After the defeat at the Art Exhibit, Kousuke's consciousness would flicker after a long enough period of rest...his eyes would open, as he would find himself laying on a stone floor. The sky was blue and clear, something Kousuke wouldn't have seen in years, and the area is surrounded in elegant white and yellow brick. Rose bushes lined the inside of the wall, a cut for the soil made for the bushes. In the center, Kousuke would see a stone table with fruit and tea on it, and a pair of stone chairs. If and when Kousuke stands up to look around, he would see an empty, yet beautiful city all around him, built with an unknown style of stone architecture. There would be no signs of technology that he was familiar with, but yet there would be other devices made of crystal that performed some of the same functions, such as lamps.

At the furthest point, he would see a man dressed in a white tuxedo staring out into the city. His form was tall and solid, while his attire was immaculate and perfectly kept. Black hair grew on his head, kept neatly. The man would turn when Kousuke became noticable, revealing a very handsome face of an older man.

"Good morning. Or should I say afternoon. Evening perhaps? It is so hard to tell in this realm." he says calmly, then leaning and bowing politely towards Kousuke.

"What is your name, inheritor of the Earth?" he politely asks. "In my life, I was known as Endymion. In my second life, I was known as Mamoru before I was taken into the Dark Kingdom against my will."

As Kousuke awakens he sees the sky and it seemed like his breath had been snatched away...so this was the afterlife huh? Definitely better than he had expected. The sky was so blue, so open, he wanted to sore in it he wanted to leap through it and feel the same freedom he felt sailing through the sky of the city.

As his hand feel at his stomach for a wound that wasn't there. "Well I guess I shouldn't be surprised about that." he admits with a smirk. Though remembering the horrified face Ama had shown when he had been stabbed made him wince and seemed to hurt as much as the injury itself. He let's out a sigh, even with all of this wonder before him he feels a bit of regret that he can't be there for Ama or Yuki anymore.

As he looks around he notices the man sitting at the table and walks over. "Oh food...wait, do I need this? I'm dead right?" he asks curiously as he takes a seat and decides to bite into a pear anyways. "Wow, this is good...what it is?" He asks.

Though his curiosity sparks again when the man introduces himself. "This kingdom doesn't seem all that dark for me. Or is this before you died. I've got to admit I expected more people in the afterlife, or does the earth knight get a special one?"

"Dead? Not quite, but you came a little close. Gaea has taken you into her embrace after your unfortunate encounter with Jadeite." Endymion says, then chuckling slightly when he asked what the pear was. It was easy to forget that many people wouldn't have a chance to experience some of the joys of the world as it is meant to be, such as the tart taste of the pear.

"That is a pear. It is a tree fruit that prior to the ice age grew abundantly and was available at almost any market. It is one of the many things that make the world abundant and beautiful. One of the many things that make this world worth fighting for." he says, then approaching and taking a vacant seat on the other side of the table.

"This isn't the Dark Kingdom. During my first life, I was the Prince of the Earth, during an era of prosperity that is lost to written history. It was called the Golden Kingdom, a time and land when everything was plenty and the magics of the world served humanity well. This is just a glimpse at the capital. The way humanity has evolved is quite interesting since those days." he says, pausing to let Kousuke take in the grandeur for a moment before speaking again.

"During my life, I was the only known male guardian, so the term 'knight' didn't really exist, though I suppose it is fitting. Right now, your body is being healed by the Earth, your form melded with a tree that sprouted when you fell to the ground on the verge of death. When we are done here, your body will have been healed enough to return to the waking world. Here, this consciousness is under a normal perception of time, but time will flow faster in reality.I had an opportunity to bring your consciousness here because I'm sure that you have questions. Fate was fortunate enough to allow what remained of my soul to manifest in this way to speak to you, my successor." he says, then politely waiting for Kousuke's inevitable inquiries. This man carried about him an air of nobility and respect for others that many would consider the ideal for any man in a position of power.

"Hmmm, so I'm not dead?" Kousuke replies with a sagely nod. "If I'm not dead then I would like to wake up now." He announces and then makes a dramatic show of trying to open his eyes. Though when the name Jadite is mentioned he looks puzzled. "No the guy I fought was named Scorpio." He replies..

When the man explains what the fruit was Kousuke nods and continues to munch on the food before him. "Well this is all interesting, but what do you want to talk to me about then?" He asks curiously.

"I'm afraid it will take time. The world on the whole has little life energy to spare at any given place, and to mend the wound you suffered will require a little time. Perhaps a few days. Of course, the alternative is just unconsciousness until you awaken, but that wouldn't feel productive." Endymion states, then frowning a little when Kousuke refers to Scorpio.

"Yes, he is known as Scorpio now, but he was not always known as such. Believe it or not, Jadeite used to be an honorable man, a general of mine in fact. Yet when I began to court the princess of the Moon Kingdom, a jealous sorceress was able to sway him and the other generals to betrayal and brainwashing." he says with a deep frown. "It is..regrettable how that scenario played out...and it feels as though the great Queen Selenity's gift has gone to waste." Endymion states, looking at the skyline in the distance.

"As far as what I want to talk about, I want to help you as much as I am able. The Earth itself cries in pain, begging for a savior to heal her to her former glory. I will teach what I can, and answer what questions you may have to the best of my ability." he states, standing up and then beginning to walk to an empty side of the garden, looking at the roses.

"The roses used to be far more abundant here...each rose, representing a dream of a person on the Earth...unfortunately, those lost to the Covenant cease to dream, and the innocent souls of the world have dropped several magnitudes due to the losses of the world. I hope one day this place will again bloom at it's former glory." Endymion says, going off on a tangent for a moment, before turning to Kousuke with a faint laugh.

"I do apologize. This is the first time I've seen the kingdom again in awhile, it is both refreshing and concerning to see the roses here."

"Time huh? In the past I've healed extremely fast, is there a reason it's slower now?" He asks. as he stops shoveling food in his mouth, some juice drips down his chin as he looks at Endymion.

When the king mentions Jadeite Kousuke shrugs. "He might have been good in the past, but he threatens my friends in the present, and that is something that I cannot abide by." Though as Endymion mentions Selenity and her gift he stares blankly. "Who? And what gift?" He asks.

Then when Endymion mentioned that he wants to help Kousuke the Earth knight closed his eyes and began to think. "Who among the currently living can assist us?" Kousuke asks then he thinks of another question. "Is there a way for us to gather enough strength to beat the monsterous Scorpio?" To be honest, if I can't lift him then he must be very difficult to defeat.

"Because you nearly died and there is a violent poison in your system that has proven difficult to get out of you. Mother Earth is making headway, but it shall take some time. Please be patient." Endymion says with a small chuckle at Kousuke's enthusiasm at the fruit. It was easy to take for granted everything that you loved when it is abundant, only to miss it when it is not.

He nods at Kousuke's resolve to defeat Jadeite.

"Absolutely. I fear my old friend's soul is too tainted to save at this point...as much as I may wish it were possible to restore him to the man he used to be, along with the others." he says, then pausing and looking wistfully at the sky.

"Selenity was the great queen whom ruled the Moon Knigdom, who kept the gifts of the senshi and others in balance with the natural residents of the Earth. More than anything, she wanted everyone to live peacefully. When the Dark Kingdom began their revolution, their forces nearly overwhelmed the defenders of the Moon Kingdom, until Selenity used the Silver Crystal to wish for everyone to be reborn where they could live in peace. Unfortunately...queen Metaria awakened in the 1980s, and brought back Queen Beryl along with the others of the Dark Kingdom. Without the senshi to oppose them, they grew in power until they devised this plan to harvest dark energy from humanity. The end goal, is to draw the Dark Kingdom's dimension in to this world to begin a total conquest." Endymion says with a small sigh. There were many regrets in the man before Kousuke, a feeling as though he could and should have done more, regardless of whether the reality of it was possible or not.

When Kousuke asked who among the living, Endymion shrugged.

"There are those of knowledge who can help you all cultivate your abilities...such as the Priestess that would have been Sailor Mars had things been different. In fact, each of the original senshi went on to lead normal lives, rising to the top of their respective fields. There are also a number of more normal individuals who can become great allies. In this world, many have longed for a chance to do something about the Covenant. Those who you can trust, may be able to provide services, such as safe locations from the eyes of the covenant. Further...the military cannot aid you at this time. Libra and Gemini work within to subjugate and weaken it greatly, but if those two are found and eliminated, then the shackles that hold back the brave service men and women from effectively countering the covenant will be released." he says, then exhaling a little bit, speaking more seriously to Kousuke.

"I will continue to lend my support when I can, but my hold on this world is limited to within here. You can learn to project your subconsciousness into here if you like. I only ask that if you meet my former...body...you not hesitate to end the existence of that wretched thing..." he states cryptically, learning a little and then facing Kousuke again.

"If I may ask, I would like to hear this: why do you fight?" the older man says calmly. "The motivations of all are different, I would like to hear yours. What makes you answer the call of Gaea?"

Kousuke frowns when he is told that the Earth is still clearing poison out of his system "I guess that means I'm stuck here for a little while." He sighs, looking around. It was an interesting place but he had things to do and people to meet and he wasn't too keen on the idea of remaining trapped here for a while.

When Endymion gives Kousuke an explanation of the moon kingdom and the queen Selenity his frown deepens. “That’s a sad story…but I don’t think I can bring myself to agree with the queens actions. Resetting the lives of people just because you are in a disadvantageous situation just doesn’t seem right to me.” He admits then his frown turns into a grin as he looks at Endymion. “Well even if it’s the case that these queens of whatever are back. It’s unfortunate for them that they didn’t hit their deadline. Now that I’m involved they’re as good as beaten.” He announces a confident smile across his face. It appears his near death experience hadn’t shaken his optimism.

“Though if I’m looking for a way to strengthen the powers of Earth isn’t this the ideal time? I mean you were the Earth Knight before me and I’m currently plugged into my main power source, think you can give a man an upgrade?” He asks curiously.

However, when Endymion asks him why he’s fighting Kousuke’s smile falters for a minute, but he quickly regains himself and continues to grin. “Well I think my reason for fighting has changed since I’ve started doing this. Originally I just wanted to be a hero…” He admits while scratching the back of his head. Then an image of Yuki during their basketball game, of the promise he made with Ama, and of Sophia on the roof pass through his mind.

“But it’s different now, I’m not sure I’m not fighting to save the world anymore, that’s not burden I can carry…but the girls, the senshi have decided to bear the world on their backs and I think that’s amazing. The reason I fight is to fulfill a promise, to make sure the senshi get home at the end of each battle.”

"You have a point, but I suppose the alternative option would have been an Earth ruled by evil, and you and everyone you ever knew eihter born as slaves or never having existed." Endymion says with a small shrug. "I admit, I've always believed that she had the best of intentions in mind...but all things are a matter of perspective, yes? the Earth King says, then rubbing his chin at Kousuke's request for additional power.

"Perhaps we can take this as a chance to augment your potential, yes. We'll get to that in a moment." the Earth King says, then listening carefully as Kousuke goes into his detail about why he chose to fight. A touching sentiment, truly heartfelt words that emphasized the Knight's duty to it's finest. Even if there was no blood relation or other link between them, Endymion saw and admired the traits that his successor shared with him.

"An excellent answer. Now, if I may ask, what do you consider your current weakness?" he says as he begins to walk away from Kousuke descending some steps, intending for the young man to follow. When Kousuke approached, he would find Endymion standing in a larger, more open field. Endymion produces a cane from his 'hammer space', and then waits for Kousuke to approach.

"Now...I would like to observe your fighting style. I invite you to come at me with everything you have. It will allow me to assess where you are, where you can improve, and where your strengths lie. It will be good practice for your impending encounter with Scorpio." the man says with a slight smile.

When Endymion mentions the alternative Kousuke can't really do much but shrug. It was true that a future where evil ruled was bad, but just hitting the reset button on reality also seems wrong." As he thinks on this Endymion mentions a method to augment his potential and Kousuke perks up. If he was going to defeat Scorpio he'd need more strength that had been made clear even to him, and this seems like a good opportunity.

Though when asked to consider his current weakness Kousuke's brow furrowed in thought. "I'm not sure what my weakness is to be honest. I kinda lack some offensive power, but to my knowledge I'm one of the stronger members of our band." He admits, scratching his cheek a bit in embarrassment, he was the ace after all, it wouldn't make sense for him to be weak.

He follows Endymion down to the battle arena and watched the king draw his cane without full recognition of what is going on. Though when he tells Kousuke to come at him Kousuke looks confused. "Well I guess." he says as he forms a rock spear in his hands and takes a stance, though not one an experienced fighter would likely adopt. "Meteor Smash!" He shouts and then the six pillars attack he had used on Scorpio rise and begin to collapse on Endymion as Kousuke charges forward to close on the man and then sweep him with the spear as he jumps away.

"A confident statement, I'll be sure to put that to the test." Endymion states calmly, hearing the remark about a general lack of weakness from Kishin. "But before I begin, I would like to say that a man without weakness is the most terrifying thing in this earth. It means they have transcended humanity and become something on the level of a god. Everyone has a weakness, the key is to identify it and use it. The same goes for your allies: to know their weaknesses and be able to adjust strategy and protect them when need be."

As Kishin emerged and began his battle, Endymion looks calmly as several pillars of Earth rise. Endymion reaches into his coat calmly as the pillars rise.

"A powerful attack, but it is telegraphed easily. Weaker opponents would be overwhelmed, but stronger ones can react." he says, flinging a rose into the nearest pillar. The rose glows and shatters into petals that form cutting energy that dances around the pillar attack and shredding it into gravel within seconds. Endymion then hops up and away from the spear attack, creating distance between himself and Kousuke.

"Prepare yourself!" he states, tapping the ground with his cane as the earth beneath Kousuke's feet begins to tremble and a chasm begins to open, while with his other hand he pulls another rose out, throwing it into the air above Kousuke which shatters into petals again, each petal bolting toward the ground with the same force that could cut stone.

“I don’t mean I don’t have a weakness, I mean that I’m not sure what it is.” Kousuke admits with a smile. “After all I’m invincible.” He announces as he prepares to fight.

As Endymion dodges the spear slash he resets his footing which is quickly torn out from under him by the Earth King’s attack, but Kousuke’s excellent sense of balance allows him to jump before his footing is totally destroyed, however he finds himself heading straight towards the rose petals. He creates a stone behind himself and kicks off it towards the king while twirling the spear above his head to deflect the majority of the rose petals, though getting cut several times in the process.

However by the time he lands in front of the Earth King his wounds are already healing and he charges forwards again however this time he creates a tunnel around the two of them and his spear enlarges like an umbrella to try and smash into the king.

Endymion narrows his eyes when the tunnel emerged around him. Good, he was adapting strategy. To give the enemy less room to maneuver was always useful.The trick of propelling himself off a slab of rock also wasn't bad, though he wondered how Kousuke was doing on his stamina, having used several mid level techniques in quick succession. Endymion raises a rock wall between himself and Kousuke, then taking control of the tunnel and causing the stone to bend around Kishin and attempt to entrap him in stone, but the technique required Kishin to be still for a full two seconds to entrap him completely.

As Kishin more than likely reacted to the trap, Endymion leaps back several times to create a distance of one hundred feet between himself and the fledgling knight, each leap back producing several spikes of stone to stretch out up to ten feet in multiple directions to make pursuit that much more complicated.

As the rock wall begins to bend around him and try to catch him Kishin rushes forwards towards Endymion. Kousuke was fast after all so he dodged and weaved away form the grasp of the tunnel. This is a way better work out than I had thought it would be. he muses to himself as he jukes away from the tunnel's grasp.

However as Endymion begins leaping back Kousuke follows him forward, but when the spikes appear Kousuke begins leaping off an through them kinda like a child navigating a particularly pointy jungle gym. "Woohooo!" he shouts as he gets to the end and then launches his spear at Endymion trying to skewer him.

When Kousuke's spear finally closes in, Endymion's skin turns to metal quickly, as the rock spear ends up bluntly way off the base of the spear, allowing Endymion to punch Kishin in the stomach. This strike leaves a magical seal which begins to turn his clothing to lead and slow him down, while Endymion shifts out of metal mode and hops back again, preferring a ranged combat style. A wall of rose thorns begins to manifest around the Earth King, each sporting a deadly venom, while the top of the enclosure was clear, but Endymion would cause a stream of rock spikes to fly in the air if and when Kishin decides to try to come from above.