He met her on the beach, greeted by silence aside from the calming rush of the waves on the shore. She hadn't heard that sound since her birth and found that she longed to hear it before she even knew she missed the noise. She felt like she was floating, flying as her blue eyes gazed out dreamily toward the horizon where the water kissed the sky. She didn't hear his footfalls on the sand, but felt him with an aura she didn't understand. The sun was setting, colors softening around her when she turned to greet him and even felt her lips tugging in a smile full of something she'd never felt before. He wore lighter clothes, not his uniform, and his eyes were almost too soft, clear and grey. His hair was slightly mussed, silver strands floating on the gentle breeze in the wind around him, carefree in a way she'd never guess he was capable. The very thin dress she wore dragged behind her, encumbered by the salty waters as she took the first steps toward him. He was so incredibly beautiful without that tensed, frowning face he always wore and Venus found herself drawn to him as if in a trance. Her palm met the thin fabric of the tunic he wore, large warm hands pulling her in toward his chest, and in silence he bent down as though to kiss her. Her eyes drifted almost shut before she felt a cold rush of something thick between her fingers at his chest. There were scars on his body, scars that began to bleed some strange blackness that was cold, and when she looked up into his face, his eyes were the strangest pale blue. It was then that she realized how cold everything was, the water, the sand, his skin, his eyes...
Venus' blue eyes fluttered open with a gasping breath, greeted by the still darkness of another early morning. She palmed her chest as if it would soothe the racing beat of her heart. Sleep had become somewhat of a foreign concept to her, chalking the dreams up to those long forbidden nights simply catching up with her. Her duties and schedules saw to it that morning would always come too early, exhaustion inevitable with or without Serenity's rebellious late night antics. She blew through her bangs, falling back against the pillows to stare at the canopy above her with a frustrated groan. She'd only slept a few hours, haunted and agonized by the whole situation ever since that first night. Venus was rattled by the ice in him, the overall tone of their last meeting pushing her resolve to the edge that this indeed must end before things got out of hand. Like it wasn't already.
She didn't blame him really, the General was probably more gracious than she would be in the event the tables had turned and it was the Earthen Prince to crash into their world without warning. They appeared very similar, the head of Endymion's guard was never too far away from the Prince and seemingly on the same mission to maintain the order of the wayward royals and the peace they work so hard to obtain. She knew he had magic and to some small degree he could use it. He was as infuriating as he was beautiful and Venus bit her lip trying to think if she'd met anyone so gorgeous. Not in a traditional sense either, Earthen men were very different creatures than the softer, more refined and Godly men of the Silver Millennium. They were rougher around the edges, more rugged, though on their planet the Shitennou were said to be regarded as similar entities as men of her world only they still had tragically short life spans.
Cold and stoic as he was, he had shown her kindness. Brief moments that suggested he wasn't all hard glares and icy tones and it did nothing but flare an intense curiosity within her. The thought made her frown, remembering also that Serenity had told her nefarious tales about the man that the General was, all gossip of course from the Prince himself, but even so Venus felt a strong kinship toward him that seemed different even than the bonds she formed with the girls that fought at her side. Curiosity never failed to land her in trouble, so she assumed that General Kunzite would be no different.
Her body had gone completely haywire that night, when he pulled her into his arms to shield her from view of his guard, to hide them both from certain punishments she couldn't even think about without cringing. Venus told herself it was out of pure fear that her heart thundered in her chest as it did in that moment as it did right now, from the strange dream surely. Certainly not the memory of his warmth, or the firm feel of muscle through the thick fabric of his uniform. She remembered the feel of strength in his body, and a terrifying sense of safety even when she knew very well that she could overpower him in an instant. There was this thrill with touching him, so forbidden to her, yet those few times she got the impression that the General was somehow not as fragile as she thought he would be.
The method in which he protected her sent a chill up her spine, Venus pulled the covers up to her chin and shivered anyway. He very well could have handled it a multitude of different ways and to someone so inexperienced but knowledgeable in the ways of intimacy it spoke volumes to her. It would have been so easy for him to slink away and allow her to be caught, surely he would have been the one summoned as head of the guard, and he could have feigned that she had trespassed. It would have been the easiest way to prevent her return though she supposed it would have probably placed Endymion in a very tough spot. Heck he could have thrown her into a bush, or behind some statue or tall grasses to hide in and addressed the guard directly. Turned out his arms were the safest place on Earth. Venus shivered again, this had to end.
Thoughts of strong arms and beautiful, strong men with long silver hair were interrupted by the doors to her room swinging open, Artemis striding through in his pristine white uniform and feline grace to go over schedules and reports. It was the same every morning. He'd toss her an orange as she sat up in bed with some snide remark about her becoming lax in her duties and sleeping all day. Only made comical because Venus and her Guardian were often two of the first to be awake, though at this point she was certain she could sleep all day were she allowed.
"Artie... I fear Serenity is becoming restless. She's become defiant of me and hardly listens to a word I say." Artemis laughed, his big green eyes shifting over to her with an amused smirk, his arms crossing with the read reports in one hand. She didn't look at him, only examining the rather ordinary orange she turned slowly in her fingers.
"You have to be harder on her. It's painful, trust me I know, I'm sure you have many sour memories of my scolding." He teased, brushing an affectionate hand through her bangs. A memory seemed to flash across his eyes further warming his expression. "The two of you are like sisters, I'm sure she can handle it."
"Have YOU ever tried to scold Serenity? She looks like an injured animal and it's never because she's being selfish or petulant, but because she's truly saddened that she's upset you." Artemis laughed a bit more, Venus was inclined to join him at the imagery. Serenity often seemed the royal brat, spoiled and selfish and in some instances, like her current predicament, she was. Mostly her antics were in good humor, or a failed attempt to do something kind for someone but when the Princess grew curious about something she was worse than herself, and unstoppable in her missions.
"I certainly do not envy Luna. Serenity is a strange child, loving and sweet. She is wild and innocent, yet you need to stand firm. Had I given in to your every whim as I wanted to, I think you would certainly be worse for it." Venus sighed, kissing her guardian's cheek and she smiled with a seemingly encouraging nod. The smile was forced, the encouragement feigned. "Don't give up, Luna often scolds the Princess like a child. I have to hear all about her guilt later for it but sometimes it's the only way."
It's probably what made later that night so hard. Venus knew Serenity would try and escape, to her knowledge it had been a few days and while she would admit she continued to feel a draw toward the planet she also knew that until things changed, it had to stop. So Venus waited. Waited behind a specific pillar near the Senshi's wing that Serenity often hid by to teleport. Waited until the Princess began to glow with her silvery gold magic before she apprehended the poor girl with her Holy Chain.
At first there was wide eyed horror that crossed the young Princess' face, she struggled some and the chain tightened. One of the magical weapon's attributes was suppressing magic, the only way she could think to stop her.
"This must end." Venus spoke softly, stepping toward her from the shadows with a sorrowful frown on her lips.
"Venus but... " Those wide silvery blue eyes became pleading. "Please let me go..."
"You know I can't. Not even as an order from my Princess...my Oaths to protect the sanctity of the Silver Millennium, to protect you, come from your Mother...which would override any command you issue." Venus frowned, shifting on her feet with a tight grip on the chain that bound Serenity. The Princess struggled some more, the wounded look on her face was almost too much. "I do this because I love you my Princess." Venus frowned more as the girl continued to struggle, tears began to fall from Serenity's long lashes and the Princess sunk slowly to the floor.
"I know I shouldn't... and I know you're right..it's selfish of me isn't it?" Serenity sniffled, Venus loosened her chain a little. "But I feel hope with him... that there is more than this. That we, together, could make a difference in aiding a planet and still obtaining absolute peace. He and I are so very similar, Venus." She gave a dark laugh in her throat through her tears. "So very similar and yet so different..."
"I understand you feel kinship, but it does not change that you could cause war or even his death. Stay." Venus pleaded, kneeling down in front of Serenity with a sympathetic smile.
"I never said I wouldn't go back. I never agreed." The Princess sobbed softly, the heartbreak in her eyes was absolute. "You say you understand but I know that you don't. You've never actually been in love. You may know what it is better than anyone, but until you actually feel it...It hurts Venus, it hurts to be without him."
Daggers ripped through her chest, Venus knew the words were not meant to be hurtful toward her, they were true after all. She'd never been in love, never experienced a soul bond with another person other than the Princess with the funny hair style who offered such kindness to everyone, while simultaneously aging her rapidly with these escape attempts. The Princess who fell in love so quickly as anyone so fated would, it was a rare sort of love only ever written about and more rarely experienced.
"Did I not just say that I love you? Perhaps it is not the same love you feel for your Prince but does it make my love less true?" Serenity turned her head away when Venus went to wipe away her tears. Something tugged at her heart and she fought to stand her ground against the wounded look the little Moon Princess gave her. She sighed. "Serenity...do not force my hand. I will have to report this to Queen Serenity if you sneak off again. Do you not understand that you place my duties at risk? My titles? My life?" Venus swallowed hard and brought a gloved hand to her cheek, making the young Princess look back at her. "You place his life at risk too... you know that right? Please tell me you understand that if you love him it is in his best interest to let him go."
"If it is so forbidden then why does it feel so right? As though the stars have aligned and the Sun shines brighter in the middle of an Earthen midnight?" Serenity's voice faltered, her tears were not that of a child as they were when Mars said or did something she shouldn't. They were tears of heartbreak that Venus could feel like a hollow ache in her chest.
"You must let him go Serenity... " The words felt wrong as they hit the air, knowing very well that if given the chance their love would stand the test of many lifetimes and yet her hands were tied. Venus was stuck between her love for her Princess and a destiny that threatened to choke her with the very chain she wielded. All the Princess could do was shake her head, her own tears choking her until she could not speak. "If you care so little for me and my oaths to you my love, think of the fate you damn him to if you are caught. He has power as the Prince of Earth, but your Mother would smite him down to create an example of him. She would risk open war. You are not just a Lunar dignitary... you are her daughter."
Accept this to be true.
"Do you really think I care so little? That I don't know the risk? We weren't supposed to fall in love... we didn't mean it. I promise we didn't mean to...Goddess I'm so sorry Venus..." Serenity sobbed harder, the chain loosening enough for the Princess to fall into Venus, wrapping her arms around her.
"I only asked that you give me time Serenity, but I cannot change law." Venus let her cry a few moments, soaking the collar of her uniform while she stroked her back in comfort. She knew, she understood that love was uncontrollable. That two soul mates met and there was nothing Venus could do at that point than help her through the heartache.
Serenity cried herself to sleep, right there on the marble floor by the open balcony of the Senshi's wing. Venus stared at the swirling planet, a solitary tear falling from her eye for a love that couldn't be. Knowing she'd never see those gardens again or tease Endymion's guard she'd become so fascinated by. With a heavy sigh she retracted her chain, collecting the sleeping Princess to help her to her bed. Venus left with a tired sigh through her bangs once Serenity was tucked safely in, thinking she'd finally get some much needed sleep only to lie there staring out the window for most of the night.
The following weeks were grey. Her usually vivacious Princess barely left her rooms, barely ate, and refused to speak to anyone other than Luna. It did little to help the morale of the Sailor Senshi, and when Queen Serenity asked what was wrong Serenity would just claim that she felt ill. Venus wouldn't have been surprised to know that it was true. Heartbreak was a legitimate illness on Venus, and she saw it there in the dull lifeless blue of Serenity's eyes.
She lay on the bed, lifeless eyes fixed on the planet beyond the windows, Venus sat behind her reading her lessons and stroking the hair she'd let down to spill in silvery cascades over the blankets. Mercury had been caring for her around the clock, forcing her to drink water and at least some broth as well. She met the Mercurian's eyes, the blue haired girl gestured with her head to join her in the hall and leave Serenity to rest. Venus bent down to press a kiss to the Princess' temple, hearing a soft sniffle when she retracted.
"There doesn't appear to be anything wrong with her." Mercury whispered once in the safety of the hallway. Her big oceans for eyes were laced with worry and Venus frowned knowing the source of it all and being unable to speak a word of it. "She hasn't said a word in days either, but I can't help her if she doesn't tell me what's wrong. Serenity seems to be merely depressed..but it's more than that isn't it?"
"I...I don't know." Venus lied, raking a hand down her face, leaving Mercury stunned when she simply walked away. What else could she say?
She felt bitter, contemplating her oaths as she walked. She loved her Princess, and yes there was jealousy there that she might love that Earthen Prince more than she loved her. Stupid really when she thought about it, only she knew about the link between them and Venus wanted nothing more than for Serenity to be happy. To be herself again. An ironic, hysterical laugh escaped her lips earning a concerned look from one of the guard which she ignored.
It became crystal clear what she must do- an elaborate plan that would take months or even years. Risky wasn't a strong enough word for the plan and she knew she could not do it alone. After all, in the end there wasn't anything she wouldn't sacrifice for Serenity. Even this. To allow Serenity the long pains of heartbreak, a real illness in her lands when two soul mates are separated from each other, was not in line with how much she loved her Princess. As Sovereign of Love, Aphrodite incarnate she was a disgrace to her name to not allow the strongest of loves to flourish. There weren't words for how much she loved Serenity, who in her darkest moments had always been there to comfort her. This was when Venus decided that there was no price too high, when the pieces, the plan all came together with an idea either brilliant, or utterly stupid. With a strong exhale through her bangs and easy flick of her finger to open her communicator, she sealed her decision.
"An emergency meeting is in order. Please remain discrete and gather in my rooms at Midnight." Wary okays were her responses- creating butterflies in her stomach and an erratic beat to her heart she could only chalk up to excitement, and fear.
It was a little after midnight when all the girls filed into Venus' white rooms laced in golds, reds, blues, and oranges, an exotic looking haven of fine silks and baroque gold accents. The Senshi's wing of the castle was close to the royal's but far enough away from the inner sanctums to allow them privacy and easy access to the castle's walls in case of invasion. Venus's quarters were farthest away much to her embarrassment that her own mother requested added privacy for her due to the heady needs of their race. It came in handy during such times as these.
"Do you mind telling us what this is all about?" Mars snapped, plopping in the pale damask armchair in front of the fireplace. They were all weary from the day, concerned for Serenity, and of course Venus further confused them all with this rather sudden meeting. She'd had little more than four hours of sleep in the last two days, exhausted and running on pure adrenaline. Mercury took a spot on the floor by the armchair at Mars's feet at the ready should she need to extinguish any flames. Jupiter leaned against the door frame that would have lead to her bedroom, least tired since she had night duty and had napped after dinner. Venus paced the room nervously, trying hard not to wring her hands and instead fiddled nervously with the end of the chain around her hips.
"Something has happened...something miraculous and dangerous." Venus stopped pacing and locked eyes with Mars who stared back with darkened eyes, heavy with intuition. "I need to know right now if you will stand by me. I cannot do this alone."
"Venus I swear to the Gods you had better not be getting ready to do something stupid." Mars warned, something knowing flashing in her violet stare as her leg lifted to cross over the other. She probably already knew, she at least knew something was going on.
"I don't know yet Mars...but I know it's something that I must do." Venus softened her gaze and voice as she looked back at her friend who was taken aback by the emotion in her leader's usually determined and confident gaze. Jupiter stood up straight, dwarfing the shorter blonde girl and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
I can do this.
"Hey, whatever it is, we're behind you. As long as Serenity stays safe and the Silver Millennium isn't compromised..." Her voice trailed off when Venus looked up into her emerald stare with a wary expression. Confusion lacing her eyes and tightened lips with the indication that Venus very well might be about to do something very, very stupid. Mercury looked concerned, her big owlish blue eyes drifting among them slowly, already calculating the next move.
"Serenity has been sneaking off to Earth." Venus began, wincing when expressions changed ranging from horror, anger, and complete shock. She raised a gloved hand to silence Mars before she could begin shrieking. She was surprised it actually worked. "I need you to be quiet until I can explain a few things because I know I should have alerted everyone of this but I came home one night and she was just...gone. I scanned for her, and teleported to Earth myself to scout ahead." Jupiter's mouth was hanging open, "I needed to make sure we weren't causing conflict or war between them over nothing." She was choosing her words wisely, unable to afford their mistrust in any step of her plans or otherwise. "She has apparently been sneaking off behind our backs- I'm not sure how but this is why my security on her has increased so dramatically." This earned some understanding nods but Mars looked like she might combust. "I found her with the Terran Prince... and there is something I need all of you to know because our jobs are about to get very complicated."
"I don't like the sound of this..." Mercury breathed, her fingers lightly touching her lips in concentration and she stared at a spot on the floor in deep calculation. Mars was gripping the arms of the chair so hard her knuckles were white and Venus waited for the wood to splinter around her tight grasp. She knew the her words were fumbling, falling out of her mouth possibly too quickly to really sound dignified or give the air of the leader she was supposed to be.
"Venus, what the HELL!?" Mars growled tensely, sitting up as though she might lunge at her from the chair, her nails biting into the fabric. Mercury jumped at this and scooted away silently toward the cover of Jupiter's protection though Venus was sure the Jovian was too shell shocked to be of use.
"Dammit I KNOW Mars!" Venus bit, eyes faintly glowing gold as her face twisted in teary eyed sadness. It seemed to take Mars by surprise and Venus closed her eyes to regain her cool composure. "I saw the red lovers link between them, they are destined in this life and each after in love of the truest and pure. They are soulmates of the highest degree, and this is why Serenity has fallen ill. I forbade her from seeing him again at risk of his death. As legend suggests this could bring about destruction, or a more peaceful Silver Millennium than we ever could have hoped for. This is why Serenity refuses to speak to me... and why I need your help to sway this in the Silver Millennium's favor."
Each girl had grown pale, listening to their leader made Mars deflate in her chair. Jupiter's jaw had yet to be capable of closing, and surprisingly Mercury seemed the most calm.
"Are you going to continue to let her see him?" Mercury asked softly. Venus knew the Mercurian would look at this scenario at every angle, she hoped she'd see it her way too.
"I can't." Venus replied with a distant frown. "I am torn in two. As Venus...I cannot. As incarnation to the Goddess of love it is wrong and against my very nature to stop a love this strong. I understand what I ask of you is a lot. I can simply only ask that if Serenity sneaks off to the Earth- that the Senshi on night watch informs me immediately and either I will go after her, or one of you retrieve her and bring her home. We are going to have to be impeccably careful and I mean it guys... I had seen very little of Earth and from what I can tell you, the legends all appear to be true."
Jupiter nodded in understanding, but Mars leaned forward with a challenging fire in her eyes. "Why don't we just inform the Queen of what is happening?" Mercury sat in the middle of them now seeing both sides of this and nodding accordingly.
"Do you know what will happen if the Queen finds out?" Venus challenged back. "Tensions will never be higher, and we put the Kingdom at risk. The QUEEN would put the Kingdom at risk, because she will stop at nothing to protect her daughter and everything she has built. Rightfully so- but if we can contain Serenity then nothing of note will happen, and the Earth will be none the wiser for it. There would be no rebellions because we aren't pointing our fingers at them for nothing. You and I both know that war against them would be genocide. The Prince was very kind...I think just as curious about us as we are of them." Her words bordered treason but the logic was sound and unarguable but only IF they could contain the wild Princess. Their secret to keep. "In time... I may be able to build a case with the Queen, use Endymion to bridge the gap between the Silver Millennium and Earth. I just need more time to figure this all out before it gets out of hand." She rubbed her temple lightly, staring off into nothing as the girls considered her words.
"Does the Terran Royalty appear to pose a threat to us? AT ALL?" Mars sighed, mimicking her leader in rubbing the rapidly forming headache from her temple. "It sounds to me like things got out of hand the very moment Serenity decided to sneak away."
"An immediate one no...as I mentioned they seem just as curious about us as we are of them. I will also point out that WE did not even notice her absence so I'm placing partial responsibility on us...we should have been better." Venus grew more weary, and leaned on Jupiter's shoulder, her comments seemed to hang on the air a moment and even Mars couldn't argue that fact. "Curiosity isn't exactly what I would say the diplomats of the Silver Millennium have. They think of Terrans as infants, insignificant and barbaric though that is certainly NOT what I saw. I could feel the latent power rolling off of them like vapors...Well the Prince and one of his guard that is."
"You never did give us details about them." Jupiter nudged her leader with a sly wink of her emerald green eye. "I mean we should get the scoop right? More detail the more we can help protect Serenity?" Venus and Mars rolled their eyes in unison though Venus couldn't help but smile at her friend's own curiosity.
"Well the other guards, I didn't feel any magic from them but the land around the castle is humming with it! I've never seen a real forest before but this one seemed enchanted! And there are these black cliffs, the water is blue then green and the FLOWERS!.." Venus had begun to pace, knowing her eyes glittered with memory of Earth's splendor, ignoring the implication of Jupiter's inquiries. Certainly avoiding the topic of specific men involved. She was just glad she could FINALLY talk to someone else about it, to share just how mystical Earth really was in comparison to all they've been taught.
"I meant the Prince you numskull!" Jupiter laughed. Venus smacked her with a pillow she stole from behind Mars's back and laughed in return. Of course the Martian soldier was a bit less amused.
"The Prince is exactly as the legends say- unspeakably beautiful! Tall, dark and handsome to definition! And so very kind, he even stood up for me when his brutish guard- also grossly handsome by the way- was bold and rude." She made a face, her heart doing a sort of flip as she spoke of Kunzite but not offering his name. Her sigh was tired if not wistful as when she fell into the spare armchair. She'd forgotten she probably should have discussed this with the General somehow, quick to remember that horrible unwelcoming tone in his voice, as well as the safe haven his arms had been. Even if she did dare to venture back to Earth to speak with him, how would she find him? "I think we need to have regular meetings, strategize how we are to deal with this. We cannot stand in the way of true love, not this kind of love... but we cannot put Serenity in danger." Her fist hit the chair's arm with a decisive and determined thud.
"So let me get this straight," Mercury cleared her throat softly and raised up to sit on her heels. "If Serenity manages to get away we must follow her and retrieve her?" Her eyes were wide with worry, Venus knew of all of them Mercury would be the most anxious about visiting the alien planet.
"Yes." Venus said sternly. "Like I said, if you are that uncomfortable teleporting down there, notify me at once and I will go. I fully believe it is safe but she is not to leave their gardens, and we are to stay hidden! It's just as bad if one of the Elysian guards catches one of us so there can be no missteps." The girls all nodded, Mars standing with a tired expression and signifying that the meeting was over. It was agreed.
"I for one don't like this one bit. But I'll agree with your course of action. If Serenity is to rebel like this then this is all we can do until a better solution is agreed upon. If we cannot come to some form of resolution, the Queen must know." Venus exchanged a silent look with Mars, a confirmation in her own mind that the fires had spoken some truth to the psychic warrior, that she knew something. " Get some rest Venus." The battle in the violet depths of Mars's eyes reflected her own warring emotions. Venus was grateful the girls were open to the idea- and it still meant that she could stay true to her oaths. Well most of them. Now she just needed a plan to get Endymion in front of her Queen.
Despite Mars's command for the rest Venus so desperately needed, she slipped down the hall to Serenity's room, excusing Luna with expressed need to speak with the Princess alone. The Mauan's hand on her shoulder was comforting when she complied with her wishes and left for the evening, it was late and Luna understood the toll it had taken on the head of Serenity's guard. The two were inseparable on a good day, and Venus was if nothing else an extraordinarily determined person and hadn't slept let alone left her post at the Princess' door. Serenity was a mess. Her eyes were a dull grey blue and her hair was down and spread over the sheets like spilled silver. She'd lost some of the baby fat of her face but it only proved to make her look gaunt and tired. Her eyes only flickered to Venus before continuing the blank stare out the window to the planet she so longed for.
"I have spoken with the soldiers." Venus began, sitting on the mattress in front of her liege. "I am not sorry for my advice to you as it is the best course of action for us all." Serenity shot her an icy stare, but even Venus could see the love beneath it. I don't blame you. "I know I hurt you. Perhaps it was the truth that hurt you, not who gave you that truth. I have come to tell you... that the girls think you are still not to go see him." A flare of blue in her dull eyes. "But I will not stop you. You will still need to be sneaky... they will try to stop you. They will come to retrieve you even. But as your solemn servant, my oath of loyalty to you. I will take this risk as my own."
The change was almost instant, her blue eyes coming to life with new hope in them. Serenity sat up and threw her arms around her neck with a happy sob.
"I'm so sorry Venus... " She whispered hoarsely "I'm so sorry... I must have made you feel awful, I never blamed you..." Venus smiled softly, of course Serenity would be more worried about hurting her feelings. "You were just protecting me...and protecting him." She whispered, placing a sweet kiss on her cheek. Venus rested her hands on either side of Serenity's face and rested her forehead on hers. "I'm sorry for everything...I always thought we should comply to the old laws but I didn't count on meeting him! I only wanted to see Earth..."
"My duty is only ever to protect you my Princess. My very best friend." Serenity hugged her tight again and Venus lie back with her against the soft pillows that smelled like jasmine laced by something sweet. "Our caution will need to be absolute. Those old laws aren't going away just yet but I'll think of something..." She whispered, brushing a hand through Serenity's bangs with a soft smile. Serenity nodded, still looking forlorn and a little lost.
"Mother would be so devastated if she found out. I don't like to keep things from her but...I have read my share of Venusian romance and being with him is so much more than words have expressed before." Venus watched the dream-like expression cross Serenity's pretty face and felt that jealousy again though she wasn't sure if it was because Endymion had stolen her heart from her or if she wanted to know just how wonderful it felt. A soul bond so utterly strong that it would allow a girl like Serenity to defy so much to keep it.
"My hope is one day our Queen will see... that Endymion could prove to be a Terran worthy enough to hold that Golden Crystal. I'm not sure what more could convince her." Serenity nodded and nestled closer to Venus, her arm resting in the curve of her waist to play with some of her golden hair.
"Mother sometimes acts as though she knows something we do not...sometimes i feel she hides things because she must. She is protective of Earth and fearful of it all at once." Venus raised a brow, giving the younger girl a look with a slow shake of her head.
"I am more concerned for the things we hide from her at the moment. Mars is not entirely convinced yet, so there will be strict rules if you are going to be allowed to visit. One step out of line and I will have to turn myself in, is that clear?" Serenity nodded enthusiastically with wide eyes, for once Venus believed her. "You know their Queen has died...the report came in nearly two weeks ago." The Princess' face dropped again, nodding slowly as tears crept back into her crystalline eyes.
"It's part of why I've been so sad...Endy is probably so lost and I haven't been able to comfort him." Serenity heaved a heavy sigh, wiping her eye with the back of her hand. "The head of his armies won't be too pleased. Endymion says he has lived a loveless life, and that he is cold and brutal but I think he will listen. I'm told he is a passionate man...I know that I feel safest when he is guarding." A mischievous smile spread to Serenity's features when Venus' appeared far away in her own head a moment, distracted by her words "Endy tells me a lot about his guard you know...Kunzie especially."
"Kunzie?" Venus raised a brow, laughing at the nickname the rather serious man was certain to despise. Serenity giggled, falling into gossip mode of all the things she's learned about the Earth and the supposed Heavenly Kings that guard him. She told herself that it was all important information, research for her to better guard the Princess, even when the stories turned scandalous. Like old times, the two blonde girls stayed up far too late, both whispering secrets to the other until the Princess fell asleep in her arms and Venus knew it was far passed time she did the same. She felt light as she sauntered back down the hall, slipping into her room and detransforming once the lock was put into place.
Her eyes were heavy and she did a quick scan of the castle. Jupiter was out on patrol and everything was as it should be for once. She padded into her bedroom and opened the french doors that lead to her balcony to the breathtaking view of Earth, uncaring if anyone saw her nude form as she took in the light breeze with a deep breath. It was their secret and tomorrow was her night watch, she knew that after nearly a month away Serenity was certain to go visit.
She left the balcony open, falling into her bed and burrowing in the red satin sheets and thick soft blankets to surrender to sleeps seduction. Venus didn't remember falling asleep but she did dream. She dreamed of being wrapped in warmth against a strong chest, the light caresses of his fingers and secured by strong and powerful arms. It wasn't his hand at her mouth this time but his own lips locked with hers, completely hiding her from view of the world in a curtain of silver hair.
Venus never knew why she dreamed of him. Kunzite was by far the most infuriating person she'd ever met. He was rude, and cold and the awful things Serenity had told her about him only proved to her in ways that Terrans were barbaric people. Her eyes drifted open with the grey light of morning, before Artemis would even be coming to her room to wake her. She wrapped herself in the red satin sheet and shifted to her side to view the Earth. Venus bit her lip, pondering the nights she stayed up far too late with Serenity to talk about the Prince and the rumors he told her Princess about his guard, most of which she had yet to meet aside from Kunzite.
Kunzite was supposedly King of the barbaric lands of the Middle East. Leader of all the armies of this beautiful world she'd all but just glimpsed. A cruel King who worked his soldiers to points of breaking without reprieve. A silver tongued devil who lured women to his bed by the numbers leaving many pining in his wake or injured beneath the brutality of his passions. She had yet to witness this silver tongue as he never spoke more than few words at a time, Venus almost thought maybe just wasn't educated on proper etiquette. Serenity assured her that Endymion had nothing but wonderful things to say about the leader of his guard- how he was so serious but also deeply passionate and caring and Venus found herself amused by the thought that he was capable.
She was more inclined to believe that he was a brute of the harshest, coldest degree based on the tone he took with her their last meeting. Even if he was so gentle when he healed that horrible bug's bite, and she was reminded of the tender way he stroked her arm with his thumb to soothe her fear when he knew she was terrified that time they were almost caught... The door to her room was opened, her guardian entering with her agenda in his hands bringing her back to reality. It was a harsh reminder of the harsh look in Kunzite's eye when he all but told her to leave directly after.
"You're awake." Artemis had paused, a teasing smile tugging his lips when he stepped in and Venus wrapped the sheets around herself tighter to spare him for once.
"You act surprised." She stuck her tongue out at him and he looked amused at the messy state of her hair.
"I know you haven't been sleeping much lately is all. I'm told Serenity is much better this morning." He sat on the edge of her bed and flipped through one of the documents in his hand. Venus smiled and rest back against the pillows.
"To know SHE is awake is a shock. I'm glad she's feeling better. I was worried." She studied Artemis a moment, noting he could have been one of Kunzite's cousins with his long stark white hair and wide green eyes despite their feline like nature and decided he was rather handsome. She could never really tell how old he was truly, he only looked like he was maybe five years older than herself and yet remained unchanged since her birth. "Artie... how old are you?"
"How old am I? Probably older than I want to admit." He smiled, placing the papers by his side and letting her reach for them. "My people are long lived thanks to Queen Serenity. Like you will stop aging one day and only grow in divinity. I'll stay this way until the end of my days." He chuckled. "Whenever that is. But I suppose I've been alive for nearly fifty years now...still young."
"You still appear to be in your twenties. I was going to tell you you're quite handsome. Luna's a lucky woman." His face turned scarlet and she giggled, playfully tugging on some of his hair.
"Don't get ideas Venus." He took the papers back in hand and smacked her in the head with them gently, shifting uncomfortably before he began to go over her daily schedule with her.
"Wouldn't dream of it Artie." She smiled, kissing his crescent emblem on his forehead and tracing it lightly with a finger before she slipped from the covers and walked past him to get ready for the day.
It was one of those mornings Artemis questioned his own resolve against the young Goddess. He waited until the door closed to rush from the room and get as far away as possible. It was impossible not to love Venus though she'd become more of a friend as she got older because he couldn't bring himself to be Fatherly. Her beauty and charm were a hazard of the job as he remembered from serving her Mother.
Venus emerged in uniform, meeting him in the hall with a happy smile, linking arms to walk down for breakfast with everyone. She seemed lighter today and Artemis couldn't help but feel grateful for that because she seemed overburdened lately, he'd missed this lively girl who chattered his ear off down the hall about something Mercury said to Mars, or some rebel she had plans to take into custody. Luna mentioned the previous night that Venus had spoken to Serenity about something, he didn't think it was some coincidence the way the girls locked eyes when they entered the dining hall and smiled warmly at each other. If only he knew then...
Thrilled as Venus was to have Serenity back to normal, she thought the Princess might eat them out of house and home at breakfast that morning. The girls all seemed to stare at Venus in disbelief of the difference but she tried not to notice with the Queen and their guardians all in attendance. She was even overly enthusiastic in her study sessions which to Venus was far too suspicious, too determined in her dance lesson, and even attentive during etiquette! By dinner Venus was exhausted between meetings, training, and her normal activities with Serenity who was utterly beaming and humming with excitement at the table. She chattered with Jupiter and Mars, trying to include her in the conversation but by then Venus felt like her brain was nothing but a pile of mush. Mercury would agree the way she was staring at her leader with borderline concern when she almost fell asleep and face planted in her soup.
Venus waved them all off, excusing herself a little early in order to get some rest before her night watch. It wasn't an abnormal occurrence for any of the girls to leave dinner early when they knew they'd be up all night walking circles around the castle. Little did anyone else know that their nights were about to get far more interesting. She thought her nerves might get the best of her, but Venus fell asleep quickly and Serenity was waking her up far sooner than she wanted to be awake. Three hours later was all it took for the Princess to come barging in to raid her wardrobe, chattering loudly as she threw the gold accented doors of her closet open and walked inside. Venus sat up, her gold hair sticking every which way, eyes bleary and bright despite the daggers she glared toward her closet.
"You could at least try to be discrete Princess." She muttered groggily, throwing her legs over the side of the bed and staggering toward her mirror. Venus winced at her appearance, immediately grabbing for her brush to tame the wild tangles that took residence in her long gold mane.
"It's been nearly a month! I can't just show up looking like I always do!" Her response muffled by the closet packed with gowns that Venus hardly had time to wear. She shook her head and kept brushing the thick mass of her golden locks with a growing smile.
"What do you think?" Serenity asked, emerging in a white gown with golden accents. It seemed to subdue the silver in her hair and bring out the blonde undertones. The gold made the blue of her eyes stand out much more and it was surprisingly modest save for the low dip of the bust which was beaded with a mix of gold and white pearl. It took her breath away truth be told, she wondered when Serenity had grown into such beauty and thought it was maybe because she'd been so lifeless these past weeks. She looked radiant.
"I think that looks much better on you and you should keep it." Venus said with eyebrows raised in appraisal. The dress seemed to be made for her and she couldn't think of a time she'd ever worn the gown anyway. It wasn't really her style.
"Really!?" Serenity beamed, twirling around the room in a whirlwind of skirts. Venus nodded with a delighted giggle at the Princess' fascination with her new dress. Her stomach fell however, a mix of anxiety and concern about everything she was about to do, and the rapid budding of a romance worthy of everything. With a bated breath, she pulled a few vials of a deep blue fluid from the drawer beside her and gestured for the Princess to come to her. She downed one herself for good measure and Serenity made a face, eyeing her guardian when Venus winced at the bitter taste.
"Here, you need to take this." She extended one of the vials to Serenity who looked at it like it might bite her. Her face made Venus laugh lightly in her throat, delighted that the Princess wore the pearls she'd brought back from Venus for her in her hair. She toyed with one gently and gave the Princess a warm and loving look when the vial was finally taken from her fingers.
"What is it?" Serenity was wide eyed when she met her amused gaze. Venus smiled wider and stroked a gloved hand over the pale velvet of the Princess's cheek.
"It's Venusian birth control silly. After your last display with the Prince I can only guess that things might...escalate soon." The younger girl turned a bright beet red and only blinked at Venus in disbelief. "What!? It's not my fault you were letting him practically maul you while your breasts were exposed to the world in that white dress you saw fit to swim in. I can't have you getting pregnant- then where would we be!?"
"I fell in." She said in a small voice before she drank the vial down, her face further flushed in embarrassment and Venus stifled her laugh and simply shook her head, stepping toward her wardrobe as well.
"You'll need to take it once a month. I'll remind you since we took it at the same time." Her eyes quickly began to scour the vast possibilities of gowns she owned and almost abandoned the idea because why did she need to change from her uniform? Venus rolled her eyes at herself, detransforming as she pulled a gown from the rack inside and began to change. Serenity was behind her, doing twirls and studying her appearance as though the potion she drank might make her look different. Once changed, Serenity paused to stare at her choice in gown and flushed a little.
"Maybe one day I'll be brave enough to try wearing something so scandalous. What's the occasion?" Venus tried to fight her own cheeks from growing warm because she wasn't quite sure why they would. She shook her head and shrugged.
"I thought this was a bit more modest than some of my other gowns." The dress may have still been a bit more conservative on Venus, but not anywhere else. It was a yellow satin and chiffon gown, the top made of satin, draped and ruched over her breasts before a smooth darker bit of satin made up the torso and dipped low almost to her hips where chiffon skirts scarcely concealed her legs because there were two slits that went from her hip bones down creating that flowing effect of her skirts when she walked. "Anyways I have stipulations for this arrangement that are non-negotiable. Break them and I will drag you back here, you will not return, and I WILL report this to the Queen and suffer her consequences." Serenity nodded, looking a little sheepish with guilt because Venus spent time that afternoon making her see that it would be her to be punished if they were caught. "You will not leave the Elysian gardens, we were almost caught last time and I will not take that risk again. You will not leave his side and I am to know where you are at all times."
Serenity threw her arms around Venus' neck and buried her face in the vibrant gold of her hair. Her brows furrowed, emotions stirring within her and she couldn't decide if it was nerves, but her heart felt full with reassurance that she was doing the right thing. The girls embraced for a few moments, Venus taking the moment to kiss her Princess as she did sometimes that often left Serenity flushed.
"Thank you for doing this Venus." She whispered softly, her arms still around her neck and Venus enjoyed the feeling when Serenity played with a bit of her hair. She nodded, adjusting Serenity's gown just slightly and breaking free of the embrace. "I love you, you know."
"I know." Venus replied, stroking a thumb over her cheek again with an understanding smile. "Ready Serenity?" The Princess nodded with a flush, excitement positively glittering in her wide and innocent eyes when they joined hands and teleported to the iron gate decorated with a rose.
It was hot, the air thicker than before and more fragrant it seemed, the weight of Earth's gravity made her feel as though she were wading through water. Venus didn't realize how much she missed the floral, earthy scent of these gardens until she was standing in the familiar courtyard of the Prince's private one. There was a new fountain, replacing the old rather plain one. It was adorned with the tall statue of a woman and Venus remembered news that the Elysian Queen had died in the passed weeks of illness. The statue was a perfect likeness of her, and Venus looked up sadly into her face, remembering the sweet doting sound of her voice.
The heavy sound of the wooden door brought her back to reality and Endymion stumbled through it in a strangely graceful manner, staring wide eyed at the two blondes occupying his garden. Elation was the best word to describe his expression when he saw her, the silver and gold Moon Princess who threw herself into his arms in a bundle of long hair and white skirts. Venus smiled, having gone forgotten instantly, and leaned with her knee against the fountain's edge while whispered words of consolation poured from Serenity and she tried to tame his disheveled black hair with tearful giggles.
"What are you doing here?" Endymion whispered loudly with a broad and beautiful smile. "I didn't think I was ever going to see you again." The way they gazed at each other, the life brought back into their faces and eyes, cheeks flushed and happy. That feeling she got in their presence of a love more powerful than even the Moon Queen herself solidified that Venus had made the right decision. It would be worth her own life to let a love like this live on.
"Venus has agreed to not stop me from seeing you." Serenity smiled her wide and innocent smile, turning to glance back at the Golden Goddess who was lost in thought and trying not to stare at the couple. The Prince hadn't even noticed her until now, but his face lifted to gaze at the young Goddess of Love and Venus thought he might burst into tears. He released Serenity, lacing his fingers to not break contact with her and stepped toward her.
"I prayed to you... for Aphrodite to bring her back to me." There was something so alive behind his blue eyes that almost made Venus flush. It was the closest she had ever gotten to him, he was intense, overwhelmingly so and his dark features were far more beautiful than she initially gathered. It was easy to see how her Princess could fall in love so quickly. It was his soul that shone so bright from behind his eyes that held her captive for a moment, and it was now that Venus could feel a great power within him. An endless well of magic. In all his beauty she saw the same fatigue Serenity had suffered. The lack of sleep, malnutrition, the inherent sadness from the loss of Serenity followed by the greater loss of his own Mother, and it had taken a heavy toll on him.
"You pray to my Mother then...I am no Aphrodite. A mere shadow of her greatness." She replied softly, giving the Prince a bow and gracious smile. "My Princess's health waned in your absence and I am no advocate for love if I am to deny her of seeing you."
"Then I pray to Venus instead." Endymion bowed deeply "You have my eternal gratitude, I know the risks you take for us both."
You underestimate my love for her…
"We can only be here few hours, Serenity is not to leave your gardens but they are vast. Please bring her back here and inform me if you take her farther. I will give you privacy but please know I will be where I can get to her quickly if I need to." Endymion nodded, Serenity was hugging onto his arm and tugging him away lightly. Venus was grateful to escape the crushing weight of his gratitude but offered a smile regardless as he conceded to Serenity's will and they disappeared together behind a wall thick with ivy. She smirked to herself, feeling that she wasn't alone and it sent a strange thrill through her stomach. "I know you're there."
She turned slowly, shifting on her feet to face the gated entrance she and Serenity had come through to see the tall General leaning in the door frame with his arms crossed over his chest. He looked tired, she noted, that usual icy exterior of his appearing to be absent in the weariness of his eyes. Venus didn't miss the blatant appreciation of her appearance however, pleased that she chose her gown well, it was the first time he truly acknowledged her in such a manner. Kunzite stepped further into the garden until he stood closer to the fountain she remained leaned against and for once was able to hold his gaze with confidence. Perhaps because he wasn't putting on the tough act for her, he looked too tired.
"So this is how it will be?" Venus bit her bottom lip between her teeth, noting how he seemed to study her face, how his eyes lingered a little too long at her mouth. She knew he heard her speaking to Endymion, it hadn't dawned on her that she may have somehow needed to discuss this arrangement with him.
"Yes... " She started, almost in a condescending and more commanding tone but something in his expression stopped her. "I think your Prince has fared worse than Serenity. I'm truly sorry to hear of the Queen's passing... she was lovely, our Galaxy is worse off without her." She found her voice softened, remembering how the Queen of Earth was the first Terran to embrace her and teach her that she had nothing to fear of them.
"She was the greatest Queen Elysium has ever known. How would you know her?" Venus brushed off the accusatory tone of his voice knowing he probably still mourned her himself. As head of the Elysian guard, she tried to remember if he had been present at her birth, deciding she would remember him anywhere.
"She was present at my birth." His eyes widened, and she noticed a very subtle furrow of his brow that made him look less intimidating and for the first time she saw emotion in the depths of his pale grey stare. "Your King and Queen escorted Aphrodite to my birth place. She was the first Terran to embrace me, show me no fear, and offer me love."
"I see." Stronger emotion flickered across his features, it made her heart beat erratically but the tall General moved away from her, stepping toward the front of the fountain and peering up at the carved image of his Queen. He kissed his fingers, pressing them to the carved marble of her feet. Venus thought maybe he would weep for a moment, and she smiled at the sentimental action. He swallowed hard and his face returned to the solemn expression she was used to when his gaze snapped back to her. "Thank you. Thank you for what you did for Endymion."
Venus folded her hands in front of her, wringing them nervously and nodded in response. He stepped back toward her silently, taking one last glance up at his Queen as though she had spoken to him. The exchange grew awkward suddenly, Venus unused to this Kunzite who didn't gaze at her with boredom or disdain. He hadn't sighed in annoyance once or scolded her that she shouldn't be there. That fact hadn't changed, but something about the dynamic between them had already shifted.
"As I mentioned... I would be a disgrace to my titles if I were to deny a love like theirs." Kunzite chuckled then, it took her off guard the friendly shift of his face, the charming nature of his smile and the dimple that proved to be far more distracting than she was comfortable with.
"Even if it disgraces your laws?" She flushed when the gleam of his eye became teasing and all too knowing with the lift of his brow.
"They are your laws too you know. You're doing a pretty good job at defying those yourself right now." He gave a nod in agreeance as though he could deny it and offered his arm.
"In celebration of our disgrace...would you walk with me?" Venus felt her breath catch, when did he become charming? Her eyes widened at the extended arm but she nodded, stepping to weave hers through his elbow. It was easier for her to ignore his good looks when he was being a completely closed off, inconsiderate wall of ice, but the myriad of emotion she saw in mere moments made his appeal harder to overlook. His arm was muscled, and warm beneath the thick fabric of his uniform, of course everything was warm and humid currently, but his warmth felt different somehow. He lead her through a stone archway into the neighboring garden, no more words needed for the moment.