

Endymion was surprised when Serenity kisseed him back.  He pulled away for a moment and held her head in his hands.  "Oh Serenity..." he whispered to her and pulled her tighly against his body.  He touched her still wet hair and pulled a portion up to his nose and enhaled.

Serenity sighed against his chest and turned her head to look up at him again.  He then kissed her again..this time not holding back any of the passion he was feeling.

Lady Gaia stood alone in the room and looked around.  "Where is everyone?" she asked.

A shadowy figure appeared before her.  'What is the matter with you woman?  Why do you not lussstt?' it hissed at her.  Lady Gaia looked confussed and then realized this was the next test.

"Lust...who would I have to lust after..those around me are my children..I love them all equally...there is no room for me to lust after my own children." she explained and the shadow dissapeared before her.

"Who are you?" it demanded.

"I am Gaia...Mother of All." she answered.

It hissed.  "Get out of my sight..you make me sick." it hissed and the door opene before her.  She waited for a few minutes to see if the others would appear.

Atanax smiled as he held Chibi.  This was what he wanted.  Somehow the years of bloodshed, the guilt of all the people he had killed, the purposelessness of his violent life, they all seemed to fade away when he was near her.

Maybe this was what he wanted.  A reason to live.  It was the same feeling he had when he was with Tanax.  He held her tighter against his chest, feeling how frail she was.  Maybe this was his purpose in life, to be here with her.

Her arms wrapped around his neck, he realized he wanted her. It was a strange feeling, desire for such a frail and pitiful little creature.  But somehow, that made her all the more appealing.

Chibi snuggled up closer to Atanax and sighed.  She smiled as she looked down into the water.  She then yawned and slowly closed her eyes.  "Atanax...it seems I've stayed out too late..I'm so tired...would you mind helping me back to my own bed please." she said and yawned again in his arms.

Mina finished her meal and ooked at Jermey with her large blue eyes.  "The moon and stars are so beautiful tonight." she muttered looking up.

Her long swanlike neck etending heaven bound and she took a deep breath and sighed.  Her chest heaving as she did.  She then turned her gaze back to Jeremy and she smiled.

"Lets take a walk on the beach.  Its such a gorgoeous night..I'd hate to miss such a wonderful oppertunity like this." she said and listened for a moment as the waves crashed below them.

Endymion's mind went wild as he heard Serenity whisper his name lovingly.  "Serenity..I want to spend all of eternity here in your arms..my dearest." he said to her.

Serenity laughed adn threw her arms around him.  "Oh my love..." she said as they both went flying backwards.  They laughed as Serenity landed on top of Endymion.  Their laugh slowed to a chuckle adn then stopped as they gazed into each other's eyes.

Endymion then rolled over and held Serenity close.  He brushed her hair out of her face and then kissed her.  Her arms moved around him and held him close as the couple merged into a scene of passion.

Jeremy smiled, took Mina's hand and led her away from the meal. He sat there listening to the waves and the silence of the night as he held Mina close to him.

He smiled slyly as he got an evil though, "You know something, a walk by the beach is wonderful, but so is a moonlit swim."

Before Mina could protest he scooped her into his arms and carried her out into the water, tossing her in, and soaking his uniform in the process.

Bentaris could barely hold back his laughter, "Those self-righteous fools.  None of them can resist the temptation of lust, I have now discovered their greatest weakness, their own lust."

Atanax leaned down, wrapped his arm beneath her legs, and lifted the girl off her feet.  Her pink hair rubbed against his soft brown fur as her head leaned against his chest.

Everything slowed down and blurred, like it was some kind of happy dream.  It felt like he and Chibi were lost in their own world.

He carried her over some bushes and saw a small bed in the clearing.

Gently he laid her down in the pink satin sheets and caressed her hair.

Mina stood up from the freezing water.  Her dress had fallen off and was being wash away by the tide.  Her breasts were firm from the cold water.

 "Now see what you've done." she demanded with a laugh and tackled him into the water.  She held him close to her as the waves passed by them.  "Even though I can't get full revenge I'll at least get you soaked." she said and laughed.

Chibi sighed softly as she felt Atanax stroke her hair.  She closed her eyes and streched, her nightgown rising up and just barely showing her breasts it slide to one side.  She looked up at Atanax and smiled.

Her eyes were hungry for something, but she didn't move..she was content for the movement as a rose scent filled the air around them.  She gave a soft moan and inhaled the fragence that seemed to flow between them.

Atanax stared over her body.  He wanted her, but there was something wrong.  Not here, he thought to himself, Not now.

"Chibi," he whispered to her, "I'm sorry."

She looked shocked as he stood up from the bed.  "I've still got a war to fight."

He reluctantly walked away from her, back into the forest.  For a moment he regretted not taking her, but then it was countered by the sense of duty he had been instilled with since birth.

The forest faded away, and he was left alone on the stone floor of the cave while the others were still enthralled with their fantasies.

Jeremy smiled at the young woman before him and leaned in towards her laughing, "At least I still have my clothes, although what are the guards at the Palace going to say when I show up drenched, what's your father going to say about it?"

Venus laughed and her lighting fast hands quickly got rid of his jaket and shirt.  She tossed them over her shoulder into the out-going tide.

"Now we're somewhat even." she said to him and tickled his chest with her fingernails.  "And who cares about father...why don't we just go...go off and never look back at this life time.  I heard that there is a small moon near Pluto that's lovely.  We can go there and nobody would ever find us." she whispered in his ear and pressed her body close to his.

Endymion's hands ran all over Serenity's body adn she giggled in delight.  "Endymion..what about the guards..what if someone sees you here..you'll be killed for sure." she whispered in a very hushed voice.

Endymion pulled at her robe and it slipped off to the ground.  "I don't care..if I die in your arms then I die a happy man," he said and slowly started kissing her all over.

Lady Gaia turned at the figure who entered.  "Atanax." she called and ran over to him.  "Where are the others?" she asked.

The shadow appeared before both of them.  "Well, well....looks like there are only two of you left.  And you're goal is so close at hand." it said and the Black Rose appeared in front of them.  "Tell me...and don't try to lie..I can see straight into your soul.....why are you here?" it asked and smiled.

Atanax grinned.  "Because I want to be." he said.

Jeremy smiled and gripped Mina's hands, pulling them to his lips and gently kissing them.  The feel of her body against his was terrific and he couldn't help but feel happy.  He smiled, "You know we can't just run away, no matter how much I would love to.  We both have responsibilities here that we can't abandon."

Mina laughed and tossed her wet hair skyward.  She then looked into Jeremy's eyes and kissed him playfully on the nose and dove down intot he wter below them.  She resurfaced a few feet away and gave him a very seductive smile.  "Catch me if you can...." she said teasingly.

The shadow ignored Lady Gaia now and turned all its attention to Atanax.  "And why do you want to be here?  Why would anyone want to be in the seven gates of hell?" it hissed at him

The minotaur shrugged.  "Sounded fun."

He felt great.  It was like all his sins had been lifted.  For the first time in his life it felt like he had a clear consience.

Jeremy smiled, diving into the water after Mina, "This isn't going to be much of a challenge."

He dived underwater, coming up underneath Mina, grabbing her ankle and yanking her down.

Mina shrieked in surprise as she went under and wrapped her body around Jeremy's.  She then swum upward and gasped for air, her legs coiled around Jeremy's waist.  "That...wasn't fair." she gasped and laughed at him.

"If you are here for your own pleasure and fun then be my guest and leave for you are at the end of Hell's gates." a door appeared before Atanax. "If your are not satisfied then all I can offer is the death of this women here," he pointed at Gaia.

"The choice is yours for I have said my piece," the ghost floated backwards and turned to Gaia slowly looking at her.

Jeremy smiled, "Who said I was going to play fair, besides your cute when you're flustered."

He gently leaned in, his mouth meeting hers as his hand gently glided down and rested on her firm buttocks.

Suddenly Atanax turned serious.  His frag-a-thon minotaur mentality faded at the thought.  Getting himself killed was one thing, getting someone else killed was another.

"He's bluffing, right?" he asked, confused and a little bit scared.

Lady Gaia looked from Atanax to the shadow.  "I don't know..." she said softly as the shadow touched her cheek.  It touch was like ice and she let out a small yelp of surprise.

Mina let out a soft moan as Jeremy's hand explored her body.  she in turn proceed to remove the rest of his uniform, so that they were even. "I'll even be nice..." she said to him as she broke the kiss.  She turned and tossed the pants up onto the shore.  "Now if they stay there with the tide coming in..I don't know." she said to him and kissed him again running her fingers wildly through his hair.

Jeremy pulled Mina in closer to him, he smiled as he felt Mina's firm, full breasts pressed against his bare chest.  He slowly broke from her embrace and moved his mouth to her ear and gently nibbled on it with his lips, "You're the most beautiful person in the world."

The thought of stabbing the shadow being crossed Atanax's mind, as did that of grabbing the rose an hauling ass.  But some of Jeremy's lessons had gotten through his thick skull, and he knew what his only option was.

"Fine," he grunted, "You win."  The minotaur reluctantly stepped through the door and vanished.

"Atanax, no please...don't..." she called just as the portal closed.  She looked in fear at the shadow before her.  "Now, my dear..why are you here in hell?  What has broguth you here." it said.  "I have come to claim the Black Thronless Rose." she said pulling herself up to full height. I will not be afraid, she said to herself.

"And why the Black Throneless Rose?  There are other treasures of Hell that are much more valuable than just a rose." the shadow hissed.

"I need it to save my son.  He died and the rose is the only way to revive him." she said.

The shadow turned on her with fire in its eyes.  "And what personal gain do you get from this, oher than your son returning to you." it demanded.

"None." she replied.

The shadow screeched in anger and vanished, reveling a glass cabinet with the rose she was seeking inside.

"Finally...." she said as she approached it.

Mina giggled and squirmed in Jeremy's embrace.  "You're so kind to me, dear heart.  I'm never letting you go...hear me...never." she whispered in his ear and gently kissed his earlob.  Her hands moved all over his back and chest sending tingling sensations through his body.  She pulled back and smiled evily at him.

Jeremy's noticed the evil grin and a dozen thoughts shot into his head.  He looked down at his hand to see a golden band on it and his memory flooded back to him.

His grip released 'Mina' and he pushed himself back from her whispering harshly, "Lust.  The most deadly of all the sins."

His smiled turned to a frown as he reached up running his finger down the sewn eye socket, If she hadn't smiled that evil smile or had I not seen my wedding ring I would have gone all the way.  I failed not only the test of lust, but failed in my own devotion to Ami.

Mina laughed.  "That's right..I am Lust..and yes you did fail...but don't fear...I'm not allowed to kill you.  I wonder what you're poor little wife would think if she saw us together like this.." she said and laughed even more as the beach dissovled placing him back in Lucas's room with only his boxers on.

All the others who had failed were there as well.  Endymion sat in the corner with his head in his hands.  Chibi and Raye were also there.  A portal opened and Atanax entered the room.  The word "Greed"  whispered in his ear as he entered.

Lady Gaia approached and took the Black Rose in her hands.  She then instantly teleported to Lucas's room where she found everyone already there.  She noted Endymion's expression and knew that was were they were sent when they failed the tests.  "Don't worry my children." she said in a soft caring voice.  "There aren't that many people who can pass the 7 deadly sins.  I cannot create the perfect child, though I have tried..the only reason I was able to pass some of those tests was because I don't have the same limits as you do." she said and started mixing together the formula with the black rose.

Jeremy merely hung his head in defeat, I always thought no one could ever come between Ami and myself, our love was a force that could not be broken.  I can't believe how wrong I was, just one fake evening like that night back during the Silver Millenium and I caved. I nearly betrayed my wife in a fantasy and had it been real I would have made love with Mina. I'm a failure, no wonder Ami's been gone so much.

Lady Gaia finished up the tea quickly and let it run down Lucas's throat. Slowly his breathing came back and his lungs started moving. His heart beat got quicker by the second until he was finally at the normal body tempture.

He slowly opened his eyes and gazed at Lady Gaia. gaia's eyes fomed with tears of joy as she threw her arms around Lucas.   "I was worried this wouldn't work." she whipered.

Lucas swallowed and looked up at her.  "I never thought that it would...it was just a myth I read about and never knew that the rose actually existed.  But since it does..there is one last thing I must do." he said and slowly stood up adn went to the cabinets.

Rummaging he boiled another tea and placed it in cups and handed it out to the party members in the room.  Sailor Mars, Atanax, Earth Knight, Chibi Moon, Endymion, Gaia, Jeremy and finally himself.  Lucas smiled as he sat back down, physically and mentally exashed.

"Here's to a wonderful lady..Lady Gaia." he said raising his cup and watching around the room as the others did the same.  Once the last person took a swallow he immeditly said.  "You will forget that Phantom and Lucas are one."  The tea in Atanax, Sailor Mars, Chibi Moon, and Earth Knight's cup glowed a dark green and then faded.  Lucas set down his cup and laid back.  Gaia went to him.  "What did you just do?" she asked.

"Forget me not teas.  The first thing someone says after they drink the tea..they will forget.  It only works once." he said and drifted off to sleep.