AN: Phew, it's been a long time. I apologize for my long absence. For some reason I have really trouble to get back to schedule, but I try to do better from now on. So, don't worry the story will go on for sure. This part continues right where we ended in the last chapter: at the end of the conversation of Methys with her hairdresser Krana. The conference is about to start. Enjoy.
Previously
Methys hesitated in her response, but her expression darkened considerably. "No, I don't like Queen Serenity very much either. Her decisions in the last war are… unforgivable."
Krana scoffed. "That's putting it mildly. My husband would still be around, if it wasn't for her. And so would your father." Krana noted darkly.
"I am sorry, Krana."
"You have done nothing to be sorry for. I knew what I got myself into when I fell for a military man in times of war." Her voice turned softer. "I hope you know what you are getting yourself into as well."
Methys shrugged helplessly. "I guess I will see when I am at that point."
Krana still looked at her with a mixture of sadness, worry and doubt. It was clear that she wanted to add more convincing reasons, that she hadn't given up her agenda to dissuade Methys from her plan to become Senshi. However, an animated knocking on the door thwarted any additional tries.
Methys who had watched her closely, startled back to attention.
"Come in."
Immediately, the door swished to the side to reveal a young man or rather a teenager, who was obviously a Mercurian as well, at least his appearance told as much. The same dark blue hair, tied to complicated braids, in his case three braids bound along the skull with the rest of his hair tied to a wolfs tail in the back. His bound her hair was loose and fell onto his back with the exception of three separate and thinner strands at his nape. Those strands were beaded similar to Methys' own, only the beads had different colors and designs.
He smiled radiantly at her, although there was a certain exhaustion visible in his features. Upon spotting her unexpected guest, Methys immediately responded his smile with one of her own.
"Natai!"
"Hey Methys! I see you are almost ready. And right on time. We have still twenty minutes to go. I thought there might still be the last piece missing."
Upon her confused expression he nodded towards his arm, where a richly decorated piece of clothing was draped over, in similar colors as he wore: aquamarine, white and silver. "Your Overcoat."
Methys scratched her head sheepishly. "Oh, I haven't even noticed that it was missing. Thanks."
"Well, it's hard to miss a single piece of clothing, when there are so many layers left. However, this one is new. Remember, when you complained that the royal Overcoat is way too warm. Gavin took that as his personal cue to design a lighter one for you. He wasn't sure, whether he would be able to finish it before the ball, but here it is, so he asked me to switch it with your old one right away."
"That's great." She eyed it critically, when he held it out for her inspection. "It looks exactly the same as yours."
"That's actually the point. Same design up to the slightest detail, besides the female alterations of course, but it's way lighter and the material is different as well. He tried one of his new self-invented artificial fabrics and he said he expects a critical review concerning wearing comfort, weak points and robustness."
"That he will get for sure along with my sincere thanks."
"Well, then there is no better time to start the test phase. Hurry up and get dressed. Time works against us … as always." He added awkwardly.
Krana took this as her cue to speak up. "The minimal requirement of your dress robes including your boots is in the changing room. I'll wait here, in case you manage to ruin your hairdo in those bare five minutes as your brother apparently already has. Come here, Natai, I need to fix the left braid. What did you do with it?"
He warded her off with raised hands to stop her from fussing over him. "Nothing, I swear. And it's barely five hairs that stand out."
"Five hairs too many for me. Now, stop squirming and hold still. This needs to be perfect or you will never find a cute girl that wants to dance with you."
"Oh, come on, why do all of you have to be so mean about it?" He whined.
"Because you are talking about nothing else for days. That's a grand invitation for teasing." Methys called out to him from the anteroom, inspecting her laid out clothes.
"Oh, you shut up or I swear if another Wellington shows up you can rescue yourself."
"Hemington." Methys corrected him automatically.
They continued to bicker, Methys in the anteroom and Natai fending off an overbearing Krana next door, who had still enough time to throw in some jests herself. The scenery faded again into a blur and this time Michiru caught a sly grin on Minako's face right next to her. She was momentarily confused until she finally got what amused the blonde so much. Whenever the memory faded out of focus, Methys was kinda getting in a state of undress, first when she showered and now when she apparently changed clothes. It wasn't something Michiru had thought of beforehand. She did not show them those pieces out of modesty reasons.
That observation made Michiru smile as well. She had not even considered those implications before. These memories were indeed personal and Michiru understood why she cut out those parts. Still, she truly wondered how complicated it was to tell the mirror to record and display only specific pieces. The fact that Methys could do it, implemented a certain proficiency concerning the mirror's workings, Michiru still had no explanation for. They might be cousins, close friends even for all she knew, but why could she use the Neptunian talisman like that? It was still an enigma and she looked forward to more answers and especially to her former self finally making an appearance. She wanted to see Michiko and she was almost bursting from excitement upon the prospect of finally getting to know more about her.
The next scene was apparently a more or less direct continuation of her dressing up. Natai and she had left her room and Krana was not with them anymore. They passed through vast corridors of the Mercurian Royal palace, all dressed up formally in those shiny robes. Methys looked like the entire opposite of before, all dolled up and regal, and the family likeness between her and Natai was emphasized by the intended similarities in their expensive-looking overcoats. Methys was busy typing at her wrist computer, a small materialized virtual screen in front of her. Natai wasn't disturbed by it, steering her in the right direction, whenever she almost walked into a pillar or narrowly missed a junction. The corridors were now replaced by arcades that run through the rich gardens and other Mercurians crossed their paths, nodding respectfully towards them.
Michiru noticed that those braids appeared to be really important in their culture. Whoever they encountered, their hairstyles might differ, but they all wore two of those thin braids with the colorful beads at their left temple. Only Methys and Natai wore them in the back and both of them had three braids instead of the normal two. Truly an interesting fashion detail, considering that the Methys Michiru had got to know, did not wear any braids at all. Was that accosted to Ami's choice of hairstyle? However, in her ghost-like form she wasn't bound to look like Ami, was she? Michiru forced herself to push those thoughts aside. She was supposed to concentrate on what was happening around her, not on unimportant details.
Soon, they left the arcades of the garden and Michiru mourned the loss already. She could have probably spent days in there and she felt her brain itch in eagerness to paint the beautiful display of pristine iridescent flowers, intricate twines and ancient discolored trees that might have come straight out of a fairy tale. It was apparent how much care and consideration had been put into arranging and cultivating those gardens. Even now, there were plenty of Mercurians invested in making them look their best, clipping flowers, removing dead leaves, moving pots and decorating the handrails of bridges with braided flower chains that reminded Michiru of Indian marigold garlands.
In general, all the inhabitants of the palace appeared to be quite busy, following their various tasks. One rather young girl was draping a flower chain around the neck of a statue, another man was balancing a tray with what looked like greenish cocktails past them and an elder man with plenty of those colorful beads in his hair was giving muted orders into what looked like a small headset attached to his ear.
Natai and Methys greeted whoever they encountered on their way, Natai more than his sister, since she was quite distracted by whatever she was doing on her wrist computer.
Finally, the two reached two impressive portal doors and halted in their steps briefly. Two guards flanked them, their silver armor shining, an identical aquamarine short cape draped over their left shoulder, sporting a circle with two vertical wavy lines crossing through stitched into the material at the collar. Each of them had two identical swords strapped to their backs and they even wore silver helmets that consisted out of several scale-like metal plates covering each other like enlarged and shiny roof tiles. For a moment undisturbed by her computer, Methys nodded towards the two and they returned the gesture with a small smile that made it apparent that they knew each other.
"Ten minutes left according to schedule." Natai noted with a brief look to his wrist.
"And where is he?" Methys asked looking around. "We wanted to meet here. We are supposed to make a joined entrance."
Natai shrugged. "I don't know. He was quite busy the last time I have seen him." He looked sheepishly to the ground, a guilty mumble on his lips. "Might have been, because I left him with the Venusian delegation."
"You … What? I thought you said you deal with them."
"That was before I was supposed to bring you your new Overcoat. It wouldn't have been a problem at all, if the Venusians weren't late as usual. They barely made it in time. He is probably still dealing with them, now."
Methys sighed. "Great. I guess that one goes on me too. Maybe we should already get inside. Might be that we need to stall some time."
He shrugged casually. "Well, then let's go …" He stepped towards the portal doors and the guards pulled them open immediately. Behind awaited them a vast magnificent ante hall, decorated in the Mercurian colors. On the other side there was the exit in form of even more impressive portal doors that were currently closed. They were flanked by another set of two guards. Plenty of people were bustling through the hall, most of them pages, aides or waiters, doing some last-minute adjustments and carrying around everything from food, drinks or decoration. Methys and Natai strode forward nearing the other end of the hall, where a bunch of people had gathered talking amongst each other.
Upon their approach the head of a woman with long wavy teal hair peeked up and she immediately turned their way, a happy smile on her face.
Michiru's heart almost leapt out of her chest, when she got closer and recognition struck her like a flash of lightning.
That's her. Michiko. That's my former self.
Her clothing was obviously very different in style. Whereas the Mercurian robes looked formal and strict and more like a military dress uniform, completed by boots and the long Overcoat, Michiko wore a long ballroom dress, with a light shawl and multiple carefully draped cloth around her that wafted with every step she took. As to be expected turquoise colors predominated and she wore plenty of fancy jewelry that was made out of shells, pearls, corals or a combination of all.
She embraced Methys immediately after she reached them, the sunlight glinting at a small diadem on the top of her head. "There you are."
"Here I am." Methys murmured back grinning and returning the embrace whole-heartedly.
They parted from each other and Michiko scanned her whole form critically an edge of worry now visible in her furrowed brows. "You truly had me worried. I heard the worst stories of you being struck with the most terrible stomach flu the world has ever seen, puking gross stuff all night long. Even your brother wasn't sure you would make a full recovery."
For a moment Methys looked baffled. Then she slowly turned sideward.
"Natai?!" She asked threateningly.
He raised his hands in surrender. "I swear it I didn't tell stuff like that. She is making it up."
Her suspicious glare darted back to Michiko, who couldn't hide the mischief any longer. She just shrugged. "Well, you should. Or at least you should have tried that one next. No one wants a potentially contagious bacteria launcher in their midst."
"Well, I was planning on showing up eventually. Otherwise, mother would have probably ripped my head off."
Michiko scanned her now in earnest. "You look tired. Things have been crazy lately, haven't they?"
"That they have. I –" She was interrupted by Methys' wrist computer that had started beeping.
Methys gave her an apologizing look. "Sorry, I have to take that." Michiko just waved at her dismissingly as if it wasn't a big deal and turned to Natai. However, as soon as Methys was distracted her eyes darted back to her briefly, looking worried.
Oblivious to her prying eyes, Methys turned around and looked for a quiet corner that wasn't bristling with activity and noise, before she took the call and the flickering face of an elderly Mercurian appeared right in front of her, projected by the wrist computer.
"Princess." He nodded at her respectfully. "I made the adjustments you wanted. It was quite a short notice, but the Nachas will be served as additional dessert."
"Excellent." She nodded at him gratefully. "Thank you for the splendid work."
"Well, you know my opinion. You can never have enough dessert."
Methys grinned at him. "Yes, I learned that as well, recently. The rest is going according to schedule?"
"Yes, we are in time with everything on the menu. I kept Prince Natai posted as you instructed. You also requested additional snacks during the morning sessions for the conference participants in your message some hours ago. Is that still required for the next days?" He asked her politely.
Methys nodded. "Yes, make sure to include something sweet as well. Best would be a small buffet for people to take whatever they want. Oh, and we still were not sure about the second course for the final dinner. Throw out the smoked veal brisket and include instead the one you suggested for the more local cuisine."
He smiled at her approvingly. "I will do."
"That's it for now. Thanks for being so accommodating with these short-notice changes."
He chuckled. "I am a cook. I live of improvisation and short-notice changes."
"I believe that on the spot. Now, I won't hold you from your work for much longer. You know how to reach me in case there is any urgent trouble. Otherwise, I leave the rest in your competent hands."
"Rest assured, princess, not even the Venusians will complain, well … at least not because of the food." With these parting words he closed the connection. Methys just shook her head in amusement.
She briefly looked back to Michiko and Natai, who talked animatedly. "Well, not much happening so far… I might as well…" She again typed something on the keys of her wrist computer and another sterner face appeared in front of her. "Princess. I didn't expect you to call, now. Hasn't the reception already started?"
"Chairman Ravel." She greeted him way more formally than the cook before. "No, we are still waiting for the Venusians. I took the opportunity to call because of the schedule changes I suggested."
He frowned at her. "I thought as much. You are aware the guided tour to the main shield generators was planned from the very beginning. I am very reluctant to take it out of the schedule, now."
"It came to my attention that one free afternoon might be appreciated by the attendants."
"With all due respect, this is no vacation, but a political conference that serves to promote Mercury's best interests. Showing off the finest of our technology will serve as a reminder that there is nothing that equals Mercurian science and engineering." He responded arrogantly.
"I am well aware of that. However, most of the shield generator technology is top secret anyway and has therefore not been cleared for the visitors to be seen. Plus, you planned to surround them with a security entail that might appear a bit too threatening for some. In my message I did not recommend to cancel the whole tour, merely to shorten the technical aspect and include a tour to the city center to show some of Mercury's sights especially to the attendants, who are not so much interested in our technological advances. We have more to offer than that. That way it might come across as less … threatening and well… it wouldn't come across as much as a show off tour anymore."
"Well, too bad that that's exactly what it was supposed to be." He noted sarcastically.
A muscle twitched in Methys' jaw. "I am not sure anymore that this is the message we want to get across."
"I can't think of a better one."
"Well, I can and I just suggested it right now."
Chairman Ravel grunted clearly not thrilled by her idea. "I am not sure you are aware of how much planning has already been put in this tour in terms of ensuring security, censoring and the choice of an appropriate route and you suggest giving up on the entire schedule and planning everything anew in merely four days?" His blatant disapproval couldn't be more apparent.
Methys forced a smile, but you could see her stiffen. "With all due respect, I am very well aware of every detail of the planning. I was chosen as the Chief Organizer of the entire conference by my mother, after all. So, I see it in my right to have a final say in all matters concerning the conference. And, it is my explicit wish to see these adjustments carried out. I assure you it's doable and an additional tour through the innermost city will not require a larger or more complex security entail than the one that was planned anyway. On the contrary, security can be reduced and adapt to a civilian dress code, since I don't expect them to steal our most secret cooking recipes. I am sure it can be done with minimal adjustments and I will recommend you an excellent city guide for the occasion, who happens to be a member of the Glacials as well. So, no extra security check will be required for him."
His face appeared to be frozen into a semi-polite mask. "If this your explicit wish, then it is my duty to yield to the Chief Organizer's decision. Let me just point out that no further short-notice changes in terms of schedule can be realized in the little time we have left."
Methys gave him a chilly smile. "Duly noted, Chairman. I try to spare you from any further surprises."
"That would be highly appreciated. Now, if you will excuse me, I wish you a successful conference, … Chief Organizer." He responded oily and they could see a muscle in Methys' jaw twitch upon the address.
"I was under the impression you would join the festivities?"
He looked as if he would prefer doing anything else but that. "At a later time point. Right now, I have other matters to attend. I am sure the frivolous intercultural mingling does not require my undivided attention." He responded with a derisive undertone.
Methys kept her tone neutral, but you could see it took her some effort. "Then, best of luck in your endeavors."
"To you as well, Chief Organizer." He responded as a mere pleasantry.
After his last words and a fake smile, Methys closed the connection and the transparent projection of his face in front of her vanished. With an eye roll she muttered. "Flexible as an icicle, as always…" Then she turned around to join Michiko and Natai again.
Approaching them, they noticed that their little group of two had grown to four people. Two women had joined the fray; one appeared to be Mercurian and one Neptunian. To say the two stood out would have been an understatement.
That was especially true for the Mercurian. In contrast to her peers, who wore long sleeved robes, hers had no sleeves at all. It just stopped covering her at her shoulders. Although short in stature, like all Mercurians so far, her bare arms showed off her athletic build that got even more apparent since most of her upper back was bare as well. She was by no means bulky, but rather toned like a panther. Her long hair was braided along her scalp in a plethora of thin cornrow braids and fell down to her shoulder blades. At her temple were the two familiar bangs and she wore plenty of those beads. What made her really stand out though were the tattoos. The visible part of her upper back was covered in a complicated design of black lines, spirals and symmetric patterns that travelled up her neck and even covered her face. She made a spectacular sight and reminded Michiru of a Maori, the native residents of New Zealand, who were famous for their facial art. She had to admit, although she came across as a bit intimidating, it looked artistic and the woman knew how to wear it. The fact, that she smiled at the unknown Neptunian made her appear a bit more approachable.
Said Neptunian on the other hand stood out amongst her peers in an entirely different way. She wore armor. Elegant armor that served more of a decorative function than being able to survive an actual battle, but armor nonetheless. It was made out of light-colored leather and various sea creatures, and what appeared to be a trident-wielding woman were engraved into the surface on her back as teal silhouettes. Her arm- and shin guards as well as her sandals were made out of the same material and decorated with ammonite-like swirls. Metal sandal decoration traveled up to her ankles twirling around her shins and calves like floating seaweed and similar decorative metal rings were attached to her upper arms. Underneath she wore a loose teal- colored tunic that seemed to come closest to what the other Neptunians wore, but showed off quite a bit of cleavage. Her shoulder length hair was loose and when she turned, they could spot the typical Senshi tiara on her forehead. It revealed the unknown Neptunian's identity to them.
In front of them stood the Neptunian Senshi and … it wasn't Michiko.
They all looked baffled towards Michiru, who was equally confused. Her former self wasn't the Neptunian Senshi? Instead, Michiko was standing right next to her. What was going on?
The next moment, the tattooed Mercurian turned her head a bit to talk to Natai and that's when her forehead got more visible to them and they could see what has blended into the tattoos from a certain distance and angle. She wore a Senshi tiara as well.
That observation sent a wave of surprise through their assembly of watchers, when they finally recognized her.
The tattooed woman must be Atget, the one Methys had mentioned before. She was the Mercurian Senshi. The one who was going to retire. The one whose successor Methys wanted to become.
Michiru had to admit, it was a bit of a shock. Whatever she had imagined the Mercurian Senshi to look like, that wasn't it. A scholar would have fit into the range of her expectations or at least someone less rough looking. Someone like her she would have more expected to see during a bar brawl in a rowdy motorbike club. It would need some time to get used to.
In the short time they ogled the two Senshi, Methys had reached the small group. She immediately addressed Michiko. "Sorry, for the interruption. Organizational stuff is unfortunately part of the job description." She turned towards the two newcomers in greeting. "Atget. Neso."
The first just nodded at her, while the Neptunian Senshi, Neso, stepped forward for a quick and heartfelt embrace. "It's good to see you, Methys. I hope this whole gathering is not causing too much trouble for you."
"I am fine, thank you. I was always a stickler for multitasking anyway." The slight irony resonating in those words wasn't planned at least not according to Methys' grimace right after the words left her mouth.
Neso exchanged a quick glance with Atget. "I guess this is about the upcoming Senshi trial. Well, you are on top of the current point table. That's already worth something, isn't it?"
"By a hairbreadth. Let's see for how long it will stay that way…" She pointed out morosely.
Neso chuckled and Methys appeared slightly hurt by her reaction. The Neptunian Senshi just smiled at her and put a soothing hand on her shoulder. "Sorry, dear, but Mercurians and their ambition to always come out on top always astonish me. Even complaining when they are winning. You lot are such overachievers. Striving to be the best has put your civilization where it is right now. However, as someone who has no Mercurian blood in her veins let me offer some advice." She paused thoughtfully, as if she had just a better idea. "Or maybe… we can approach this a bit differently." She suddenly unfastened the metal bracelet around her arm and handed it to a startled Methys.
The young Mercurian looked at the Neptunian Senshi inquiringly.
Neso gestured towards the bracelet. "Say, what do you think of it?"
Confusion was written all over Methys' face. "I beg you pardon…?"
"It's an easy question, isn't it? What do you think of this bracelet?" She repeated inquiringly.
Methys apparently didn't agree to that first assessment, since her response turned out rather hesitant. "It's … silver. A rather pure alloy with…"
"Yes, that's the material." Neso interrupted her not unkindly. "… but what do you think of it? Do you like it? Would you have purchased it as jewelry? Does the design appeal to you? What would you change on it, if you had the chance?"
Methys appeared to be still looking for the crux of those questions, when the rest of the group chose to remain silent to watch what was happening. Apparently, not finding any hidden traps in what was asked of her, she answered honestly. "Yes, I like that bracelet. It's well-crafted and … beautiful and… I don't think there needs to be anything changed."
"So, you deem it worthy to such an important occasion like this conference?"
Unsure what was the correct answer Methys just chose the most obvious. "Yes, of course."
"So, you deem it perfect for the occasion, if there is nothing you would change?"
"Well, em…yes?" It was more a question then a true response and the longer this question-answer game proceeded the more unsure Methys appeared to be.
"I see and do you think everyone else in this hall would think the same way? Some of these attendees might be jewelry crafters or miners or just enthused with fashion. Do you think all of them would consider this bracelet a masterpiece, too?"
"Well, I don't know. Not everyone has the same taste, so… probably… not?"
Neso appeared pleased by her answer. "No, probably they would not. And in their own right they would be correct in their assessments. I agree with you that this bracelet is indeed beautiful. The whole concept of the design just fits, does it not? And still… when you touch it, you will find scratches on it; you will find the traces of the used handcrafting tools and when you look closely tiny impurities will be embedded in the metal. Also, the left fin of the dolphin is not entirely symmetric to the right one. This…" She pointed at the bracelet. "… is not perfect, but it does its job rather adequately. More importantly, I chose this piece of jewelry to wear over plenty of others. Those others I have are of better quality, crafted by notable designers and cost ten times as much as this one. However, I chose this bracelet to wear, because I consider it entirely beautiful despite its imperfections, maybe even because of its imperfections. I could ask another crafter to do a replica of this, to make it better, to make it perfect, but do you know what? It wouldn't be the same. It wouldn't be unique anymore. It wouldn't hold the same place in my heart. Trying to make it perfect, would even destroy what makes it unique irretrievably."
Methys looked confused by her explanations and it didn't escape Neso. "Do you know who made this, Methys?"
Methys carefully shook her head.
"Michiko did." She pointed to her left and the Neptunian Crown princess smiled. She had entirely kept out of their conversation, so far.
Michiko shrugged at her cousin. "It was a gift for her ascension anniversary."
"And I value it even more, because of for what it was made for and of whom it came from. It could be the ugliest piece in the world and I still would have chosen to wear it today, because it means a great deal to me." Neso admitted with a small smile.
"Good to know. So next time I can gift you the blank and save the 40+ hours of work I put into it?" Michiko added a tad bit cynically.
Neso ignored her. She looked expectantly at Methys and wrapped her hands around Methys' that still held the bracelet. "Do you understand what I want to say? Beauty is not necessarily perfection, and perfection is not necessarily beauty. And none of those characteristics would be able to describe the worth of this piece in its entirety. In my case beauty or perfection did not even matter, but a third perspective that wasn't even in the picture in the beginning: the crafter. There will always be plenty of facets that make up a grander picture, facets that can be contradictory, facets that are not always visible and some that only matter in the eye of a specific beholder. How do you want to determine which facet is more important than the others? You cannot, because each facet holds a different value for a different person. In fact, all of those concepts are subjective and not ultimate. They change in the eye of the beholder. They depend on what a person expects to see. They even change over time for the same person. There is no ultimate beautiful, the same as there is no ultimate ugly. And on a larger scale the same goes for other concepts as there is no true right or wrong. You have to define all those things for yourself and then you have to keep redefining them." She made a small break to let her message sink in.
"To do that, you will use your knowledge, you will use logic, but ultimately those 'opinions'…" She pointed at her chest, right where her heart is. "They come from here, Methys…" Then she pointed at her head. "…not from here. Your heart decides what is beautiful or perfect, Methys. Not your head. And definitely not the heads of others. Don't forget that and listen what your heart has to say when you are in doubt. Those concepts are seen by everyone differently, sometimes even society dictates a certain view, but at the end only your own perception matters, not the one of others. It's you, who decides what Senshi you are gonna be. Your head can guide you, but the ultimate decisions have to come from your heart. Because it's you, who has to live with them. There will be plenty of people to tell you what to think and what to do. You can't satisfy them all. In fact, you shouldn't. You can't be that kind of perfect. And… you don't need to be. Test scores have their own value, but they portray only one aspect of many and most often not even the one that's most important. Don't forget that. Giving 100% is not always better than 80% especially in the long run. It's the end result that counts not some random numbers and if you reach it with the least possible effort, all the better. You can use that spare energy you saved for other things." She pointed out with emphasis and genuine care.
Methys lowered her head with a small smile. "I… I understand."
Neso smiled at her with a small nod. "I know you do. The tricky part is to remember, when it is important. You can keep the bracelet as a good luck charm... and…" Her eyes twinkled. "…as a reminder."
Methys hesitated. "But…if you like it so much…"
"It's fine. I know it will be in good hands."
"But it was a gift for you and..."
"I don't mind. Do you, Michiko?"
The Neptunian shrugged casually. "No. It's yours, now. You can pass it on to whoever you please. I can make you another one for your next anniversary. A better one. This one was actually one of my first tries."
Neso made a face. "Oh no. Not you, too. Did you not listen to what I said just right now? I don't want a perfect one."
Michiko shrugged helplessly with a croaked smile on her lips. "I can't help it. I am half Mercurian, remember?"
"Bah, nonsense. That's the recessive part. Your Neptunian heritage is definitely the one in charge."
"I am not always so sure about that. Believe me, that perfectionist streak is hard to battle down." Michiko noted skeptically. "However, I can produce extra-crooked jewelry in the future just for you. Just please don't tell anyone that I made it."
"So, crafting something subpar does not sit well with you? That's definitely the Mercurian talking."
Atget chose that moment to comment, eyeing Neso with a quirked eyebrow. "Come on, Neso, don't harass the poor girl, just because for you thriving for perfection accounts as an unattainable goal. It's not that most Mercurians don't agree to that. It's just an excellent drive."
Neso scoffed. "Yeah, it can drive you nuts."
"It can also drive you to become better. You just need to know where to draw the line."
Neso harrumphed. "The problem for your people already starts with realizing that there is a line."
"Oh, that lesson typically runs by itself early on. And if not…" She shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, exhaustion and frustration will be an excellent teacher to tell you when it's enough." There was a subtle side-glance towards Methys, when she uttered those words.
Neso just shook her head disbelievingly. "You really are no help in getting my lesson across, Atget."
A small knowing smile contorted the tattooed lines on her cheeks. "Well, I never said I would be."
"And here comes the smart ass again…"
"I am not the one who likes to hear herself talking." Atget noted dryly.
"Ouch, and here I am trying to be all wise and helpful and… preachy and you just come and waltz all over it. On which side of the bed fell you out, today?"
An eyebrow almost merged with a tattooed line. "I would be grateful if it had been a bed. You know very well that I had to sleep on the chair on the transport since you occupied the only bed. I still have a kink in my neck."
"Oh, your poor old bones. It's not my fault that you lost the draw for the bed and I offered to share."
She folded her arms in front of her chest and shot the Neptunian a pointed look. "You hog the blanket and you tend to lash about randomly in your sleep. I rather prefer to not wake up with a black eye, thank you very much."
"And now you exaggerate. You are still cranky about this one time, when we were injured and had to share the transport, when I accidently pushed you out of the bed. I just had a nightmare and that was years ago…. Will you ever not hold that against me?" Neso clearly considered the incidence amusing, Atget however less so.
"I had a broken arm. That fall hurt like hell."
"Well, it wouldn't have hurt in the first place, if you just listened to me and just cleaved that Uranian wolf in half instead of trying to smooth-talk it into giving its paw. Those are ravenous beasts and no cute pets to snuggle with." Neso just rolled her eyes upon the ludicrous thought.
"I almost got it to not attack. You were the one, who had to move and frighten it."
"Frighten it? I thought it would bite your head off. Truly, why do you have such a soft spot for animals?"
"They are gorgeous beasts. I didn't want to kill it."
"Yeah, you made that clear when you let it go even after it almost bit off your arm. I could have killed it, but no, you had to call me back." Neso just shook her head with a desolate sigh.
"It was already retreating. Biting me was only to buy time. It never truly intended to injure me seriously, just, to drive the both of us away."
"Well, then of course it's entirely harmless." She deadpanned.
"It was just protecting its territory and its litter."
"Yeah, that's what you claim… There was no true evidence that it even had pups."
"Yes, there were. It was a female and the fur in its neck had a purple hue. They only have that when they give milk for pups. And it tried to lure us away from its den. I told you there was a small cave where this rock formation was."
"Sorry, I didn't look at the fur in the neck. I was busy with ogling its teeth, its rather sharp fangs to be precise. The ones you apparently overlooked."
"Well, maybe you shouldn't only focus on the most obvious threat…"
"That typically works excellently, if the aim is to stay alive. But you needed to play the wolf whisperer. I always almost get a heart attack, when you do stunts like that. It bit cleanly through your radius. It could as well hit something lethal. All you had to do was keeping your swords steady the moment it pounced. Instead you moved them out of its path." She chided.
"It wasn't out for a kill. There was no need for me to end its life."
"Well, you could have taken its pelt…"
"And what was I supposed to do with that? I don't even wear long sleeves. I do not get cold."
"How should I know? You could have used it as wall decoration or as a bedside rug."
"Because I love it so much to dig my toes into something I killed, right after I woke up?" She asked incredulously.
Neso briefly tilted her head to the side as if she refrained from saying: good point. However, she was far from done.
"And what if it attacked others? What's with the next person that crosses its path? We could have prevented that."
Atget shrugged. "We were in the middle of nowhere. Chances were slim for another encounter."
"Why am I even trying to talk some reason into you? We won't see eye to eye about this anyway. I can't even remember how often we argued about this particular encounter. You are sometimes too lenient for your own good."
"I am a scholar and a warrior. I can decide which means to use based on the situation I face. The same way Michiko has the freedom to choose the best from two cultures after all."
"Yeah, and that on itself would be fine, if you didn't risk life and limb, while making matters more complicated than they had to be. Oh, and don't think I did not notice your little side blow to distract me."
"You know what? You are right. We talked about that a hundred times already and I am sure Methys and Michiko are already tired of our squabbling."
Michiko shrugged and waved it off. "No, not really… Just keep going…"
Neso smirked, Atget frowned and Methys whispered to Michiko. "I don't think that was the answer Atget wanted to hear."
"Well, too bad… They really are better than any old couple. Hilarious."
Atget quirked an eyebrow. "You are aware that we can hear you, aren't you, Michiko?"
The Neptunian Crown Princess chose the coward's way out by considering the question strictly rhetorical. She rather chose to change tactic towards diversion. "Well, that encounter with the Uranian wolf was on Pluto, wasn't it?"
Atget continued to eye her, not willing to go along with her obvious change of topic, but Neso did. "Yes, almost eight years ago. The Uranians brought them with their striking forces during the raids on the mines. Some escaped and use the wilderness to thrive. Pretty robust creatures, if you ask me, surviving in those rocky deserts."
Atget nodded. "As I said gorgeous beasts..."
Neso's palm hit her face. "That seals it. Next birthday I gift you a pup. If you retire you need something to do anyway. You can be the old cat lady just with wolves and if they bite your limbs off, well at least you are retired then. I can picture it in front of my eyes, a nice cozy spot with a beautiful landscape and breathtaking view. You can do paintings from morning to evening without ever leaving your chair."
The scathing look that followed was only half-hearted. "Why do you always feel the need to jest about my drawing habits?"
"Because you do it at the most ridiculous times. I still remember, when we were under siege in Abudis for the first time. While we waited for the Uranians to attack you suddenly unpacked your drawing utensils and started to make sketches from the soldiers and the city ruins. I truly wasn't sure whether something hit your head, when I wasn't looking…"
"That old story again… You really are in the mood today." She complained.
"It's not as if your drawing habits are not already legendary." Methys laughed at her.
"And still I get never tired of hearing about it." Michiko agreed. "I can't stop imagining the faces of everyone. There they are in the middle of a battlefield expecting hell to break lose at any time and what is their greatest warrior doing? Asking them to pose."
Atget just harrumphed, while earning a soft elbow tap from Neso. "Well, it calmed the troops. As long as their Senshi is the tranquility itself, things can't be so bad, can they?"
"If you say so…"
"Oh, come on, don't play us for fools. It's why you have done it, at least for the first time. They were nervous as heck. They needed a distraction and you provided in the most unconventional way possible. Now, you tend to do that as soon as we have a bit of time at our disposal."
"You sure complain quite a lot about me today."
"No complaints. Not really. I actually like your drawings. You've gotten really good over time."
She quirked an eyebrow. "Well, that Mercurian perfectionist streak is good for something then, isn't it?"
A brief shrug. "Occasionally. That much I am willing to admit."
"Told you so. Every culture has its quirks. That doesn't mean you can't make them work for you." Her eyes settled on Michiko and they could see for the first time that they were lighter than Methys' and softer than her rough tattooed appearance might imply. "And you Michiko, should consider your heritage as a blessing to be proud of. Don't let yourself be pressured into one cultural role or the other. You can choose the best from both worlds and make it even better by merging it together."
A smile appeared on Michiko's face. "Duly noted and already put to practice. Well, at least partly. After all I chose to wear two braids to honor my Mercurian side." She pointed at her temple.
Neso cocked her head to the side and uttered a desolate sigh. "Of all the things, you have to interiorize their horrible sense in fashion?"
That earned her the scathing look of the three present Mercurians: Atget, Natai and Methys.
Neso was only amused by their responses. "Predictable. And still always a barnburner."
Michiko cleared her throat. "Well, I pretend you didn't say that. You know as well as I do, that badmouthing the braids of a Mercurian accounts to slapping them in the face."
"Oh, I knew there was something I forgot." Her eyes twinkled and the three present Mercurians did not look all to affronted, just fed up with a joke that has apparently been used too often against them.
"I might not have earned any beads as per Mercurian tradition, but I still think it's important to point out my solidarity and honor my ancestry. Dad wears his braids and beads as well."
"Well he has grown accustomed to wearing a mixture between both styles anyway. Your father may be The Neptunian King now, but he would never forget where his roots lay. He is a son of both worlds after all. If not biologically like you are, then at least spiritually."
"He is looking forward to coming home for weeks now. And, Methys I think you did him a personal favor by including the Agora tarts in the buffets. He loves those and always complains Neptunian cooks never get it right."
"I might have known that already beforehand. You can tell him I have also purchased some fermented emmer seedlings with noble rot for him to take."
Michiko made a face. "Ugh, I can never understand how you can eat that gross stuff, but he will be thrilled."
"It's a delicacy."
"I tried it. Definitely not my cup of tea."
A small chuckle came from the youngest Mercurian. "Well, your loss. Uncle Altan will be glad that he does not have to share."
Neso seemed to agree. "That's a given. What is the saying: a happy king is a good king. Thanks for taking care of it, Methys. I know you have been exceedingly busy. Between organizing the conference and your training for the next trial you must be stretched thin."
Methys' form seemed to shrink a bit and she gave her a smile that was equally forced and empty. Natai froze and Michiko cleared her throat, which was probably a subtle try to change the topic to anything else but her Senshi ascension. Neso of course noticed the signs and a hint of pity was briefly visible in her features, before she quickly chased it away.
"Don't look so gloomy, Methys. You are in the lead right now. Think about what I told you. And to make it a bit easier for you: If I remember correctly, the one holding the current Mercurian Senshi position, wasn't even the first in points when she was chosen by the talisman. Were you, Atget?"
Methys looked at her surprised and the Mercurian Senshi sent Neso a slightly disgruntled look, before she sighed. "I was the third out of the three final contestants and I was no one's favorite. It was quite the surprise that the talisman chose me. Well, no one's favorite might be a bit of a lie. Your father, the King, told me afterwards that he was rooting for me throughout the entire competition." Atget stated simply.
"Yeah, he was always talented in recognizing greatness in people." Neso added nostalgically.
Methys gave them a weak smile.
Neso put a hand on Methys' shoulder. "I am sure you will reach your goal. I would be delighted to work with you in the future. And if you do, I am finally freed of that eccentric grandma." The Neptunian Senshi shamelessly pointed at Atget, who raised an indifferent eyebrow at the Neptunian's try to lighten Methys' spirits at her expanse.
"I am going into early retirement. That doesn't mean I am dying." Atget stated dryly.
"You sure? You lost our last spars three times in a row and your reflexes have been once faster, as well." She jested.
Atget was entirely unimpressed. "I am still way ahead in the total count of wins. You just got lucky for once and immediately it goes to your head."
"Oh, is there someone miffed? To me it looks as if you get tardy upon your old days…"
"I just told you I am still ahead in winning. You are just a sore loser. Explains your desire to boast for once."
"Well, get used to it. As soon as you passed on the talisman this will become the norm. I believe you already sported some new gray hairs."
"I must be spending too much time with you."
"And that wrinkle is new as well, isn't it?"
"You apparently start seeing things that are not there. Maybe you should check your eyes. Your visual capability seems to have suffered. Although it might also be your head, which would not surprise me in the slightest." Atget deadpanned.
"I assure you my eyes are fine… even without genetic improvement I see everything." She just smiled at her. "Well, and the head is the usual, I guess."
She sighed excessively. "I wish there was a genetic improvement to make me endure your presence for longer. That might have been more than useful over the last decades."
"Well, rest assured you won't have to for much longer." She paused and her eyes turned softer, almost melancholic. "I am going to miss your prissy self. It will be hard without your constant nagging and patronizing know-it-all attitude not to mention your annoying habits and quirks."
Atget raised an eyebrow upon the sentimental admittance. "You are still talking as if I am dying. You won't get rid of me that easily. I am… I am going to visit and that's a threat."
"That's non- negotiable. And you still have to show Methys here the tips and tricks in the business as soon as she is taking over. You know the both of you are always welcome on Neptune for training and otherwise. I am sure Michiko would be overjoyed and Altan and Galatea would be delighted to see more of their niece, too." The last part was directed at Methys, who had listened to the whole Senshi banter with obvious amusement.
"Where are aunt Galatea and uncle Altan by the way? I didn't even say hello to them, yet."
"The King and Queen are already in the ballroom. The Neptunian delegation already had their grand entrance. Michiko just sneaked out again to wait for you and your brothers. And now that I think of it, you are still one troublemaker short. Where did your twin end up?" Neso looked around.
"I have not the slightest idea, where he is. Maybe in a remote closet, if one of the Venusians got her way with him." She deadpanned looking to the still closed portal doors.
Atget groaned. "Well, I am sure he is fighting to keep his pants on, right now. That's a given with them." The dry humor in her voice was interlaced with the remembrance of old suffering.
Michiko snickered. "They for sure make every party livelier. Well, … at least as soon as they show up."
"Well, it's time they do arrive. The Mercurian delegation is supposed to enter last and we are already behind schedule. I am supposed to give Anairin a call as soon as it's our turn." Atget noted impatiently.
Neso chuckled. "Pahh, your Queen is wise not to join us in starting to grow roots."
Methys' brows furrowed in worry. "Maybe I should have a look where they are. I thought he would call me if he had trouble."
"I am sure he has his hands full." Michiko halted and then she grimaced. "I swear, that wasn't supposed to sound as lewd as it did."
Methys was already fumbling with the keys of her wrist computer, when the double doors suddenly opened and revealed, well… a bunch of feathers was probably the best description. They needed to do a double take to ascertain that their eyes were not playing any tricks on them and to realize that there was actually a person beneath the … plumage. To be fair Methys, Michiko, Atget and Neso were staring as well and the remaining people in the room were equally baffled.
The Venusian delegation had arrived.
AN: So, guys we have reached the end for today. You got to meet some Senshi (maybe not the ones you wanted). World building takes some time, but the plot is already gaining momentum. I hope you are still with me. Next time the Venusians will get some spotlight. As always let me know what you think. Thanks for reading and stay healthy.