The sweltering heat and abundance of tropical plant-life made it seem like they were in the middle of the Amazon. Around them, the senshi were collapsing, unable to breathe due to the muggy jungle atmosphere.

We have to do something, Mamoru thought as he succumbed to yet another violent coughing fit, but what can we do? He glanced over at Usagi, who had also begun coughing up black blood. Even if she had the ability do something about the situation, she was in no shape to use her powers.

Mamoru cursed his weakness, wishing he had more power. Perhaps if he actually possessed the Golden Crystal Helios had spoken of, but without it…

“Prince, Princess!”

Inside his head, Mamoru heard the voice of the priest.

“Holy Elysion, please!” the voice fervently prayed. “Send the cleansing power to the surface. Please hear my last prayer!”

Suddenly, crystal spires burst through the ground and the unbearable heat lifted, bringing much needed relief. “Helios, is this the cleansing power of Elysion?” Mamoru asked through their telepathic link.

“It might not hold up.” Helios’ voice had grown fainter, almost impossible to hear. “But this is absolutely all of myself and Elysion.”

Mamoru gasped. “Helios?”

“I’m glad I was able to meet you, Prince…”

“Helios!”

He sensed it the instant it happened, like a part of his very soul had been ripped from his body. Though Mamoru had only known Helios for a short time, he felt as if he had just lost a life-long friend. Tears threatened to fall, but he did his best to hold them back; there would be time to grieve later.

For now, they needed to concentrate on defeating the enemy and protecting the Earth. Mamoru refused to let Helios’ sacrifice be in vain.

DISCLAIMER: Sailor Moon is the property of Naoko Takeuchi.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Any comments or criticisms can be sent to me at ElysionDream@aol.com. Written for the “Given Image” challenge at the “sailormoonland” community at Livejournal.