The next few days passed by in a blur. Kunzite did not see Loni as much as he wished for festivities kept her away. He was not in much need of other companionship, however. A doctor came to see him twice a day and guards followed him closely. A silent tailor took measurements for a mysterious garment he was to wear at the final ceremony and the aging man refused to reveal his benefactor. The days were mostly routine and boredom, except visits from the Sailor Senshi. She appeared sporadically and suddenly throughout the day, as if trying to avoid detection. Everyone knew she was his official escort; it should raise no suspicion, but Kunzite had a feeling she was keeping something from him.
He was currently awaiting an audience with the king in his royal antechamber. The space had usual Venusian flourish, but the smooth woods and soft accent colors gave it a more homely feel. Lavish but grounded, the exact opinion Kunzite had of the elder Marceneau.
“Ah there you are,” the king’s booming voice even seemed to echo off the padded walls. He caught the Shitennou’s shoulders mid-bow and held the general in an awkward position for a few seconds. “It’s good to see you, as always. Things have been a little exciting, have they not?”
Marceneau’s exuberant laughter drowned Kunzite’s response. The king continued on without noticing. “This place is in a right state, it seems. Vermin lurk in the shadows then attack outright. Old customs are being broken, our most sacred events desecrated and the future in question. And in the midst of all that, we have one Terran entangled in it all.”
Kunzite did not immediately know how to respond. Marceneau seemed in a good natured mood, but there was a cloud of darkness over his expression. He decided to remain silent.
“General Tular has given us the true identity of the renegade Phage: Manpyre. Yet we have failed to find him thus far. There are miles and miles of underground cities on Venus, hundreds of places on the surface. Not to mention he could have escaped the planet before we blockaded travel. But I swear, we will find him. He has threatened your life more than once and I promised your prince you would be safe. I am sorry your mission here was so convoluted with our own affairs. It was not as I had hoped. “
“I beg your pardon your majesty, but it was more than I ever expected.”
Marceneau let out a large bark of joy. “I imagine so.”
“I have nothing but respect for you and your people. Earth is not a sphere of perfect unity either. Had I merely stayed in my room and kept your culture at bay, what would you have thought of me? What would I have accomplished? I only regret being a cause for disruption and pain to your family.”
“Kunzite, Kunzite.” The king took him by the shoulders more gently this time. ‘You have been more than I expected, as well. I admit that even I had prejudices of your people before I came to see you better. My daughter lives because of you. My family and people that met you seem absolutely smitten. You were the perfect man for the job, for many reasons. That’s why I am proud to give you this.”
Marceneau produced a rolled parchment from his inner pockets, sealed with his ruby crest. “This is a formal document expressing our support and desire to see the Earth joined with us in the Silver Millennium. I have already sent a letter to Queen Serenity, this is for your prince. Of course I’ve made digital copies as well. Congratulations!”
On his way back to his quarters, Kunzite held the scroll carefully like a newborn child. His mission had seemed fragile at some points. After everything he had experienced here, he had almost forgotten this letter was the sole reason for his being here. Almost.
Nobility no longer gave him sideways glances, but addressed him by name as he walked the halls. Some even gave small bows in respect. His acceptance wasn’t the only thing that changed the stone passageways. The shadows had grown longer, the attire changing from thin materials to cotton and velvet. The sun that peeked in through the windows seemed much dimmer compared to when he stepped off his spacecraft a month ago. Everyone seemed to be holding their breaths, as if jumping into the water. Something important was coming.
As he entered his chambers, he found something waiting for him. Loni stood close to his wall of glass, standing pivoted to turn at a moment’s notice. She had to be careful, both of them needed to be careful. Yet when she knew it was him, she could feel her face lighting up with a smile.
“I was expecting other company,” he said.
“Oh?” Playfully, she raised a scandalized eyebrow. “I can go then.”
“I didn’t say I expected preferred company.”
“I don’t know, I find Harmon a vigorous conversationalist,” she spoke of the mostly mute tailor.
“And where is my usual retinue?” he asked, finally reaching her. They were like magnets brought close together.
“They found themselves disposed with other duties for the rest of the evening,” she revealed.
“How convenient.”
She found the easy way they could converse now fascinating, as they’d never spent a day apart. She never would have expected him to keep up with her quips so quickly; listing turning a phrase was probably not high on his resume.
“What’s this?” She managed to wrestle free the parchment from his grasp without notice.
“It’s a formal letter of Venus’ support towards Prince Endymion’s cause.”
“Good. I only had to twist his arm a little to get him to sit down to it finally. His mind has been elsewhere. I have a gift for you too.” She placed the parchment down beside a plain white box. “However, you cannot open it until tomorrow.”
“What shall I do in the meantime?”
With a sly grin, she led him to the bed. She sat on the edge, beckoning him to join her. “I thought we could become better acquainted.”
“I feel like I’ve known you my entire life,” he admitted.
“I know.” She felt her smile falter slightly. “Listen to both of us. We sound like love sick children. We are not acting like ourselves anymore, are we?”
“Perhaps not, but that does not mean it is a bad change.”
“But it can’t last.” She was sullen now, and kept her eyes intent on her lap. “You’ll be leaving soon. Hopefully, we will see each other again but if we do, we must be cautious. I don’t think announcing our...would be wise, for now.”
“I agree, for now.”
“I…I must always choose her, Kunzite. I deeply care for you, but if it came down to you two-”
“Loni,” he interrupted, reaching out to touch her face. “We both have our duties. I will never abandon Endymion either. We can find a way to work this work. If we can’t…”
She was glad he felt the same way, disappointed that he didn’t have the answers. They were one in the same, two soldiers on unfamiliar territory. Duty had been their only mantra. She knew both of them would easily slip back into their roles; they were well trained to control emotions and thoughts. However, she didn’t want to. She had tasted the forbidden fruit and now it would haunt her.
She decided something then, tightening her own hold on Kunzite’s hand. “Let us, for now, forget what must come. Let us live these moments like they will last forever, like nothing will change. Love, after all, isn’t a sin. Would that be all right?”
Her match gave his rare smile that transformed his usually stoic face. It reminded her of a clock that turned animated at noon. It made him more alive than ever.
“Yes, I think that would be fine.”
She pushed all thoughts and feelings of their separation aside as she reached out to pull him closer. She would never tire of the electricity between them and hoped it never faded. His lips were rough from his years on the windswept plains, but they were fresh with passionate inexperience. The way he caressed her she knew he had been with others, but his reaction to her touch told him there were few, and none as meaningful as this. She herself was not as sage in love and lust as she let people believe.
As their embrace grew more heated, they tumbled amongst the soft sheets. She molded herself to him, wanting to connect with him as much as she could. She was frustrated that her uniform seemed to protect her from closer intimacy just as well as it did against attacks. Unless she dissolved it away, it was almost impossible to negotiate its release. They spent the remainder of the night together, eventually cuddled close and dreaming of continuing their bedside exploration.
++++++++
When Kunzite awoke the next morning, he was alone. The room was much darker than it should have been. He thought it was a malfunction with his window system, but realized that the light was ever fading and the day now appeared as if it were a few hours before dusk. Outside in the corridors the palace staff seemed to be moving in fast forward. Its décor had changed overnight; banners of vibrant gold and deep reds lined the walls. Wreaths of flowers in different colors rested on podiums like fragrant guardians.
Festivities seemed to run all day for the Savéol finale. There were games played in the courtyard; a less intense version of the game of love on one end, a game with sticks and colored spheres on the other. Fire breathers, jugglers, rare animals and dangerous acrobatics dotted the area. There were also statue performers that stayed still as stone, or so Kunzite thought. When he made his rounds he realized they were moving extremely slow and shifted in different positions. Men and women on high stilts walked over the crowd shouting down jokes and phrases. Happiness and excitement rippled through the air, but there was an undercurrent of caution as well. Guard presence was stronger than ever for the Delars’ leader was still elusive.
The later hours burned down to the final celebrations. Kunzite was led to a grand hall he hadn’t seen before. It was sunken down, wide sweeping stairs leading to a circular plateau below. Great chandeliers of colorful blown glass fell from the ceiling; they twisted and curled around themselves and to Kunzite resembled wild bouquets. Beyond the ballroom floor was a swath of blue water all the way to the edges of the far walls and grand windows. A menagerie of musicians floated upon small ships across its surface as they played. The décor added a whimsical ambiance to the event and many marveled at the band and the sparkling lights.
The Shitennou also wondered at his own decoration. His mysterious gift had turned out to be the reason a tailor became his constant company in the last few days. A garment darker than midnight encased his toned form. Thousands and thousands of microscopic crystals were inlaid in the material, adding a quiet shine like distant stars. The high collar was lined in a bright scarlet that dipped down and drew a line across his chest as if he had been cut open. It was a stark contrast to his white hair and fair skin, but it did not set him so far apart from the others in attendance.
A few guests delayed Kunzite’s trek to the lower level. One was Lelaine’s father, Berut Lightwood. The man seemed disgruntled and morose about his daughter’s return to home, but agreed with her decision. When he finally arrived at the open floor, the sight amazed him. From the top steps it had looked like the ballroom ended against the water. Yet he saw that the steps continued down beneath the blue surface and could vaguely see another floor below. To fill such a large area with water and manage to contain it was a marvel to Kunzite.
The upbeat music expertly faded and two of the sailing minstrels raised gold trumpets. The clear sound ushered in the royal family, resplendent in sparkling jewels and finery. Sailor Venus’ familiar form was not with them, however. King Marceneau made a splendid speech about love and unity in front of the floating band of ships.
When the last wisps of his voice echoed across the hall, sparks ignited against the ceiling behind the performers and fell like a waterfall of fire down to the man-made lake below. The music resumed as laughter and voices joined in. Delicious smelling appetizers were passed by waiters in beige uniforms meant to blend in with the surrounding sandstone architecture. Brightly colored drinks bubbled in tall glasses. The atmosphere was pleasant and many Venusians engaged Kunzite in conversation, but there was only one he wished to spend time with.
A rattle of excitement shook through the crowed and he wondered what new entertainment waited. It took him a moment to realize what, or who, he was seeing. The Terran had only seen her enshrouded in the Senshi uniform, and by the shock of others around him he knew this must be a rare occasion.
A gown of ruby draped over her shoulders and was cut in a gaping V that stopped shortly above her navel. Bands of black ribbons encrusted with sparkling diamonds held it together below her breasts and across her hips. Others wrapped tightly around her neck and wrists. Her golden tresses were slightly curled and shining in the chandeliers’ light. She was beyond beautiful and perfectly provocative, and Kunzite found himself jealous that so many were seeing her at this moment. Yet throughout her whole descent, her eyes never left his.
Loni’s heart pounded horribly as she descended the stairs. She felt completely exposed, only in part because of her scandalous attire. Very rarely she wore anything but her fuku, so she always felt strange in different garb. This gown touched her like gentle winds, warm and light. Her hair felt wonderful; she resisted the urge to toss it around playfully. The leader of the Senshi was nervous, but Kunzite was there to ground her. Loni found him easily as she had been the one to choose his attire. They were well matched.
The look in his eyes amused her, like an animal caught unawares by hunting dogs. It changed to a quiet lust and possession that excited her and pushed doubts of that night from her mind. Venusians bowed and parted before her, more from habit and shock at seeing her so. When the golden Senshi reached her family, a whole plethora of emotions reached her. Ashani’s face held sisterly adoration; her mother’s was a shroud of mystery. Her father’s countenance was scarlet itself and he seemed ready to wrap her in a tablecloth. Young Marc had the greatest reaction: he wore a triumphant, smug grin, as if this was a victory for them both. Loni bowed to the monarchs before moving on to her true destination.
“Lord Kunzite,” she greeted and his face returned to its pleasant political side, yet she could see a touch of amusement there as well.
“Sailor Venus, you look…very well this evening.”
She laughed at his understatement. “Why thank you ever so much.”
Plenty of noble women had their lips deep in gossip as the pair of them traversed the hall, but she didn’t care. For this one time, they could be as they were destined for everyone to see. It was the festival of Savéol, after all.
There was a fairytale atmosphere to it the evening, especially when servants pulled back large curtains to reveal a hidden room beyond. The impossible long table gleamed like treasured jewels. Gold painted performers were their stoic centerpieces, holding candles, flowers and feathers, small paintings and sculptures. Each wore a red mask representing an animal of some sort, and the royal family was seated before a sharp beaked eagle. The living art moved slowly throughout dinner, like the courtyard performers she heard so much about in whispers and sighs.
The food was just as lavish as their surroundings; sweet, succulent meat saved only for this festival, decadent desserts and crisp drinks that warmed her toes. Kunzite sat to her left, close enough to kiss. She could feel the eyes of many on her, but her match’s gaze was the only one to reach through her barriers. It had been a long time since she enjoyed these revelries at the palace. Everything seemed to moving quickly around her, but the Shitennou. She forgot about the decorations, couldn't even remember what the ballroom had looked like or what animal mask was in front of her. Dinner had been nothing but a distraction from what she really wanted to taste. It was probably the most resplendent celebration her parents had ever hosted, but his blue eyes were the only thrills she sought.
When they migrated back into the ballroom, the manmade lake was gone. Not a drop was left on the floor or walls, the tapestries moved in the dry air. The grand chandeliers shone bright in the ever dimming light like stubborn stars before dawn. A hush of anticipation surrounded them as they descended the stairs. Outside, the constant sky was finally changing, a caterpillar about to flutter away. Slowly, subdued yellows were morphing into reds, oranges and blues. Night was falling on this side of Venus and the most spectacular sunset in the solar system rose across the horizon.
“A day is as long as a year here,” she reminded her foreign company. “Every day grows longer as this planet withers, but she does not go out in a whimper. There is beauty in her death.”
The sky was on fire, a Phoenix burning bright before its final breath. It kindled prideful and pensive feelings in her heart. The dusk would continue for hours as Venus slowly turned, and the celebrations would carry on well beyond that.
Different colors joined the natural light as brilliant fireworks rained down on the far landscape. Joyful voices and laughter wafted up from the city below. In the yard beyond a large white tent held more royal fanfare, but Loni had other plans.
She looped her arm through Kunzite’s, tugging him away from the crowd. “We could stay up here and enjoy the structured entertaining, or we could dive down into the city for a taste of true Venusian culture.”
“Your brother mentioned it was a different atmosphere perhaps not appropriate for a visiting diplomat.”
“I suppose if you’re frightened…” she teased. “Don’t worry, trust me. We can be whoever we want in the depths of Desidé, thanks to these.”
She had procured two scarlet masks after dinner and handed the wolf motif to her lordly escort. Her own features turned feline as she pulled hers on. Underneath the protection, she felt she could truly be anyone or no one at all.
“Well, are you going to chase me?”
For a moment she thought he would decline until the false face covered the one she had grown to appreciate so much. She could still see his grin, however. They crept out of sight, the darkened sky a guise to hide them as well. She knew this night would be a dawn of a new era and with Kunzite’s hand in hers, could not doubt it would be wondrously memorable.
