The Past Life

I never did hear the details of Kunzite's discussion with our Master, but as I suspected it couldn't have gone well.

The moon was beautiful, I had to admit. This was not my first visit, but it was my first in several years. The palace grounds were not as large as those on Earth, but they were still covered in a variety of flowers and plants, and there were fields of green grass as well. The palace and grounds were covered by a transparent dome, likely powered by the Ginzuishou.

Master and the Princess were speaking in one of the gardens. While we would allow him space to speak with her privately, he would not be leaving our sights. Looking to my left, I saw that the Princess' Senshi had similar thoughts, though they were giggling amongst themselves, apparently unaware of any trouble this visit could cause.

I suppose that was not entirely true. One of the Senshi stood off from the others slightly, a slight frown on her face. Perhaps they weren't all as oblivious as I had thought.

I left the other Shitennou without a word and moved to stand beside her, continuing to watch my Master. "You don't appear as happy about this visit as the other Senshi."

"That's because I'm not," she stated, not thrilled to have my company.

"We have our reasons for not wanting to be here, may I ask what yours are?"

She seemed a bit surprised by this, turning her head in my direction slightly. "You do not agree with this visit?"

"I obey any request my Master makes, regardless of how I feel about it." I didn't answer her question directly, but she seemed to understand, nodding in response.

"I simply do not believe that my Princess should fall in love with an Earth man. No offence."

I felt the corner of my mouth curve up at this comment. The moon people were known for believing they were well above the people of Earth, in more ways than simple location. My grin fell when I asked my next question. "Do you believe they will fall in love?"

"I don't know, but these visits should not continue." This young girl was mature beyond her years, I could tell. She was covertly suggesting that we do something to stop our Master from coming again, but I knew full well that if he wanted to come, there wasn't a thing we were going to be able to do to stop him. However, if we had some help...

"Our Master wouldn't be able to pay such visits if he was not welcome here." As soon as I uttered the words, I was filled with guilt. This was not all that far off from plotting against my Master. True it would be for his own good, but it still made me feel uneasy.

The young girl considered my words. "I can speak to Queen Serenity, she would disapprove of such a relationship as well."

"Thank you. I appreciate it. In case we should need to speak later, may I ask your name?" I knew each of the Senshi were princess' from the inner planets, though I did not know which was which.

"Venus. And yours?"

"Zoisite."

She now returned her full attention back to the Princess, but did speak once more. "I do hope this is the last time we need to speak on this subject, Zoisite."

"As do I," I replied. Turning I returned to the other Shitennou, who shot me questioning looks. I didn't want to explain everything to them now, especially not as Master Endymion appeared to be heading back our way. "I'll explain later."

---

The other Tennou were silent for a moment after I told them what had been spoken between myself and the leader of the Senshi. I made no attempt at hiding my guilty feelings.

It was Kunzite who finally spoke. "I wouldn't expect this from you, Zoisite," he spoke with an accusing tone that made me flinch, though when he continued, his tone had lightened, "it sounds more like something I would do."

This didn't make me feel much better about my actions, and what Kunzite asked next made me feel even worse. "Will you keep in contact with Venus to see what the Queen's thoughts are?" Continuing to go behind my Master's back almost made me feel sick. Yes, it was best for him to keep away from the Moon Princess, this was true. I would have to keep telling myself that.

I nodded silently to Kunzite's question, and he seemed satisfied. "Well then, let's hope this is the end of our Master's unneeded visits to the Moon." With that, he turned and left the music room. Nephrite followed silently after.

Again, it was Jadeite who stayed later than the others. It was he who came over and put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. While he was trying to comfort me, I knew that this entire situation had him more than a little confused. I indicated to him that I wanted to be alone, and he too took his leave.

It was strange for me to be in this position. Normally I was the one Master Endymion or one of the Shitennou would come to when they required council or someone to talk to. I had my piano, but I couldn't bring myself to play it. My eyes drifted to some blank pages sitting slightly scattered on a small, nearby table. One of the few pieces of furniture in the room.

Grabbing my quill pen from the piano I sat at the table and began writing. I'm sure Venus would not be pleased to hear from me again so soon, but she would understand my concern, I was sure. I decided on the letter rather than visiting her directly as this would attract much less attention, especially from the Master.

Dear Senshi of Venus,

I must apologize for my sudden letter, as this is not a subject either of us wanted to return to. I do hope you understand the Shitennou's position in all of this.

I wish to inquire about the subject you were going to bring up with your Queen and her decision on the matter.

I would appreciate it greatly if you would be very discreet in your reply.

Sincerely,
- Zoisite, Second Shitennou of Earth

I was very cautious about my wording. Should eyes other than those of Venus see the letter, nothing must be given away.

I folded the letter and sealed it with the Kingdom's wax seal, then addressed the letter. Letters to or from the Moon were uncommon, but certainly not unheard of. Especially right before or after a visit.

I handed the paper to the letter carrier casually. He seemed a bit surprised by the destination, but told me it would be delivered quickly. I thanked him and left to return to my chambers.

Kunzite happened to be passing by at that time and noticed where I had come from. He nodded approvingly at me, but I diverted my eyes and continued on my way. It was done. Venus would reply that the Queen had agreed that visits that weren't on business would be frowned upon at best.

I was on duty with Nephrite that night, but still had a few hours before I was due at my Master's door. I considered changing my destination and return to the music room, but I would rather be alone at that moment, and the other Shitennou knew that if I was in my rooms, I didn't want to be bothered.