Savéol by Jessica Pendragon

What We Say and What We Mean

Do you cry out in your sleep?

“Are you there, Kunzite?”

It was a voice Kunzite recognized in an instant. But for a moment, he could not identify the source. His rooms remained still and empty, yet it was obvious he was not its sole inhabitant.

Kunzite strode towards the elaborate stone fireplace, massive and exquisite, flanked by two doorways that led to his sitting area and bathroom, respectively. There was no fire in the hearth now; he could not imagine wanting such warmth when it was so hot outside. Resting on the large mantle was an indiscriminant control panel that resembled a small, oval statue. The buttons, scripted in Venusian, shown softly like the elevator control Venus had pressed in the hallway.

A maid had tersely shown him what each symbol meant, and for a moment, he had to remember. At his touch, two black poles slowly ascended from the mantle, one on each end of the large expanse. As they came into place, a flash of color sparkled in his eyes and a holographic screen appeared. It took a moment to focus, but as the view became familiar, Kunzite smiled at his friends.

“Ah, there you are. Greetings, Kunzite,” Endymion said, smiling. The prince’s sapphire eyes sparkled with relief and joy at seeing his most trusted Shitennou alive and well, and Kunzite could not help smiling back at his cheerful expression. Nephrite and Jadeite were behind him with eager smiles of their own, and the latter Shitennou was doing a good job trying to keep Zoisite out of the picture with a stiff arm.

Kunzite bowed before his prince. “Master, it is good to see you; all of you.”

“Your crew told us you had arrived safely, but we would not sleep until we heard from you directly,” Endymion vowed and the others chorused behind him. “Have they shown you proper courtesy, Kunzite?”

“King Marceneau and his family have been most kind,” replied the ivory warrior.

“Tell us everything that’s happened to you,” Jadeite demanded and Endymion nodded his approval.

“Aw Jadeite let me in!” Zoisite whined in the background as Kunzite began his narrative. He held no information back about his meeting with the royals, their interesting dinner and the gift ceremony that followed. He even relayed Queen Jocelyn’s warning, although he did not divulge completely the reason behind her sage-like advice. Of every other detail, he waxed eloquent upon; to the layout of the city, to the interesting snake charm bracelet Jocelyn wore around her wrist. He tried to paint the pictures for them as Nephrite did so vividly, but Kunzite knew he was not his equal.

“Your trip sounds fruitful so far, Kunzite. Today gives me great hope that Venus will be sympathetic to our cause in this campaign. With them on our side, I’m confident we could convince even Mars to cast a vote for us.”

Kunzite knew that what he would say next would ruin Endymion’s good mood, but it had to be said. Yet he hesitated mentioning the presence of Sailor Venus, as he had quailed at mentioning his wayward thoughts that had caught the queen’s attention. His discomfort both alarmed and irritated him; Kunzite kept his darkest secrets to himself as most men did, but he held little back from his prince if it needed to be said. A strange feeling was pushing his logic away, as if the knowledge of Sailor Venus was for him alone and his secret to keep.

“However, there was one surprise, one that could disrupt our chances of gaining their trust, or propel it,” Kunzite declared, and Jadeite finally let the youngest Shitennou into the picture as his interest shifted. Zoisite let out a dramatic sigh before standing next to Nephrite, his ponytail slightly askew. Kunzite did not wait for them to ask what, but said, “Sailor Venus is here.”

As he knew it would, Endymion’s smile faded and the young prince’s jaw clenched tight like a band ready to snap. Kunzite was never one to enjoy surprises, but more than anything, Endymion did not like to be mocked or seen as a fool. The others became muted behind him and stared at their master, waiting for his reaction. Kunzite detected more than his troubled expression; he saw a slight sadness and confusion that the others could not see in Endymion’s eyes.

“They don’t trust us, then?” Endymion said, his voice deep and indiscernible.

“This is a monumental decision, Master, and it should not and will not be made lightly. Perhaps Queen Serenity wanted to make sure the proceedings went as smoothly as possible when she ordered Sailor Venus here.”

“Or she wants to make sure we fail,” mumbled Jadeite.

“Does Sailor Venus seem receptive to our cause?” asked Endymion.

“She seems to support her queen and princess, but of her personal opinion she gave none.”

“It will be just as important to convince Sailor Venus as the royal family now, Kunzite, probably more so. Win her over first, if you can,” Endymion ordered.

“Yes, Master.”

“What is she like?” Zoisite asked suddenly, coming closer to the screen.

Kunzite thought of her standing before him the first time they met, impassive save for her eyes, which swarmed like an ocean storm. “She is well guarded, but friendly enough. I have only spent an hour or so with her so far, and her personality seems too dynamic for me to learn all there is to know about her at a glance.”

“Is she beautiful?” The question caught Kunzite off guard, but the others looked at him expectantly as well. In his mind, he saw her on the observation deck with her half-smile and hair dancing in the wind. He had been caught staring, a grievous offense that had him storming away in embarrassment, but she was like nothing he had ever seen before.

“I think the myths about the Sailor Senshi have not lied in that respect, at least not for Sailor Venus,” he replied.

Zoisite sighed dreamily. “I so wish I was there to see everything; the bright sun, the rich clothes, the elegant finery of the palace. Winter is so very drab here.”

“Oh enough of you,” Jadeite pushed the young Shitennou, unbalancing him and then stifled a sudden yawn.

“Yes, we have stayed here too long, and now that we have seen you we can finally get on with the rest of the day,” Endymion said. “I do believe our breakfast has been waiting for us for awhile.”

“I think it’s almost lunch time,” Zoisite said.

“Lunch?” Kunzite repeated.

“Yes,” Endymion said with a smile. “It’s morning here.”

Kunzite finally realized why he was so tired. “Well then, have a pleasant day Master, Shitennou.”

“Sleep well, Kunzite. Contact us as often as you can. Good luck, my friend.”

“And wear your white uniform tomorrow! Earth’s ambassador indeed. They’re going to think we’re all unfashiona-”

Zoisite’s banter was cut off as the transmission ended, leaving Kunzite chuckling softly. The bright sun still shone into the room, so he went to the windows and found another indiscrete panel. Pressing it, the wall of glass became tinted until it seemed night time had settled over the city below. The days were long here, that was certain, but the Venusians seemed more than equal to the task.

Exhausted, he finally fell into the plush bed and into a dreamless sleep.

=

Kunzite was always an early riser. He learned to appreciate the beauty of the moments before dawn first from his father as they tended the flock together, and then from the wisdom of the Shom-car. Dawn was their most sacred time; it was the beginning of life, a time of rejuvenation for the whole Earth. He kept faithful to his flock and following and thus was surprised when a knock on the door woke him from slumber.

He was not accustomed to having even his servants rising before him, let alone his comrades. After a moment of hazy hesitation, the Shitennou was wide-awake and ready at the door. Yet with all his wisdom and practice, Kunzite was ill prepared for who awaited him on the other side of the threshold.

Sailor Venus stood bright eyed and grinning in the light, and unnaturally excited for the hour. Kunzite had a suspicion Venus was not a morning person, but she seemed to be proving him wrong at every turn, and also piquing his curiosity at the same time.

“Te ralaia ano miro, Lord Kunzite,” she greeted, her voice clear and cheerful. For a moment, she reminded him of King Marceneau in her manners. Kunzite pushed the dangerous idea of thinking the former crown princess was much easier on the eyes than her father. He was spending too much time with Nephrite that was certain.

“It means good morning,” Venus continued, thinking his silence meant ignorance. “Well, it actually means-“

“The morning is well,” Kunzite chorused. “Te ralai ano miro, Sailor Venus.”

“I’m sorry, did I wake you? I was so sure you were an early riser,” she apologized, creasing her eyebrows and concentrating, as if she were a scientist trying to understand why her experiment had gone wrong.

“I am usually, but the journey and the differences here on your planet necessitate my needing to make an adjustment.”

“Oh, of course. Well, your breakfast will be here shortly. A servant will bring it to your rooms; I thought you would want to have some time alone after yesterday. In an hour I will return to take you on a tour of our military facility as scheduled.”

“Thank you, Lady Venus.”

She bowed to him in the custom of his own home and caught his eyes as she straightened. For a moment, he saw something strange in her gaze, like there was so much more she wanted to say, but she smiled and trotted away before he could understand it.

Kunzite took a few moments to reorganize his things before he walked to the center of his room. He stood like a statue for some time, his breathing even and soft. Then, in one fluid movement he crouched, swinging his leg around in a wide semi-circle, and began his morning stretches. He moved gracefully like the flowing creeks surrounding his home, and punched the air as the waterfalls pound the stones. His movements were sharp and fluid, quick and slow, and by the time, he was finished fifteen minutes later a shallow layer of sweat dotted his brow. He headed to the lavish bathroom. Indoor plumbing was not a new technology to Earth, but it was to Kunzite. He was used to bathing in the river or the hot springs and cool waterfalls of the mountains. But there was a reason he was Endymion’s second in command: he adjusted well.

He soaked in the water, letting the warmth melt his fatigue and aches away. An hour was more than he needed to prepare for the day, so he took his time making sure he would look presentable. He wore his white suit with Zoisite’s advice ringing in his ears. It was much like his grey uniform, but for the more decorative braided thread forming a trident pattern across his chest and two bands around his wrists. The pants were a faded chocolate. It was his battle uniform, and seemed appropriate for the outing. Also, a matching brown cape, with sapphire fabric lining its underside, and leather belt and scabbard for his sword, but he declined those options considering the heat and implications.

After his breakfast, which must have magically appeared while he was bathing, a knock shook the door and once more, Sailor Venus stood grinning before him. “Shall we?”

=

They walked through the palace proper and to the lower section behind the building itself. The military yard was a large diamond structure three stories tall. They did not enter the main building, but walked passed the stables and armory to the outside training yards. Kunzite could hear the sound of fighting drills before the men came into sight. The four yards linked by corridors with freestanding columns on either side. A circular area sat where the four corners touched and Kunzite could see a few of the soldiers cooling off in the large three-tiered fountain. Together they walked down the wide steps to the facility and Venus led him to the closest yard on their right, which he took to be solely for the purpose of swordplay. Ten or fifteen soldiers clanked their practice weapons against each other while a few used real swords towards the back.

“General Tular,” Venus called out.

Tular seemed surprised to see her there and at once called to his men, “Company lines!” he shouted, and his voice breaking towards the end.

Kunzite noticed Venus smirking at that. The men obeyed and in an instant fell into neat designated order. “General Tular is a commander of the Omesa. He handles the juniors,” Venus explained and motioned for the general to approach. “General, this is Lord Kunzite, ambassador from Earth.”

The Shitennou saw the look of aggravation flash across the other man’s face, but it was quick to die with Venus nearby.

“Lord Kunzite,” he greeted and gestured in the Venusian way.

“I wanted Kunzite to see our finest in action, and none are so fine than those under your command.”

“Of course, thank you, your highness. There are no finer soldiers in the solar system than the Omesa,” Tular boasted, and seemed to inflate under Venus’ words, but Kunzite did not miss what his eyes also implied by that statement. The general turned to bark orders at some of the men who had begun whispering to one another.

“Lady Venus,” a voice said behind them and a woman appeared. “I have the information you wanted.”

Venus sighed, turning apologetic eyes on her guest. “Excuse me.”

“Would you like a demonstration from my soldiers, Lord Kunzite?” Tular said, suddenly beside him.

“I would be honored,” Kunzite replied.

Tular motioned for the garrison to separate and two soldiers melted away from the crowd. One Kunzite easily recognized. “Prince Marceneau is my best student. He will be fighting with a Stern- the Omesa’s superior sword.”

Kunzite noticed Marceneau’s opponent held an Earthen long sword. He was more concerned with how they procured the weapon instead of Tular’s blatant stab at his homeland’s worth.

“Begin,” Tular ordered, and the two crossed swords in acknowledgement.

Marceneau was quick and agile, his fighting technique fluid. He seemed to wax and wane like the tides. Creeping through his enemy’s defenses like water pours through cracks in rock. His opponent possessed an unmovable quality, using his sword’s length and thickness to his advantage. He was the mountain, and Marceneau the river. Both were unstoppable. It seemed like they would be fairly matched forever until a sickening metal screech filled the air as Marceneau’s sword ripped his opponent’s in half. The boy had no option but submit as the others clapped for the victor.

“As you see; Venusian metal is superior,” Tular said, his voice thick with disdain.

“Yes, the Stern is impressive. It seems they are paramount to your order’s success, as well,” Kunzite commented and watched as a vein at Tular’s temple throbbed and his jaw clenched in anger.

“You-” Tular stopped as they both noted Marceneau and his partner approaching.

“What did you think, Kunzite?” Marceneau asked and gazed pointedly at Tular. The general huffed in outrage before storming off to yell at a few boys laughing close by.

“Well done, Your Highness,” Kunzite complimented.

Marceneau had enough sense to look chagrined. “I’m sorry about the swords, Kunzite. In any other court, I am Tular’s superior, but not this one. I also thought he would best me and prove Tular wrong.” He nudged his partner beside him. “This is Adonis Manpyra. He comes from a powerful matchmaking family.”

Kunzite did not miss the hint, and steeled his mind. “Well met, Adonis.”

“My lord.”

“You fight well with a long sword. May I?” Adonis handed the sword over and watched Kunzite flip it in his hands.

“This is used in Nephrite’s realm. It takes great strength and balance; a fighter of your skill would be welcomed in our army.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Adonis smiled proudly as Kunzite returned the weapon.

“Is my brother causing you trouble?” Venus’ sweet voice came from behind the Shitennou, and Kunzite watched Marceneau’s face change before him. He was the one that seemed troubled as the senshi came into their group. “Hello, Marceneau.”

“Lady Venus.” Venus came to a quick, shocked stop at her brother’s curt words. “We should be getting back; we’ve caused enough trouble with Tular already.”

Marceneau and his partner disappeared back into the crowd, but Venus remained where she was. Kunzite had been waiting for her to show her true colors, but his exhilaration was quickly fading. It was obvious that what had passed between the siblings deeply pained her, for she was letting her strong façade down enough for him to see the swarming sadness in her eyes. He fought a desperate, sudden urge to reach out for her, as if only he could save her from the storm within. It was madness.

Venus regained her senses in an instant, for as she blinked and turned to him, the look of sadness was replaced with one of a more jovial disposition. Her sudden flip in her feelings made Kunzite’s head reel; unknowingly or not, she was affecting him as well as herself. How could she manage to be so many things, feel so many things, and not rip apart?

“Now you know.”

“Know what?” He dared not call her Lady Venus now.

“Tular is not a supporter of your cause. I brought you here today to give you a tour, but also to show you what you will be up against in the weeks to come,” she revealed. She began to walk back the way they came, and beckoned for him to follow.
The clang of the military facility waned as they climbed the deep steps and returned to the palace proper.

“So you will help us, then?” It was a bold question, but Venus smirked as if she held a great riddle he yearned to learn. In a way, it was true. Endymion was right; while Sailor Venus did not rule the planet, she was its champion and spoke for it nonetheless.

“I’m simply leveling the playing field a little,” she replied. “Now, did you have any where special in mind you wished to visit today?”

With the subject clearly closed for now, Kunzite answered, “I hadn’t given it much thought actually, I’m afraid.”

“Good. I have the perfect place in mind then. Are you opposed to flying?”

=

They crossed to the other side of the palace, a good ten minute walk in practical silence, and reached the royal hanger. Along their trek, they had procured the company of three finely dressed guards, which Venus stated were for mere appearances sake. Inside, the Shitennou found a flock of Venusian vessels, sleek and shining with a high metallic sheen. Kunzite’s ship seemed bulky and grotesque amongst their ranks. They approached a smaller vehicle, its outer shell a pale red that glistened purple and blue as they moved closer.

“This is my personal vessel. I think she’ll do fine for this adventure.” She caressed the hull as if it was her favorite prized mare, and at her touch, a door opened.

“Please sit.” Venus motioned to one of the two couches to either side. They were made of soft material that Kunzite seemed to sink into. The ship was very open and only the back seemed to be cut off by a door-less, hard wall of grey. Venus brought the vehicle to life with a touch of her finger as the engines whirled beneath them. The guards took their stations in the cockpit while Venus stepped back into the sitting area. She reached up to a beam supporting the structure and pressed a button, and instantly a wall strong and palpable appeared between them and the soldiers. Kunzite reached up to touch it as the senshi pressed another glowing orb and the walls around them seemed to tumble down, the back that was once closed off opening to give them an almost uninterrupted view. They rolled through the hanger and out into the sky like a graceful bird taking flight.

“Desidé, this city, is the largest city on Venus now. There are only four major cities left, two on either side. Most Venusians choose to live in them or the Moon, but a few risk the wilderness. You can see Tralon, the other Eastern city, from here.” She pointed in the distance and Kunzite saw what looked like strange jagged trees in the haze. He realized the old settlements he had seen on his way in were the wilderness towns. “After Savéol, we will be going to Irye, the Western capitol.”

“The royal family?”

“No, everyone.”

“But why?”

She looked at him closely, tilting her head as if measuring something. “How much do you know about this planet, Kunzite?”

“I’m afraid not as much as I would like to have known before coming here. There was little time to prepare and I learned mostly on the way. And of course, we know little about the Silver Millennium. I learned a few customs and phrases, and I know a little about your geography from a few scientists I could contact,” Kunzite answered. “I know Venus is considered Earth’s twin, or vice versa, for we are about the same size. Most of the upper atmosphere is filled with poisonous gas, but it does not seem to affect you to any great extent down here. The whole planet is cloud covered, and as I can tell, you have warm weather and very long days. I don’t think the sun went down until I fell asleep.”

She shook her head. “It did not go down at all.”

Kunzite raised an eyebrow where others would have gaped with their mouths open. “How can that be?”

“Ever since The Event, Venus’ spin has been slowing. It escaped being destroyed that day, but it did not escape all together.” She crossed over to his couch and pointed to a field below. “See those stacks? They are keeping the air breathable. If not for them, the poison above would have killed every Venusian long ago. The core has also slowed, and the clouds protect them from the harmful rays, but the balance cannot last forever.” She placed her chin on her crossed arms and gazed unseeing to the horizon. “Venus is dying.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, surprising both of them with his sincerity. She smiled her half smile and turned to face him.

“I received a detailed description of your home last night. My sister would not let me sleep until every word was spoken about you. Earth seems very wonderful,” she complimented. “Can I ask you something? Is it really true you were prophesied to help Prince Endymion?”

“That is what they say,” Kunzite replied noncommittally, but it did not deter her.

“I do find it ironic that four lords with common names would find themselves in his service, don’t you?”

“Five, if you count his betrothed,” Kunzite added. “Your family did not like the subject when it was brought up yesterday—especially your father.”

The same sadness came to her eyes that had lurked there in the training yard. For a long time they were silent and the quiet whirl of the engines became their world. He let his gaze wander over the land, as she seemed to stare once again into the distance, no doubt seeing things of which Kunzite could only dream. He did not expect her to answer, but she seemed pleased to surprise him whenever she could.

“My family did not take it well when I was chosen to become Sailor Venus. The years before I was born were hard for my parents. They had lost their true first born and when my mother was pregnant with me an evil force had come to freeze the solar system, and almost succeeded if not for Queen Serenity. My father thought he would lose both of us from the bitter cold. When I was finally born, he had the whole planet rejoicing for days. He gave me a grand name and all the hope for his people. Then, Queen Serenity came for me four years later. He was heartbroken; they all were, and I suppose still are.”

“And you?”

Cobalt eyes settled on him, searching for his intentions, much like Prince Marceneau had done. “I have sacrificed a great deal to become Sailor Venus. My inheritance, my family, my name, my lo-,” she stopped and turned away from him. “But I have gained much too; a purpose, a new family, and I would not trade them for anything either.”

An impasse then, that’s where she was. There was no movement either way, no real choice to make. To lose one family, but gain another and know you could never go back without hurting someone else. Kunzite knew that well. But luckily, or unluckily, he had no one left to which he could return. He was beginning to see they were very similar indeed.

The craft suddenly banked smoothly and began its descent. “Ah, we are here.”

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