Savéol by Jessica Pendragon

Building Bridges

And we're changing our ways, taking different roads...

He did not want to be here.

The ship shook as they passed through the thick cloud cover, the world of Venus an orange haze around him. He was just as hesitant to pass into the unknown, to a world foreign and frightening. Two years of constant negotiations, endless patience and sometimes -- stiff opposition had brought him here. Their world was growing smaller, and with it, the whole galaxy seemed to shrink as well. Everything was changing, led by the visions of his prince who seemed too bold for one his age. The young ruler’s dreams extended beyond the sky to the stars, and as a result, sent a heavenly king shooting off into the expanse.

He could not deny that his master had made a wise decision in his choice, knowing Zoicite would have felt more at home dealing with the complex scientific world of the Mercurians. Someone uncompromising and with endless wit like Jadeite was the clear choice to fan the fires of the Martian delegates. Nephrite would be sent to deal with Jupiter’s rulers, not because he was the right man to face these proud and strong people, but because he was the wrong one to send into the hands of the Venusians. Many rumors of their beauty and promiscuity encircled the mysterious twin planet, and Nephrite was sure to form his own ideas of a 'peace mission.'

Kunzite was the only one to trust with a mission to this exotic world. It was important they make a good impression on the Venusians, for they held high prestige in the Silver Millennium. He was trained in diplomacy and etiquette as it was his job on Earth to be the prince's spokesman. He was kind and understanding, but would not relent on the terms his sovereign had given him. His past made him an unreadable fortress whose emotions would never interfere with his work, as well. He practiced a most primeval religion on Earth that taught control of one’s mind and body above all else, challenging the limits of one’s own existence. Only through extreme discipline and patience could one achieve the level he had reached. Above all, Kunzite was honorable.

The word made Kunzite's lip twitch involuntarily. His master had meant it as a compliment, but he could still remember the snickers of the others. He knew of the long standing bet for who would find out the tale of his first bedding. At the memories of their foolish faces and lavish attempts, Kunzite had to smirk. It wasn't that he didn't want to share in their companionship. He was the leader, however, and telling tavern tales would be frowned upon from someone of his station. His every action reflected on his prince, and he quickly learned that answering only to one man was not as liberating as one might think.

He didn't want to be here, yet he didn't want to let his most trusted friend and master down, either.

With that thought, the clouds finally broke, revealing the secrets beneath. He found a landscape none too different from his home world, with vast green and yellow fields in-between a few patches of oddly colored trees. There were no mountains that he could see -- only rolling hills and broken cliffs -- and no bodies of water larger than a lake in sight. They flew over large cities as advanced as the vessel that carried him, to villages as old as the sword around his waist. Large stacks like bare trees shot up from the ground sporadically, pluming large white clouds into the sky. He knew they somehow kept the air breathable on Venus, but did not know the specifics. He only knew it was another change to his once simple world. Everything was changing so quickly. Only a few years ago they had cared nothing for the universe beyond their sky. One event had altered all that.

"We're approaching the capitol now, Sire," the captain informed him and Kunzite turned his eyes to the east.

The capitol rested upon the highest hill he had seen so far; shining and sparkling as the perpetual sunshine reflected off fine metal and pristine glass structures. Young Earth was nowhere near the magnificence and magnitude of Venus’ ancient and proud timeline. He could practically see every century of knowledge and expertise carved into the glistening buildings. This place was pure history, a history far greater than he could ever imagine. They descended, moving closer until he could see the paved streets and many of the fair-haired citizens. The ship shuddered as it hovered in place momentarily, the landing gear uncurling itself like spider's legs. As the craft touched down gently and the door opened, he knew there was no returning now. A soft, warm wind filled the cabin, tousling his hair and giving him his first real taste of this strange planet. What else would await him out there? Steeling his nerves, he straightened and stepped into the light, and was immediately assaulted by a pair of strong arms, the soldier in him was ready to react instantly, but a burst of jovial laughter stayed his hand from unsheathing his sword.

"Welcome my lord!" The man's accent was thick and rich, and as the King of Venus pulled away, Kunzite could see the mirth in his blue eyes.

"I think you've frightened him, my love." Kunzite glanced up, finding three more figures approaching. The woman who spoke gave him an apologetic smile as she placed a hand on the king's shoulder. "Offer him a proper greeting."

"Of course, I, King Marceneau, welcome you to Venus." The king bowed at the waist, mimicking the formal greeting of Kunzite's home world, and the Heavenly King finally allowed himself to relax. He smiled pleasantly, bowing in response. "And this is my family,” the king continued. “My wife and queen, Jocelyn, my son Marceneau, and my youngest daughter, Ashani."

Kunzite greeted everyone in turn until the young princess approached. She stared up at him with a sly smile, swaying her hips as she stalked her prey. She had to be no older than fifteen he mused, but in her eyes, there lingered a knowledge that made him question that observation.

"I'd rather be greeted according to our custom,” she said with a spark in her golden eyes.

"Ani-"

"No, it's all right." By then, Kunzite had recovered from the shock of the king's greeting and recognized a challenge when he saw it. He never thought his first test would come from someone so small or so soon, but he had a feeling this trip would be full of surprises. On Earth, he had thoroughly studied all the knowledge they possessed of Venus and Kunzite would hardly disgrace his master by making a first bad impression. Even though she was young, the whole court was watching them. So he bowed to her level with a grin of his own and leaned forward, touching his lips to each of her warm cheeks twice. "Miro-vael," he said, and a blush slowly rose up her face.

"Miro-vael," she repeated and quickly stepped back with the rest of her family.

"Well then! Let's go inside," the king said, wrapping an arm around Kunzite's shoulders.

"Did you enjoy the sights on your trip here?" the queen asked as they started walking.

"It was eye opening," he replied.

"You must be tired, Lord Kunzite. Feel free to rest and relax until dinner," she continued.

"We can discuss your reasons for coming here later," King Marceneau read his mind. "After all, you'll be here for a month, no need to rush, yes? Although this month will be very busy indeed. It is the best time to visit Venus, but the worst time as well, if you understand me. Do you know of what holiday is approaching?”

“Yes, it is the Festival of Savéol and the New Year.”

“Ah, very good! But do not fret; we won’t forget you! We are just as committed to this as is your prince. I promise you that, but Savéol! It is the most sacred and dear of holidays and requires all of our attention. Many Venusians have returned to their home world from the moon to celebrate this occasion. In fact, one has offered to be your official tour guide during your stay here.”

"And who, may ask, is that?" he asked as they entered the palace, and the king nodded his head in response.

Kunzite looked up, suddenly blinded by glistening gold. A woman stood before them, loose golden hair, much like the queen's, spilling over strong shoulders. She wore a short skirt that would normally raise brows in his society, but this woman was known and feared throughout the system by the outfit gracing her well-toned body. He knew her immediately and humbly bowed before the soldier in white and gold.

"Sailor Venus."

For a moment, she simply stared at him as if she was surprised to see him, even though they had never met before, and she clearly must have been expecting him. There was such a look in her eyes; Kunzite found himself drawn in against his will. For a split second, he felt his heart jump, as if electrocuted by lightning. It was a strange sensation, one he had never known. He couldn’t quite explain it, nor was he prepared to experience anything like this. He expected some Venusian prodding, using their fine-tuned emotional energy to get a sense of his thoughts. It was another reason why his prince had sent only him. Yet this was different. She seemed to be experiencing something similar, but the moment didn't last very long for she was quick to recover. As she smiled pleasantly, the feeling disappeared as if it had never occurred at all.

"Welcome to my home world, Lord Kunzite." She bowed, and he found her accent slight -- almost non-existent.

He took time to rise from his low bow as he tried to rid himself of the cobwebs of confusion from his thoughts, before facing her with steel-blue eyes again. He wouldn’t show any weakness; he couldn’t. "I wasn't expecting to have an audience with a Sailor Senshi on my trip."

"Who better to show you around than Venus herself?" She grinned, but it did not reach her eyes. He knew she wasn't telling the truth, yet made no sign to suggest otherwise. If he didn’t know any better, he would think he found a kindred spirit sympathetic with his ancient rituals. The Silver Millennium obviously didn't trust his government enough to leave him alone, that was certain. It was all too convenient that she should be here. But she was hiding something else.

"Well, we will leave you now. Enjoy your rest, and we look forward to seeing you at dinner," King Marceneau spoke up.

Alone and under her stare, Kunzite was feeling the most uncertainty so far of this visit, although he couldn't completely understand why. There was just something about her, perhaps the way her eyes changed colors -- as if a war was going on behind those blue orbs -- that kept him on edge. The look she had given him still clearly branded in his mind, and he couldn't shake the feeling, like maybe he should know what she was saying by looking at him like that, without speaking a word.

"Well, shall we?" She turned, sweeping her gloved arm out and beckoning him to follow.

Wordlessly, he nodded, coming to walk beside her. They traversed the halls, sizing each other up with stolen glances -- analyzing everything they could, like soldiers studying their enemies. He had never met one of the Sailor Senshi before. By some tales told, they were ethereal goddesses who held power unimaginable. Others depicted them as wicked women that enraptured men with their looks, while many other folkloric tales were somewhere in-between.

Kunzite had to admit, she was beautiful. Her hair was a color unlike any he had ever seen, and her eyes were bright, so bright it seemed he would be able to see them from across a room. Grace and strength she possessed as well, the grace of a princess and the strength of the legendary warrior that she was. In these halls, Sailor Venus shone and stood out amongst the crowd — almost too much. Something was different about her, distinguishing her from the rest of her people, some force he could not quite understand.

He didn't want to be here. But now, at least, he found a reason to stay.

Back to Summary Page