Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Lament ❯ Merci 4 ( Chapter 8 )

Love & Lament

 

Chapter eight

 

“My lady.” Bruuna whispered as she strode to her mistress Tetisu's side. “I have made three rounds and have seen no one. If you are going to do this you need to do it now.”

 

“Ok, follow me.” Tetisu lead Bruuna into a tightly locked down area of her husband's palace. Technically it was his palace, but this area was separated from the rest. It was connected to the feast hall he used while entertaining interplanetary gusts, and was on dry land. Bruuna's eyes darted around constantly alert and looking for signs of being discovered. Tetisu moved hastily to bypass several locks and wards, being careful not to wake the guards who were under the influence of a mild sedative.

 

“Alright, once he is here we will leave immediately to the safe house you set up for us. From there we will organize our plans. Bruuna, make sure no one sees us here.” Bruuna nodded once and turned to stand her post. Tetisu took a breath to calm herself before stepping into the transport chamber. It was a room that mixed magic and technology to bend space and enable travel between the nine planets. Use of these chambers was strictly regulated, and only a few existed on each planet. Even though she was of royal blood and married to the head of one of the most powerful houses of Mercury, Tetisu would be severely punished if she was caught using these chambers. She was doubly nervous for Bruuna, because she is of common blood she would be executed without question.

 

But Bruuna knew the risks, as did she. She did this for her sister, and Bruuna for the woman she loved, the events of the next several days would either ensure her happiness or seal her fate. “Ok, here it goes.”

 

Bruuna turned toward the entrance of the transportation chamber as a piercing light spewed forth. Moments later Tetisu and a large cloaked figure came through the guarded doors. “Quickly Bruuna, lead the way!”

 

“Right.” Bruuna's hand tightened around her trident as she sprinted through the halls, her companion's doing there best to keep pace. After several close calls the trio excited the landlocked section of the palace via a hidden chamber that lead to a boat storage area. This area was used to spirit away dignitaries in the event that the land palace was attacked and access to the transports was cut off. The old ships stored here were in disrepair, as they had not seen use for over a generation. Even if they were safe, which Bruuna doubted, they were big enough to draw unwanted attention from below.

 

“Bruuna, are you sure you can do this?” Tetisu whispered to her guard and trusted friend. Bruuna looked over her shoulder to see the large cloaked figure leaning heavily against a wall. “He is injured far worse than I imagined. I think he won't be much use in aiding you to swim.”

Bruuna removed her cloak and other body drapes, even her armor that marked her as a guard of Tetisu's household. “I guess if this works, then one way or another I won't be needing this anymore.” Tetisu smiled a sad, but proud smile as she grasped her friend's strong arm. “Please, carry my trident and the pack with his drapes in it. It is only a three hour swim to the safe house; I should be able to make it.”

 

“Thank you Bruuna.” Tetisu said sincerely as she turned to help their companion remove anything that might weigh him down in the water. Bruuna studied the man born as a woman, whom so tightly held the heart of the woman she herself was in love with. She averted her eyes as his clothing was removed to reveal a ruined arm and many fresh and old wounds. It was obvious that Hyperion, now former lord of Jupiter had seen his last battle.

 

::If you are the one to make Merci happy, then so be it. I will do anything in my power to help her.:: Within moments Hyperion was stripped and stood with Tetisu by Bruuna's side. Hyperion had several bandages, a tight wrap around his breasts, and a small loincloth to protect his modesty. Bruuna was nude, as was custom for Mecurians, and Tetisu had a large pack strapped to her, and she carried Bruuna's massive trident.

 

“Hyperion.” Bruuna spoke as the three prepared to enter the water. “We have a long swim ahead of us, I will keep to the surface as best I can. If you have trouble breathing then grip as tight as you can and I will surface. Otherwise, keep yourself from letting me go. Hyperion nodded once, and the three companions entered the ocean. If the former prince was scared, he did not show it.

 

 

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“Hyperion, before we go any further, I want to make sure that you are not doing this just because of your wounds.” Tetisu spoke with all seriousness. “Swear to me that if you did not loose your sword arm, you would still be here to marry my sister.”

 

Hyperion's body was littered with scars and soaked bandages, covering many wounds that still carried stitches. The worst of his wounds was his arm, which was bound tightly to his side. They couldn't be sure, but the arm looked ruined and part of his hand looked to be severed. Swimming in the ocean with those wounds was dangerous, but if their plan worked then Hyperion would have access to unequaled medical care.

 

The three companions had arrived at the small landlocked hermit's hut that Bruuna had previously prepared for them. It was a long grueling swim, but it passed, thankfully, without incident. Now that they were in little to no danger of discovery, Tetisu and Bruuna were able to freely question and appraise the man that they had risked everything to smuggle into Mercury.

 

“My lady.” Hyperion's voice, despite the years and the obvious hardship he had seen, remained smooth and gentle. “I made my decision before I lost the use of my arm. You know that several months ago there was a rumor that I had been killed in battle.”

 

Bruuna, who was also listening intently, recalled that rumor. Tales abounded that Hyperion had faced off against Hektor's best general and fifty brave warriors. Hyperion was the only man to leave that battlefield, but was rumored to have died soon after. That news had driven Merci into a near fatal depression. Several months later when Tetisu had received contact from him, she immediately confided in Bruuna to find a way to reunite him with Merci. It had to be done in secrecy, because Lord Egrenon had branded him an enemy of Mercury. If he returned to Mercury, then he would be imprisoned immediately.

 

“In truth, I had been mortally wounded, but thoughts of dying without seeing Merci again kept me alive. It took me several months to recover, and during that time my decision was made. I was healed and could once again lead my men into battle, or I could do what my heart has been longing for, stop the civil war and return to Merci.

 

“Once I was set on my decision, I needed to access a transport. My brother controlled all of the chambers on Jupiter. So in order to get to the transport chamber, I needed to seek a private audience with my brother.” Hyperion seemed sad for a moment at the mention of his brother. “The only way I could see him, was to fight my way in. I had to go alone, because I could not ask my comrades to follow me, when I was on a quest to abandon them. My brother is heavily guarded. I would have been killed in the attempt if he hadn't personally stayed the sword of the man who shattered my arm and maimed my hand.

 

Bruuna could hear the wonderment in Hyperion's voice as he continued his tale. “My brother stopped the deathblow because of a promise we had made long ago. Once I was no longer a threat his guard allowed me a private word with him. I gave him all my rights to the throne of Jupiter, and asked only for the use of his transport in return.”

 

“So you see, Merci means more to me than anything. I swear to you that I am here now because I will not spend anymore time without her in my life. She is more important to me than anything.”

 

Tetisu nodded once. “I believe you, and I know that Merci feels the same.” Tetisu handed Hyperion, who looked exhausted, a jug of fresh water.

 

“Please, excuse us for a moment.” Tetisu left the small dwelling, motioning for Bruuna to follow her. Bruuna followed, she had a few questions of her own for Hyperion, but she would hold her tongue until they were alone.

 

“Bruuna.” Tetisu spoke as soon as they were out of Hyperion's hearing distance. “Now is your last chance to turn back.”

 

“I won't back down. If Merci needs him to be happy, then I will protect him as if he was her.” Tetisu knew that to mean that Bruuna would protect Hyperion with her life. And that is what was at risk. It was up to Bruuna to sneak Hyperion undetected onto Lord Egrenon's floating banquet hall. One of Tetisu's sisters was to be married in a few days, and Radiance of Venus would be in attendance. Tetisu had been in contact with the Venusian queen, and she had happily agreed to grant Merci, Hyperion, and Bruuna sanctuary on her planet. But, in order to avoid political backfire from Egrenon, she could not get them there. Until they were on Venus, she had no say in their protection. Because of that, Bruuna was also responsible for sneaking the three of them into Radiance's entourage when they transported back to Venus after the wedding.

 

“Thank you Bruuna.” Tetisu smiled sadly as she gently ran her hand across Bruna's face. Her finger gently traced the knotted scars covering half of her once handsome visage. Tetisu, like Merci, had developed a deep friendship with the guardswoman. Bruuna was her best friend, and after today she might never see her again. “Take care of yourself Bruuna. Get to Venus safe. I want to know that you will be there with Merci and Hyperion, safe and happy.”

 

Bruuna pulled Tetisu into a tight embrace, feeling her friend's tears upon her bare skin. “Do you have your plan to get there?” Tetisu asked, not moving away from Bruuna.

 

“The hermits are known to use rafts from time to time, so it should be easy enough to get a few hours distance from the island before I have to swim the rest of the way. Leave us our drapes where I told you and everything should work out just fine.” Bruuna started to run her fingers lightly through Tetisu's hair. “Are you sure you can make it back to your city alright?”

 

Bruuna could feel Tetisu nod yes. “I have a trustworthy guard waiting for me a little ways away. He does not know about any of our plans, he thinks I am trysting with a hermit. As soon as I get to the city I will leave with my envoy to my sister`s wedding. You have half a day to rest before you should set out.”

 

Tetisu regretfully pushed away from Bruuna. “I am going to leave now; I don't want Hyperion seeing me in this state.” In a fluid motion Tetisu embraced Bruuna one last time and kissed her scarred lips gently. “Be safe Bruuna.”

 

Before the startled guardswoman could respond, Tetisu had leapt into the ocean and was quickly out of sight. “What was that about?” Bruuna mumbled to herself as she traced her tingling lips. She stood watching the ocean for a moment longer before she returned to the hut.

 

Hyperion was leaning heavily against the wall; it was obvious that the large man was in a great deal of pain. Upon noticing Bruuna, he straightened up and tried his best to hide his discomfort. Bruuna knew what he was doing, but did not call him on it. “Where is Lady Tetisu?” Hyperion's words were clipped and precise. His pain was getting harder and harder to mask.

 

“My lady had to leave. She will be arriving at the wedding a half day before us and will lay out our supplies so we can find Merci and depart quickly.” Hyperion nodded in acknowledgement.

 

“I want to thank you for everything you are doing for me.” Hyperion spoke with sincerity as he looked over to Bruuna. “I know what you are risking, and I will never forget this.”

 

Bruuna held Hyperion's gaze for a moment before replying. “I am doing this for Merci.” The guardswoman stepped toward Hyperion until she was standing just a few inches from his face. “She needs you in her life, but if you ever hurt her you will answer to me.”

 

Hyperion was by no means intimidated, but out of respect for what this warrior was doing for him, he backed down. “If I ever hurt her, I will not stay your blade.”

 

Bruuna searched the depths of Hyperion's eyes searching for any sign of falsehood, any reason to distrust him. She found none. She nodded once before stepping away. “We have several hours before we have to depart. I suggest you sleep, our swim will not be an easy one, and I will need all the help you can provide.”

 

 

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“By serenity, she is beautiful.” Hyperion gasped as Merci strolled quietly into the garden where he had been waiting for her. “It's been so long.”

 

Hyperion wanted to go to her that very second, but Bruuna's hand upon his arm stopped him. “Give me a moment to scan the area and block the entrance. When you hear me whistle go to her.”

 

As Bruuna moved silently through the foliage of the dark garden, Merci took a seat on a marble bench near a beautiful fountain. She sighed heavily as she slumped onto the bench. Her sisters wedding had nearly driven her to tears, and not in a positive way. It had just reminded her of something that she might never have. It had been four long years since she had last seen Hyperion, the man in a woman's body, who so completely held her heart. Several months prior she had heard that Hyperion had died in the aftermath of a legendary battle, but she never believed it. She did'nt know why, but she knew that he still lived. She could feel him.

 

Hyperion struggled to wait for Bruuna's signal. Every fiber of his being demanded that he go to Merci, but if they were discovered, both he and Bruuna would be killed. Being with Merci meant enough that he would risk himself, but he would not risk the life of another. Instead he focused on the sight of the woman who has grown so much since he had last seen her. He wondered for a moment what she would think of his ruined arm, and the uncountable scars that marred his body. The thought faded, he knew that she wouldn't care, just as he wouldn't if their situation was reversed.

 

Merci was dressed in a slightly more elaborate slip than the one she wore when Hyperion had first met her. The years have influenced Egrenon to other cultures fashions and he demanded that his people dress richly during multi cultural events. Merci's body had filled out nicely over the four years since their parting. She was almost a foot taller, most of that in her legs. Her breasts gained a cup size, and her body remained lean and athletic, as one who spent their entire life swimming should be.

 

Merci folded her hands in her lap, staring at the last letter that Hyperion had sent her two weeks before he supposedly died. She had not shed any tears since then; doing so would give credence to the rumors of his death. That was something she would not give in to. Though at times, especially now, it was hard to fight the tears.

 

A piercing whistle shot through the garden. Merci's eyes shot wide and she jumped to her feet in a fighting stance. On the condition that she trained herself in several forms of weaponless combat she was allowed to roam without her bodyguard. Bruuna, who had spent several moments studying both Hyperion, and Merci, smiled to herself at observing Merci's confident stance.

 

Hyperion's heart picked up its beat ten-fold and felt as if it would rip from his chest. Bruuna's whistle had startled him; he was so lost in the beauty of his love. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he stood up and strode out into the open. “Merci.”

 

Hyperion had no time to brace himself as Merci let out a strangled cry and leapt into his embrace. Only his sheer size kept him upright as his love clung to him tightly. He let loose a sigh as he tightened his grip around her with his remaining arm. Bruuna watched for a moment before jealousy and embarrassment at intruding caused her to turn away.

 

“I knew you were alive. I knew you were alive.” Merci whispered the words over and over as she struggled to touch as much of Hyperion's body as she could with her own. They had been apart for four years. Every moment of every day she had dreamed of this moment. Now that it was finally here, she lost all words, only the need to connect with Hyperion in anyway she could remained.

 

Hyperion remained silent; he couldn't trust himself to speak just yet. Seeing Merci, feeling her in his arms, obliterated any small amount of doubt that he had made the right decision. The two remained wrapped in each others embrace, neither believing that this moment has finally come.

 

Realizing that their time was limited Hyperion forced himself to speak. “Merci, we only have a few moments.”

 

Merci's eyes widened in sudden panic. She stared up into her loves eyes, her fear clearly shown. “You're leaving already?”

 

Hyperion cupped his hand to Merci's back and drew her into a kiss. He could not bear to see the pain and heartbreak in her eyes. He needed to feel her, to show her what words alone could not fully convey. The kiss was hungry and urgent. They had been denied each other for too long. Hyperion felt lightheaded at the feel of Merci's tongue against his, and the sound of her sweet whimpers.

 

“Yes,” Hyperion spoke as they broke apart. His forehead still touched hers and he caressed the side of her face with his slender calloused hand. “I am leaving, and you are coming with me.”

 

“What do you mean?” Merci was both nervous and excited. She knew what she hoped he meant, but she needed to hear him say it.

 

Hyperion kissed her again lightly, just brushing her lips with his own. Looking deep into her eyes he spoke. “I promised you that when everything was settled that I would come for you. I said I would marry you, if you would have me.”

 

Hyperion took a knee in front of his love, not breaking eye contact. “The war with my brother is over; I left Jupiter in his hands.”

 

Hyperion's voice caught, almost failing him completely before he continued. His next admission was difficult for him, because he did not know how Merci would respond. “I abandoned my armies, home, and obligations. I paid for the betrayal of those loyal to me with my blood and bones. I kneel before you now as a man with no rank, title, money, I have nothing. If you will still have me, Merci, will you be my wife?”

 

Merci knelt as well, and answered with her lips on his. Her hands traced his muscular back, and tangled in his many braids. “Yes, oh Hyperion yes.”

 

“Hyperion, Merci, we need to go now!” Bruuna burst from the surrounding brush, startling the lovers.

 

“Bruuna, what are you? Why are you dressed like that?” Merci was startled to see her childhood friend and former bodyguard. The fact that she was dressed in the extremely reaviling clothes popular in the Venusian court, immediately caught her eye. Hyperion stood up and Merci noted for the first time that he too was dressed the same. Her eyes widened and her mouth went dry as she realized that he was wearing women's clothes, extremely revealing women's clothes.

 

Hyperion fidgeted uncharacteristically. This was the first time that Merci had seen his body so readily displayed. Despite his size and muscle, Hyperion's body was undeniably female. Merci's eyes trailed his body, locking on various parts. She could not think of anything else, except how devastatingly sexy he looked. That is until she noticed his arm, and the dark red scars that marred his body.

 

Merci was about to speak when Bruuna took her hand and began to run. “My lady, we have no time! Hyperion let's go.”

 

The three companions ran in silence until they cleared the gardens and came upon the other side of the artificial island. This was the area where Merci and Hyperion met for the first time. All three slowed down, Bruuna imedeatly moving aside a few fallen tree branches to reveal a hidden chest. She rummaged in it for a moment, withdrawing an outfit for Merci, and three glowing brooches.

 

“Hyperion? Oh serenity! Bruuna, Bruuna quick!” Bruuna almost dropped her load as Merci's panicked voice called out to her. Bruuna hurried to her side, setting her bundle next to her.

 

“What is it my lady… Oh Saturn!” Bruuna's eyes widened slightly as she apraised Hyperion, slumped against a tree, breathing shallowly. Several of his wounds had opened in the hurried run from the gardens. “Merci, give me your drape and get into the Venusian drapes.”

 

Bruuna moved in to start an immediate apraisal of her friend's future husband. She noticed Merci still staring wide eyed at Hyperion. “Hurry, we don't have much time!” Bruuna nearly shouted. That was enough to break Merci of her trance. She barely had her expensive gown removed before Bruuna wrenched it from her grasp and began to tear it up and dress Hyperion's wounds.

 

Keeping an eye on Hyperion, Merci quietly changed into her new clothes. “Bruuna, please tell me what's going on!” Merci pleaded as soon as she was dressed.

 

“We are going to stow away on Lady Radience's transport.” Bruuna replied matter of factly as she finished wiping up as much blood as she could.

 

Merci tried her best to hide her shock. “If we get caught…”

 

Bruuna turned to her grasping two of the brooches she held. “If we get caught, Hyperion will be imprisoned, and I will be killed.”

 

Merci gasped and covered her mouth with her trembling hand. Bruuna attached a glowing brooch to Hyperion's and then her own outfit. Merci tried to hide her shock as both their skin changed from blue and dark brown, to a pale yellow and rich golden color that was common for Venusians.

 

“We just need to make sure we are not caught.” Bruuna stated, calm now, as she pinned the remaining brooch to Merci, and watched as she too transformed.

 

“There, now help me with Hyperion. Once we get to the court he will have to walk on his own.” Bruuna walked to Hyperion's left and Merci his right. With effort on Merci's part, they were able to stand. Hyperion was near dead weight. His open wounds were starting to get infected, and fever could be felt emanating from his skin.

 

Walking as fast as their burden would allow, Bruuna and Merci helped the half conscious Hyperion toward the palace. Merci had her doubts about the plan, but her hope for the future would not allow her to voice them. Bruuna hoped no one would stop them, and if they did, she would try to pass Hyperion off as a drunk. The illusion emanating from the brooch was limited, and it only partially succeeded in masking the giant Jupiterion's many wounds.

 

There was a small scare when they neared the ballroom, but it turned out to be a Venusian leading them to where the others were waiting. The Venusian, a serious man named Artemis, walked on ahead to avoid being connected with them in case they were discovered. Before he left he assured them that Tetisu had properly stored all their supplies and belongings, including Bruuna's trident, with the Venusian's supply cart.

 

Once they rendezvoused with the rest of the Venusian entourage, Artemis made sure that they were well blended with the rest of Lady Radiance's rather raucous and obviously drunk party. Merci and Bruuna were quite tense as an equally inebriated Egrenon made his way to Lady Radiance, intent on biding her farewell. He passed right in front of them, but was to drunk to notice. Moments later they breathed a sigh of relief as the transport opened and they bid farewell to Mercury, forever.

 

 

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“Uh, what… Hyperion!” Merci awoke to find herself at the bottom of what appeared to be a spring of sorts. Her sonar scream went unheard, or so she thought. To the far left, resting in a bed of glowing foliage was Bruuna. Whether she felt her cry or not, Merci could not tell. She was about to swim to her side, until a large shadow blocked out the light that was streaming into the bottom of the spring. “Hyperion!”

 

Merci swam the fifteen feet to the surface, where Hyperion was floating freely. Merci emerged by her betrotheds side, scared that he was unmoving. She was about to reach out to him, when she saw that many of his wounds were gone, and others were bathed in a glowing organic mass. Merci watched in amazement as whatever lived in the lake healed many of the grievous wounds that had plagued her love.

 

“Ah, good.” Merci turned at the voice which sounded from the side of the spring. Artemis, the overly stern man who had guided them to the Venusians earlier, stood waiting. Two Venusian women stood behind him holding an assortment of elaborate clothes. “Hyperion should be conscious in a matter of moments. The creatures that live in my lady's healing pools are quite miraculous.”

 

As if on cue, Hyperion's eyes opened; and when he realized he was in the water he started to flail about with his good arm and legs. The organisms in the spring had healed all of his opened wounds, and seemed to have restored his energy, but they did nothing for his shattered arm or maimed hand. Merci swam close to him and calmed him with her touch. He continued to tread with his legs as he welcomed her touch and melted into her embrace.

 

“Eh hem.” Artemis politely cleared his throat, regaining Merci's and now Hyperion's attention. “If you would please join me on shore, my attendants will dress you.”

 

“What happened, what's going on?” Hyperion questioned as he, followed by Merci, swam to the shore of the large spring. Artemis reached out a hand to help the large man out of the water. Hyperion grasped the beautiful man's wrist, amazed that the slender man could heft him out of the water with little sign of effort. Once on shore, Hyperion politely turned and helped Merci as well. She did'nt let go of his hand, and moved to lean into his side.

 

“Now, if you would please change into the outfits that Lady Radiance has provided you. Once you are ready, I will take you to speak with her.” Artemis motioned to the cute looking yellow skinned women, who began to lay out the clothes that Merci and Hyperion were to wear. Merci's eyes widened in delight at the outfit set out for Hyperion. It was a man's outfit, and apparently Venusian men did not wear tops.

 

“As to what happened,” Artemis continued to speak, as his attendants set a tarp around Hyperion to protect the semi-prudish Jupiterion's modesty. Merci, and most Venusians, had no hang ups about nudity so she changed into her magnificently revealing and elaborate gown in full view of the others. “Lady Radiance saw your wounds and knew that a short rest in her healing pools would be good for you. Lady Merci and Bruuna especially, needed the rest so I helped them in as well.”

 

“Bruuna!” Merci exclaimed having forgotten about her friend whom she had seen entangled at the bottom of the pool.

 

“Bruuna will be out in time. She was exhausted, and I believe that the life which resides in these pools can help her in other ways.” Artemis reassured Merci, while motioning for her to continue changing.

 

Merci was almost finished attaching all the accessories to her beautiful gown when the tarp surrounding Hyperion was dropped. Merci's eyes widened in undisguised desire when she saw her love. She stared unapologetically while Hyperion figetted and tried to control his natural instinct to cover up. Hyperion was dressed in a white men's style dress which hung from a solid gold, gem encrusted girdle. Two matching bracers adorned his arms, and a hairclip bound his braids into a topknot. Merci's eyes locked upon his chest where a similarly edorned golden brassier barely covered his breasts. There were no straps and Merci spared a brief thought onto how it was held up.

 

Merci had seen Hyperion only a few times prior to today; in each of those meetings he had been covered from head to toe. Merci knew now why he had to do that, there was no hiding the fact that his body was very obviously, very magnificently, feminine. She took her time studying his dips and curves while the two attendants finished attaching all of the accessories to her gown.

 

When Merci was finnaly dressed Hyperion took her hands in his. Merci nearly started crying as she realized that all the years of waiting were finnaly over. Hyperion was finnaly with her, no more wars, controlling families, or drastic circumstances would keep them apart. Hyperion pulled her into his embrace, relishing the feel of her against his skin.

 

While the couple reconnected, Bruuna finnaly emerged from the lake. Artemis and the two attendants had moved away from Merci and Hyperion to give them privacy, and now moved to help Bruuna. “Ah, I see that my lady's magic has worked wonderfully. How is your eye?”

 

Bruuna's face was awash in wonderment as her trembling hand traced the side of it. The scars that she wore proudly for the last few years were still there. Somehow, miraculously, she could see with both eyes. “But… how?”

 

Artemis instructed one of the attendants to hold up a mirror, while the other left to retrieve something. “My lady was impressed and touched by your desire to help your friends. You have, and would have, sacrificed so much to help them. My lady felt it proper to reward you.”

 

“How… how can I ever repay her?” Bruuna whispered as she studied her reflection in the mirror. Her ruined eye was replaced by a faintly glowing golden sphere. It was obviously a magical device of some kind, and didn't match her other eye. Bruuna, however, would not complain. The fact that her full vision was restored was a blessing.

 

Artemis's eyebrow lifted slightly as he responded to Bruuna's question. “I belive my lady has several ways in which you could, ::ahem:: service her.

 

The missing attendant returned with an elaborate, although purely decorational suit of armor and Bruuna's massive trident. “The first of which, would be to become her personal guard and escort.”

 

Bruuna nodded in acceptance as she retrieved and dressed into the Venusian armor. It was ridiculously comfortable, and like all venesian clothing, very revealing. Once she was dressed and again armed with her precious trident, Artemis led her to where Merci and Hyperion sat together.

 

“My lady, Hyperion, Bruuna.” Artemis addressed everyone present, as he silently dismissed the two attendants. “If you would please follow me, my lady has a special ceremony planned for your arrival.”

 

Merci startled upon seeing Bruuna's eye. She was about to question her friend about it, but Bruuna just smilled and waved her off. As the three companions turned to leave, the two attendants returned with a bundle of exquisite looking material. All three looked confused as they placed the veil over Meri and stood behind her waiting to unravel and hold it.

 

“Artemis, what?” Mrci questioned.

 

“You'll see.” The Venusian relied in his usual monotone. “Now, if you would please follow me.”

 

The stern, beautiful Venusian took pace in front of the companions. He led them through the gates of the springs where they were joined by a contingent of all male guards. They, and Artemis were all dressed the same. It was a style similar to that of Hyperion's garb, only theirs were much less extravagant. Artemis, being of higher station than the rest, wore white as opposed to the yellows of the guardsmen.

 

They walked for five minutes before the sound of the laughter and voices of hundreds if not thousands of people could be heard. Artemis stopped the prossesion and Merci and the others watched in confused fascination as hundreds of men and women converged toward them. The Venusians stood on either side of them alternating male to female, leaving a space of fifteen feet for the party to travel through.

 

“The two of you wait here.” Artemis motioned toward Merci and Hyperion, before turning to address Bruuna. “This way please, from here on out unless my lady personally dismisses you, your place is by her side.” Bruuna nodded crisply then followed Artemis as he walked through the center of the Venusian corridor.

 

Hyperion and Merci waited hand in hand in silence for close to twenty minutes. Suddenly, the women in the two rows began to break ranks into the center of the coloms. Each of the women opened a small bag that was strapped to their side. The bags contained a magnificent purple flower petal, which were quickly lining the walkway. Merci felt a twitch on her veil, turning she saw one of her attendants motioning her forward.

 

Merci looked up at Hyperion, who shrugged and started to walk forward along the road of purple flower petals. The moment they took their first step every male Venusian they passed started to raise his voice in song. One by one each of the men clasped hands with the women by their side and joined in on the ancient Venusian ballad.

 

Hyperian, knew that Merci spoke many different languages and turned to ask the songs meaning. He let the question fade as he looked upon his love. Merci was smiling as tears flowed freely from her eyes. Sensing his gaze upon her, she turned her head to look at him. She silently mouthed the words “I love you” before tightly squeezing his hand and picking up her pace.

 

Hyperion and Merci walked hand in hand for the fifteen minutes it took to pass through the corridors of people and arrive at the entrance to Lady Radiance's palace. The entrance was blocked by a beautiful podium where Lady Radiance stood waiting. The stunningly beautiful Queen of Venus could easily be described as perfect. Her near glowing skin, long golden hair, and piercing blue eyes gave her an almost godlike appearance.

 

Merci and Hyperion stopped at the base of the podium. Once there all the voices of the females joined in with those of the Venusian men in the final verses to what Merci recognized as a wedding ballad. Two more attendants appeared at each of their sides, giving them each a beautiful ring and directing them up opposite stairs, which both led to the center of the podium.

 

Taking their cues, Hyperion and Merci walked up the separate staircases and met in the front center of the podium. They came to a stop just a few feet in front of Queen Radiance, who was flanked by both Artemis, and now Bruuna. As soon as the couple came to a halt, all the voices suddenly stopped.

 

Everything remained eerily quiet for a full minute until Radiance herself began to sing. Her voice was impossible to describe, and was something that everyone present would remember for all their lives. The perfection of her song both soothed and inspired, it seemingly caressed your soul and brought everyone to tears.

 

Merci, knew that when Radiance finished her song, that would be the end of most of the ceremony. Recognizing the last few lines, she turned to face the man she loved with all her being. When the Queen's voice faded, Merci grasped Hyperion's hand and gently slipped her ring upon his calloused, but slender finger. Hyperion in turn did the same.

 

If he were not already weeping from the beauty of Radiance's song, Hyperion would have started now. Finnaly after so many years, he was not only able to be with the love of his life, he was able to legally marry her as well. Once their rings were exchanged Hyperion lifted Merci into his arms, and kissing her with all the passion and emotion that was exploding within him. The couple was so lost in each other, they hardly heard the sound of thousands of Venusians cheering.

 

“Citezens of Venus!” Radience's voice sang throughout the gathered crowd as Merci and Hyperion ended their joining kiss. They remained in a tight embrace, their eyes never leaving each other. “From today forward, Hyperion of Jupitor, and Merci of Mercury, will be welcomed not only into my court, but into my family as well.

 

Hyperion and Merci exchanged shocked looks before turning to look upon Radience who gifted them with a dazzling smile. “May their union be long and prosperous. Three cheers for Hyperion and Merci of VENUS!!!”

 

The crowd roared, as Hyperion and Merci kissed again.