A/N: This chapter actually didn't come out as long as I had hoped, either, so expect another one within the next few days. I'm a good few chapters ahead in this fic so that I won't be late with updates or keep y'all waiting. Anyway, thanks for the favs/reviews and all that jazz!
I reach out tonight and find I can't fight it
and look toward the stars and wander towards a
heartfelt obligation, a place you call home.
"Tainted Obligation" - R.E.M
The shuttle came to a rocky stop as it landed on the red planet. Artemis stepped out of the compartment, taking a moment to observe his surroundings.
Mars. It has been years since the adviser stepped foot on Martian soil, though, suffice to say, not much has changed. While the people have since embraced more technology, Mars still appeared so… underdeveloped compared to its neighboring planets. Martians were known for their rather uncivilized tendencies, so modern advances didn't prove to be a necessity for their culture. Growing up in a Lunarian city and now the lavish Magellan palace, it was easy for Artemis to feel rather daunted and out of place in the Martian atmosphere. Still, he disregarded his slight discomfort and waited patiently to be addressed.
"Are you Artemis, sent from the high palace of Venus?" a young man questioned in Martian as he approached the white haired foreigner. The harsh, strict language caused the hairs on Artemis' arms to rise at each syllable. He quickly looked over his getup, his eyes lingering a bit too long at the sword slung by his side which his hand casually rested on. It wasn't uncustomary for nearly every Martain to wield a weapon, whether they're a soldier or not. With his armor and heavy gear, though, it was no question this man belonged to the Martian army.
The soldier shifted impatiently while Artemis cleared his throat, snapping himself out of his musings.
"Yes. I am here to see Commander Akihiro," he finally said, not even attempting to answer in the little Martian he knew. While he had a basic understanding of most of the dialects, he wasn't confident in his ability to speak them, and he preferred to not make an unintentional mockery of the language on a planet full of barbarians that oftentimes kill for less than that.
He gave a curt nod and slipped into Lunarian, the common tongue for most people regardless of their home planet. "Right this way."
Artemis followed the red clad soldier past the transport platforms until the palace Phobos and Deimos came into view. Much to his surprise, however, the young soldier led him around the gates until they were behind the palace and in what appeared to be the training grounds. Hundreds of Martian soldiers mingled in the open field as the sound of swords clashing and scraping against another's caused Artemis to flinch every now and then. While this kind of practice is also seen on Venus, Martians were much more aggressive in their combat training, which oftentimes led to some being sent to the infirmary. As Artemis gazed upon the warriors, he suddenly felt uncertainty about his undertaking there. Martians were so much more barbaric and hostile; Minako would certainly not get along with someone so divergent to her.
"No, they don't have to be friends," Artemis reminded. "The Martian's duty is only to protect her, nothing more."
After the mental affirmation, the young soldier stopped in front of his commanding officer, bowing hastily before moving back a few feet to stand stiffly by one of the pillars.
"Artemis?" he spoke gruffly, offering a nod in recognition to his superior title. "We heard news of your arrival. I'm Akihiro, commander of the Martian army."
Artemis bowed at his honor. "It's a pleasure, commander. I'm humbled that you were able to take the time to meet with me."
"Anything for an ambassador of Venus," Akihiro stated. At this, Artemis smiled hesitantly, for he could detect the slight sarcasm in the comment. "So, what is it that you need from us?"
"It's not so much what I need, but what Lady Aphrodite has requested for the princess," Artemis informed. "The past six years, Venus Minako has been under the strict protection of her personal guard. Three days prior, he was killed in a terrorist attack on Uranus, and the Queen is afraid that no other Venusian soldiers have the ability to succeed him. She sent me to Mars to find a suitable warrior to aid her."
Akihiro smirked and folded his broad, bronze arms in front of him. "It was wise of the queen to send you to the planet whose soldiers are renowned for their excellence in combat, but what makes you believe any of these men would put their skills to use by being a personal guard? They were raised to fight, not kiss some princess' ass all day."
Artemis bristled slightly at his blatancy, though, Martian's weren't exactly known for their formality. "Commander, you of all people should know the dangers that the inner realm planets face. Opposers are everywhere in the outer solar system and are slowly making their way to us. Their first priority is to demolish the planet's kingdoms and the democratic system, and that includes killing any and all heirs to the throne," his dark blue eyes hardened. "My job is to keep Princess Minako alive and therefore ensure the survival of Venus' kingdom… but I need one of your skilled men in order to do so."
Akihiro took the adviser's words into consideration, the mention on the infamous terrorist clan that has been wreaking havoc in the solar system suddenly rousing a sense of fear in the customarily stoic Martian. He let out something of a grunt and gestured for him to follow. "Come, you'll get a better view of the army as you walk."
Artemis nodded, suppressing his own sigh of relief at the commander's words. Their trek commenced in the field a safe distance away from the fighting warriors, but close enough to get a clear look at their faces. Artemis scanned the sea of red soldiers as Akihiro spoke.
"Our army trains for ten hours a day, with very limited breaks in between."
"Seems like a strict routine," Artemis commented.
"We only want the best," Akihiro replied. Artemis nodded distractedly as he zeroed in on a soldier a ways down the field. His eyes narrowed at the warrior's rather strategized—and almost graceful—way of fighting.
"Who is that?" Artemis inquired, turning the commander's attention to the figure ahead.
"That one there? That's Rei."
"His movements are something I've never seen before; it's almost meticulous, as if he knows what his opponent's next move is," the Lunarian observed. At this, Akihiro boomed with laughter, and Artemis pivoted to look at him questioningly.
"Yeah, you're right. She's one of the best; you have a good eye, ambassador."
"Sh-She?" Artemis stammered, clearing his throat awkwardly to hide the blood rushing to his face. "Excuse me."
Akihiro let out a few more chuckles before fully composing himself. "Yeah, well, you aren't the first to make that mistake, and you probably won't be the last. Rei is one of the few women we have in the army, but even I can't deny her talents. I'm sure she will surpass your expectations in her duty to the princess."
Artemis watched as the soldier in question removed her helmet, revealing dark, raven tresses that pooled behind her until it met her mid-back. She panted under the intense heat and ran a hand through her sweat-coated bangs before her eyes locked with the adviser's across the training grounds. Artemis stiffened under her intense gaze, wondering if this woman somehow knew she was being spoken about despite being a couple yards away. Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, he turned away from her to address the commander.
"I would like to speak with her, if that is possible."
"Of course. Masao will show you to the conference room. I will come in with Rei shortly," Akihiro informed as Masao, the young soldier from before, gestured for Artemis to follow.
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Time passed slowly as Artemis waited patiently for Akihiro's return. He sat in one of the many chairs in the room, fingers drumming rhythmically against the mahogany table. His gaze ventured out the adjacent window, contemplating the outcome of the situation. What would Minako think of Rei—a young Martian woman protecting her, at that? It's quite possible that after all of this effort, the princess may very well disregard the Martian completely and this will all be for naught.
Artemis sighed, praying to the gods that Minako's stubborn tendencies won't prevail. Of course, it will take some time for her to warm up to Rei, especially after the relationship she had with Daichi, which is understandable. Regardless of how she feels toward Rei, however, she has to understand that she is only there to protect her… be it that she accepts the role, that is.
He shifted in his seat and tried to get his mind off the worst possible situation, only to have the door open moments later to reveal Akihiro with Rei following close behind.
Artemis immediately stood at their entrance. Akihiro cleared his throat before speaking.
"Is this the soldier whom you wish to speak to?" he asked as Rei stood silently beside her superior.
"Yes, thank you," Artemis replied promptly.
"I will return once you have reached a decision," the commander said, gesturing for Masao to take his leave as well. Once the doors closed, an awkward silence invaded the room as the Lunarian and Martian stood on opposite ends of the room. Artemis felt the heavy weight of Rei's intimidating stare once more.
Seeing her up close made her look exceptionally different than how she appeared out in the field. She had cleaned up nicely, her raven hair now brushed out neatly and tied back loosely with a red ribbon. She appeared to be the same age as Minako, though, her mature appearance could deceive many in thinking she was a few years older than twenty. Her eyes, which so boldly stared back at the white haired man were a compelling shade of violet, something that he hadn't noticed from a distance. They also complimented her porcelain skin, which hadn't darkened much despite training in the scalding sun for hours.
For all intents and purposes, the Martian was… well, rather beautiful.
"I suppose introductions will be necessary," Artemis finally spoke after a quick yet careful examination of the young woman. He smiled warmly. "My name is Artemis, I am the mentor to the Princess of Venus. I was sent here to recruit the most capable soldier to replace the late Venus Daichi, Princess Minako's personal guard."
Rei's purple eyes shifted. "And… you want me to fulfill that role?"
"Erm… well, yes. That is, if you are willing to do so."
"What would I get out of it?" she asked, folding her arms in front of her armored chest.
"You will be paid upon your arrival to Venus," Artemis said.
"I wasn't asking for an incentive," was her rejoinder, and the adviser's mouth closed with a click. "I find my skills are put more to use here. What would being a personal guard do for me?"
Artemis started over to the window and gazed at the scenery. From a distance, he could see the city's bustling streets accompanied by a temple, whose architecture easily stood out amidst the many shops and houses along the strip. Martian temples, specifically, were renowned for their detailed, hand-crafted interior designs and uniquely complex structures. Despite its patches of barren land, Mars was still beautiful in its own way.
"Minako cannot fight for herself. For most of her life, she has had someone protecting her so that the need for swordplay would be unnecessary."
"Luxury of a princess," Rei muttered unabashedly.
Artemis' blue eyes briefly met Rei's violet ones. "Yes… but with that luxury comes consequences," his gaze drew back to the window. "I'm sure you are well aware of what has been going on in our solar system. The Opposers are making their way to our realm, and their intent is to enforce dictatorship by killing any and all rulers and their potentials on every planet, and they've already succeeded in doing so on Uranus. If there is ever an attack on Venus, gods forbid, Minako would have no means of defending herself if Opposers were to get to her. She needs someone like you to protect her," for a second time, he looked her way. "I understand if you don't want to help, and there are hundreds of other soldiers who could take your place. I just saw the most potential in you."
Rei stood still, arms still crossed indignantly in front of her. Artemis waited as she silently contemplated his words while the anticipation in the room grew each passing second. Finally, after almost a solid minute, the warrior relented and let out a sigh.
"When do we leave?"
The smallest of smiles graced Artemis' lips.