Fic: On Razor's Edge - Interlude II
Title: On Razor’s Edge - Interlude II
Summary: Crystal Tokyo has arrived. So has Ando Tanaka.
Warnings: Darkness.
A/N: As always, massive thanks to Charlie, who makes things clever and pretty, and to Spirit, who is the resident shitennou expert!
The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over; thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard.
~ verse in the Katha-Upanishad
Mars, one of the most renowned beauties of the universe, was now a mere shadow of herself. Jupiter sighed, and resumed braiding her friend’s hair. She’d just wished she could have convinced Mars to wash it first. But it had been difficult enough to get her out of her rooms and into the gardens. Now that they were sitting underneath one of the silver trees, its roots and branches curled like intricate leafless artwork, and Jupiter looked for an opening.
“My friend, I hate you to see you so unhappy,” she said as she twisted and folded the long black strands. In an intricately braided pattern, her hair might look better and people wouldn’t start asking questions. They knew about her and Nephrite, but the twin stories of Serenity and Endymion as well as that of Mars and Jadeite had to remain a secret. On the moon, though, secrets were hard to keep and if one strand of this thread was unravelled, then so would the entire tapestry. While it was Mercury who was rightfully praised for her insight and intelligence, Jupiter wasn’t a fool either. Nobody needed to tell her that the secret affairs of the princess and her guardians could bring this kingdom to ruins. Serenity was the virgin daughter of a virgin queen, born out of goodness and destined to continue her line the same way. A solitary ruler who would, much like her mother, guide her people to honourable behaviour and good deeds. Sleeping with the prince from the barbarian planet they orbited was not something people would accept, and for that same purpose Mars too needed to remain a picture of innocence and beauty. Whispers needed to die before they were even born.
“I will be fine,” the daughter of fire whispered, probably having read Jupiter’s mind. It was always so difficult to tell with her.
“Pass me one of those red ribbons over there,” Jupiter thus commanded brusquely and Mars complied. “That’s less than half of your hair taken care off. I swear, you have more than even Serenity, hers is just longer.” Talking to Mars was a bit like trying to pet one of those unicorns Nephrite had shown her. So beautiful, so easily broken. It was a small miracle that she’d allowed Jupiter to come so close; since Venus had told her about Jadeite’s alliance with Beryl, Mars had kept to herself and even shied away from Serenity. So Jupiter kept on braiding, brushing, and twisting; hoping that the small kindness would make the day easier for her friend. Perhaps Mars would even join them for the customary breakfast with Serenity tomorrow. She’d get up early and make her the lily cakes she loved so much.
“Does Venus know?” Mars asked after a while, and the deft movement of Jupiter’s fingers stopped alongside her heartbeat.
“Does Venus know what?” she asked, her voice even. Mars wouldn’t ask that, and she wouldn’t have to answer. And then everything would be fi---
“About the child.”
Jupiter’s hands dropped to her lap, and the twisted braids began to unravel as soon as they were no longer kept in place by skillful fingers. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Mars looked up at the sky and closed her eyes.
“It’s one after the other, you know. I’ve seen it in the flames.”
“One after… I don’t understand.”
“One heart broken after the other. Me first, then you, then Venus, and finally, even kind Mercury. But fear not, Jupiter,” Mars said and got up, robes dirty and hair tangled, “I’m sure it’s better this way.”
***
Venus returned from Earth the day after and, dust-covered and dirty, went directly to the Queen. As was their monarch’s wont, she was in the prayer room.
“My Queen,” Venus said, and dropped to her knees. Her feet were bloody, she was thirsty, and there was a small knife wound on her upper arm. What made it hurt even more was that it had been inflicted on her by one of her own; a nameless Venusian soldier she had loaned to Earth’s armies as part of their early alliance agreement. He’d paid for it dearly enough though. For a moment she’d thought about sending his head to Kunzite, with a note attached to it, this is your work as much as mine, but she didn’t have the heart to do the body further harm. Instead, she’d burned it according to the rites of her people, hoping the nameless man would rise to do better in another life.
“Rise.”
Luna, in cat form, was sitting on a smaller pillar, while Artemis sat at its base. Both Mauans had their eyes on the returned guardian, who now followed her Queen’s orders and rose to her feet. It was clear that the movement was painful, and Artemis nodded at a servant. The silent command was understood, and Venus knew she would find a healer waiting in her chambers later. Artemis was a good counsel, and a better friend.
“What is Earth like?” the Queen asked, sounding merely curious. As always, Serenity the elder was a picture of cool beauty, and as always, she was removed from the barbarian realities of lower planets. “Can it really be a danger to us, far away and small as it is?”
Venus looked straight at the Queen, whose silver hair and white dress shone in the light their moon emanated from its core. She needed the Queen to act, to do something, to save them all. Or at least to lock her daughter away until Endymion had aged, withered, and died because if the young princess knew of the dangers her lover was in, nothing would keep her on the moon.
“Yes.”
“Explain,” the Queen instructed.
“They’ve taken advantage of the alliance.”
Serenity frowned. “You speak of the military alliance? Between Earth and Venus?”
“Yes, my Queen. Venusian soldiers have defected from our ranks. They have apparently been promised riches, titles, and things beyond their understanding.”
“Promised by whom?” Luna interjected, her feline eyes glowing green.
Luna had a way of always asking the important questions. It almost didn’t matter who turned against them; the only thing that mattered was who made them turn. “The enchantress who has been associating herself with the young Prince Endymion’s generals. She says that Earth should have a place in the alliance and that if you, my Queen, are not willing to give it to them, it’s theirs for the taking.”
“And what of the prince?” Venus felt herself step on thinner ice. Talking about the prince was a danger; she was certain the queen had no idea of her daughter’s affair, and Venus very much wanted to keep it that way. The Queen was kind and a good ruler, but a ruler she was. There was no telling what she would do to put an end to the affair if she ever learned of it. Venus chose her words carefully.
“He is trying to calm both his generals and the crowds, but I fear he will not be successful for very long.”
The Queen nodded. “Kill the enchantress then.”
“Yes, my Queen.”
“You mustn’t be seen, Venus. We need to keep up appearances. The Alliance is not a violent institution and we cannot have that changed.”
“Of course, my Queen,” Venus replied, thinking quickly. “Can I confer with Mercury? The enchantress is well protected and I might need assistance in getting close enough.”
“You may.”
And with that, Venus was dismissed.
***
The Princess was full of laughter, and the jokes she was making were getting more rascally by the minute. Blushing a deep crimson, Mercury nevertheless couldn’t do anything but smile.
Their world was a good place when its princess was in good spirits.
***
Venus found Mars in the garden. The elaborate hairstyle let her know that she had spent part of the evening with Jupiter. Faithful, sweet, idiotic Jupiter, who had still been sneaking down to see Nephrite. As if Venus didn’t know. Shaking the thought away as she moved closer to the psychic, she tried to shield herself from the misery her friend emanated. This was first and foremost a meeting among sisters-in-arms. Emphasis on arms. While she hadn’t asked the Queen if she could tell Mars, Mars would find out sooner or later anyway. And since it was Jadeite who had gone travelling with Beryl, Venus wagered the senshi of fire wouldn’t mind the enchantress’ early end.
“I come bearing bad news,” she announced, and Mars shrugged. Her friend was growing out of her grief, Venus noted, but whether she was healing was a different matter. There was something dead about her, something cold. As if loving and losing Jadeite had robbed her of the flame that kept her alive, that made her who she was. This new creature, poised but imperfect under the tree, was a stranger to her.
“Earth is doomed?” Mars asked, clearly already knowing the answer. “A war is coming?” She barely batted a lash and Venus marvelled at the trace of irony in her voice that hadn’t been there before. Damaged Mars was, but functional. Dull, yet sharp. As always, the daughter of fire was a walking contradiction, as difficult to grasp as she was beautiful to look at.
“Yes. All visits must be terminated. For good. There is evil spreading down there, and Serenity is in danger. Keep an eye on her at all times, and lock her up if necessary. The Queen mustn’t find out, Mars.”
“All visits?” Mars asked, ignoring the instruction, and Venus fought the urge to fidget. She hadn’t told anyone about her own dalliance with Kunzite. Jadeite knew, but he was the only one. Up here on the moon, her secret was safe.
“Yes, all. Yours, Jupiter’s, and most importantly, Serenity’s.”
“Jupiter is with child,” Mars said, her violet eyes dull.
“She is what?” Venus asked, sure she must have misheard.
Mars shrugged. “Do with this what you will. I’ll speak to Serenity, tell her to stay here.” She got up, not bothering to shake the leaves off her gown. “I’ll tell her all about my broken heart; maybe it will keep her by my side.” Venus could only stare as Mars continued. “She has always been a kind soul, after all,” Mars mused, her voice a shrug, “I’m sure she will wish to comfort me.”
The senshi of fire left, moving through the garden like a ghost until she disappeared into the palace.
***
Venus hurried through the palace. This was a catastrophe. She could keep the princess’ affair from the Queen, she could make sure Mars remained in line despite her grief, but she could hardly have Jupiter strongarm Serenity into staying on the Moon while the senshi was cradling a half-Terran child. Damn Nephrite to the seven heels of Uranus and beyond. Between Mars’ curious mixture of cunning and numbness and Jupiter’s excruciating stupidity, Venus felt her world crumbling.
A handmaiden and two soldiers were chatting outside Jupiter’s rooms, and Venus slowed her steps. It wouldn’t do to raise suspicions. People looked at her, observed her behaviour, waited for her to slip, to make a mistake. She would never give them the pleasure.
“Gentlemen,” she said, putting in a swing in her step that would make them overlook her dirty garb. “Please see to the Lady Luna; she has matters of business to discuss with you.” The men blinked, nodded, and disappeared. Venus then turned to the handmaiden. “Be so kind, my girl, and tell my staff to prepare a bath for me. As you can see, I am filthy”, and ‘wounded’, she added in her head, “and I wish to feel like myself again.” Not that that was on the cards anytime soon; the healer would have to wait.
Courtesing, the girl accepted the task and hurried off. Venus turned to Jupiter’s door and knocked. It was pulled open by Mercury, who looked like a winter morning down on that blasted planet. Red cheeks like the fires they lit to cover the horrid cold, skin as white as snow, and eyes as blue as their lakes just before they froze.
“Mercury, I need to speak with Jupiter alone. Go keep Serenity or Mars company. And meet me in my chambers before breakfast tomorrow, we have things to discuss.” Not sparing her friend and fellow guardian another glance, Venus strode into Jupiter’s chambers, leaving it to Mercury to close the door.
“Venus, you’re back!” Jupiter exclaimed. She was bent over a loom, working on a colourful blanket. Scanning her body, Venus tilted her head. Oh, there would be hell to pay for this, she’d make sure of it.
“Is that a baby blanket you’re working on?” she asked, each word laced with cold rage. Silence settled over the room.
Blanching, Jupiter lowered the shuttle. “Mars shouldn’t have told you, I----”
“Not a word,” Venus hissed and stepped closer. “Had I the time, and weren’t danger almost on our doorstep, Jupiter, I would have you sent back to your family and hired someone from Uranus instead, and you know full well what I think of those barbarians. Alas, circumstances prevent me from doing so, so listen to me, and listen well.”
Tears began to pool in Jupiter’s eyes.
“You will not see him again, unless it’s on a battlefield right here on the moon. If he doesn’t yet know, you will not tell him. No communication, none at all. No more trips with or for Serenity. You keep this a secret, or you don’t keep it at all. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Venus, how can I keep this a secret? People will see.”
“Creative costuming. Some trick of Mercury’s. I don’t care. Figure it out. If you want to keep the child, fine. But you’ll have to set it up outside the palace. Servants can take care of it, you can visit. Again, I do not care. If we get through this unharmed, if the danger passes, you’ll be free to make a choice between staying here and serving Serenity, or going elsewhere and being a mother. Until then, I expect you to do as I say.”
Jupiter looked down at the blanket. “I love him, Venus.”
Steeling herself, Venus stared down at her friend. She knew all about love, its pleasures and its pain. It was her sacred duty to aid lovers, but it was one that was incompatible with taking care of Serenity. She’d made her choice long ago, and while she wished Jupiter could be happy, it simply wasn’t to be. “He is rebelling against that prince Serenity is oh so in love with. Secret meetings with the Lady Beryl, Jupiter,” Venus whispered, mindful that even here, the walls sometimes had ears.
Tears began to spill down Jupiter’s face. “Now you are just being cruel.”
“Serenity is what matters. You don’t matter, that child of yours doesn’t matter, and Nephrite certainly doesn’t matter. So tell me, and tell now, Jupiter: when the dark days come, will you still stand by Serenity’s side?”
Jupiter got up, easily towering over Venus. “Of course I will.”
“Then you might better get rid of it,” Venus replied, and with one last barb-laced look, left.
***
Magic never goes into one direction only. Mercury of course was very well aware of it, but Venus wasn’t. She had never bothered herself with the complicated protection charms Mercury told her about and was instead happy to have the youngest senshi simply put them into place instead.
So it came that in the earliest hours of the morning, just when the sun was rising on earth, the moon, while ambling towards a new day, was still in the dark and the head of Serenity’s guard in bed, unsuspecting, and more tired than she’d ever been.
Even so, her sleep was difficult to come by. She’d been too hard to Jupiter, not appreciative enough of Mercury, hadn’t paid Serenity enough attention, and still had no idea how to help Mars find a new place in the world. Personally, she didn’t think that the loss of a lover and one’s virginity was the end of the world, but Mars was different. She was more honourable; better than her in almost every way. Gentle, too.
Sighing, Venus turned in bed.
“You’re restless,” a familiar voice said, and Venus jumped, immediately reaching for the dagger she kept by her bedside.
Kunzite stepped into her line of vision. He wasn’t wearing his uniform, but a dark hooded cloak. His green eyes flashed silver for a second.
“I’ve come to deliver a warning.”
“How did you get in here?” Kunzite smiled at her question. Given the nature of their last meeting, this unsettled her more than anything. They hadn’t parted as friends, let alone lovers. A smile wasn’t what she had expected from him. “Kunzite, how did you get in here?” she repeated, dagger in hand.
“Your transportation magic left traces I could follow,” he replied as if swatting away a fly. It didn’t matter how he got here, it wasn’t something he found even remotely interesting. For someone who had just a few months ago learned how to access the untapped source of magic in his soul, this was telling. Beryl was teaching them well. She couldn’t give them powers they didn’t have before, but she could teach them how to make use of them. Goosebumps rose on Venus’ skin. If she also taught that prince of theirs, then Queen Serenity might eventually face an opponent she couldn’t easily do away with.
“What warning?” she asked.
“Jadeite is no longer your ally, Venus,” Kunzite said, stepping closer to her bed.
He was never an ally, Venus thought, he was a friend. Kunzite reached out and covered her hand still clutching the dagger with his own. “He is in Beryl’s grasp, fully. The same applies for Nephrite, and soon for me too.”
Venus frowned and resisted the urge to draw her hand back. She’d only slice the linens. “Are you speaking of defection or of a curse?”
Kunzite’s face was impassive. “We are not your men, Venus. We cannot defect from your ranks. The politics of Earth are changing, and some of us are more convinced than others, but Beryl makes good points. They are too bloody for my taste, but good nevertheless.”
And there it was, the warning. Between the lines, but in the words. They would kill Serenity on sight. And probably Mars and Jupiter too. A price for their new world order.
“What of your prince?” Venus asked.
“My king,” Kunzite corrected. “He too will see reason.”
Venus looked at the man she had loved, she had lain with, she had trusted despite herself. This was his final gesture of grace; a warning to keep her both safe and separate.
“We will no longer let Serenity come to Earth,” she finally conceded, and wondered whether it would be enough to keep her safe. “Can your pri-- king come to the Moon the same way you did?”
“He can, but he won’t.”
Venus thought of Beryl, of the growing sunspots all across the southern fields of Earth, of the dragons she had seen circling the western plains, of friends and lovers lost in such a short span of time. “There is darkness growing on your planet,” she eventually said, hoping to impart a warning of her own.
Kunzite shook his head and smiled at her, letting go of her hand. “It’s not darkness, Venus.” He retreated back into the shadows, his cloak merging with the darkness of the night until she could only see his eyes. This time, she was sure. They had changed colour. They were silver.
“It’s power.”
*** End of Interlude II ***
Summary: Crystal Tokyo has arrived. So has Ando Tanaka.
Warnings: Darkness.
A/N: As always, massive thanks to Charlie, who makes things clever and pretty, and to Spirit, who is the resident shitennou expert!
The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over; thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard.
~ verse in the Katha-Upanishad
Mars, one of the most renowned beauties of the universe, was now a mere shadow of herself. Jupiter sighed, and resumed braiding her friend’s hair. She’d just wished she could have convinced Mars to wash it first. But it had been difficult enough to get her out of her rooms and into the gardens. Now that they were sitting underneath one of the silver trees, its roots and branches curled like intricate leafless artwork, and Jupiter looked for an opening.
“My friend, I hate you to see you so unhappy,” she said as she twisted and folded the long black strands. In an intricately braided pattern, her hair might look better and people wouldn’t start asking questions. They knew about her and Nephrite, but the twin stories of Serenity and Endymion as well as that of Mars and Jadeite had to remain a secret. On the moon, though, secrets were hard to keep and if one strand of this thread was unravelled, then so would the entire tapestry. While it was Mercury who was rightfully praised for her insight and intelligence, Jupiter wasn’t a fool either. Nobody needed to tell her that the secret affairs of the princess and her guardians could bring this kingdom to ruins. Serenity was the virgin daughter of a virgin queen, born out of goodness and destined to continue her line the same way. A solitary ruler who would, much like her mother, guide her people to honourable behaviour and good deeds. Sleeping with the prince from the barbarian planet they orbited was not something people would accept, and for that same purpose Mars too needed to remain a picture of innocence and beauty. Whispers needed to die before they were even born.
“I will be fine,” the daughter of fire whispered, probably having read Jupiter’s mind. It was always so difficult to tell with her.
“Pass me one of those red ribbons over there,” Jupiter thus commanded brusquely and Mars complied. “That’s less than half of your hair taken care off. I swear, you have more than even Serenity, hers is just longer.” Talking to Mars was a bit like trying to pet one of those unicorns Nephrite had shown her. So beautiful, so easily broken. It was a small miracle that she’d allowed Jupiter to come so close; since Venus had told her about Jadeite’s alliance with Beryl, Mars had kept to herself and even shied away from Serenity. So Jupiter kept on braiding, brushing, and twisting; hoping that the small kindness would make the day easier for her friend. Perhaps Mars would even join them for the customary breakfast with Serenity tomorrow. She’d get up early and make her the lily cakes she loved so much.
“Does Venus know?” Mars asked after a while, and the deft movement of Jupiter’s fingers stopped alongside her heartbeat.
“Does Venus know what?” she asked, her voice even. Mars wouldn’t ask that, and she wouldn’t have to answer. And then everything would be fi---
“About the child.”
Jupiter’s hands dropped to her lap, and the twisted braids began to unravel as soon as they were no longer kept in place by skillful fingers. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Mars looked up at the sky and closed her eyes.
“It’s one after the other, you know. I’ve seen it in the flames.”
“One after… I don’t understand.”
“One heart broken after the other. Me first, then you, then Venus, and finally, even kind Mercury. But fear not, Jupiter,” Mars said and got up, robes dirty and hair tangled, “I’m sure it’s better this way.”
***
Venus returned from Earth the day after and, dust-covered and dirty, went directly to the Queen. As was their monarch’s wont, she was in the prayer room.
“My Queen,” Venus said, and dropped to her knees. Her feet were bloody, she was thirsty, and there was a small knife wound on her upper arm. What made it hurt even more was that it had been inflicted on her by one of her own; a nameless Venusian soldier she had loaned to Earth’s armies as part of their early alliance agreement. He’d paid for it dearly enough though. For a moment she’d thought about sending his head to Kunzite, with a note attached to it, this is your work as much as mine, but she didn’t have the heart to do the body further harm. Instead, she’d burned it according to the rites of her people, hoping the nameless man would rise to do better in another life.
“Rise.”
Luna, in cat form, was sitting on a smaller pillar, while Artemis sat at its base. Both Mauans had their eyes on the returned guardian, who now followed her Queen’s orders and rose to her feet. It was clear that the movement was painful, and Artemis nodded at a servant. The silent command was understood, and Venus knew she would find a healer waiting in her chambers later. Artemis was a good counsel, and a better friend.
“What is Earth like?” the Queen asked, sounding merely curious. As always, Serenity the elder was a picture of cool beauty, and as always, she was removed from the barbarian realities of lower planets. “Can it really be a danger to us, far away and small as it is?”
Venus looked straight at the Queen, whose silver hair and white dress shone in the light their moon emanated from its core. She needed the Queen to act, to do something, to save them all. Or at least to lock her daughter away until Endymion had aged, withered, and died because if the young princess knew of the dangers her lover was in, nothing would keep her on the moon.
“Yes.”
“Explain,” the Queen instructed.
“They’ve taken advantage of the alliance.”
Serenity frowned. “You speak of the military alliance? Between Earth and Venus?”
“Yes, my Queen. Venusian soldiers have defected from our ranks. They have apparently been promised riches, titles, and things beyond their understanding.”
“Promised by whom?” Luna interjected, her feline eyes glowing green.
Luna had a way of always asking the important questions. It almost didn’t matter who turned against them; the only thing that mattered was who made them turn. “The enchantress who has been associating herself with the young Prince Endymion’s generals. She says that Earth should have a place in the alliance and that if you, my Queen, are not willing to give it to them, it’s theirs for the taking.”
“And what of the prince?” Venus felt herself step on thinner ice. Talking about the prince was a danger; she was certain the queen had no idea of her daughter’s affair, and Venus very much wanted to keep it that way. The Queen was kind and a good ruler, but a ruler she was. There was no telling what she would do to put an end to the affair if she ever learned of it. Venus chose her words carefully.
“He is trying to calm both his generals and the crowds, but I fear he will not be successful for very long.”
The Queen nodded. “Kill the enchantress then.”
“Yes, my Queen.”
“You mustn’t be seen, Venus. We need to keep up appearances. The Alliance is not a violent institution and we cannot have that changed.”
“Of course, my Queen,” Venus replied, thinking quickly. “Can I confer with Mercury? The enchantress is well protected and I might need assistance in getting close enough.”
“You may.”
And with that, Venus was dismissed.
***
The Princess was full of laughter, and the jokes she was making were getting more rascally by the minute. Blushing a deep crimson, Mercury nevertheless couldn’t do anything but smile.
Their world was a good place when its princess was in good spirits.
***
Venus found Mars in the garden. The elaborate hairstyle let her know that she had spent part of the evening with Jupiter. Faithful, sweet, idiotic Jupiter, who had still been sneaking down to see Nephrite. As if Venus didn’t know. Shaking the thought away as she moved closer to the psychic, she tried to shield herself from the misery her friend emanated. This was first and foremost a meeting among sisters-in-arms. Emphasis on arms. While she hadn’t asked the Queen if she could tell Mars, Mars would find out sooner or later anyway. And since it was Jadeite who had gone travelling with Beryl, Venus wagered the senshi of fire wouldn’t mind the enchantress’ early end.
“I come bearing bad news,” she announced, and Mars shrugged. Her friend was growing out of her grief, Venus noted, but whether she was healing was a different matter. There was something dead about her, something cold. As if loving and losing Jadeite had robbed her of the flame that kept her alive, that made her who she was. This new creature, poised but imperfect under the tree, was a stranger to her.
“Earth is doomed?” Mars asked, clearly already knowing the answer. “A war is coming?” She barely batted a lash and Venus marvelled at the trace of irony in her voice that hadn’t been there before. Damaged Mars was, but functional. Dull, yet sharp. As always, the daughter of fire was a walking contradiction, as difficult to grasp as she was beautiful to look at.
“Yes. All visits must be terminated. For good. There is evil spreading down there, and Serenity is in danger. Keep an eye on her at all times, and lock her up if necessary. The Queen mustn’t find out, Mars.”
“All visits?” Mars asked, ignoring the instruction, and Venus fought the urge to fidget. She hadn’t told anyone about her own dalliance with Kunzite. Jadeite knew, but he was the only one. Up here on the moon, her secret was safe.
“Yes, all. Yours, Jupiter’s, and most importantly, Serenity’s.”
“Jupiter is with child,” Mars said, her violet eyes dull.
“She is what?” Venus asked, sure she must have misheard.
Mars shrugged. “Do with this what you will. I’ll speak to Serenity, tell her to stay here.” She got up, not bothering to shake the leaves off her gown. “I’ll tell her all about my broken heart; maybe it will keep her by my side.” Venus could only stare as Mars continued. “She has always been a kind soul, after all,” Mars mused, her voice a shrug, “I’m sure she will wish to comfort me.”
The senshi of fire left, moving through the garden like a ghost until she disappeared into the palace.
***
Venus hurried through the palace. This was a catastrophe. She could keep the princess’ affair from the Queen, she could make sure Mars remained in line despite her grief, but she could hardly have Jupiter strongarm Serenity into staying on the Moon while the senshi was cradling a half-Terran child. Damn Nephrite to the seven heels of Uranus and beyond. Between Mars’ curious mixture of cunning and numbness and Jupiter’s excruciating stupidity, Venus felt her world crumbling.
A handmaiden and two soldiers were chatting outside Jupiter’s rooms, and Venus slowed her steps. It wouldn’t do to raise suspicions. People looked at her, observed her behaviour, waited for her to slip, to make a mistake. She would never give them the pleasure.
“Gentlemen,” she said, putting in a swing in her step that would make them overlook her dirty garb. “Please see to the Lady Luna; she has matters of business to discuss with you.” The men blinked, nodded, and disappeared. Venus then turned to the handmaiden. “Be so kind, my girl, and tell my staff to prepare a bath for me. As you can see, I am filthy”, and ‘wounded’, she added in her head, “and I wish to feel like myself again.” Not that that was on the cards anytime soon; the healer would have to wait.
Courtesing, the girl accepted the task and hurried off. Venus turned to Jupiter’s door and knocked. It was pulled open by Mercury, who looked like a winter morning down on that blasted planet. Red cheeks like the fires they lit to cover the horrid cold, skin as white as snow, and eyes as blue as their lakes just before they froze.
“Mercury, I need to speak with Jupiter alone. Go keep Serenity or Mars company. And meet me in my chambers before breakfast tomorrow, we have things to discuss.” Not sparing her friend and fellow guardian another glance, Venus strode into Jupiter’s chambers, leaving it to Mercury to close the door.
“Venus, you’re back!” Jupiter exclaimed. She was bent over a loom, working on a colourful blanket. Scanning her body, Venus tilted her head. Oh, there would be hell to pay for this, she’d make sure of it.
“Is that a baby blanket you’re working on?” she asked, each word laced with cold rage. Silence settled over the room.
Blanching, Jupiter lowered the shuttle. “Mars shouldn’t have told you, I----”
“Not a word,” Venus hissed and stepped closer. “Had I the time, and weren’t danger almost on our doorstep, Jupiter, I would have you sent back to your family and hired someone from Uranus instead, and you know full well what I think of those barbarians. Alas, circumstances prevent me from doing so, so listen to me, and listen well.”
Tears began to pool in Jupiter’s eyes.
“You will not see him again, unless it’s on a battlefield right here on the moon. If he doesn’t yet know, you will not tell him. No communication, none at all. No more trips with or for Serenity. You keep this a secret, or you don’t keep it at all. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Venus, how can I keep this a secret? People will see.”
“Creative costuming. Some trick of Mercury’s. I don’t care. Figure it out. If you want to keep the child, fine. But you’ll have to set it up outside the palace. Servants can take care of it, you can visit. Again, I do not care. If we get through this unharmed, if the danger passes, you’ll be free to make a choice between staying here and serving Serenity, or going elsewhere and being a mother. Until then, I expect you to do as I say.”
Jupiter looked down at the blanket. “I love him, Venus.”
Steeling herself, Venus stared down at her friend. She knew all about love, its pleasures and its pain. It was her sacred duty to aid lovers, but it was one that was incompatible with taking care of Serenity. She’d made her choice long ago, and while she wished Jupiter could be happy, it simply wasn’t to be. “He is rebelling against that prince Serenity is oh so in love with. Secret meetings with the Lady Beryl, Jupiter,” Venus whispered, mindful that even here, the walls sometimes had ears.
Tears began to spill down Jupiter’s face. “Now you are just being cruel.”
“Serenity is what matters. You don’t matter, that child of yours doesn’t matter, and Nephrite certainly doesn’t matter. So tell me, and tell now, Jupiter: when the dark days come, will you still stand by Serenity’s side?”
Jupiter got up, easily towering over Venus. “Of course I will.”
“Then you might better get rid of it,” Venus replied, and with one last barb-laced look, left.
***
Magic never goes into one direction only. Mercury of course was very well aware of it, but Venus wasn’t. She had never bothered herself with the complicated protection charms Mercury told her about and was instead happy to have the youngest senshi simply put them into place instead.
So it came that in the earliest hours of the morning, just when the sun was rising on earth, the moon, while ambling towards a new day, was still in the dark and the head of Serenity’s guard in bed, unsuspecting, and more tired than she’d ever been.
Even so, her sleep was difficult to come by. She’d been too hard to Jupiter, not appreciative enough of Mercury, hadn’t paid Serenity enough attention, and still had no idea how to help Mars find a new place in the world. Personally, she didn’t think that the loss of a lover and one’s virginity was the end of the world, but Mars was different. She was more honourable; better than her in almost every way. Gentle, too.
Sighing, Venus turned in bed.
“You’re restless,” a familiar voice said, and Venus jumped, immediately reaching for the dagger she kept by her bedside.
Kunzite stepped into her line of vision. He wasn’t wearing his uniform, but a dark hooded cloak. His green eyes flashed silver for a second.
“I’ve come to deliver a warning.”
“How did you get in here?” Kunzite smiled at her question. Given the nature of their last meeting, this unsettled her more than anything. They hadn’t parted as friends, let alone lovers. A smile wasn’t what she had expected from him. “Kunzite, how did you get in here?” she repeated, dagger in hand.
“Your transportation magic left traces I could follow,” he replied as if swatting away a fly. It didn’t matter how he got here, it wasn’t something he found even remotely interesting. For someone who had just a few months ago learned how to access the untapped source of magic in his soul, this was telling. Beryl was teaching them well. She couldn’t give them powers they didn’t have before, but she could teach them how to make use of them. Goosebumps rose on Venus’ skin. If she also taught that prince of theirs, then Queen Serenity might eventually face an opponent she couldn’t easily do away with.
“What warning?” she asked.
“Jadeite is no longer your ally, Venus,” Kunzite said, stepping closer to her bed.
He was never an ally, Venus thought, he was a friend. Kunzite reached out and covered her hand still clutching the dagger with his own. “He is in Beryl’s grasp, fully. The same applies for Nephrite, and soon for me too.”
Venus frowned and resisted the urge to draw her hand back. She’d only slice the linens. “Are you speaking of defection or of a curse?”
Kunzite’s face was impassive. “We are not your men, Venus. We cannot defect from your ranks. The politics of Earth are changing, and some of us are more convinced than others, but Beryl makes good points. They are too bloody for my taste, but good nevertheless.”
And there it was, the warning. Between the lines, but in the words. They would kill Serenity on sight. And probably Mars and Jupiter too. A price for their new world order.
“What of your prince?” Venus asked.
“My king,” Kunzite corrected. “He too will see reason.”
Venus looked at the man she had loved, she had lain with, she had trusted despite herself. This was his final gesture of grace; a warning to keep her both safe and separate.
“We will no longer let Serenity come to Earth,” she finally conceded, and wondered whether it would be enough to keep her safe. “Can your pri-- king come to the Moon the same way you did?”
“He can, but he won’t.”
Venus thought of Beryl, of the growing sunspots all across the southern fields of Earth, of the dragons she had seen circling the western plains, of friends and lovers lost in such a short span of time. “There is darkness growing on your planet,” she eventually said, hoping to impart a warning of her own.
Kunzite shook his head and smiled at her, letting go of her hand. “It’s not darkness, Venus.” He retreated back into the shadows, his cloak merging with the darkness of the night until she could only see his eyes. This time, she was sure. They had changed colour. They were silver.
“It’s power.”
*** End of Interlude II ***