Everyone, I am so sorry for not posting anything for so long. Life got in the way of my writing endeavors. This project is very dear to my heart, though. I do want to see it completed. I still hope you are interested in how the story continues. Since we had quite the break, I owe you a little summary: The last chapter was quite a chug of information/gossip about all the Empires of the past. As a brief recap, the Venusian royal family has a murdered sibling, Mars is a hairbreadth away from a Civil War with no Senshi, since all candidates burn themselves to a crisp including Reina, Pluto is ruled by a corrupt fraud, while the rightful ruler Setsna is presumed dead, and no one has ever seen a Saturnian for the last century. As for Mercury and Neptune, they squabble with the Uranians about territory on Pluto to sustain their mining plans. Time for Methys to leave the party with Ithoran, who promised in chapter 3 to cover for an early leave, so she has the perfect escape for her (supposed) Senshi training.


Previously:

A flicker of understanding danced over Methys' features, before she addressed her twin. "Is it already nine?"

"In five minutes, yes."

"Then I am going to take my leave for today?"

"What? Already? Wait… Right now? What's with the operation: Venusian dance battle?"

"I guess that's cancelled… at least for me."

Laertes sent her a disbelieving gaze.

"Not my choice. My pick-up service is approaching quickly." She nodded in Ithoran's direction, who was approaching their group quickly.

"Don't tell me it's for another meeting! You can't be serious." Her brother was entirely scandalized for her sake.

"Officially it is. Unofficially I bow out of the festivities for some direly needed meditation time and rest. At least, that was the deal."

"As much as I want to be disgruntled about you leaving now, I am afraid the last idea I can fully support. For that meeting shit I definitely would have given Ithoran an earful. Just go. We got it handled. And Methys… if you need me for anything-"

"I'll call." She promised.

"Good. And I mean it. Whatever you need me for…"

An exasperated sigh escaped her lips. "Laertes, I got it. I am not the sibling who needs you right now, though. Now, scram… mister mother hen and make sure no one fools around with our baby brother especially none of those salacious Venusians." She shushed them away.


He joined Michiko who was already waiting for him. The Neptunian princess waved at Methys in parting, wishing her a restful night. As soon as they left, Ithoran reached her. A tad bit confused he looked after the two. "Did I somehow chase them away?"

"Not really. I just told them why you are here. Provided, that is why you are here." She muttered awkwardly.

"To get you for holding our scheduled meeting, yes, that's why I am here." He said straight-faced.

Now, confusion danced over Methys' face as if she wasn't sure, whether she got something wrong. She opened her mouth briefly, then closed it again.

Ithoran sighed exaggeratedly upon her baffled expression. "Of course, I am here to bail you out. Now follow me Methys and stop looking so dumbfounded. Did you think I would change my mind? I promised you a free evening and I am always known to deliver."

"Right. Thanks. I still didn't overcome the notion that you lied to mother about it… you know… Your Queen."

"Who said I lied to her?"

"Well, you told her I would leave for a meeting, didn't you? Because if you didn't, I have to listen to a very long-winded lecture tomorrow as to why I saw it fit to take my leave at such an early hour."

"I did tell her about our meeting, yes."

Confusion was written all over her face. "But you just said you didn't lie to her."

"No, I didn't lie."

Methys shrugged helplessly. "You speak in riddles, oh dear grandmaster..."

He remained completely unfazed by her mocking address. "It ought to be apparent. We will have the meeting…"

Methys groaned. "Seriously? You lured me into that trap just for another meeting."

"If you let me finish: We will have that meeting, but I specified at no point how much time that would take."

Methys just looked at him entirely dumbfounded. "Oh."

"So, how was your training?"

"I already told you that earlier. I didn't reach the required time yet. I-"

"Excellent." He interrupted her without batting an eyelash. "Then we can cross that point out of the agenda." Methys looked anything but considering her failure excellent. She was on the verge of voicing that complaint, but wasn't able to get a word in edgeways.

"The schedule for the meeting is set, now? No critical and urgent trouble at the horizon? Everyone knows what to do?" Ithoran asked in rapid succession.

"Em, yes, no… and yes. I don't think-"

Again, she wasn't able to finish her sentence, before he interrupted her. "Excellent. Other disturbances with the arrival of our guests I should know about?"

"Em… no?" When she noticed how unsure that sounded, she felt inquired to repeat it. "… I mean no."

"Great that answers most of my questions." He continued nonchalantly as if her response had not mattered anyway. "For the details I just helped myself and asked Laertes, Natai, our head chef Rizal and Chairman Ravel to fill me in beforehand. I took the liberty to put together a file with everything, which will serve as a summary for our discussion for the Queen. I will send it to you tomorrow morning and I ask you to briefly read it and affirm its correctness. That should take you less than five minutes."

Methys just gaped at him.

He sported a pointed eyebrow. "What?!"

"I am just…" Apparently, she didn't know what she wanted to say. "Never mind."

"Yes?" And for the first time there was an amused sparkle in his voice.

Methys sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "You pulled that one on me on purpose."

"Of course, I did. Consider it sweet payback for all of your numerous pranks I always get entangled in despite of my best intentions of having no hand in it."

"You are just worried that someone discovers your hidden sense of humor. Just admit it without me your life would be utterly boring."

Bone-dry sarcasm was the response she earned. "Sweet heaven, I would be so bored out of my mind that I could maybe finally finish reading the novel I started four months ago. That would be truly a catastrophe."

She pouted. "Now, you exaggerate."

"I am on page four. Out of 720." He deadpanned.

"Well, em … you still have a few years."

Ithoran narrowed his eyes at her but chose not to retaliate.

A charming smile appeared on her face. "Never mind. And… Thanks."

"Don't mention it… and I mean don't mention it." He insisted, but the spark was still there.

"Got it." She responded dutifully.

"Now that our meeting is concluded, let's get you out of here."

"Out? I thought I am supposed to meditate in my room."

"Not quite. Your situation requires something more …distracting." Methys looked clueless, but followed him obediently until they were out in the open.

"We are going to the park?" She finally asked trying to get the gist of what they planned to do.

"That's the plan. There is a cozy spot that serves our needs perfectly."

"It's dark." She deadpanned.

"All the better. That's the best time for it. Great atmosphere and no unwanted disturbances."

A suspicious expression had appeared on her face, which was quickly replaced by barely hidden mischief. "You know, if I didn't know you that well, I would think you might have improper intentions in mind with leading an innocent maiden outside into a secluded park with the promise of insightful relaxation at night."

Ithoran immediately faltered in his steps. The insinuation took a moment to set in, but then he turned several different shades of crimson, clearly flustered. "You can't mean… I would never… How can you even imply…"

Watching him unravel, Methys barely kept her laughter in, but the growing grin on her face gave her away entirely.

"Methys! For the name of my sanity, how can you even think something like that. I am an honorable man… and… and-"

"...still single?" Methys suggested sweetly.

"Professional. Entirely professional." He insisted vehemently.

"Didn't sound like it. The only thing you failed to mention was a wine bottle to get the romantic stuff going. You don't keep a wine bottle hidden somewhere on you, do you? If so, I hope it's plum wine…" She jested, scanning him from head to toe with a mockingly raised eyebrow.

He scoffed. "Did you inhale too much of that Venusian perfume or what?"

Methys just twinkled. "Maybe I finally learned to appreciate your secrete roguish charms…"

Ithoran smacked her lightly on the back of her head. "Stop being ridiculous."

"Ouch." Methys rubbed the back of her head in an exaggerated gesture, that made clear it didn't hurt her at all. "Are you even allowed to smack a princess?"

"If it serves to keep you in check, I am allowed to use all means necessary."

"And, does it?"

"Re-assessing the last five minutes should render that question futile and self-explanatory. I am still looking for effective means, although it's safe to say, that if I didn't find them in twelve years they probably don't exist."

"Keep looking, although you will likely understand that I don't keep my fingers crossed. But you know… all jokes aside, we direly need a lovely lady for you."

His lips formed a thin line. "Definitely not. And if you think you have time for matchmaking, I will immediately escort you back to the ball and tell the Queen you are eager to take over whatever higher workload she has in mind. I might even throw in some suggestions."

"Man, women must be truly terrifying if you are willing to resort to such mean tactics."

"I get along without them just fine, thank you very much. As long as they keep their distance."

"Maybe you are just a too alluring target… I mean you are aware in certain circles your scowl isn't exactly the tool of choice to drive certain women away."

"Of course, it is. It makes it entirely obvious that I am not interested. Are they dense or what?"

Methys just sighed upon him not getting a gist of her insinuation. Then she just mumbled. "I don't think it's them, who are dense about it…"

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Just thinking there are some you might give a chance."

"Not a chance. Those female nobles are all crazy bats."

"You are talking to one, you know…"

"Entirely part of the problem…"

"Really, oh holy teacher of mine, I didn't know you were that misogynic."

"I am not misogynic. I just can't stand adolescent teenagers, egocentric court women, old cynic hags and vain nobles…"

"Well, that's narrowing it down for sure. And it explains why you are still single. Can't be the looks after all."

"If you are trying to get me all flustered, it's not working."

"Not really. It's just my honest opinion. If I tried getting you flustered, it would be working…"

"Somehow I get the feeling I have foregone to teach you how to be humble."

"No, that's not it. I am not praising myself. You are just getting flustered that easily."

Ithoran sighed. "Maybe I should have focused more on mellowing that sharp tongue of yours instead."

Methys smiled fondly. "Wasn't that one of your first lessons? 'A sharp and clever tongue is worth a thousand swords.' And: 'A wise one always masters both, but prefers the first.'"

"Should I be surprised that you actually remember those lectures? I am definitely not about you using them against me."

"I remember them more than you know. You have always been a great teacher and if I am not worshipping the ground you are walking on, it's only because I know you prefer it that way and it would get you really flustered."

"On second thought, I think one or two times I could bear the feeling."

A cheeky grin appeared on her face that promised certain demise. "You really want to put that to a test?"

"After that sneer the wise answer can only be: No."

"A tactical retreat if I have ever seen one. There is a reason I consider you highly competent. And Ithoran… Every woman would be lucky to have you. Truly."

"It's a mute point. I am too busy to entertain a relationship. No woman is that understanding."

"I never understood why you are not courting Atget. You two would be so perfect together."

"I am her Glacial partner. That doesn't mean we should be romantically involved."

"But you could be. Glacial partners are always close. They entrust their lives to each other. We have plenty of couples and siblings in our ranks. You get along splendidly. Everyone can see that. They all would be happy for you. It would do the both of you good."

"Atget is 50 years older than I am." Ithoran pointed out as if that was all explanation that was needed.

Methys just huffed indignantly. "Baah, what does that matter? She does not even look the part. Thanks to the nanobots circling in her body she keeps her youthful looks way longer than anyone. She will probably outlive you thanks to the genetic improvements of the nanos. As soon as she retires as Senshi she will have plenty of time at her disposal. You should finally make a move… I know she is the only one you would ever consider as a romantic partner."

"Frankly, that is none of your business, Methys, and how did you even get that ridiculous idea?"

"I just can't picture you with any of the courtiers. You never showed any interest in anyone outside of your duties. Atget is the only one, you would go out of your ways for."

"You get that wrong. Atget was my mentor when I started in the Glacials. I only got to be her partner, because hers and mine both died in the Riven War like so many other Glacials. I… I wasn't in the best spirit, after I lost Iela and then she took me under her wing. She knew what I felt and… filled me with new purpose. And I think it also worked the other way around. We helped each other to get back on our feet. And… for her that was even harder. Navoi was her lover after all. They trained and fought side by side for decades. He was by her side when she was appointed Senshi. He was always with her. I could never replace him."

"That might be true, but she chose you over everyone else she trained, after he died. The two of you have a close bond and you both know it could become closer. And … it would do her good to finally move on…" Methys added with a sad undertone.

"If Atget settles down, then not with another Glacial. Losing Navoi hit her hard enough. She won't risk being hurt like that again with another war looming at the horizon."

Methys turned thoughtful. "Is that why she retires? She never really told me, and I never dared to ask, but I know physically she could keep up her Senshi duties at least another two decades if not longer."

"I don't think I should talk about that. Ask her yourself, if you want to know. It's not in my right to tell."

"I see. Sorry for bringing it up."

He just grunted in response.

During their talking time they had walked through the park-like area, their path illuminated by the iridescent blossoms. They had taken various turns and now Ithoran halted to leave the path altogether. His fingers briefly darted towards his wrist computer to activate some light and Methys followed suit.

"Seriously, what secret corner do you kidnap me to?"

"You know very well where we are, so don't act all ignorant."

"The amphitheater wouldn't have been my first guess; I have to admit, but you for sure have your reasons. It for sure scores in the 'romantic atmosphere' department." She wiggled her eyebrows at him, which was promptly ignored.

"You've been here at night before?"

"Of course not. A well-behaved princess is cultivating her beauty sleep in her cozy bed at that time and not meandering around to meet secret lovers."

"So, you've been here?" He asked dryly as if he didn't even require an answer.

"One or two times – sans the lover, if you need to know."

"Good, and no – I do not. I don't want to be responsible for chasing away potential suitors so don't tell me, if you have any. I prefer blissful ignorance."

"But who else is then supposed to come running to save my virtue and defend my honor? I am a pampered princess after all. I can't do this myself. I might even break a nail." She did her best expression of appearing entirely helpless.

He rolled his eyes at her not buying her antics. "Laertes or Natai will gladly take over that job, I am sure. Leave me out of it."

"That way they will come to you afterwards to get rid of the evidence. I am sure."

"Well, easy solution for that, just make sure they won't have much to do. Shouldn't be too hard, now that the debate of future heirs is off the table as soon as you are not heir of the Throne yourself anymore."

"There was a debate about that? Already?"

"What's that supposed to mean? Already? In certain circles that debate started as soon as you were born. The nobles with sons are crying bitter tears and the ones with daughters are probably high fiving now. Your brother can prepare himself for the worst."

"Ah, that's why Lady Leetha is sending me such scathing looks all the time. She was always sweeter than honey before."

"Well, three sons. What can I say? She probably accounted her chances to be the mother of the next king quite high. Daughters on the other hand - zero. How the tables can turn... truly a tragedy." He shrugged as if he didn't care one bit.

"But now I can finally check out the waiters…"

"I definitely didn't hear that."

"I come to like your selective hearing and partial blindness not to speak your preference for ignorance."

"Don't get too used to it. You probably know better than all the other aspirants what lies ahead of you, if you get the title of our next Senshi. This is only the beginning."

A brief and awkward pause followed before Methys responded with a frown. "Somehow, I feel like you omit mixed signals. I still don't know whether you intend to support me or whether you are against the idea."

"That's probably because I don't know myself, but this is not about the idea itself. I want to support you and if you consider it the right idea… well, … " He sighed dejectedly. "… then I probably have to accept that."

Methys looked at him in genuine wonder, before she smiled. "Laertes is right. I should keep you as my Second."

"Oh no, definitely not. With your ascension as Senshi, your training in the martial arts under me will be complete. You will be a mentor yourself, sculpturing the next generation as you see fit. You needn't rely on me anymore to tell you what to do and what not. I understand you are younger than most at that stage, but I have faith in you to find your own path. And appointing your second is a strong signal in that regard. Don't underestimate the impact it will have and don't waste it on me."

"Not even in the beginning? I will need some guidance, Ithoran, and I can imagine no one better than my old mentor to advise me."

"I can't always be there to hold your hand and jump in for an emergency safe. So, don't use me as a crutch, Methys. You will become the leader of the Glacials. You need to prove yourself in that position and find your own style to lead. I will be only a hindrance in this account. If you come running to me for everything, that will only undermine your authority." She looked crestfallen upon that admission.

"That does not mean, I can't be there for you. I will be, but not as your Second. Choose Laertes or maybe Natai, but not me."

"But you know best, how…"

"I might know, but some things you need to learn for yourself. At the end, what I know is only one way of many. Carve your own path, Methys! Don't rely only on those that have always been treaded and deemed safe. They only lead to the places we have already been to. That way you will never know, whether there aren't better ones."

Methys' eyes went downcast, hurt by his refusal and a tad bit sheepish by his lecture. "I trust you, Ithoran. Please think about it. I would really like to have you by my side."

Ithoran watched her with an air of worry. "Let's wait until we reached the point, ok? You can decide then. There is no need to do it now." He was clearly averse to the idea but saw no point in dwelling about the debate right now.

It only served to make Methys feel unsure. "I am sorry. You are right. I am not even Senshi, yet. Maybe, I won't even make it. It's just … well it doesn't hurt to plan ahead, does it? I am just making sure to know what to do, when the time comes. Just to … to be ready. To have that feeling. Well, I try." She looked to the ground making it entirely clear that she was still searching for that feeling to be ready for what lay ahead of her and that she had been doing so for some time. "I know I probably should be more… more prepared, more confident, well… more of everything…"

"Methys, you don't need to be more of anything right now. You already have what it takes. I know it's a bit much right now. I have always known that deep down you are not as confident as you want everyone to believe. The fact that the rivalry with Sanai unsettles you so, makes it more than apparent. You think you need to portray strength more than anything, when facing all of those who criticize your actions. But you don't really feel that strength, do you?"

"No." She admitted despondently. "I have never felt weaker. I cannot show that weakness, Ithoran. They will tear me apart like vultures." It was an admission that showed how much she trusted him.

He just sighed in a non-judgmental way. "That's what I thought. I told you the problem is inside your head, not in your training methods or the intensity of your training. The way you feel affects your performance and you know that."

Frustration suddenly engulfed her like a suffocating cloud. "Knowing alone won't change anything. Whatever is wrong with me, I don't know how to right it. I have exactly four days to figure it out. And if you or anyone else can't tell me how to do that, no pestering about it will help."

"No. Pestering you will not, but plain talking about it might help. And, still you refuse to face those feelings head on. Not even your brothers can lure a proper talk out of you right now. You are just being evasive about the whole topic and play things down wherever you can, while putting on that fake smile you think would fool everyone. Just to let you know, acting is not exactly your forte."

Methys grimaced. "My decisions already inconvenience Laertes and Natai to a great extent. I feel guilty about that. I don't want to put more on their shoulders."

"And that's not really helping to solve your problem, is it? Shutting them out…"

"I am not shutting them out." She hesitated. "I just… I let them help, ok? But I… there are some things I need to accomplish myself. I need to know that I can do it, because if I can't, then how am I supposed to do the even more advanced stuff I have to do as Senshi?"

"And that's where your error lies. You can't be the perfect Senshi nor leader the first time you ever try it. You don't need a plan or an answer for everything. You will learn while doing and you need to learn to trust your own gut feeling and those close to you. Things will fall into place on their own, step by step. You will find the answers you seek or rather they will find you. All in due time. You can't force it. And if you stumble along the way that's normal, too. Get used to it."

"I hope you are right."

"I am your grandmaster. Due to rank, I am always right. Not that you have ever internalized that ground rule in all the years of your tutelage under me."

"Oh, I have. Whenever we are of the same opinion you are right. In all other cases you will be right as soon as you see it my way."

Ithoran immediately ripped through her façade as if it was made of paper. "That's probably how you would like it to be. However, I know you long enough to know that it is your fail safe to cover your own insecurities with false arrogance. I always told you that's not the way to deal with it, but that was a lesson you refused to learn."

Methys lowered her head a bit and mumbled. "Better arrogance than weakness."

"In terms of facing strangers I can relate to that sentiment. I still do not consider it a good way to cope, but you know that. I will not dictate the way how you deal with your feelings. I am only here to give advice. What you do with it, is your decision."

"I appreciate it more than you know. You never tried to change me, if I did not want it for myself."

"Well, I assure you I tried. You do not exactly make it easy. I learned the hard way when to admit defeat." He smiled, letting her know that it was a joke. "Now please. Let's start with why we came here for. Meditate. Whatever ails you, don't push it away anymore. Take your time and deal with it. That's the only way to overcome it and there is only so much I can do to help you with it, if you don't want to talk."

"I wouldn't even know what to talk about. That is part of the problem."

"Then meditate and figure it out yourself. See what you find… and if you do find what you look for, you know where to find me or your brothers to talk."

"I'll try my best." She assured him.

"Just trying is enough. I will leave you alone now. Just do me the favor and go to bed afterwards. Let it sink in. No additional work, ok?"

Methys just nodded with a weary sigh.

Then she strode towards the middle of the Amphitheatre, switched off the light of her wristwatch and sat down in the same posture she did earlier in the pavilion, right before she waited for the Lunarians. She was surrounded by the steps, which were out of something that looked like white marble. The stone reflected the light of the iridescent flowers that spotted the trees and bushes surrounding her like enlarged fireflies. Michiru noted that they slightly differed in color ranging from white, over ice blue to warmer colors like parchment or thistle. Above them, the stars shone in all their glory.

Methys closed her eyes.

Ithoran watched her for a few second longer, before he wordlessly turned around to leave.

"Ithoran." The low whisper made him falter briefly in his steps, indicating that he heard her. "Thanks." She followed up. He didn't acknowledge it as far as they could see with his back to them. He just returned to the path and vanished into the night.

Methys smiled briefly, eyes still closed. Then it was quiet.

Michiru expected a jump in time as they had experienced earlier, since Methys was just sitting there, doing … well nothing of interest, at least for them. However, nothing happened to indicate a change in scenery. With nothing else to do, her eyes drifted towards her surroundings, and she admired the beauty there. Her eyes then found Haruka, who gave her a small smile that couldn't convince her that she took the small tidbits they had heard about the Uranians so far, well. She wasn't the only one, who looked troubled. Rei had kinda spaced out, a deep crease on her forehead. She was probably coming to terms with the fact, that her counterpart, Reina, was apparently dead. That part confused Michiru more than anything, the same as Setsuna's predecessor's presumed death did. Did she get it wrong somehow? Did she not just hear that Reina died in her Senshi ascension ritual? That Setsna simply vanished a long time ago after the Riven War and was labeled as war casualty? They just started with looking into Methys' memories. This was supposed to be the beginning of their story. How could they be dead already? Something wasn't right with that. Her eyes wandered to Setsuna, maybe expecting some insights from her. The Time Senshi appeared to be all-knowing most of the time. However, Setsuna looked none the wiser. Instead, she appeared to be mildly intrigued, as if she pondered about an interesting paradox, looking into various scenarios as to how that could have happened.

Meanwhile, Minako just couldn't stop fidgeting. Looking left and right constantly, she eagerly awaited something to happen, as if she couldn't understand what they were waiting for. She appeared fine and was probably the outwardly most unperturbed out of them with how her Senshi counterpart had been portrayed. Not that they had seen much of Minarin so far and the tidbits about the quarreling Venusian royal family were worrisome at best in Michiru's opinion. They took it as far as killing one of their own: Minarin's sister and she herself was one of the main suspects. How could Michiru not worry about that? She also had the feeling Minako did, too. Why else would she be so restless to get to know more? The blonde might be a goofball under normal circumstances but everything beyond the normal Minako-craziness was typically caused by deep-seated insecurities and out of hand overcompensation measures.

Michiru couldn't do much about it, right now not that she considered herself the best suited to tackle the emotional rollercoaster that was Minako.

There was someone else, who fell more into her responsibility. Her eyes settled on Hotaru. The girl looked sad, and Michiru grimaced upon remembering that her past self was accused of destroying an entire civilization, her own civilization to be precise. Her destructive powers always were a sore spot for Hotaru and quite often, she felt singled out even amongst them, even amongst her own peers and her youth didn't make it any easier. She hated when people were afraid of her. She hated it to be labeled a monster because of powers she had no hand in claiming as her own. She hated that destruction was her legacy wherever she went and here she got the confirmation that it had always been this way. That her Silver Millennium counterpart had been feared as a faceless and merciless weapon of mass destruction as well. Just as she had been as the designated Messiah of Silence.

In the past, the Outers hadn't done much in disagreeing to those assessments. In fact, they had fully agreed and had done their best to kill the very girl they had seen as the destroyer of their world. Only the bothersome interferences of Usagi and the Inners had saved the very girl she sees as her daughter right now. Michiru regretted her actions concerning Hotaru more than anything. Upon getting to know her, she was one of the kindest souls, she had ever met, burdened with a terrible legacy and still standing strong. Usagi had seen that good part of her all along, but they had refused to listen, as they always did. After she managed to save Hotaru, Michiru had sworn to herself to make up for their mistakes, to accept the girl as one of their own, give her a home, a place where she was wanted and loved. It was an unspoken agreement between her, Haruka and Setsuna. They might be an unusual family, but they wanted to give her the happiness she deserved. Just looking at the girl staring with sad violet eyes at one of the iridescent flowers told her Hotaru wasn't happy. Michiru desperately wanted to hug her. In here, she couldn't and for a moment, she pondered about suggesting another break. She was on the verge of signing the others to ask for their approval, when a sudden snap disturbed the silence of the night.

It wasn't that loud, but Methys' eyes immediately shot open.

She remained in her sitting position, eyes darting around, searching frantically for the source of that disturbance.

Her muscles had tensed and her whole body had immediately turned into that of a highly alerted predator, ready to strike, ready to defend, like a coiled snake before she launched for the bite at whatever threat had dared to sneak up close.

"Who is there? Come on out!" She demanded, still crouched low, but entirely focused on the trees where the sound had come from. A hand twitched towards her back, where normally her swords would be stashed. With a grimace, she put it back down empty-handed, when she realized she wasn't carrying either of them.

For a moment, nothing happened, but Methys did not relax.

Somehow, she knew she was not dealing with an animal, and people sneaking up to her in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere, when she was meditating and defenseless was apparently something that set her off.

Then there was another snap, and Michiru recognized the sound as branches breaking. Leaves rustled and a figure stepped tentatively out of the woods. A figure with familiar blond pigtails. She looked entirely embarrassed upon being caught sneaking around in the covert and was almost stumbling over her own two feet.

Methys just froze and stared at her as if she had seen a ghost. Her stance turned sloppy until she looked more like an uncoordinated deer in headlights, torn between remaining impassive and deciding for an appropriate action to the unexpected event.

Princess Serenity tried it with a croaked smile and a half-hearted wave with her hand. "Em,…hi?"

Methys just continued staring baffled at her, caught entirely unprepared by this particular visitor.

That unsettled the Lunarian even more and she swallowed thickly. "Em, would you believe that I have just taken a stroll and stumbled over you by chance?"

Stupefied, Methys blinked. "No." The automated response slipped before she could stop herself.

"Well, then…" She laughed awkwardly her hand scratching the back of her head. "… I probably need a better excuse."

Recovering somewhat from her sudden appearance, Methys sighed miserably as if she just said goodbye to her reclusive evening of meditating. "To be frank, I would prefer an explanation to an excuse." She finally deadpanned.

"Em, may I… may I come down?" She gestured carefully towards the Mercurian, who just then noticed that she was still in a more or less intimidating attack stance with the Lunarian standing at the top steps of the amphitheater.

She relaxed reluctantly and mumbled as if she didn't have much of a choice in the matter. "You may…"

The Lunarian carefully climbed down the steps, mindful of her dress and the potential tripping hazard it presented.

Methys just waited impatiently, albeit less than thrilled by the interruption of what was supposed to be an insightful evening. "Well, …now that you are down here, pray tell, how may I help you this time, Princess Serenity?" She asked in a tone that didn't promise too much help in anything.

Serenity winced slightly. "I am sorry. I didn't … I wasn't watching you or anything, really, I was not. That would be totally creepy. I just didn't know how to approach you. And you looked …em busy and … superfocussed. I apologize, if I scared you well, oh not scared. I guess you are not scared of anything… so, em startled maybe, yeah I am sorry if I startled you or em interrupted you in what you were doing… whatever it was you were doing. I mean for sure you were doing something… people don't just sit around like that. So, it truly wasn't my intention…I…" She would have probably rambled on like that for at least another five minutes, had Methys not interrupted her with a desolate sigh that probably was the verbal equivalent of a growing headache.

"I think I get the picture. Now,… since we are both here… talking as you apparently intended. I am all ear, speak your mind Princess Serenity, what is it that warranted creeping around in the woods in the middle of the night?" Apparently, she wanted to get to the point of things quickly rather than tiptoeing around it all evening.

The princess cringed. "Well, I…"

Methys patience was clearly wearing thin upon her less than articulated response.

Serenity fidgeted nervously, noticing her impatience. Without further ado, she rashly presented a small bundle in her outstretched hands with an awkward half-bow. "I… wanted to give that back to you, em… Princess… em Azkadelia… Methys?" She finally confessed adding the title and names as if she was entirely confused what the right term to address her was, which wasn't all that astonishing, when they remembered the long list of names given during Methys' formal introduction at the ball and the fact that the Mercurian never revealed her true name at their first meeting at the water-cooling plants.

"It's Methys. Just Methys. Preferably no Princess and definitely no Azkadelia. That first name is the Queen's name in Mercurian royalty only given to the female offspring. As long as I am no Queen it's not used to address me." Methys corrected her automatically, a tired edge to her words.

"Oh, em right. For me it's just Serenity." She pointed out needlessly.

"Yeah, I figured as much." She noted dryly, finally concentrating on the item in Serenity's hands that was still presented like an offering to a deity. Recognition dawned on her and a questioning eyebrow rose. "My robe?"

"Yes, your robe and … the towel you lent me after you saved my life and pulled me out of the water. I wanted to return your possessions to you."

Methys gauged her suspiciously. "You could have done that earlier when we met at the pavilion."

"I wanted to, but, well, the… the opportunity did not arise."

That was one way to put it, given the almost disaster at the pavilion, they only barely managed to avoid. The mood had been barely civil during the tense talk with the Lunarian ruler, who had not even been invited to begin with. The princess had opted to stay in the background for the most part and let her mother do the talking. There had been definitely no right moment to hand back her possessions in an atmosphere, that had been as tense as a bowstring. And handing those items back via a servant would have contradicted the whole main issue of secrecy, the meek point that nobody should know that the Mercurian Crown Princess saved the life of the Lunarian Crown Princess nor that they met afterwards to sort out any political issues directly related to that incidence.

Methys grimaced, apparently remembering the whole catastrophe vividly and understanding the problem of returning her possessions. "I see." She carefully took the clothes from her. "Thank you for the courtesy of bringing them back personally. I appreciate the gesture."

Serenity nodded, a brief bout of happiness alighting her features, while she watched her every movement closely. The whole demeanor looked a bit like a loyal dog, which fetched the stick and awaited a commendatory pat on the head.

She was disappointed when Methys turned around and put the bundle of clothes carefully on the closest marble steps. Then, taking longer than she actually needed to, she finally faced the blonde princess again and waited.

Some awkward seconds passed, in which nobody moved.

Methys just looked at the blonde, probably expecting and hoping for a quick retreat after she had done what she came for.

Serenity however, stood her ground, although she shifted her weight from one leg to the other, apparently not willing to leave her alone just yet.

Methys finally addressed the matter, taking the initiative, when there was no apparent attempt to do so from her conversational partner. "Well, was there something else I may help you with? I don't want to be impolite, but I need to return to my meditation exercises." Already turning around halfway towards her previous meditation spot, she gave away crystal clear signals of wanting to be left alone.

Signals, the Lunarian Princess either did not see or choose to ignore on purpose. She just stood there, trying to form words that died on her lips before they ever saw the light of day.

Methys still had her back to her, portraying clearly that from her side their conversation was over. "Well, if there is nothing else—"

"I …I WANTED TO APOLOGIZE!" Serenity finally blurted out anxiously; as if afraid, it was her last chance to ever say the words. Her hectic almost-shouting made it sound more like a verbal attack.

To Methys' credit, she flinched only slightly upon her unexpected outburst, but the following sigh sounded a tad bit exasperated. Still, she turned around again to address the Lunarian in a somewhat flat tone. "And what in particular is it, you feel the need to apologize for?"

Serenity blushed upon the hidden insinuation, that might have or not have been present. "Em, for not recognizing you and… for what I said at the lake… and the staring in the ballroom… and for bringing my mom… and for Ma'kho assailing you … and, well, your father… and…" Methys' expression turned darker upon hearing the last point about the death of her father.

Serenity noticed and paled, trailing off the sentence into a sheepish whisper. "…and for whatever else I did wrong."

Methys regarded her for a small eternity, in which Serenity turned only antsier. Then, she just sighed and stated with little emotion in it. "I see…. Apology accepted."

Whether she was honest or saw this generous response just as the fastest way to get rid of her, wasn't so apparent.

Serenity's eyes widened in baffled surprise and a good dose of disbelief. "Really? Just like that?"

"That's what you are here for, are you not? You apologized; I accepted it. So, yes, just like that." Methys confirmed it again, a tad bit cranky from having to repeat herself for some reason.

"But… I expected –" She mumbled in a low voice before Methys interrupted her.

"What? … this is not the reaction you anticipated? Well, then what is it then you expected in particular? People always have plenty of different expectations after all… I am never quite sure, which ones I am supposed to fulfill."

Serenity appeared confused not knowing what to do with that comment. "No. Not like… I just thought you would be angry."

"Why would I be angry at you?" The question alone insinuated that she somewhat was. "It's not that you did much of anything to warrant it during the meeting with your mother. A meeting that was scheduled with you in particular not with your mother."

Ok, that was clearly more than an insinuation…

Serenity winced. "I … know, I wasn't sure I should talk. I thought, I… just expected you to be..." Words seemed to be lost to her and her eyes widened when she noticed that she had again used that blasted word that already got her into trouble before.

Methys was only too eager to help her out smugly. "You expected me to be what? Shall I make some suggestions for you? Resentful maybe? Hostile? Spiteful? Well, I am truly sorry to disappoint your expectations."

"No… that's not… I just heard…"

"Oh, is now the time I get to hear about the details of our reputation, you bit back when I was just a commoner to you. I bet the Mercurian royal family is seen on an entirely different scale than the rest of us Mercurians, aren't we?"

Serenity's eyes widened, when she realized that she had somewhat offended her and made it worse. "What! No, well… I wouldn't know about that...really, I didn't want to imply anything."

"No, you don't really need to. It's easy to get as it is. Mercurians aren't exactly known for their generous and benevolent attitude or their forgiving nature, are they? So, pray tell me, what is it you expected me to do upon hearing your apology? Do you think I want to see you groveling on the ground? That I would take some form of sick delight from making you apologize over and over? Or did you maybe expect I wouldn't accept an apology at all?"

Serenity took a step back entirely confused, but also a bit flashed by her unexpected outburst. "No, I… I don't know. Maybe… yes, I…" She halted, and hurt insecurity shone like a despair beacon in her soft sky-blue eyes, when she just didn't know what to say.

"What… what did I do wrong, this time?"

The mere question seemed to hit Methys like a sledgehammer swung by an invisible foe that had sneaked up on her. Quickly averting her gaze from the Lunarian, she had brought close to tears, she turned her back towards her. She started to fiddle with the robe, she had put on the stone to keep her hands busy and calm herself. She stalled for time to sort her thoughts. Serenity watched her ramrod-straight back, crestfallen upon making the situation deteriorate that much.

Then, Methys' shoulders fell, when she apparently came to the conclusion that she overreacted and jumped down the Lunarian's throat for something that wasn't really meant as an offense.

Her whole posture seemed to deflate.

"I… I apologize." She finally squeezed out as if the mere words physically pained her, but her voice was way softer. "That was uncalled for and … out of line. You didn't really do anything wrong, at least nothing you should feel bad for or anything that warranted... that. I am at fault for ..." She stopped herself, apparently not knowing what it was she wanted to say in the first place. Then she settled with: "I am just not the best conversational partner at the moment and... this is by far no easy conversation. We probably should call it a night, before I... make it worse." She inhaled deeply, trying to form a proper and polite response to bring things to the most dignified end she could muster. "I thank you for bringing back the robe. It was mindful of you to think of it and considerate to do it personally. It has …sentimental value to me as well, the same as your lost shawl had to you. So, I am grateful for the gesture."

Serenity did not take too much issue in her difficulty to find words. In fact, she appeared to understand it whole-heartedly, since she apparently struggled with the same problem. She was more interested in keeping the conversation going somehow, now that some of Methys' fire seemed to have cooled down somewhat.

"Is it from your…" She didn't dare to speak the word 'father', fearing a similar response like the last time she mentioned him.

Showing good will, Methys responded, albeit with a slight grimace. "It was his, yes. That's why it's old. I often take it to training as… good luck charm or… well, it doesn't really matter." She appeared astonished that she even told the Lunarian that much and stopped herself halfway from saying more.

An expression of shock flashed over Serenity's features. "And you gave it to me?!" She almost screeched. Her eyes widened even more, when a sudden realization must have dawned on her: She did call that very same robe ruined at least twice during their previous encounter.

"It was all I had with me. So, it was either that or letting you freeze."

"But…"

"It's just a robe, ok? Just a piece of clothing. What does it matter?" The statement almost shouted 'Leave it alone, ok!" And this time Serenity took the hint, careful not to put her off again. She just mumbled a tiny "Sorry."

However, she appeared entirely clueless on what else she was supposed to say next and Methys wasn't eager to keep the conversation going.

It was hard not to notice that they reached a standstill.

Serenity wasn't happy about it, that much was obvious, although she was more than aware that their conversation so far wasn't going too well. "Em, well, now that that is done, I probably should be going… and well, maybe I can still snatch something from the banquet… so, I wish you a pleasant evening. I hope, well, I guess we will see each other around…" She was on the verge of turning around, settling with the unfortunate fact that their meeting was finished, that there was no more she could do to draw out a proper conversation out of an unwilling participant.

She already made two steps to retreat respectfully, when Methys cleared her throat awkwardly. Serenity halted in her tracks, sparing her a somewhat hopeful glance over her shoulder and a cautious "Yes?" slipped out of her mouth that could have been easily overheard.

Methys almost seemed to regret her unintended stalling gesture, fighting with herself over whether she should say something more or let the moment pass and have her leave for good, while ignoring her last inquiry. They could almost see the internal battle raging within her, the urge to finally mark this whole disaster of saving the Lunarian Crown Princess as finished and never waste a thought about it again. On the other hand, she did not appear too happy with how things went either. Maybe she wasn't satisfied with an end like that. Maybe she wanted to make up for her so far less than friendly behavior. Maybe she realized that she had ended up in the same trap as before with Serenity's mother, letting her temper and her own expectations rule the conversation.

And then, before she had apparently thought it through entirely, the question had already tumbled out of her mouth as something that was supposed to sound casual, but tended more to desperate. "Did you … try the Nachas?"

The question surprised Serenity, but it was a positive kind of surprise. "I wasn't entirely sure which of those were the Nachas, you recommended, so I tried everything on the buffet, so…, yes, probably?"

Her lips slightly curled upwards, some of the tension in her shoulders evaporating with the mere gesture. "The egg tarts." She clarified. "Nachas are the sweet egg tarts with the iced topping that were part of the dessert."

Instantly, a radiant smile lit up her face. "Oh, those were delicious!" She beamed at her. "I think I had six of those or was it seven? I really had to put my entire fighting weight into snatching some of those. There was this Neptunian lady, who constantly raided the banquet."

Methys looked at her as if she doubted her entire fighting weight would make a difference in any potential competition. "That was probably Lady Rayi. She is advisor to the Neptunian Queen and has a bit of a sweet tooth."

"You know her?"

"I know everyone from the Neptunian delegation. Mercury and Neptune have close ties after all."

Serenity scratched the back of her head. "Right. Of course. Well, then I hope she already retired for the night and left some eh.. scraps for me…"

"Don't stress yourself. They will be served multiple times until the end of the conference. So, you have plenty of more chances to get some."

"Really? Great… that's perfect… " Her initial enthusiasm was suddenly replaced by a skeptical frown. "…but wait… how do you know….? I mean how would you even know that?"

"Well, would you believe that I just made a well-educated guess?" Methys asked dryly.

"Em, no?" With her response something seemed to register on the Lunarian Princess' face, and it wasn't the fact that Methys used Serenity's own words against her, the very same she had used just now upon being caught sneaking around in the woods.

Methys smiled wryly, citing Serenity's previous response word by word. "Well, then I probably need a better excuse."

Serenity just stared at her suspiciously and then blank horror hit her, when she finally connected the dots. "Luna mentioned… Oh, my god. You… YOU are the chief organizer?! You planned this whole conference?! That's why you know the entire menu!"

Methys shrugged casually. "What can I say? Guilty as charged."

The blank look of utter horror on Serenity's face looked entirely comical. "Oh my god! No wonder you are gross with me. I basically badmouthed the whole conference schedule left and right the last time we spoke." She hid her crimson face behind her hands. "Is there anything I didn't muck up?"

"Well, you missed some trap holes, and you were right with the notorious assgrabbers. I am afraid they infiltrated every society there is… but rest assured, I did a thorough checkup of the attendees beforehand."

The light attempt at humor didn't seem to appease Serenity at all. "But … but I called you dumb, I mean I called the organizer dumb, which is you, so by extension I called you dumb. And I said even nastier things about the conference schedule… I am so sorry." She bowed hectically in front of her.

A twinkle of mischief appeared in the Mercurian's eyes. "You know, until you mentioned it, I almost forgot about that."

Serenity paled instantly. "Wh-…what? I… I didn't…" She stuttered entirely embarrassed that she managed to stir herself even deeper into the proverbial pit. She wasn't left hanging for long.

"You know, I am just kidding." Methys interrupted her dryly, before she got even more worked up.

Confusion danced over the Lunarian's features. "So, you do remember, and you joked about forgetting about it?" She didn't seem entirely sure whether that improved her situation or just dug the proverbial pit deeper.

"That's what I was trying to say, yes. Would it reassure you to know that during our first encounter I rarely heard anything from your post-concussion insults? I still had water in my ears."

"Really?" She appeared entirely relieved, before a certain fact seemed to register. "Wait… What post-concussion insults! What did I say! I don't remember outright insults!" She appeared entirely scandalized upon the dawning realization that everything might be so much worse than she remembered.

Methys sighed taking pity in her plight, cocking her head to the side now more than amused. "Is that always working?"

Understanding dawned on Serenity's face. "You are…kidding?" She suggested hesitantly as if this was a guessing game.

Methys just nodded, affirming her suspicions.

Serenity's face fell and morphed into a rather cute pout. "You know; you should really stop doing that. Leading me astray like that, … that's mean. With a concussion I sometimes do not remember what I did…"

"Right, I probably should have taken that into account." She pinched her nose in frustration. "I am really bad at this small talk stuff. I am mostly used to my brothers, and we always nag each other. If I have somewhat overdone the joking, I apologize. I tend to get rather jesty, when I am flustered. And I just thought insinuating small insults towards my person was nothing in comparison to your hugging spree on previous occasions, when you had a concussion."

"Right, I told you about that…" She looked as if she deeply regretted it.

Methys smiled at her not entirely able to suppress the slightly gleeful part of it, although she tried valiantly. "Yeah, you did. Amongst other things."

"Please, I direly require a hole in the ground."

"Don't stress it. I found it rather endearing… well as long as you don't indulge into the same behavior with me. The hugging… I mean."

"You could have stopped me from talking, you know. You could have said… something!" Serenity noted a red tinge coloring her cheeks.

"You seem to consider that an easy feat. I barely got a word in."

"Not true." Serenity pouted. "You had plenty of opportunities to clear up the misunderstanding. After all, you could have told me who you are, right after you pulled me out of the water… but you chose to keep me in the dark instead. Why didn't you tell me who you are?"

"You mean besides eluding that part, turned out to be quite entertaining…?" Methys suggested sweetly.

The following mumble came along with another cute pout. "I do not remember you to be such a meanie the last time we met…"

Methys sighed. "Sorry, I really should stop the joking. It's too early for that."

Suddenly intrigued, Serenity cocked her head to the side. "Does that imply there is a 'later'?"

Methys' lips twitched, but she gallantly chose to omit that question. "Referring to your initial inquiry, there is no easy answer for why I was not telling you who I am. However, there are certain aspects I can try to elaborate, if you truly wish to know."

"It is my sincere desire to do so, yes." She stated as if declaring a national law.

"I see. First, you knowing who I am would have certainly made a fundamental difference no matter how you look at it. We would not have had the conversation we had, just for this reason alone. When we met there, and I pulled you out of the water an opportunity presented itself on a silver platter. I would have been a fool not to use it. That opportunity would have been lost, had I told you who I am."

"An opportunity to do what exactly?" She asked somewhat distrustfully.

Methys shrugged. "It's not what you think it is. I didn't intend to lead you into a trap. I wanted to test my own knowledge, an assessment of my point of view if you want to call it like that. It's somewhat our favorite past time here."

"I don't really get that…" She mused in the hope to get a more in-depth answer.

"I know it's hard to get if you aren't a Mercurian… well it's mostly something my tutor always drilled into me. Just because you think you know something, don't forget to reassess that knowledge to confirm that it is still valid from time to time."

"I see…" It was apparent she still did not get it. "Did you at least pass that test of knowledge of yours?"

Methys gauged her very carefully taking her time to respond. "Well, I am not entirely sure yet, but I think I failed rather spectacularly." She said it in a rather inquiring tone that was by no means disappointed.

"Ok?" The Lunarian said as if she couldn't understand why she wasn't more rattled by it. "And that's a good thing?"

Methys took a moment before she responded thoughtfully, gauging the Lunarian right in front of her, who had been the center of her test of knowledge. "I am still working to figure that one out."

"You are talking in riddles."

"Well, you asked me why I didn't tell you who I am, and I already foreshadowed you wouldn't get a straight answer. So, I think I delivered accordingly. However, I mentioned other aspects. Although, concealing who I was wasn't meant as a joking matter initially, I have to admit it turned out to be more entertaining than I expected."

Serenity's pouted upon this second implication of being used as entertainment.

Methys noticed and offered an apologetic shrug. "That was just a side effect, though. A bit of humor makes an already awkward situation easier. On the other hand, you knowing would have made things rather tense and probably way more hostile than it needed to be… and complicated. I didn't want complicated. Turns out I got it anyway."

A sad expression appeared on Serenity's face. "Complicated as it was with my mother. As it was …is somewhat right now?"

"Yeah, like that. Maybe it would have been even worse." She admitted morosely.

"But you knew the entire time, who I was… and still you were not unfriendly. You were kind and considerate. Why? I don't see the difference to now, at least from your perspective. And still, now it's complicated?" Serenity asked curiously.

"Yeah, that does not make much sense, does it? Maybe, I just had too much time to make things complicated, if you know what I mean."

Serenity looked as if she had finally a definite idea of where this was going. "You…you got worked up about it?"

Methys appeared entirely surprised about her getting the point that quickly. "I guess I did. That morning when I pulled you out of the water, I didn't consider it too much of a big deal. But then I had time to think, and with others telling me how much of a big deal it truly was: my brothers, Michiko, your mother, even Krana, although she didn't know about the whole incident, I started to believe it. Suddenly, I had to take action while being extra careful to mend an issue, I wasn't even aware before needed much mending. For me the matter would have been solved with getting you back to your quarters. True, you would have noticed anyway, who I was, and I did expect some kind of awkwardness, but did we have to make a diplomatic crisis out of it?" It wasn't stated accusingly just in a helpless way that implied that things had gotten somewhat out of hand without them having a say in it.

Serenity sighed deeply. "No, I guess we could have lived without that outcome, couldn't we?"

"Definitely. It used to be much simpler. Back then we have been just two strangers talking about whatever came to mind, just the two of us. It might have been awkward at some points, but we just dealt with it on our own. Now, more people got entangled in this whole mess, on your side and on mine and suddenly they tell us what to do and how to handle the matter correctly. It didn't make the matter easier, did it? Now, there are so many things to consider: our stations, transgressions of the past, political positions we have to take into account and so much more. It's not just two people talking anymore. We got the reminder that more is at stake. Just look at us. Right now, we are both clad in these fancy robes bearing the titles of Crown Princesses. They define who we are supposed to be… how we are supposed to act, what we are allowed to say. In there…" she gestured towards the ballroom. "…we have to be servants to our nations. I have a role to play and maybe you aren't so much aware of it, but so have you. It was that reminder that probably made most of the difference in how I was acting back then and how I do just now."

"I see."

"Do you? Our stations make it way more difficult to talk at least when it's not about desserts. It takes every word to a whole different level of importance. That's what politics do. Blowing everything out of proportion. And suddenly you start looking for pit falls, when there aren't any or you put words in the other's mouth, she didn't say..." She sighed. "… even when it's about small things like an attempted apology…" The accompanying look she gave Serenety said it all. It was an apology itself.

"It does not have to be this way. You know it's kind of hilarious. I got worked up about it as well. Upon realizing who you truly were, I thought you would rip my head off and Luna and my mother made such a drama out of my unsavory behavior that I thought, I would be the cause of a new war." She giggled touching the back of her head nervously. "At the end, I was entirely freaked out."

Methys scoffed with a wry grin. "So, next time we just keep things to ourselves instead of trusting into our beloved ones to reassure us and calm us down?"

"It would have certainly saved me a severe scolding. Well, and I am not sure they have the right idea of reassuring someone…"

"They did a pretty shitty job on that account."

"That they did."

A smug expression appeared on Methys' face. "To be fair, I told you not to tell anyone."

"Well, that was close to impossible with how I looked after my accidental bath in the cooling ponds. And… Wait, why did you tell your brothers to begin with, if you were so much averse in sharing what happened?"

Methys grimaced. "They kinda figured it out on their own. Well, Michiko figured out that something was going on from you staring at me during the reception. Then, I had no choice anymore, but to tell them…"

Serenity made a face. "Great, I blew your cover. That kinda fits into the big picture."

"If it reassures you, sooner or later I would have told them anyway. Although, they can be quite the drama queens…"

"Well, you haven't met Luna… and well, Ma'Kho, she puts drama queen on a whole different level. Michiko is your cousin?"

"Yeah, she is."

"I saw her at the ball. The pretty one with the teal hair and the nice dress. The Neptunian Crown Princess."

"Hmm." The mere notion of Michiko's title seemed to dampen Methys' spirits somewhat, as if it was reminding her that she was somewhere, she shouldn't be, talking to someone she shouldn't talk to either. Forgetting about her duty as a Crown Princess of her own kingdom.

Serenity did notice her reawakened reluctance and grimaced. "I said too much, didn't I? Mentioning the title was too much. I always say too much."

"Whether you mention it or not, it's what we are. It's not wise to… forget." It was the admittance that she was indeed prone to forget herself.

"Listen, I truly see the problem. Officially, I shouldn't be here, and I know neither should you. Officially, we have to be in princess mode. However, I only see the two of us here. We can make the rules. We can choose to make it unofficial. We can agree to be always open with each other. No staged pitfalls or booby traps. There is no one around to judge what we say besides ourselves and it can stay between us. Those garbs do not have to be important here. Our stations do not have to be important here. We decide what we do and how much slack we are willing to offer to the other one. We can just be two girls roughly at the same age sitting under the stars to complain about whatever comes to mind and see where it leads us. That way it's … only going to be difficult, if we make it that way. It's possible for us just to talk." She pleaded. "I know, it is. It already was and it feels possible right now, as well. And to make it entirely clear: I would like to keep talking to you."

"That much is obvious. However, you might have chosen the wrong wall to bash your head on this time. It's… pretty hard." She finished lamely, a callback to their first talk.

"I don't think I did. It just needs some more effort than usual. It's effort I am willing to invest. So, all that's left to ask is: Are you?" There was a glimmer of hopeful despair in her eyes as if that question cost her, voicing it aloud, as if she feared the answer even more than the question itself.

Methys looked towards the ground, before she muttered. "To what end?"

"Do I need to be in it to reach an end?"

"People typically are. And it would put me at ease tremendously, if I did finally figure out what you actually want with me. Why you are so eager to converse… After all, you didn't have to go through all that trouble just to seek me out and bring the robe back… and even before you were quite persistent in your attempts to befriend me. I don't really get… why."

Serenity bit on her lip. "Maybe I just wish to get to know my lifesaver?"

"There is not much to know about me." Methys stated simply.

"Well, I am sure not even you believe that."

"You haven't heard about Mercurians being experts in boring people to tears?"

Serenity puffed her chest proudly. "This time I am not falling for one of your jests."

Methys shrugged helplessly. "No jest. Entirely accurate I am afraid."

"It's also an expectation. I just learned to screw expectations." She responded proudly.

Methys smirked. "Did you? Well, that does not account for all of them. In this case it's as much of an observation as an expectation."

"I observed differently. You are plenty interesting, and you do not bore me to tears."

"You say that now. Well, don't say I didn't warn you."

The blonde did cock her head to the side. "I am not very good in heeding warnings. Ma'Kho always says warning me accounts to giving my sloppy brain ideas."

"Well, that explains why you fell into the cooling ponds: Too many warning signs not to enter the premise and you fall in?"

"Exactly. That's irresponsible. Whoever put them there needs to be scolded and not me."

Methys smirked. "You are truly a weird one. I just can't seem to understand you. You know who I am now. So, why are you still interested in getting to know me?"

"Maybe exactly because of that. Maybe I just want to understand you, too. To be honest, I don't really know. I…I wish I could tell you, but you have to believe me … I really don't know." The blonde shrugged helplessly. "I am just acting on a whim here, a gut feeling… a hunch… and I typically trust in those feelings, even if I don't know why I have them." She made a small pause and had trouble to come up with the right words. "I just want to talk, no hidden thoughts or intentions, I promise. I won't lead you astray, if that is what you are afraid of."

Methys sighed. "That answer is not exactly insightful, you know. I truly thought getting to know who I really am would scare you off for sure." Methys deadpanned.

"It did. It somehow still does." She admitted sheepishly. "I am still waiting for you to start shouting at me for real after everything that happened."

Methys cringed realizing that was her fault. "Is that why you stuttered that much in my presence, when you approached me?"

"I… I am, well… I was afraid to do something wrong… well, to do more things wrong."

"Am I that intimidating?" She paused. "You needn't answer that one. I guess I gave you plenty of reason to feel that way."

"Nooo, I… well kinda. Not intentionally I am sure… and it was well deserved… I mean I did do things to deserve it and…"

"You are stuttering again." Methys stopped her with a sigh.

"Em, well, yes sorry? I am still nervous, ok?"

"Listen, I would be lying, if I said you are alone with your feelings of anxiety and insecurity around me. To be frank, I don't know how to handle the situation any better than you do. That much should be painfully apparent. So, we can make a deal. Less anxiety on your part and I will try not to bite your head off for meaningless things as I did earlier. For the rest of the attitude, well, I can give no guarantee… I sometimes forget not everyone is so keen of irony and sarcasm."

"Is that a Mercurian thing?" She asked tentatively a tad bit afraid that the question would irk the Mercurian for sounding too much like a cliché.

"More like a family thing." Methys admitted freely. "… well, and a Mercurian thing. Verbal sparring including all means necessary is like taking mental sticks and beat each other up until one yields." She shrugged. "Fun. A friendly competition."

"I see. It's just … I mean it probably would have been funny, but with the both of us…" She made a somewhat helpless gesture between the two. "It's kinda… irritating. I get it now, though."

"I will try not to hit the wrong note again."

"It's ok. I do not expect this to run smoothly right away. So, you can hit the wrong note again, because with my track record it's unavoidable that I will. Give me at least the feeling it's not a one-sided thing. And I think I owe you some free passes in terms of affronts anyway. Although catching up to my head start will probably take you a while."

The words coaxed a small smile out of Methys. "Agreed. I anyway rather take the free passes than the apologies."

"A wise choice. After all the latter are pretty useless."

Methys nodded, her mouth twitching again slightly and for a moment, there was silence between them, but it was way more relaxed than it was before. Serenity was briefly distracted by their surroundings, letting her gaze stray with rapt awe, watching a small swarm of tiny glowing butterfly-like insects circling an equally glowing flower.

"Lampyris noctiluca." Methys supplied with a barely veiled smile. "They only glow during mating season. The plant you see mimics that light, so they pollinate its flowers. They have purple berry-like fruits." She looked at her knowingly. "… and they are edible. Just try tomorrow's dessert."

The Lunarian grimaced. "I came along as quite the glutton, didn't I?"

"Well, more as someone with good taste." Serenity looked at her doubtfully, until Methys finally crumbled. "Well, maybe a bit."

"Great. I wonder if there is someone who ever made a worse first impression." She whined.

"Don't worry, my brother is a glutton as well. I am quite used to it. He always stole my dessert, when we were kids. He thought he could get away with it, since he is the younger one, and for some time he did. However, over time I got fed up with it and put some worms in it."

Serenity's eyes widened in horror, before an expression of disgust took over. "And did it … em, help?"

"Well, from then on, he at least started to ask, but that's all progress I made. In hindsight, I shouldn't have chosen worms. He had that phase when he was rather interested in insects and annelids."

Serenity shuddered. "Well, I must have somehow skipped .. that phase."

"You liked the glowing insects just now…" Methys pointed out.

"Well, they are pretty."

"It's dark and they glow. You don't even see whether they are pretty."

"They glow. That's enough of a saving grace."

"We have glowing worms as well."

"Oh well, I don't really think… I mean they are still worms… and …" She finally noticed Methys' cheeky grin and sighed dejectedly. "You don't have glowing worms, do you?"

"No."

"You really can be quite the meanie."

"I do have siblings, and you make it too easy." Methys justified her behavior.

"Well, I didn't read an encyclopedia about Mercury's plant and insect life in preparation for the conference. So, how am I supposed to know?"

"Fair point. If you are interested, that wrist computer you got for the conference, the one we used to communicate, it has access to the library you mentioned. I can give you some recommendations."

Serenity's cheeks reddened a bit. "To be honest I am not too much of a reader… and well, scientific stuff typically does not strike my interest. My taste… well, it's more adventure novels and stuff like that."

"Oh, I thought since you mentioned the library last time…"

"Well, I am a fan of architecture. It was more the building itself that interested me than the purpose for what it is used."

"Ah, I see."

"I do like your explanations though." Serenity reassured her a tad bit too quickly. "So, don't stop pointing things out like about the bridges and plants and the insects… I like the personal touch when people talk about such stuff, just not the boringly written textbook knowledge."

"I will keep that in mind."

Again, there was this silence between them.

Serenity let her gaze stray again. "It's… it's beautiful out here. Do you come here often?"

"No, not really. I was just seeking some peace and quiet apart from the festivities to meditate. With all the preparations going on, there wasn't much opportunity for it lately."

Serenity grimaced. "And I am disturbing that remote time. Sorry for that."

"What did we say just now about apologies?"

"Right. They are useless. I guess that's another free pass." She hesitated. "Well, em … so, do you want me to leave?" It was basically her second try to find out, whether Methys was interested in continuing their conversation. The first one had been left unanswered after all. At least there had never been a direct response from the Mercurian. They just continued talking.

This indirect approach apparently did not satisfy Serenity, since she felt the need to ask her straight away whether she wanted her to leave.

She gave Methys a way out, if she truly desired one.

Methys appeared torn, but then she chose a response that wasn't really a yes or a no. Instead, she threw the ball back where it came from. "Do you want to leave? Do you want to return to the festivities?"

"I … I rather would look at the stars a bit longer; I mean… if you allow it." She inquired hopefully.

"It's not in my place to allow you something like that. The stars belong to everyone after all." She responded evasively.

"You could tell me to stargaze somewhere else…"

"Maybe I could, but you are in no position to feel obligated to follow that inquiry. We are both Crown Princesses. I can't order you around and we anyway agreed to leave the titles out of it."

"You are the host and organizer of this event. This is your home. So, you probably could."

"All the more reason to make up for my poor hosting performance from earlier. I won't send you away, if that is what you are worrying about. Your guards probably could get you, although you appear to have slipped out of their grasp again. Wait… do you even have any or are they just that bad in guarding?" She grimaced upon realizing what she just said. "That cost me a free pass, didn't it?"

"I do have guards, yes and in defense of their honor I have to call for that free pass. And to answer your question, they are just with mother right now. They just understand that I sometimes need some time to breathe."

"Even if I can relate to that, you shouldn't walk around on your own. Mercury is not…" She was searching for the right word.

"… safe for … me?" Serenity suggested. "I…know that. I am not as reckless as you think."

Methys sent her an assessing look. "So, at least one guard is in earshot?" She guessed, her brows furrowing in worry.

Serenity looked guiltily towards the ground, fiddling with the hem of her sleeve. "Yes, one is close enough, but no one is listening in on us... and she won't tell anyone." She admitted somewhat concerned that telling her would result in blatant disapproval and rejection. When none came, Serenity added. "I considered it wise to not bring a guard or em … her for our talk, considering what happened last time I brought an additional person you were not expecting… and this time you were not even expecting me." She chuckled awkwardly upon the reminder of their unfortunate meeting with her mother.

Methys however seemed to be only interested in one thing though. "Her? Don't tell me… you didn't bring the Jovian, did you?" She almost darted to her feet, a sense of betrayal coming from her, looking left and right as if said Jovian would jump her any moment from behind the next tree.

"Please." Serenity tried to appease her with a pleading look. "I admit, it is her, yes, but she means no harm. Ma'Kho will not interfere in our conversation. I made her promise, I swear."

Methys gauged her for a moment, freezing. Then she scoffed. "Why did you have to bring her of all people. I think that it's apparent that she despises me. I am really not in the mood for a fistfight, especially not with a Senshi. I have had enough hassle for one night."

Serenity made a face. "She wouldn't let me go without her. It was hard enough to convince her to keep her distance. I – Ma'Kho is protective. It isn't that she despises you…, well, not too much… it's … she is already beating herself up about me almost drowning without her being there to save me. She doesn't like to owe you guys anything."

Methys folded her arms in obvious disapproval, raising a brow at the term 'you guys'. "Well, that's … not my fault."

"I know. I just wanted to explain why – " She stopped herself, sighing dejectedly, before trying again. "Look, Ma'Kho just wants to protect me. I know she wasn't polite in doing so last time and I am sorry for that. And I guess Ma'Kho wasn't even the worst. I… mother meant well, but it wasn't entirely fair to you to involve her. I … I just want you to know that it was never my intention to back you into a corner like that… or to make this situation even more complicated."

Methys just rolled her eyes. "I thought we already agreed that everything involving a Lunarian and a Mercurian is bound to be complicated."

"Yeah, we did, didn't we? I just wanted to make sure you know, well that I didn't set you up or something. I wanted to come alone in the beginning, but I am not a diplomat and with everything that went wrong already, and with everyone reminding me how much exactly went wrong with me doing things on my own, I assumed I kinda needed to pour oil on troubled water. My mother wasn't the best choice, but she was pretty much the only one and she knows her way with words. I… I am used to go to her when I need help. It only occurred to me later on, what that would mean for you. That wasn't really farsighted." She looked towards the ground remorsefully.

Methys gauged her carefully, before a certain degree of acceptance and understanding entered her stance. "No, it wasn't. So were many things that were done. You know we can circle about this topic endlessly. You are back to apologizing and I overreacted again. To get out of these patterns might take a while. Let's just agree our previous meetings could have gone better, well mostly the second one,… on both sides. I wasn't exactly the epitome of diplomacy either."

"You … you had your reasons. I understand that." Serenity tried to be nice finding justifications for her.

"Maybe I had. That's still no excuse to treat diplomats that should be our guests that way. Just one more area I definitely need practice in."

"Now, you are the one who can't stop apologizing. That's my thing, you know."

"Indeed." Methys grimaced. "Told you we are going in circles."

"So, you admit we are going somewhere. That's good. After all, just because we have been at a particular point already, doesn't mean we have learned everything about that spot of the circle."

Methys furrowed her brows. "Did you just quote a Mercurian philosopher? Ives, if I am not mistaken."

"Well, I did some preparation in advance to this meeting." Serenity boasted.

"And then you did not look for pictures of the Mercurian royal family?"

Serenity blushed. "Well, em, the original plan was to avoid them, so I did not deem it necessary…"

"And how do you wanna avoid certain people, if you don't know what they look like…?" Methys teased.

"Oh, come on, you got an official announcement. That would have been enough to connect names and faces. How was I supposed to know that we would meet before…"

Amusement still painted Methys' face. "So, you rather chose to educate yourself about Mercurian philosophy?"

"That certainly promised to be more useful than learning about your insect population…" Serenity pouted.

"Really, in what way?" She apparently didn't want to let that matter go.

"Em, to understand your people better?" Serenity suggested as if that was a given. Methys just lifted a skeptical eyebrow, and Serenity didn't take long to falter. "Ok, I just wanted to use some fancy quotes in case I needed to impress someone. Satisfied?" She looked as if someone caught her stealing some forbidden cookies.

"Well, I am certainly impressed. Although you should expect talking about whatever quote you used for the next half hour. I am not sure your research would have covered a more in-depth discussion like that. I could give you an idea." She twinkled in mischief.

"No offense, but please spare me. You would probably bring up the most boring part of philosophy you can remember, just to spite me and to prove that Mercurians can indeed bore me to tears."

"Oh, please. You wound me. I would never do such a thing. In fact, I would even let you choose what aspect of our philosophy you want to know more about."

That offer piqued Serenity's interest. "Really? Anything I want to know?"

Sensing a catch, Methys couldn't refrain to add: "Within reason."

"You will be Mercury's new Senshi, won't you?"

Methys groaned.


AN: So, I had to cut somewhere but the conversation between Methys and Serenity is not finished. Those two are truly not easy to write and I hope I get across their (mostly initial) difficulty to find common ground after everything that happened and the tense political situation between their Empires. Getting it right might be a hassle, but I absolutely love to pair them up. As always thanks for reading and sticking to the story.