Chapter Eighteen

The days passed slowly. The Moon had sent a few people to update them on the situation daily, but there was never any direct information about Kunzite, which always made Venus' heart sink. No news was good news, though, so she kept her spirits up. She spent the days trying to keep everything as normal as possible, to keep the routine, and try to keep everyone's mind off the conflict—but it was a much harder task than she anticipated. The girls were restless. They wanted to go to battle. Venus had to keep reminding them, and herself, that they were to protect Serenity, and needed to stay present in case things escalated and made their way to their homes.

So, they spent the days training. Swords, magic, long range weapons, hand to hand. They covered it all. They went over escape routes, what to do if they breached the walls of the castle, every scenario, all desperately hoping it'd never happen. If it did, she reminded them, they would be prepared.

Word came on the eleventh day, that they had made contact on Earth with their first set of opposition. It was a surprise attack that caught them off guard. They hadn't even reached their destination yet. A few had gone missing in action, several hundred wounded, and dozens dead. Search parties were dispatched on the twelfth day to find who they could. No names were released.

"You okay?" came the voice of the raven haired senshi. When Venus had gone missing after the briefing, she went looking and found her in the far corner of the castle, in a small garden they called the Prayer Garden. She was kneeling at the base of the statue in the center, face in her hands.

Venus quietly wiped the tears away, said a quick silent prayer and stood to face her friend. "Yes."

"I don't believe that for a second." Mars took her friend's hand. "What's going on?"

"Nothing." She smiled as convincingly as she could. "Heavy heart for those who are gone."

Mars shook her head. "No, it's more."

Troubled, Venus looked to her. "What are you talking about?"

"You've been acting strange as of late. I consulted the fires."

Venus took a deep breath in and looked away. "And what did they say?" She knew her secret was out.

Mars tucked Venus' hair behind her ear. Her voice was somber. "You know what they said. You've given your heart away. A heart you've already promised."

Venus took a seat on a bench by the entrance.

Mars turned to her, arms crossed. "Are you going to see him?"

"The day after next."

Mars nodded.

Venus played with her hair for a moment and then looked up. "Do you think I'm being reckless?"

"You already know how I feel about this."

Venus stood and smoothed her skirt. "I know you don't approve. But, I need you to know, I didn't go looking for this. And I promise, she is still my number one priority."

"But, you're still going." It wasn't a question. It was an accusation.

Venus nodded.

"Hope he's worth it."

Venus left her disapproving friend. Her reaction didn't surprise her. She knew Mars didn't believe they should be romantically involved with anyone. She may have taken part in their silly conversations over lunch, but deep down, she had made a vow to herself long ago to never put anyone over the princess. Venus had, too. But, she wanted to believe she could make this work. She could be happy and protect her most precious person, right? Mars didn't seem to think so.

The following day, things were tense. Mars took out her frustration in the training area. Venus stayed clear, going over things with Mercury instead. When asked, said she knew nothing about her friend's mood. She didn't want the disapproving glances of the rest. Mars' were enough. The day after, she gathered a few things, spoke to Selene about where she was going, and left for Earth's castle.

When she arrived, there was an ominous silence about. She made her way to the throne room, hoping Hafnon was there. Before she could enter, she was intercepted by a blonde man with short, wavy hair. "Excuse me, Lady Venus?"

"And you are?"

A sly smile. "Jadeite. Come with me."

She smiled and nodded when she heard the name. She knew he was one of Kunzite's friends. "Of course."

He lead her back to the library where Kunzite had taken her before. Endymoin was with him. They were examining a map. As she got closer, she could see bandages on Kunzite. One on his chest, and one on his arm. A small gasp escaped her mouth and alerted the two that she and Jadeite had arrived.

Kunzite stood from his chair slowly and smiled at her. "Why, hello."

She ran to him and examined him. "What happened? Are you okay?"

He wrapped his arms around her. "I'm fine." The other two men shot each other a mischievous glance, grinning at the sight before them. Kunzite shot back a deathly glance, silencing them both. "Let's go take a walk, shall we?"

She nodded, and the two left the room and found a vacant veranda.

"I was worried."

"You heard about the ambush, then."

She nodded.

"I found my way back yesterday."

"So, you were taken."

He nodded.

"How did you escape? I heard they didn't find anyone."

"Doesn't matter."

There was an awkward moment of silence before she spoke. "I suppose not."

"You okay?"

She walked to the railing and leaned her elbows onto it, resting her head in her hands. "I guess."

He walked up behind her and pulled her up and against him. "What's wrong? Tell me."

"You should have let me come. I was sick with worry." She paused. "It was distracting. I don't know what to think of that. I'm not supposed to be distracted."

He rested his chin on the top of her head and held her tight. "All I could think about was getting back here today. You saved me." He kissed the top of her head. "Because I knew you'd be waiting, I had the will to escape. That means something."

"It means we're both distracted. How long do you think we can keep this up?"

"This will be over soon. Sooner than you think."

She looked up over her shoulder at him. "What do you mean?"

He shook his head. "Don't worry about it." He took a step back and took her by the hands. "For now, let's go get ready for the festivities."

"Festivities?"

"A small gathering. A little something to lift everyone's spirits. I want my date to come."

Venus wasn't sure why he was deflecting. She wanted to know what happened, and what the hell he was talking about. They just took a huge blow to their forces, how would this be over soon? "You really are not going to tell me what happened?"

"Later, my love. Come."