|
Post by Princess Uranus on Mar 16, 2015 20:44:21 GMT -5
As the Ocean Beauty’s façade flickered with some form of jealously, the corner of Haruka’s lips curled into a subtle smirk, amused at the display. The advantage was certainly unfair, but also a burden she was positive that neither of them would ever choose to bear. The woman’s tone then softened, stealing the humor from the moment to which her head tilted to listen with her full attention. Her lips pursed as she considered the depth of the question. It hadn’t occurred to her to be fully surprised by the fact Setsuna chose to show up here.
“It is rather curious that she would seek out this ball, this night. If we can certain of anything Setsuna does, is that each interaction is careful and calculated.” Eyebrows furrowed for a moment, as Michiru reminded her of the true depth of the Time Keepers knowledge. Falling quiet for a moment, she inhaled deeply, feeling the rush of wind that coursed through the edges of her consciousness, haunting her choices, guiding her path. It was always there. A silence she could never ignore, for it was a piece of her. Just as the woman at her side was also haunted by duty and knowledge. The mood shifted happily to talks of their dancing, now that the presentations were over.
Although generally self-assured and brash, the blonde felt her confidence waver as she stared into those deep blue eyes. It was different and confusing to see so much understanding there and the general lack of judgement in regards to her manner. Where others saw her as calculated and unfeeling and perhaps too bound to solidarity and duty; Michiru seemed to see something more there.
Stormy green eyes glanced down to look at their joined hands, her expression softening and giving way to a touch of surprise. Heartbeat skipping a beat or two as Michiru wove their fingers together gently; Haruka felt surprisingly breathless for a moment, her eyebrows rising with her eyes to look into those deep eyes again. For a moment she faltered, just trying to remain composed, when in truth she felt herself about to unravel. Truth be told, the feelings were a bit fresh and new. For a moment, she allowed herself to fall under her mysterious counterparts spell, to revel in how beautiful she was tonight of all nights; clad in an elegant but understated gown, much like its owner. A warm smile broke out across her face, reaching out with her other hand to gently brush a stray aqua hair from Michiru’s cheek. Finally responding in a warm, low tone, “…I rather think it would be a crime to hide you away up here; especially when you look so beautiful tonight. Let’s go, Michiru.”
Drawing the woman to her side they swiftly took towards the staircase, descending slow enough to keep pace match the other’s pace while hand in hand. It was refreshing to step out onto the gleaming floors of the main ballroom, to emerge from the shadows for even a short time. It was a new sensation, to be out where the ‘world’ could see them. For all intents and purposes, this was the hub of their kingdom, where their Queen reigned from, this was very much their world. A world they generally hid away from, working behind the scenes, in secret.
Haruka slowed near the corner of the dance floor, turning to face the Ocean Beauty and pulling her into her arms, taking care not to release their joined hands. Resting a hand against the swell of her hip, they fell into the cadence of the dance. It was as easy as breathing to dance like this with Michiru, the woman was graceful, spinning out of the embrace and back in with an elegance not seen often. Like their dance, their entire existence was this game of push and pull, cool attitudes and passive aggressive comments. In this moment, she felt herself long for more of this.
Leaning to whisper against the other woman’s ear, “Michiru, always holding back from me, hmmm?” Smirking slightly, she continued, “Your dancing is as flawless and beautiful as you, we should leave the shadows together more often…”
[Tag: Michiru]
|
|
|
Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Mar 20, 2015 18:06:46 GMT -5
Haruka’s compliments did not go unnoticed by the aquamarine haired woman, whom slid a fingertip over the side of her cheek casually. Even Michiru was unable to fight a warm blush from dusting her cheek at the opportunity to step out among the others.
Drawing the woman to her side they swiftly took towards the staircase, descending slow enough to keep pace match the other’s pace while hand in hand. It was refreshing to step out onto the gleaming floors of the main ballroom, to emerge from the shadows for even a short time. It was a new sensation, to be out where the ‘world’ could see them. For all intents and purposes, this was the hub of their kingdom, where their Queen reigned from, this was very much their world. A world they generally hid away from, working behind the scenes, in secret.
The waltz was such a polite dance — a careful frame and distance between partners and a steady, untempered rhythm to carry them. It was all quite symbolic of the elegance and propriety of the Moon Kingdom. And yet, she and Haruka were hardly polite. Michiru closed her eyes, head curved toward the source of the music for a moment. Like ocean waves, constantly teased by gravities push and pull, her hip leaned into Haruka’s hold. A tension flowed from her shoulder blades and through the bow of her elbow as her arms moved expressively with each step, slide and turn. She could subtly adjust their time and steps, and she knew Haruka would continue to move flawlessly with her.
Her upper body leaned closer to the other woman’s at the feeling of Haruka’s warm, breathy whispers. “I never hold back with you, Haruka.” She smiled widely. “I was just thinking about other dances that would really test your flexibility, emotion and endurance — a tango, a paso, a bolero.” Her lips continued to curve upward playfully. “But then, I suppose we’d draw too much attention, for shadows at least.”
All the while her fingertips delicately slid from their proper placement about the woman’s shoulder, maintaining frame. As her upper body moved forward and they swayed together gracefully, her hand gently rested along the side of the other woman’s neck, her fingernails pressed against the woman’s skin as her fingertips curved into place. Her gaze crept coyly to meet Haruka’s. While others needed to look around and drink in a space to feel, understand and process, Michiru could do all of that and more without ever unlocking her intrigued eyes from the other woman’s.
“Are you still playing piano?” She questioned, after a moment. “While I still find you a tad clumsy at the keys, you wouldn’t make the silly mistakes that are being made now." She chided sternly, remarking the playing abilities within the ball's orchestra. "That man is about a half beat behind his counterparts.” She mused. “I’d like to hear you play again, some time.” She took in a casual breath, tilting her head slightly to the side, her tone raising with interest. “Or, perhaps, you’d rather like a real challenge, a spar?” She questioned. “The countless, solitary simulations do get tedious, if I’m honest.” She blushed.
An opportunity to test herself against one she admired so, that would indeed be lovely. Her heartbeat quickened and she tightened her hold of the Haruka’s hand as her internal excitement bubbled over. She hadn’t sprouted off in this much conversation in quite a while. “…Is such a challenge something your pride would dare entertain?” She rose a brow.
Like the high strings of a well-played violin lyric, the same lingering feeling continued to peck away at her causal conversation. Did Haruka feel it, too? “Curious.” She murmured, her shoulders lowered. “So many…foreign energies in the air.” She said softly, closing her eyes and lowering her head for a moment. They were like specs from the upper levels, but down on the main floor, in the light, her warning bells were ringing.
Of course, she wasn’t one to cause a scene. Who else could the Queen, with her far-reaching network, have invited to this event. “Hm. Intrigued, are we Haruka?” she questioned, fingertips brushing along the back of the other woman’s neck. “I can tell you are scouring the surrounding space just as much as I am. And maybe with extra focus on the little Princess, and her rather charming dance partner. Are you jealous?”
[Tag Haruka]
|
|
|
Post by Princess Jupiter on Mar 20, 2015 21:15:32 GMT -5
Artemis smiled softly, “I’ll do just that.” He said. He watched the Princess go off and once she was out of sight, he sighed with no small amount of relief. It sounded to him like there was already a lot going on, but he was glad to have hit it off with Minako even as she interrogated him. He had worked with more difficult charges before, people who thought advisors were no different than overpaid babysitters and would spend their time thinking of ways to make his life miserable. Minako did not seem like one of those. She was full of energy and passion and was truly seeking the best. It was the kind of attitude that made advisors want to do their best, and he was no different. He was honestly looking forward to teasing out all the knots of the difficulties they encountered together. On the other hand…
“Luna…” the cat looked up at the vaulted ceilings, “A teddy bear, huh?” He chuckled to himself, imagining her flare up at the description. Luna was his senior in experience and in rank, and it was only reasonable to expect they would now be working together a lot between the two Princesses. There was a lot he had to ask her, adviser to adviser, about the situation as it stood. His stomach growled, interrupting his mental day planning. This was a party, and there was bound to be some chow around—Achoo! Artemis sniffled. He had better keep his strength up, after all.
He entered the main ballroom again. The place was alive with festivity and music. He smiled.
The remembered words made him wonder. Minako was not the first person he had worked with to find formal balls tedious. Those people tended to be crusty older gentlemen, however. But Minako seemed to be alive on the stage, so it was hard for him to fathom why she saw the ball as burdensome. Especially when the alternative was worrying about all the drama developing beneath the surface. He shrugged—there was no way he was going to figure her out on the first meeting, after all.
Artemis stood near the wall, observing the Moon nobility at play. A cat grin spread across his face. This was his element. He always found that politics was like a well rehearsed dance. The careful ebb and flow of ideas, of plans, of information. Giving, taking, trusting, withholding. Mannerisms and honors. Wars were won in waltzes...not that the Moon Kingdom had any such thing for a very, very long time. Artemis' roles often took him to minute tasks or clearing up misunderstandings. But he could feel it. Significant things would be happening here on the Moon, and he would be able to help shape the future they held. It was a privileged, and an honor, and gave meaning to his life.
As he was looking around, he glanced a familiar frame sitting up on the Balcony. Luna. I wonder if we can get on the right footing this time, now that I'm not late for anything...
He weaved through the crowd toward her, up the stairs, and was besides her,
“Hey again Luna. Having a good time, now that things have settled down?” he leap up and sat besides her, dangling his tail over the ledge as he smiled at his new coworker.
Tag: Luna
|
|
|
Post by Princess Jupiter on Mar 26, 2015 9:19:45 GMT -5
[Joint Post for Nephrite & Makoto - Continued]
His words, intentionally or unintentionally, drove at the question in her heart. She had spent so long being just a flicker that now that she was here, she was not even sure if she could stop. Was she the lightning? Was she the thunder, the loud boom that only announced that she was already far away? Or was she the girl that she had been claiming she wanted to be? She allowed herself to be dipped and she found herself closing her eyes. She wasn’t afraid? It felt natural to do so, in his arms. Here she was, millions of miles from home, beginning a new stage of her life. She was reminded of her desire to start anew, to present herself anew. And, finally, she stopped thinking so hard.
Feeling her relinquish herself to his arms, he nearly felt surprised by the woman’s trust in him. Her eyes fluttered shut, why exactly, he couldn’t quite tell. She was beautiful and powerful, two traits which were easy to admire. But it was her manner that he found so interesting. She was truly unlike anyone he’d ever met before.
She responded to his final question with a sudden break of formation. On returning from the dip, she wrapped her hands around his neck and pressed her lips to his spontaneously, quick as lightning. Yet she lingered in the space between moments with that kiss. Then, she parted, and was aware the world had not exploded nor the dance screeched to a halt. And she waited a tense moment, to see if this man would throw her off for such presumption. She met his eyes again, blushing more furiously than ever, “Lightning is easy to catch, dear Sir. It wants only to be grounded by something that attracts it. It's only a question if that something can stand the strike. Call me Makoto, please…and what can I call you?”
Unpredictable. A new layer that the alluring Princess opted to add to her repertoire. Upon the swift and graceful return to her feet, she did something unprecedented. Something even he couldn’t have been ready for. The force of her hands about his neck, pulling him closer to her was the first surprise. The second at the moment her lips crashed against his, frantic and intoxicating at the same time. The brunette beauty’s face was now awash in a bright rose blush, which caused him to chuckle warmly, pulling her into his arms again and taking a gentle hold of her hand again. He opted to not give her much time to find herself offended by his laughter, for he was merely pleased that her walls had come down so quickly. That she’d let him in.
“….and charmingly unpredictable… My Lady.” His name? Naturally she’d asked his name. Well, he didn’t have a backup plan on that one. Perhaps it was something he should have thought up rather than battling wits with Zoisite and Endymion earlier. It was of no consequence, his silence would grow suspicious in a moment’s time. His name wouldn’t reveal much anyway. “My name is Nephrite.”
Nephrite’s compliments seemed like adequate reward for her spontaneous kiss, even if his laughter embarrassed her. Her blushing intensified with the thought she had kissed basically a complete stranger. What was it about this man that knocked her so completely off her guard, anyway? “Nephrite.” She repeated with a smile, “It’s my pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” Why she decided to get all formal at this late juncture was beyond her. It felt more story-like, perhaps? Regardless, the irony wasn’t lost on her. Unceremonious Makoto, doing everything in reverse order.
Nephrite grinned at her comment, “…Well Makoto. Like your element, you are powerful, beautiful and most importantly, one of kind. It would also seem I can ‘withstand’ you…”Leading her gently in the steps of the waltz, he realized he had yet to check up on Endymion. His gaze shifted, searching about for the Prince’s crop of black hair. He was off with the Moon Princess in his arms, a daydream of a look in his eyes. It was the most whole he’d seen the man in 24 hours. All was well with their endeavor. Returning his full attention to the Jovian Princess, he smiled again, “You wear it well, Makoto. Your duty, the burden of protecting the Princess. As though this duty always called to you, perhaps?
She was a bit surprised by the change topic. Keeping step with the dance, led by an excellent partner after all, she fell easily back into self-depreciation. The difference now, perhaps, is that she was revealing her insecurities instead of trying to disown them, “Do I? I hope so. I certainly feel more comfortable as a soldier than a Princess. Princess Serenity is worth it though. She cares about everyone as a person. She wants to rule among them, not above them, you know? I want to help her make her dreams a reality.”
As their steps continued to float from one to the other, he saw the woman’s bright emerald gaze flicker in self-doubt again. Pulling her a touch closer, his expression softened. “Yes. Would I have any reason to deceive you? I speak only of what I’ve observed of you thus far.” Smiling, met her gaze, “… I believe you shall make her dreams a reality. Because from where I stand, I don’t believe you’d let anything stop you from what you want…”
Matoko drank deep of Nephrite’s confidence, it seemed so much like water to a parched woman. It was odd, to think she believed someone she just met so much more than herself. That itself stank of weakness to her. But if she had learned anything from Serenity, it was that strength was cultivated as much from others as it was from oneself. She nodded, trying to put that lesson into practice, and smiled weakly, “That or die trying.” She acquiesced.
She took the conversation about Serenity to glance about to find the Moon Princess. She did certainly seem contented. A little too contented, even. Being as Mako’s heartstrings were being strummed at the very moment, she could sense some resonance in Serenity’s face with her own feelings. The man she was dancing with must have gotten inside her heart as easily as Nephrite had gotten inside Mako’s. But it seemed odd. Mako knew she was a sucker for romance, but she didn’t think Serenity was the same way. She wondered…
“Say, Nephrite,” she said, addressing the man with every expectation that he was a long-time resident of the Moon, “Do you recognize that man Serenity is dancing with? I’m basically new to the Moon, and I never rubbed elbows well when I came here with my parents, so I don’t know too many of the nobles..” she trailed off, waiting for Nephrite’s answer.
The Earth General swallowed hard, coming to a crossroads in his mind. There were two very clear paths before him. Provide the beautiful woman in his arms with an elusive, yet charming and ultimately deceptive answer and hide who he was. Who Endymion was. His purpose here. It would be easy enough to achieve. Something suddenly struck him, he hated the thought of deceiving the woman whose first dance and kiss of the night he’d been awarded. That emerald gaze was trusting, open and honest. Nephrite’s chest tightened at the thought of deceiving her. “Hmmm, you ask a complicated question, Makoto.”
Raising his eyebrows, “That is my friend, Endymion.” Meeting her gaze, his voice dropped, allowing her to hear, but his voice to fade into the lull of the music. “…That young man met your Princess when she visited Earth.” Choosing his next words carefully, he then continued on, “He is, the Crown Prince of Earth. I am one of his Generals, both a protector and friend. We were unaware that the young woman in question was the Moon Princess.” Smirking slightly, “We resisted the idea of coming here anyway, but had any of us known exactly who she was, we may have tried hard to persuade him.” Shaking his head slightly, casting a ripple through the mahogany cascade at his back, “It likely wouldn’t have changed anything actually. He was quite determined.”
Makoto tilted her head. Why was the question about Serenity’s dance partner complicat—ooh. Oh! Oh?! “Wait…what?” her brow furrowed as she tried to process what he just said, “He….you…from Earth?” She stared into his eyes, as deep and blue as the colorful orb that he claimed as homeland. Her grip tightened on his hand and shoulder, as if he would pop out of existence for such an unreal confession.
The smile fell from his face as he reached out to touch the curl that lay persistently against her cheek, the back of his gloved fingertips brushing her cheek gently. “You’ve been so honest and open with me, Makoto…and you deserved the truth from me.” A strange pang of anxiety struck him as his dark blue gaze frantically searched her face, waiting for the reaction from the Jovian Princess. Would she accept his answer? Or had he just signed all of their death warrants, would he be cast down by the powerful maiden in his arms? For a moment, he felt the slightest flicker of regret. Was his honesty the best choice in this moment? Or a fool’s errand?
Mako’s face was still scrunched with disbelief. She had no reason to doubt Nephrite, since there was nothing to be gained from an admission like that and she could read the honesty in his tone. The question really was what to do with that information. She had openly pledged to support Serenity’s interest in the earth, even her budding romance with the earth man (because come on, it was so obvious they had connected on the blue planet!), but she had never thought that the guy would come here to find her. In spite of herself, she gave a short snort of a laugh, which turned into a long light chuckle.
There was a moment where Nephrite was half certain his heart had actually stopped beating and that he were about to be turned to dust by the Mistress of Lightning before him. Those emerald orbs bore into his, as though she were testing his honesty, the validity of his tale. It certainly sounded more ridiculous once repeating it out loud. He’d known it wasn’t the Prince’s most well thought out decision nor theirs for following him to ends of the Earth-or to the Moon. Her laughter was suddenly the most glorious sound in all the universe. It wasn’t followed by punishment of any kind, but by a smile that was as charming as its owner. The Earth General felt his heart restart again and realized he’d been holding his breath. Faking the deep inhale effortlessly, he was almost certain she hadn’t caught on to the lapse in his composure.
She shook her head with an air of irony, speaking almost to herself, “Serenity found herself quite the guy on earth, didn’t she? Not only love at first sight, but a prince, and one who would do the impossible and come to the Moon to find her again? Are you sure this isn’t a storybook, or a dream I’m about to wake up from? Are you even real, Nephrite?” she looked into his eyes again, searchingly. She saw their vulnerability for the first time, and she realized how much a risk he took to tell her, Serenity’s guardian, about the forbidden presence of earthlings on the Moon.
It was at the dreamy expression that crossed her face that Nephrite raised a curious eyebrow, as the woman muttered to herself. He was positive now that the situation when said aloud sounded more ludicrous than it had in its infancy. His somber appearance broke when she asked if he was real. At that a hearty laugh escaped him, followed by a grin. “…It does sound rather ridiculous, when you play the entire thing out like that, Makoto. However, I can assure you that I am not from a storybook or a dream and that I am quite real.”
She smiled at him, confidence blooming in her expression, “You’re safe with me, Nephrite. There is so much politics swarming around, but I find it charming that you would risk yourself to bring a Prince here to find Serenity. If he’s a good man, then I have no problem. If not, then I’ll lay the smackdown on you all.” Laws and expectations and traditions...how real were any of those things to them, dancing to elegant music? Serenity looked blissful not too far away, but Mako would do her own interrogation of the Prince. If he had come this time, it was doubtless he'd be back again. And then Mako would have words with him. Only words, if he was lucky.
“I’m relieved to hear that, you are as honorable a friend as you are beautiful and charming, Makoto.” When she spoke of his loyalty to Endymion, he cast a glance towards the man in question, seeing him take off to a veranda with the Moon Princess. Looking back at her, he smiled a bit more gently this time, “…He is a good man, of that I can assure you. He’s generally quite level headed. Which is why we allowed him to go on this… adventure of sorts. Like you, he is more than just our Prince, he is… our friend.” He was surprised by how much relief he felt at her acceptance. Yes, there was the logic of it all, knowing he was safe with her being aware. However, it was the second layer of it. In such a short amount of time he found he cleaved for her respect, her approval.
“You said you believed I wouldn’t let anything stop me from what I want…and I, I just don’t want this dance to end…” she concluded, and she leaned forward to place her head against his chest, listening serenely to his heartbeat as she wondered what she would tell the others when they were all alone again.
As her head rested against him his hand came to rest gently against the small of her back, their movements having slowed with the music. Fading out of a waltz and into this gentle embrace. She was truly unlike any woman he’d ever known. Resting his chin against her soft brown waves, he smiled against her hair, still taken aback by her manner. It was refreshing to be with someone so bright and daring in all ways; to be around someone who was not afraid to be whom they were and damn the consequences. She was remarkably relatable and was only have surprised by his matched desire, for he too, didn’t want the dance to end.
“…You’ll receive no complaints from me, Makoto, if the dance doesn’t end.” He responded quietly, allowing himself to rest in the moment.
[Tag: Ballgoers. Joint Post Complete]
|
|
|
Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Apr 8, 2015 10:37:29 GMT -5
Weight from one’s shoulders is always replaced with another. It’s the human condition to worry, which must have so clearly been passed down to Luna, a feline counterpart to many people. The Princess had performed well. She spoke with the heart and humility that could warm and sway anyone. Luna knew how different Serenity was from her mother. She often questioned with the young woman’s spirit and naivety were strengths or weaknesses. Those were traits that seemed to waft between the lines of poor choices and good choices.
“Artemis?!” Her eyes bulged, nostrils flared and her whiskers shimmied as her back legs pedaled viciously against the balcony railing to maintain balance. Artemis’ presence had rocked her from the confines of her thoughts. Ungracefully, she found her balanced, head sunk forward with a curt sigh.
“Well, I see you’re getting adjusted quite well.” She huffed, lifting her front left paw to her lips before swinging it against the side of her head to straighten out her tussled fur.
She shrugged her shoulders, letting out a breath as her eyes met with his emerald gaze. “Sorry, Artemis. It’s unfair of me to release my venom on you. It’s been a stressful past few days.” She admitted. “Congratulations on your new posting here within the palace. I saw from here that you were able to meet with Minako briefly. How did that go?” She questioned, pausing only a moment before continuing. “I was surprised that you never reached out to let me know of your new position…I heard of these changes only recently from Serenity.” She offered, her gaze adjusted back to the grander view of the entire ballroom.
“But, this is what you always wanted. So, I’m glad you’re here. I’m sure we’ll work together often. These girls certainly won’t make your job easy.” She warned playfully. “Serenity alone needs an army to keep herself in line.” She winced.
Internally, Luna knew this was a time of great transition. Oh yes, she had seen it, even if she wasn't supposed to. In those quick glances and moments where the Queen felt no one was watching, Luna saw the woman's unease and she saw the tire that was setting in. She was the Queen's restlessness in Serenity's boundless free spirit and her quickly growing powers. Would all these women step up to the plate to progress and protect the Kingdom, or would all the unknowns that this moment represented and the coming transition be a catalyst for downfall? Time would tell, only time.
Serenity at least seemed more calm since her outburst of an adventure, on Earth no less. Why hadn't she confided in Luna? As an advisor, it was hurtful to be so out of the loop. Did Serenity not know she only ever wanted to help her Princess. Luna could be hard on Serenity, but she never wanted the Princess to feel that she could only find solace within a completely different planet. Serenity was the most open and free person Luna knew, but she also recognized the young woman kept a lot to herself. Maybe with the other Princesses at court, Serenity would find what she ran away for.
If not, Luna would be there. She needed Serenity to know that. In some way, she felt guilty at the unraveling of events that took place—that somehow she had let her Princess down. Internally, she wished to do better by her. She was glad that Artemis would be there for extra support.
|
|
|
Post by Princess Uranus on May 13, 2015 12:25:06 GMT -5
The sandy blonde nodded curtly as a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, “Ah, and yet we do hold back, Michiru. Otherwise we would be embarrassing the Moon’s guests with our exceptional skill of such dances…” Her sentence trailed off as her mind wandered to the idea of dancing endlessly with the woman in her arms. The warm glow of the chandeliers was nearly blinding against the white on white décor of the ballroom. This was an unusual environment to find herself in; the way it seduced her mind to thinking of such moments stolen from duty. The thoughts felt treasonous, as she was one whose duty always came first. Or at least it used to.
The duo spun and twirled about in their remote corner, keeping time and pace with the dance as any proper guest would do, now that they were ‘out of the shadows’ as Michiru had been quick to suggest. Propriety was not something she specialized in and yet the Ocean Senshi seemed to have it in spades. The two of them were a balanced act; two halves a whole if Haruka allowed herself to think that deeply into it.
The other woman’s fingertips against the back of her neck distracted her instantaneously from her train of thought as her wide green gaze met Michiru’s knowing blue eyes. Perhaps the slightest bit of surprise lingered there, likely telling her dance partner everything she ever needed to know about her thoughts. Her deeply hidden insecurities, her dreams and fears even. Surely she could read her that easily; it was a skill her beautiful dance partner seemed to possess quite effortlessly. Haruka cleared her throat; a feeble attempt to reign in her wandering composure in the presence of Neptune’s Princess. She was effortlessly confident and Michiru was truly the only person who rattled her own brand of crass self-assurance and arrogance.
“…Piano? Hmmm... You truly do remember everything… Yes I do still play, not as often as I’d like to.” Haruka’s expression darkened into a slight pout at the woman’s remark, “…Clumsy? I think perhaps ‘rusty’ is fair… but I think clumsy is a bit harsh for you to say…” Shortly after, a grin broke across her lips at the mention of the current musicians. The woman in her arms possessed the most musicality in the galaxy so it came as no surprise that they would receive no compliments from her.
“A spar? Against me, Michiru?” Eyebrows raising questioningly as she pondered the thought. Although elegant and composed, Sailor Neptune commanded the oceans and was a force to be reckoned with. Like the sirens of myth, she’d ease you to your death with the crashing of deadly oceans waves and a beautiful smile as your last memory. Haruka pondered the idea for a moment, staring into Michiru’s eyes as she did so, those blue eyes brimming with ... excitement, anticipation? At the idea of a spar? What a strange notion. Unable to place the woman’s motive, Haruka nodded slowly, her answer careful, still trying to figure her out. “Perhaps. Such an endeavor would be interesting.” Smirking mischievously, hoping to tease her, “Although I’d hate to hurt your pretty mirror, Michiru…”
So she too felt the uncertainty that lingered in the air. The wind swirled in the back of her consciousness, giving her no true reprieve from duty, intentions and secrets hanging on the edges of their whispers. Paying them no mind at the moment, she wondered how Michiru was able to read the same energies. Was it just natural to her? Did her element lend its aid somehow?
It took a well-trained individual to remain composed in the close proximity of Michiru, what with her grazing fingertips that left warm tendrils in their wake, forcing her heart to race for no actual reason at all. Haruka was almost positive that she was able to save face, remain confident while dancing with her. Profoundly aware of every place the woman’s well placed fingertips lingered made her swallow hard against her waning composure. Why did such an action both delight and unhinge her so? Wasn’t she supposed to be strong at all times, protected against such emotions?
She was also almost positive that the other woman had an unfair advantage, able to read emotions and intentions with or without that damned mirror. The quip regarding jealously saved her face and brought a grin to her face, as she gave a sidelong glance to the Princess and her dance Partner. “You think me the jealous type, Michiru?” Her tone bore all the confidence she hoped to exude in the woman’s presence.
Her dark green gaze then cautiously searched Michiru’s gaze for a moment, “…Perhaps if he’d gotten to ask you for a dance first…” Fake sarcasm laced her tone, causing her to wonder if she could tell. It was likely one of the most openly honest statements of the night; she truly would have hated to see the Ocean Princess in the arms of one of the charming men in attendance tonight. The revelation was halfway jarring. It was unfamiliar to feel this sense of... dependency? Comradery? Whatever it was, she couldn’t put a finger to it. Shaking her head, she pondered the man’s familiarity, “The man Princess Serenity dances with seems familiar, but I can’t quite place him…”
“Always so aware of everything around you Michiru… how do you do it?” Narrowing her gaze questioningly, she stared into the woman’s blue eyes, “Is it exhausting to be so attuned to everything around you? If so, you carry the burden well.” The ghost of a smile touched her lips, “Perhaps it is of you that I am jealous…” Her hand abandoned the woman’s waist to brush the backs of her fingertips against the woman’s flushed cheek once again. “Your constant composure with all the knowledge you possess… never unhinged, always graceful.” Returning to form, her hand held her waist just a touch tighter, her fingertips gripping her hand more firmly. “Where I am a disaster, leaving chaos in my wake…” Haruka then glanced away, allowing her own admission of admiration to hang uncomfortably in the air between them.
[Tag: Michiru]
|
|
|
Post by Princess Jupiter on May 30, 2015 12:07:29 GMT -5
Artemis chuckled in in a way that Luna would find familiar. The cat was a statesman, and had very well practiced mannerisms that hadn't changed in years, “No worries at all, Luna. I can only imagine what stress has been kicking up..” he sighed, looking over the dancefloor and seeking out the princesses idly while he talked, “Minako wasted no time in reading me the riot act. It seems an awful lot is happening right now, but I suppose I should have expected that when I got the summons from the Queen. I'm sorry I never gave any forewarning," he continued with a guilty smile, "I thought I'd surprise you," He chuckled again, "I guess I was just being proud..."
After a moment, he turned toward Luna, business written on his features, “Now that I am here though; I think we're going to have a lot of trouble coming at us. I don't know what you've gotten from Serenity, but Minako's intensity worries me. It was the kind of attitude that says, 'I will stay in control here', and that means something is threatening to go out of control. I don't mean to violate the confidence that Princess Serenity places in you, but if you can help me understand what you know about what is going on, I hope I will be a better ear for Princess Minako as well.”
Artemis chose his words carefully, for he had promised to keep Minako's secrets and he was not yet sure where Luna's obligations lay between the Princess and the Queen. It wasn't that he didn't trust Luna, quite the contrary, she was uniquely a confidant because of their shared duties, but he didn't want to put her in a position of lying to the Queen either. Instead, he hoped they would be able to firm up their friendship and their “alliance” so they could be the best supports to their respective charges as they could.
Tag: Luna
|
|
|
Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Jun 24, 2015 12:07:36 GMT -5
[THIS IS PART 1 OF A GREAT TEAM EFFORT FROM ALL CHARACTERS. MORE TO COME!]
Dancing with Michiru was a stolen moment away from responsibility, floating across the dance floor with her was so effortless and freeing. It gave her hope of a simple future. Princess Serenity and a man snuck past them rather rapidly and she paid them no mind at first. Suddenly the wind spoke to her, in the aftermath of the path they’d carved, she understood. That was the man from she’d absconded Serenity away from while she was gallivanting on Earth. Huffing slightly, she leaned to whisper in her ear, regret clinging to her words, “The wind calls Michiru…” Michiru enjoyed the games they played, with words and without. She was fond of the undeniable understanding the two had, even though they spent most of their lives separated and focused on their own kingdoms’ needs. The fingertips of her right hand buried deeper into the fine material over Haruka’s shoulder, gaze curiously following the other woman’s to see their Princess sweep by. As if protectively craving her own moment of attention, Michiru halted. The fingertips of her other hand swept under the other woman’s chin, redirecting her gaze back to their moment. “Does it now?” Michiru said softly, eyes opening with a keen interest. She figured it wouldn’t be a true party without a ruffle of chaos.
Her fingertips stiffened against Michriu’s hand and waist as her attention was swiftly brought back to meet the intense gaze of Michiru. A sad smile crossed her lips as her left hand abandoned its station, rising to rest against her cheek for a moment, “…Just as I was beginning to feel like Haruka again; duty always call does it not?” Thumb brushing against the swell of the petite woman’s cheek before it receded. Bowing her head; she regrettably released the Ocean Goddess, wondering if the woman could feel the remorse hanging in the air. Haruka hadn’t expected to feel that rush of emotions but fought the urge to analyze it as she calmly, yet briskly began tracing Princess Serenity’s path through the dance floor.
She sighed, hoping that in these next few moments Haruka wouldn’t cause too much of a scene. She floated around the pods of dancing couples, giving gentle nods of acknowledgement. Her hands daintily folded over each other just below her waist. She had her own feelings and concerns about this evening, but perhaps Haruka’s escapades on Earth gave her a grander context for action. The thought created an inkling of jealousy.
Her body shook and mind raced. “My dream…” Her left hand moved in front of her waist and slid atop his. Suddenly there was urgency in her eyes and tone, as if she was struck by some grand realization. “I believe my dream’s changed recently.” She said suddenly with some level of confidence and a warm expression. She moved closer to him, her hand squeezed his own as her other free hand swept underneath. Together, her hands cupped his tightly. “Endymion, I…” Her gaze pierced his. The words she wanted to say bubbled and tossed madly within her. Those same words fought against her hidden desperation and fear, but they had to be uttered. She knew in her heart it was all worth it. She could never take back the words she was about to say. Suddenly, she felt she had wasted so much time distancing herself rather than embracing all the freedom and understanding he represented. His eyebrows raised curiously at her statement. The way her expression shifted back to the passion he’d seen earlier; the calm monarch façade effectively dropped. She was simply Serenity again. The Prince’s lips curled into a smile as she drew closer, her hands closing about his own. His focus was on her and her alone. The soft rustle of Michiru’s steps at her heel was halfway comforting. No matter how used to being alone she was, it was nice to have a partner. Even if it was for just a moment. At the back of her mind he found herself wish for the consistency of a partner, a companion along this duty torn world she existed in. To have Michiru at her balk; a calm in any storm. Haruka felt the adrenaline begin to rush through her as she entered the balcony.
Serenity gulped, her fingertips quivered against his gloved hand. “You came all this way and risked so much. I meant everything I said. I want to see you…”
Princess Serenity was holding hands with the man when Haruka swept in between them, throwing him back a few feet; the wind centered on her own actions. This man didn’t fight back. Perfect. As he steadied himself from her first blow, she gripped the lapels of his tuxedo jacket, thrusting the dark haired man roughly away from the Princess. It was only a moment before she pushed him up against the far edge of the balcony. Haruka’s face drew closer to the man, her voice but a low hiss as she questioned him. Serenity gasped loudly. Her ocean blue orbs grew with increased panic. Instinctively, her hand clamped about Endymion’s, trying to remain near, but the force that separated them was too much. “No! Stop this!” Serenity’s body jerked forward, another uneasy breath followed as Endymion was gruffly thrown back again.
“What are you doing with the Princess? How incredibly bold and foolish for you to come here tonight. I think you’re damn aware that you don’t belong here. ” Her lips curled against the words, a strong protectiveness rising up within her. Fingertips tightening their grip upon his jacket, his breath came in a few jagged, surprised bursts. It was evident that he was holding back and that she had the upper hand here.
The next moments unfolded rapidly, in one instant he was gazing into Serenity’s eyes, and the next, a strong pair of hands pushed against his chest, nearly throwing him to the ground. Endymion caught himself, only to feel those same hands grip the lapels of his tuxedo jacket, pressing him further back. Until he collided roughly with the edge of the balcony opposite of Serenity. The person before him seemed so familiar, but it was impossible to collect his thoughts and place the connection. Retaliation wasn’t an option here. Far too much was at stake. In one disaster of a moment the entire evening slipped through his fingertips into Kunzite’s worst case scenario. Her gaze narrowed. “Identify yourself.” Her eyes widened and head shook in disbelief at the brash actions, which played out before her. “You are disregarding a direct order.” She breathed with a shaken confidence. This violence, it was not their way. She had to intervene and quickly. She dashed forward to separate the two. Her golden locks waved and twirled at her first few jolts forward. Suddenly, a sharp pain filled her upper body as she was tugged back. A firm hand grasped about her wrist, and she began to pull against it fiercely. Quickly after, an arm forcibly wrapped about Serenity’s upper body, clamping down with pressured against her lower right-hand shoulder. Serenity’s chin lifted and eyes closed as she winced.
“I’m sorry, Princess. But we do not answer to you, we answer to the Queen.” Michiru’s gentle voice uttered. “It’s best that you keep your distance from this trespasser.” She added sternly, increasing her hold upon the Princess as the younger woman squirmed within her grasp. Haruka may have entered into this like a battering ram, but hopefully a gentler approach would calm Serenity’s nerves. She was young and truly innocent, with little to no idea of the dangers of interacting with outsiders. Haruka was right, the Princess and her restlessness would cost this Kingdom its safety if left unchecked.
Eyebrows piqued in disbelief. This was the man whom Serenity had been gallivanting about with on Earth, as unsafe a practice for the Moon Princess as one could possibly imagine. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted the way Michiru held back Princess Serenity, somehow the woman retained all her poise and beauty all while holding someone hostage, she smirked inwardly at the notion. Her voice rose in volume, laced with her general over-confident air. “The Queen had thought it best that we monitor you from afar, Princess. Dreadful to meet you under these circumstances. I am Princess Uranus.”
Slowly his gloved hands rose up in the air, an attempt to show that he truly meant no harm. The words just spoken suddenly struck him as strange, without thinking he then quietly repeated back the words, “…Princess… Uranus? ...You’re a… a woman?!”
“Oh dear.” Michiru frowned. “Not the best thing to say when she’s riled up.” She warned as her lips curved upward, merely intrigued at what Haruka would do next.
His blue eyes widened beneath the mask, this was no average woman, and she was fierce and strong in ways he was unused to. She must have been another of the remarkable guardians who protected Serenity. He found it quite peculiar that she did not listen to her Princess. For this was worse than the women who wielded Fire and Lightning—these individuals worked for the Moon Queen herself.
Being no kind of fool, he quickly realized that she likely possessed amazing power and could wipe him from existence right here. Stealing a gaze over her shoulder to ensure Serenity was safe, his heart fell at the sight of her being restrained back by another guardian, defeat crossing her beautiful face. He desperately wanted to fight his way out of this and steal her away from this, but he knew his place here.
Looking sharply back to the man who seemed so conflicted in this moment. She could feel the energy around him. He longed to retaliate against her, but held himself back. At his comment her expression darkened, her dark green eyes narrowing as she thrust him against the balcony’s railing again. More roughly this time that the white mask tumbled from his face, his hands still hanging limply in the air. “Yes. Don’t be so easily fooled by my appearance. I’m not fooled by your ridiculous mask and charade.”
“Now, now Haruka.” Michiru said pointedly to the other woman. Her gaze slid to the frightened trespasser. “Man. Woman. Does it really matter who holds your fate in their hands?” She questioned.
“Please. I am a friend and I intend her no harm!” He exclaimed, but as she drew nearer, he could feel the woman’s strong and brash persona. This was an agent of the moon, someone tasked with protecting their Princess; something he could certainly relate to. Swallowing hard against the knot in the back of his throat, his tone lowered, “I assure you, I mean no disrespect here.”
Snickering, she drew closer to his face, her voice cool and low, “I rather doubt that. Coming all the way from Earth and all.” Her green gaze was narrowed, searching his while Michiru stayed with the Princess. A crude smirk crossed her lips as the man’s eyes flickered with nervousness. Haruka continued with a knowing look, “Yes, I remember you...”
Serenity's head hung low as she stopped her struggling. She choked back a breath at the mention of Endymion being from Earth. A knot began to form in the pit of her stomach and it tightened with every silent second that followed. "This man saved my life." Serenity stammered. "He merely wanted to ensure my safety. Please, let him go!" She pled on his behalf, trying once more to jerk from the other woman's hold.
Inhaling slowly to try to form coherent enough thoughts to talk his way out of this, the woman made her intents clear at the way his back painfully collided with the railing of the balcony again. The mask tumbled from his face, as ironic an action as he could have imagined in this moment. There was no more disguise, no more trickery, no more hiding on the Moon. He could attempt to fight her off, but again, he had no weapon and who knew what powers this woman possessed. At Serenity’s sweet plea, Endymion felt his heart break at the thought of her in any pain, begging for his release no less. He wanted to fight back, to fight off the woman who held Serenity back and steal her away from this, but he knew he couldn’t. He pursed his lips tightly to remain composed as nervousness settled in. He wasn’t quite sure what this renegade Princess had in mind for him. She certainly didn’t seem inclined to listen to her own Princess; a disconcerting thought to say the least. Opting to bargain with this strong woman, his tone dropped as he looked back into her eyes, seriousness hiding in their depth. “You were the one who stole her away from me…correct?” The gaze of his blue eyes narrowed in return, “Since you were present, you are fully aware that I had every intention of giving my life to protect her. Why, now, would I risk my life only to harm her? Am I not living already on borrowed time? Do I not owe your Princess my life?” Endymion inhaled deeply, feeling sweat bead air at the back of his neck, as he pressed against the railing, wondering if he’d make it out of this one unscathed.
The wind guardian’s right eyebrow raised in curiosity at the man’s plea. Leaning closer, she coarsely whispered her reply at his ear, “I don’t claim to know your intentions for saving her in those moments.” Pulling back to sternly meet his gaze again, “Unfortunately for you, my duty doesn’t grant me time to care about reasons or motives. All I know is that you don’t belong here and that is exactly what I am tasked to prevent.”
“Oh, stop this!” Serenity nearly growled, kicking her legs forward, her dress flouncing out wildly as Michiru actually had to employ some effort to reign her in. The two women’s bodies twisted and turned about for a time, before Serenity was stuck back firmly in place. Her wrists were firmly held together as Michiru secured Serenity’s arms behind her back. Serenity’s back arched as her shoulder blades shot backward at the sheer force the other woman applied. Her lips parted and curved downward. “Mmmh.” She groaned with a pained expression, the ornate straps of her gown slid down her shoulders. Her chest rose and set as they stood in silence, serenaded by her labored breaths.
As Serenity fought against the aqua haired guardian, his dark blue gaze fixed on her, she looked so determined to break away and regain control. It was such a shift in dynamics, all he’d wanted was to spend a few moments alone, without the scrutiny of their Guardians and Generals; an endeavor that hadn’t exactly paid off. He felt a piece of himself in her agony, the sudden lapse in composure, the longing for normalcy, apparently something that would forever remain out of their reach. Her eyes were desperate and guilty. She looked to Endymion with regret, a regret that he’d feel she was betraying him in this moment. But, she realized it was the only way. “I know who you both are…I know the mission you’re tasked with.” She winced again, her tone was defeatist and low. Her shimmering ocean blue orbs grew tainted with sadness. “He is no intruder to our realm. He’s our ally…If not for me, then let him go for this entire Kingdom’s safety.” She warned.
Princess Uranus had made it clear that she had no intention of letting him out of this scenario unscathed. But something new glimmered in Serenity’s bright sapphire eyes; a strange look, loss mixed with something he couldn’t quite place. His dark blue gaze flickered quickly between Serenity and this perplexing renegade.
Her lips slid against one another, gaze unable to meet the endless depths of Endymion’s stormy sapphire orbs. She sucked in a slow breath. “…He’s the Crown Prince of Earth, and if his Kingdom realizes he’s missing…what chaos do you think will descend upon us?” She questioned softly.
Haruka’s expression barely shifted as she realized the gravity of the situation. Of all the possible scenarios that she had imagined, this had honestly not crossed her mind. Princess Serenity was absolutely correct, as calculated and bound to duty as she was, she wouldn’t do anything that could possibly put the Kingdom in danger or at war. Slowly her long fingertips unfurled, releasing the man, the Prince of Earth. Why was the Princess so foolish to have befriended this man? Was she truly so naïve to think any good could come of this? Haruka stood her ground, her gaze not leaving the face of this Prince as she continued to allow herself to be a physical barrier.
At Serenity’s sudden refusal to meet his gaze he cast his gaze aside, swallowing hard as she revealed his identity; it wasn’t often that he was genuinely ashamed to be the Crown Prince of Earth, but in that moment, hearing his title sounded like some sort of a death sentence. He then locked gazes with the steely green eyes of the Princess who’d apprehended him. It surprised him, perhaps more than it should have as her fingertips slowly released his tuxedo jacket. So that had been enough to save him here? His title? Perhaps she too understood that these were no normal circumstances, not that he had planned on relaying on his title to garner his freedom here. He had merely wanted to be Endymion for a night. Alas, even that small moment was proving to be impossible, for he could never quite separate himself from being a Prince. He cleared his throat, his hands slowly lowering to his side. “I assure you, Princess Uranus, I am a friend to your kingdom, and to its remarkable Princess.”
Her mouth and closed, whatever meager words she thought to toss his way in response bubbled up as a strained squeak. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know where to go. She just stood there, a sinking feeling of disconnect between she and her strange new partner. She craved another dance. Dancing was easier. She wouldn’t tire of trying to come up with clever statements to fling his way, but now… the silence was deafening.
His voice became course with emotion, “I want Endymion to thrive. I would follow him to Hell if that is what it took, and I now have no doubt you would do the same for Serenity. If we do not stop this forbidden relationship here and now, then our duty becomes to see it through to the very end, allowing them to take hold of the future they desire. And I….I for one do not know if I could follow either path without your help.” He was quiet a moment, the fact that he asked for help still sinking in. Minako’s “fresh air” had certainly stirred up the layers of dust that sealed off his private counsels and thoughts. He felt exposed now, and it was an uncomfortable feeling to sit with, “…his name is Andrew Fartrader.” He was annoyed. With himself, with her, with Endymion, who could say? He had known from the beginning that this mission would be hard, but now the little taste of pleasantness that their dance represented was over. All for the sake of their royal pains in the—wait, where were they headed all alone like that?
Suddenly she snapped into motion, grabbing him by the arm and tugging him away from the dance floor. There’s no reason to stand there awkwardly and bring unnecessary attention their way. She walked briskly, motioning a hand for him to keep up with her.
For once crazy moment, he thought she had decided it was easier to give him to the guards to deal with than with the strain of their heavy decision. If he, a man seasoned for tough decisions had been this shaken, he could only imagine one who had just taken on that mantle would be prone to snap decisions. Frowning, he followed her anyway, only pausing a moment to exchange a glance with Jadiete. Even if they were across the room, Kunzite knew Jadiete would get his meaning.
Out of the corner of his eye he met with Kunzite's stern and surprisingly distraught gaze. Rei's senses, already functioning at their finest, caught the distinct feeling of anger and frustration quickly erupting in the room.
"Something's up." "Something's up."
She spoke in unison with him.
He said in a low voice. "Princess, will you help me?" He questioned, a soft and serious expression fell over his feature. "Well, and help yourself...your Princess is mixed up in it all too." He quipped, lifting his head with a sliver of sarcasm. He didn't know what was going on, but he asked for her support now if he were about to tumble into something he and his Generals alone couldn't handle.
Rei looked up at him and nodded. "Yes." Her deep purple eyes darted around the room, searching for the star-crossed lovers, spotting them on a secluded balcony. The main entrance to the balcony was being watched by a guard, but the Princess of Mars knew of an exterior stairwell that led up to the side. Her head snapped back to meet his gaze, her eyes serious and focused. "I'm going to need you to trust me. Now, follow me." Slowly, she released her hold on him and moved away from the dance floor.
“Of course, Princess. Lead the way, Rei.” He stated casually and then paused with a grin. “We’re on a first name basis now, right? Helping each other out and such?” He tipped his upper body forward coyly as he walked gingerly with her. He never very well she didn't know his name. A flicker of concern came over his steely gaze as he gingerly motioned to Nephrite, who continued to fawn over the towering and lightening wielding beast of a Princess that was his intriguing dance partner. He shrugged his shoulders at the man, a mere quip of the dangers and noting of their waning time left on this planet.
Despite being intently focused on the task at hand, Rei's stern features softened a little.
"First name basis, huh?", she said with a grin, "Does this mean you might finally grace me with yours? Or are you embarrassed by it?"
“Okay.” Minako said breathlessly, as if she were coming up with this rationale on the spot. “I’m sure you saw them wander away to the balcony.” She paused, sweeping around to face him, eyes sparkled with hope. “It’s no doubt quiet and secluded. We can… we can talk to them.” She reasoned. “We’ll talk to them quietly and peacefully. You and your comrades can take the Prince home without creating a scene. That way, we can all take a breath and figure out what to do reasonably.” She pressed. “We all can decide together what we choose to do for our Kingdoms and our friends.” She offered, lips pursed together, knowing it wasn’t a perfect plan. But, it was the most honest thing she could come up with on the spot.
Kunzite listened stone-faced. He just had a bad feeling about all of this. However, hers was a fair plan. Why not just talk to the causes of the problem themselves? With all sides represented, they wouldn’t have to sneak past one another or write notes behind each others’ backs. It was different from what Kunzite would have done, but that was the damned reason he had wanted to dance with the Venetian Princess in the first place. He nodded, “It’s a better idea than us flaying our hearts over their future,” he agreed, a bitter little smirk crossing his lips, “the rest of my party will be here soon, so shall we cast the die?”
|
|
|
Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Jul 14, 2015 13:09:23 GMT -5
Crossing her arms across her chest, her left eyebrow raised at his statement, “So it would seem, Your Majesty.” Sneering at him, she shook her head, “The both of you are fools. What is this fruitless endeavor you two engage in? What good can possibly come of this? You should know better than anyone that you have your place, and she has hers.”
The answer lay upon his breath, longing to be spoken, but he knew better. ‘I just want to be Endymion for a spell’ surely was not the answer. It was the truth, but it was the first of a string of poor choices. Looking over the woman’s navy clad shoulder, he sought to meet Serenity’s gaze again. Falling quiet, he found that he had no acceptable response, nothing that wouldn’t sound like treason upon his lips; for he knew he would do anything to see her again.
Her heart pounded speedily. The growing fever of each beat began to drown out everything happening about her. It was all static and slow. The gazes, the energies, the fear mixed with her sleep deprivation and sapped energies. She felt raw. She felt utterly unworthy of Endymion’s kind words. As Princess Uranus unleashed Endymion from her relentless grasp, Serenity let out a careful breath. She tried to remain calm as an unsettling tidal wave of energy rose within her. His place. Her place. Did they really have to remain separate? Was it all so clear cut? What would happen to him, and when would she see him again? Would she ever see him again? “No.” She said softly, her head remained low and breaths were careful. “The Prince is no fool. He did not even know who I was… and yet, he came all this way to make sure I was safe…And…I’m so glad he did…” Her lips tugged upward and her long golden locks spilled over her right shoulder, expression warmed with thoughts of his kindness. “I kept my identity secret. It was my fault. I misled him.” She urged. “It’s my fault.” She repeatedly tried to take ownership of it all. “Please, just allow him to return home safely.” She asked.
It was time. The moment for her to intervene had arrived. Quickly, the Guardian of Time approached the guards standing at the entrance to the balcony.
"Good evening. I am Princess Setsuna. Your diligent watch over Princess Serenity is appreciated, but if you don't mind I would like to take over from here."
The look on their faces told her that they knew exactly who she was and their quick departure told her they knew better than to question her orders. Now she waited. Her next opportunity to intervene was quickly approaching.
Haruka turned around to face Michiru and Serenity, stormy green eyes intense as she met the young blonde’s gaze. Her voice was sharp, her tone brash and accusing, “You realize you’ve committed high treason, Princess Serenity? Did you even consider the ramifications of the Prince of Earth knowing the Moon Princess so intimately?” The Prince of Earth remained trapped behind her, and she had half a mind to summon the Space Sword to more adequately dispense of this issue. Perhaps killing this intruder was not the answer, but she wasn’t sure he could just walk away with the knowledge he now possessed.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, Michiru, but the Earth is meant to remain independent of the Moon’s interference?” Haruka pointed at Serenity, “Princess or not, who were you to cross these lines?” Turning to look back over her shoulder, “And you? Leaving your planet was no easy task, correct?” Her gaze narrowed, “It was for good reason. You were meant to stay there.” She hissed.
Minako had watched the last few moments unfold silently. Endymion’s hands falling to his sides, like a defeated criminal. He was guilty after all. How bold to come all this way. The Prince cornered by an unfamiliar face, his mask tossed to the ground. She could piece together what had happened up until this point. And, if anything remained a mystery, Serenity’s rapid, unhinged pleading brought further clarity.
Surely her dance partner could come to the same conclusions. She placed a hand firmly onto his arm, squeezing. She hardly knew Kunzite, but with the man’s ward blocked off by this person so clearly in a defensive stance, she needed him to relinquish the feeling to bluntly attack. As her fingertips curled against his arm, pressing against the tension that filled his body, she whispered. “We have an agreement.”
Minako knew him or his responsibility enough to know that it was only her hand that stayed his in that moment. Yes, he knew what was at stake, and while he may not have run out sword swinging (why had they never considered weapons for this journey!?) he may have still intervened to buy enough time for Endymion and the rest to escape. He trusted that if he had to do such a thing, Jadeite would be able to read the situation and get everyone else safely away. However, in this moment, he was not trusting his longtime associate general, but the strangely alluring and passionate Princess Minako whom he had only met no more than an hour before.
But this line of questioning was too much. It was time to put an end to this. No more talk of breaking laws and trespassers, the truth of it all churned her stomach and unnerved her need to be strong in that moment. “Yes, I think this man should go home. Now, collect your ward.” Minako breathed with a calm and confident air about her, motioning for Kunzite to follow.
Her gaze narrowed, fingertips unfurled, freeing the layers of her gown from her hold to move freely with her ginger steps forward. “What’s the meaning of this exactly?” She questioned sternly, moving toward the man in a navy tuxedo, ready to step between he and the Prince, so Kunzite could be off and the night salvaged.
Kunzite followed, taking in the scene as Minako absorbed the room's attention. His eyes flashed toward Endymion's. He was flustered, but unhurt, yet still at the mercy of Navy clad ad hoc Bouncer. He gazed at Serenity. The whole mess had been for her, and somehow her fear annoyed him, as if it was a sign she was unwilling to take ownership of what his Prince had done for her. Kunzite wanted to blame her, he could feel it as his jaw clenched, but he willed himself to remember Minako's high praise for the Moon Princess. She was dangerous, in the way a surgeon was dangerous. A single cut could save or end a life, and this woman, for all the nietivity that her frightened gaze represented, had that power over all of them, it seemed. Perhaps that was what Kunzite mistrusted about her; she was playing with their lives as she tried to make things different.
“Minako!” Serenity exclaimed with exasperation and relief that one of her true guardians was now here. “He only meant to ensure my safety.” She reiterated, her chest raising and falling with short breaths. “But Princess Uranus…and Neptune…they…” Her words fell silent as her gaze latched onto Kunzite. He was towering, strong, even dangerous. Oddly, she took a step back, deeper into her captive’s arms—sucking in a breath. She knew Endymion trusted him, but she could remember how mercilessly the man fought against his Prince. And now, she had put him in danger. What must he think of her.
“I see.” Minako rose a brow, looking at the woman standing near the Prince with intrigue. At the woman’s continued silence, Minako took the moment to focus on the aquamarine-haired woman who tucked Serenity away in her grasp. “Let her go. Now, please.” She said calmly.
“Absolutely not.” Michiru said simply. “Serenity will stay right where she is as long as these trespassers are traipsing about this Kingdom—where is your head at, Princess Venus? We’re only here to pick up the pieces of your lack to execute on your responsibilities.” She added curtly, gaze narrowed as her head snaked over Serenity’s shoulder, so that she could be clearly seen by the woman she addressed.
Kunzite realized those words the power struggle at work. The Queen and the Old Guard, along with the Old Ways, were intent to maintain the distance and disconnect that had filled Kunzite's conception of the Moon. In a way, it was these two that he was glaring hatefully at when he would gaze up at the Moon back on Earth: distant, cold, impenetrable, and willing to crush all in their way. And Kunzite heard himself in their words. Was he not the Terran exemplar of those same virtues? Why did they feel alien to him now that he was under their pressure? Why did he look back on Minako with hope? Was there madness on the breeze that she had blown into his mind? Kunzite's gaze hardened further, watching the dynamics play out, already formulating a strategy of what he would do if things deteriorated further. He was a man who knew his place, and would willingly sacrifice himself so that others could make a brighter future.
Rei looked so serious and focused. He wondered how much of a drain that rigid persona was veiling her kinder nature. “Do you plan on taking me up on my archery lessons offer, after the dust settles?” He questioned, folding his arms behind him back.
The two of them slipped past a row of columns and Rei made her way over to an ornate set of doors. Her hand slid around the embellished silver handle and she pulled open one of the doors. A rush of cool air blew past them and a long, dimly lit corridor spread out before them. Before passing through the door, she turned to face him, her eyes sparkling and lips smiling.
"Yes. I will take you up on that offer, General Archer from Earth."
Jadeite grinned from ear to ear. Damn Endymion and all his games; tonight was truly a victory for this foolish General. Perhaps the whole excursion hadn’t been the nightmare of a scenario Kunzite painted. His gaze narrowed and broad shoulders stiffened at the growing chatter, the strained and impassioned voices. His steps slowed. Cautiously he inched forward with his fiery companion, hoping that she wouldn’t betray him in these next moments.
As Rei rounded the corner and began heading up the stairs she could pick out Minako's and Serenity's voices amongst the sounds of arguing. Her mind immediately flew to the two guards she'd seen standing watch near the balcony. If things got out of hand it would alert the guards and draw unwanted attention. The situation needed to be diffused quickly. High heels clicking as she crested the stairs, Rei gasped at the sight she beheld. Rage welled inside of her at the sight of her Princess being man-handled, but before she could say a word she was suddenly overcome with a disturbing vision. War, death, and carnage clouded her eyes—while the screams and cries filled her ears. It was brief, but it nearly sucked the wind out of her lungs and transformed her rage to panic.
"Stop this at once! You have no idea what you're doing!"
Michiru flung her head back with a curt chuckle as a bemused look came over her. “It’s getting crowded, Haruka.” She grinned. “No idea what we’re doing?” She breathed, coyly tilting her head to the side. She was growing impatient with the overwhelming naivety these girls had. It was suffocating and sad. She tugged Serenity gruffly back into her hold, her facial expression hardening.
Haruka’s lips curled into a smirk at her companion’s comment, her gaze washing over the growing myraid of people upon the balcony. It was ironic, the Inner Senshi were ordained as protectors of the Princess and yet they only proved to be two steps behind. Turning her attention towards Michiru and her speech dripping with conviction, she felt justified, knowing she wasn’t alone in her duty. Out of the corner of her eye, she kept watch over the Earth Prince, ensuring he didn’t go anywhere until she deemed it proper.
“You are the ones who don’t know what you’re doing. Letting Serenity take a day trip to another planet?” She mused. “You have no idea what exists out in this galaxy, and how very precarious your role and place in the natural order of things is. So many would love to rip it right out of your hands and seize it for themselves—to do awful things. No this isn’t our role, but now we’re absorbing more duties. Clearly you all are struggling to maintain the balance, even among supposed allies.” She rose a brow, gaze sweeping over the group from Earth. There’d be no veiled threats from her; the dislike she had for these intruders was sharp and clear.
This group was about to self-implode. While he hated to part with Rei, he knew the pluses of getting in and out before the dust of this female-filled catfight settled. “Look forward to seeing you again, Rei.” Jadeite winked before rushing to Endymion’s side to slip a firm hand about his Prince’s upper arm. “Time to go old friend. You’ve worn out our welcome.” He chided. His tone was playful, but his tugs on Endymion’s arm were forceful and urgent. If the man didn’t move of his own free will within a second, he was prepared to carry him, even if Endymion decided to kick and scream like a girl.
Endymion’s gaze left Princess Uranus and looked at Jadiete, relief flooding him to have his friend at his side. The Prince hadn’t even realized how fast his heart had been racing, how fearful he’d actually been until he had an ally again. “Jadiete, I didn’t intend for any of this to happen.” As Jadiete pulled at his arm, he didn’t yield, instead looking back towards Serenity, still being held back by Princess Neptune as the arguing of the women was beginning to unfold. Muttering under his breath, “…I don’t know why they don’t listen to her, she’s the Princess of them all….” Even with all the other chaos around him, he couldn’t fathom why Serenity was still held captive; why these women didn’t all work together for her.
Makoto could hear what was going on before she could see it. She had been at enough fights back on Jupiter (both the giving and receiving end) to know the atmosphere of a storming brawl coming together. Even worse, as her and Nephrite trotted toward the place with an alarmed pace, Makoto heard and recognized a particular voice. Coming into view, the woman clothed in the suit struck her immediately as bitterly familiar. It was the same damned person who had told them they weren't doing their job when they had first been settling in. Mako's reaction was as ungraceful as usual, “Guys, that's her.” she remarked, her tone carrying all the weight of spitting at her feet, assuming it would be obvious she was referring to their blue-clad ninja. “Just can't get enough of telling other people what to do, huh?”
Nephrite was holding onto Makoto’s hand as they rushed per Jadiete’s very telling glance. He’d long ago learned to adhere to his brother’s facial expression, even when it didn’t necessarily make sense. Especially when it didn’t make sense. The two of them paused, coming in behind Kunzite and Princess Venus, who seemed to be analyzing the best cause scenario. He leaned over towards Makoto, “Who are they, more friends of yours, Makoto?”
Confessions remained unsaid, embedded in her chest. The weight of them filled her with a deep burning sensation. Her words would not keep them together. They were too proud and overly confident to have met. Bound to trip, but not into this wild chaos, she’d never bring such problems to a person. She never wanted to do that. All the noise rattled her senses. And now a new and boisterous noise entered the mix. Her gaze lifted hazily to find the source. Her face lit up with horror as two of Endymion’s generals were trying to pull him away. She gasped, mouth opened and sapphire eyes frantically surveyed the men make progress of their labor to remove Endymion from this chaos. It’s what she wanted, his safety. Just as she couldn’t imagine seeing him again, now she couldn’t imagine him leaving. She’d never see him again. She shook free from the woman’s hold, now restrained by a single hand grasping her right arm, the rest of the woman begin to reel Serenity back. Somehow the blonde-haired woman managed to extended her left hand toward Endymion, fingertips fanned out as her upper body stretched nearer, the long layers of her gown swished and waved with her. Even though she knew the distance between Endymion and she was impossible to cover.
Zoisite was mid-sentence, applauding Ami’s comments on astrological patterns as the two entered the balcony. He froze. His left brow quivered with discomfort. “Jadeite?” He questioned, running to aid his fellow general. He didn’t have to ask more, he grasped at Endymion’s other arm. “Move, damn it.” He hissed in Endymion’s ear.
Endymion felt a strange sense of terror as the situation dissolved into a battle of wits and words. But he couldn’t focus on the argument; instead looking past Princess Uranus to see Serenity reach out for him. At the moment he moved to reach back for her Zoisite swept up beside him and began pushing roughly at him. Glaring at the blonde man, “I don’t think they’ve quite granted us our freedom yet, Zoisite and I have to make sure she’s alright…” His tone was pleading, perhaps even desperate again as his dark blue gaze flickered between the angry guardians and Serenity’s nervous expression.
Serenity’s eyes shut tightly as she was pulled back into a firm hold. A growing distress washed over her features as she took in a slow breath. She couldn’t manage this. She was unable keep peace here. No one would listen. It wasn’t fair to him, and she was being selfish. He needed to get back to where he’d be safe. “Run!” She pleaded and urged with a strained and saddened tone. Her shoulders neared her ears as she gestured her own persistence, upper body wiggling within the aquamarine-haired woman’s hold.
All he wanted was to take her away from this. Swallowing hard as she told him to run he looked back at Jadiete, and then Zoisite, his lips tightly pursed. Truthfully, the whole scene was beyond unnerving, there were so many powerful individuals surrounding them and yet, even with all their training, he and his generals were grotesquely unarmed.
Makoto had been right in her initial assessment of the cloaked figure who reeked of stubborn overconfidence. “You call yourself a guardian?” Minako scoffed, hands settling firmly against her hip as she inhaled sharply in exaggerated disbelief. “I don’t see a guardian here. I see a self-entitled and arrogant bully. If that’s how you chose to act, that’s how I’ll treat you.” She stepped closer to the woman, her thumb folded tightly against her palm as four straightened fingers punched at the woman’s right collar bone, as to shove her roughly. It was one long, sharp motion.
Making a mental note of the two men at the Earth Prince’s side, trying to keep track of the people out here in the chaos. It wasn’t as if any of these Earth men could create a problem she was unable to handle. Suddenly Princess Venus began to command the situation, to which Haruka folded her arms across her chest, her left eyebrow raising in intrigue as she approached her. Hand striking roughly at her chest drew a callous chuckle from her as she shook her head. “Ah look at this! Princess Venus, Chief Guardian to Princess Serenity, finally doing her duty.” She said with a sneer. “Did we interrupt your little date with the handsome intruder, Venus?”
Minako's eyes widened, cheeks grew crimson at the sandy blonde-haired woman's retort. "Uh." Her gaze narrowed as she shook her head, rolling her eyes at such a paltry attempt to throw her off balance.
Makoto was late to the party, but she could see the fight brewing between the two other Princesses, and she felt the itch in her blood too. There was no way she was going to let this arrogant SOB insult them a second time uncontested. She left the back rows to step up behind Minako as the tensions escalated.
He noticed as the feisty woman at his side tensed help, felt the tension resonate through his hand before she released his hand and stepped forward into the fire. The situation was bizarre at best. Jadiete and Zoisite were holding onto Endymion and some woman was arbitrarily holding onto the Moon Princess. His azure gaze flicked wildly as he took a backseat beside Kunzite. There was no way he could break through the crowd to get to Endymion, his best bet was to try to Kunzite out; before his leader tried some self-sacrifice bit.
Gripping Kunzite’s shoulder, he hissed into his ear, “We need to figure a way out of here, now! These women can demolish each other… who the hell knows what those ones do!” Motioning to the two other Princesses who hadn’t been a part of the display. He was halfway surprised at the tug on his heartstring as Makoto posture stiffened, stepping up behind her leader to defend their honor. She was unlike anyone he’d ever met.
“Your title should never dictate how you treat others, regardless of where they are from. You have no right to have said done what you have, and you know what I mean here.” She hissed, now reiterating her shoves, but they were short and pointed. She stepped closer again, her fingertips jammed against the other woman pointedly—shove, shove, shove. “Our duties are finite. I am the leader and responsible for the Princess’ actions. This is above your station and duty.” Her head snapped backward, gaze falling toward the other woman who continued to hold Serenity at bay before she stamped forward a few more steps, her focus redirected on Haruka.
“Above my station?” Haruka’s question dripping with skepticism as she looked between Minako and now Makoto. With a serious look in her gaze she pointed accusingly at them, “Your lack of attention to the details of Princess Serenity’s new little friend is beneath my station.” Incredulous she motioned towards the Prince, “MY station would have me put them to death without question!”
“And now, I’m not asking, I’m telling you and you…” Her head tilted to the side, face swept up closely to the other woman’s as she breathed the next words fiercely with her angry green eyes “step away, now.” Her chin raised confidently, showing her lacking fear in doing whatever was necessary to make good on her word to Kunzite, and to position her team’s role in this Kingdom.
The mocking smirk faded as her expression darkened at Minako’s continued prodding and pushing. Very suddenly she unfolded her arms, thrusting her right hand into air, a rush of wind coming from the motion, “Fine! You want to show your authority, Venus? Be the hero?” A flash of light flickered in her hand as the Space Sword manifested in her grasp. Pulling it down across her chest, the gaze of her dark green eyes met Minako’s. “Then let’s go Venus. Let’s see what that pretty little whip can do against me…” Haruka’s voice hissed cruelly towards her.
“Hate to interrupt,” came Makoto's steely voice from behind Minako, “but I think I called first dibs on this one, so no way do you get to fight her alone.” Lightning danced in Makoto eye's and in her outstretched hand as she stared down Haruka, “You wanna go? You can talk a big game, but we can show you that we mean business just as well.” The lightning in her hand seemed to shimmer and twitch as if a visible manifestation of the Princess of Jupiter's will to fight.
Minako’s eyes sparkled and lips curved upward in a compelling smirk. She clapped her hands together mockingly at Princess from Uranus. “You let your emotions get the best of you.” She warned playfully, raising her gaze to the sword the other woman called forward with intrigue.
“I’m afraid you two will find out that it’s your emotions that will destroy you in the end. I’m a warrior, Sweetheart...” Her tone sarcastically drawled against the nickname, as she continued, “I’ve spent my life fighting, not playing little princess games.” The twitching light of Jupiter’s lightening glinted against the stones in the Space Sword’s sheath. Her gaze locked upon the taller woman’s as she gripped the golden sheath to pull it from the Space Sword itself, which was but a gleaming beacon of light. Haruka’s stance shifted forward as she began to fall into a fighting stance. The hairs at the back of her neck rose, sensing the movement of someone she trusted behind her. She paused.
"Stop!"
Though the voice speaking had a gentle tone the authority in the word gave impression to all that time itself would have obeyed her command if she chose to address it, but speaking in loud whispers was an ability unique to Setsuna. She moved forward slowly, the twinkling stones on her dress seeming to shift with her every step, and addressed her fellow outers.
"Haruka, Michiru, what is going on here?"
The Princess of Pluto’s voice broke through everything and commanded her attention fully. Frustration coursed through her in that moment; would these petty young Princesses never learn their lesson? Pushing the Space Sword back into its sheath, Haruka turned to face her, “This was not Michiru’s call, Setsuna, this was mine. These men are intruders from the Planet Earth.” Trying to slow her temper, she inhaled sharply, “Our Princess has broken the holy laws that she was ordained at birth to uphold. I have merely followed my call as a Guardian to the Queen to protect against such foolish endeavors.” Motioning dramatically back towards the Earth Prince, who was now guarded by two men, “They don’t belong here. Hell! They can’t even know of this, our powers, our kingdom, this knowledge isn’t for them.” Her right still gripped her sword as she lowered it to her side, regarding Serenity as she spoke up.
Haruka’s words stirred her growing frustrations. They clawed at the core of what Serenity was hoping to build. Her bangs bounced left and right as Serenity shook her head, drinking in the woman’s stance. “No!” She said firmly, breaking her streak of silence with a clenched jaw. The upward inflection at the end of the word conveyed her disbelief and disappointment in even having to make her point. “These men are part of the Inner System. Earth is part of the Inner System. They do not qualify as the trespassers you are tasked with identifying. The real danger here is them not having access to this knowledge.” Serenity paused, her sapphire eyes scanned over all the strong personalities, taking her time to give the four Generals from the Earth Kingdom a closer look.
“I’d rather them understand how much we respect and care for Earth. I am tasked with protecting their planet at all costs. This truth can bring us together and make us all stronger and preserve peace. It’s fantastical assumptions that we’re some pretentious aliens, dictating another planet’s future that plants seeds of chaos and power grabs. And who would want to work with such a planet as that, no matter what it could offer?” Her gaze fell onto Haruka, head tilted to the side to meet the gaze of her captor, before she threw it aside, dropping it toward the ground before she found the courage to meet Endymion’s stormy blue eyes.
“These men and Earth, they are our partners. They are our allies. They are our equals. It’s a great disservice to the Moon Kingdom to disrespect them so. None of you would want such disconnects in the relations between others and your home planets.” The bridge of her nose scrunched and brows furrowed. Her arms remained bound behind her back, yet as she finished, they straightened while her hands clenched tightly into fists. Her words were strong, confident and loud so that they all could hear her. This was the future queen; this was the voice of the Princess that was expected, even if her view that transparency was paramount was a minority stance.
Kunzite was impressed, even surprised, to hear such a commanding and royal tone come out of the shivering rabbit of a Princess. It was in fact such a sudden and decisive tone that Kunzite’s first reaction was to expect betrayal. It was too good to be true. Or if it was, it fully explained why there was such resistance from these other, more senior women soldiers. Visionaries were to be feared, not because they were wrong, but because they upset to status quo too much. Minkao had made clear that the Lunar philosophy was nonviolence, but they still had a Black Ops to take care of undesirables such as themselves, so what was to say the Princess was safe if a few Traditionalists didn't like what they heard enough? For the first time, he was worried about Serenity. He heard her good intentions, but he worried they were still too idealistic. He wished he would have been able to talk to Minako more about these thoughts, but for now that was impossible.
Although the beautiful young Princess was persuasive, Haruka knew better than to believe in such hopeful promises, “Pretty words, Princess Serenity. Pretty but impractical.” Shaking her head for what felt like the hundredth time this evening, she pushed her fingertips up through the short crop of hair. How were she and Michiru the only sane people here? Had they missed some critical piece of information that made this situation logical?
Amethyst eyes turned to look upon the young man in question. She studied him for a moment, her head tilting slightly to the side causing a lock of her forest green hair to gently caress the side of her face. A bemused expression briefly crossed her face before the Guardian of Time shook her head.
"He's clearly a fool, but I doubt he's a damned fool. Am I correct, Princess Rei?"
The entire maelstrom of harsh words and chaos came to stop as a statuesque woman with emerald hair and a captivating presence commanded everyone’s attention in a way he’d never experienced. Endymion felt his breath catch, as the entire scene paused. Even Zoisite and Jadiete stopped pulling at him long enough to regard the woman and her words. Suddenly her amethyst gaze met his, and he felt like she knew something he didn’t. She didn’t judge him the same way the other guardians had. Endymion was certain he may have chuckled in a different set of circumstances as she proclaimed him a fool.
He couldn’t disagree. He was a fool, perhaps even a damned fool. Princess Uranus had been correct. They’d committed treason of the highest order. Pure as his intentions had been, that was not the issue here, the actions required consequence in the eyes of both Moon and Earth, and yet this woman seemed to feel otherwise. He looked to Princess Mars, hoping her answer would grant his and the generals freedom.
Rei released the breath she wasn't aware she had been holding. There were few things in existence that left the Princess of Mars awestruck, but the sight of the legendary Guardian of Time was definitely one of them. She gathered herself quickly before speaking.
"It's true. While his actions were foolish neither he, nor the four men with him, meant any harm. I know this because I felt it in their energy. Had I sensed even a hint of ill will or malice I would have set them ablaze before they had any idea what was happening to them."
Normally calm and quick-witted, her frustrations were growing at her core and boiling up to the surface. Setsuna’s passive statements and baiting the Princess of Mars was sickeningly sweet. She was overplaying her hand. “I don’t appreciate you asking questions to things you clearly know the answer to, old friend.” She said softly to Setsuna. “You want us to step down, for some reason or another, and only because we have our special bond will I let you have your way. So be it. But, this is reckless, even for you. Especially for you.” She warned.
“Reckless indeed. Then let’s erase their memories. Then there’s no actual harm done?” Not generally one for compromises, she realized she had already forsaken her duty, by holding back, by not killing these men on the spot. Haruka couldn’t actually place the reason why either, was it Serenity’s pleading? Could that really have affected her so much?
“Gentlemen, I believe now is the time we bid our generous hosts goodnight.” Kunzite's first words since entering this ideological arena were casual, yet an urgent tone underwrote them. He glanced at his generals with Endymion, “Go, now. I will follow.” Kunzite intended to be the last one out, in case something went wrong he might last long enough to alert the others and maybe distract them long enough give the others a head start. To his dismay, that was the extent of his abilities here.
“Apologies, Princesses.” Jadeite grinned, emerald eyes exuded that same playful confidence from underneath the wavy wisps of hair that fell over his gaze. “It was a beautiful party.” He said politely, sucking in a breath at his Prince’s non-compliance.
He knew he couldn’t resist both Jadiete and Zoisite, he pulled away from them enough to lean towards her, his gaze meeting hers for a moment. “Serenity… Thank you for the dance…” It was all he could say before the men seized control of him and pushed him out the side balcony doors. In the struggle the rose he’d meant to give Serenity tumbled unceremoniously from his jacket, laying where he’d last been.
It all happened too slowly, and now, far too quickly. As the white-haired man swept past her, with no more than a glance her gaze softened with a sweet desperation. Urgency filled her voice. “Kunzite, wait!” She said between heavy breaths. Her lips parted and gaze pierced his own, praying he would see her sincerity. “None of this was his fault.” She sucked in a breath. “It was all mine.” She rubbed her lips together as the words came forward pointedly. She hoped to spare Endymion any retribution from his misadventure. He did it all for her. There was so much she wanted to say, but time wasn’t on her side. Instead, she said all that she could to pass along, even though it broke her heart to pieces. “Please…please tell him thank you…for everything.” She asked.
He made one last sweeping glance of the women there; allies, strangers, and enemies alike. Serenity held his gaze with her pleading, and he returned it with a warm, albeit thin, smile. He responded in such a way as to answer her, but also get the “last word” in with all the others, “None of us regret coming here, Your Highness,” he started, stealing a glance at Minako, “it is only that we had to leave under such strained tensions. Nevertheless, I will tell him. I wish you health and prosperity, and thank you for your hospitality.” He bowed formally, stepped backwards, and was gone, along with all the others of the Kingdom of Earth. Regardless of if his statement was completely true, he truly desired to leave as good an impression as he could despite the circumstances.
Even now Serenity showed her defiance. She spit in the face of order and laws of her own Kingdom. She would run away again—and that man with his confidence would seek her out again. “Haruka, we have to put a stop to this and quickly.” She released Serenity from her grasp and took a few careful steps away. Turning to face the only other sane person in the room under her current estimation, she crossed her arms and looked over her shoulder. The trespassers from Earth were scattering. If they hurried, they could find their transports between the planets.
“…H—how can you be so cruel and uncaring?” She stammered softly. Her gaze narrowed at Haruka and Michiru in utter disbelief of their actions and words. She brought a hand up to her bare shoulder, fingertips kneaded into the tender flesh. Her chin dipped and brushed against the top of her shoulder. Instead of relief at her new-found freedom, she couldn’t breathe. This cage and the weight and burden of her responsibilities were never more apparent. His fingertips across her skin; mercilessly being splashed with water while enveloped in the wind; a sweet promise to steal away to see her again—those moments flooded her senses. “Now he can never come back...and I…” She brought her arms across her chest, whimpering out the words as she choked. “Serenity, you don’t know that. We just need time to process everything. We’ll sort it out.” Ami tried to console her, throwing her gaze away from the group that bickered around them and drawing her focus on the one that needed it the most in that moment. Being nearest to the Princess, she moved to place a comforting arm about the other woman.
“Caring isn’t always a gentle and tender as you know it to be, Serenity.” Michiru advised. “We might seem unbearably hardened, but it is that suffocating caring that keeps the order.”
Haruka stepped to stand behind Michiru, her height granting her a more imposing presence as she looked to Ami. “You’re brilliant, but are you daft? Truly?” Her green eyes were ablaze in disbelief. “The fact that you, as her Guardian, as a Senshi, would entertain even the notion of Serenity seeing that man again shows that you have no idea what your role is.” Reaching a hand to rub at her temples, she smirked and glanced down at Michiru, “Luckily for you and this Kingdom, Michiru and I know where our priorities lie.”
Smirking slightly, a hand came to rest at the small of the aqua haired beauty’s back, as she leaned down, the volume of her tone dropping, “It would seem we’ve worn out our welcome here, Michiru… Let’s allow them to do what they must.. Come along.” Haruka nodded her head towards the other women, her gaze shifting cautiously across their faces.
“Good evening. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again soon.” Her green eyes flickering towards Setsuna, “Do take care old friend.” With that the navy clad woman strode out of the scene with the Princess of Neptune at her side. It was both strange and comforting to have someone who saw the world as she did.
This was it, her breaking point. All the yelling. All the fractures. All the misunderstanding. All the people wanting her to change. Her mother. The only thing that fully embraced her was long gone—if he even made it there safely. All the emotions that raged inside, dared to tear her apart. Her shoulders hunched forward and head lowered as her body visibly trembled. More than anything, she was completely embarrassed at the way he had been treated. She had to rectify it. She was so lost in her thoughts and feelings she didn’t even hear Ami. At the feeling of a hand on her shoulder she shrugged away, throwing her hands out from her chest with her palms facing outward. “No!” She recoiled. Honestly, she thought she was about to be wrangled captive again. But when she saw the results of her actions, Ami being thrown across the balcony, back plunging against the railing, Serenity froze. Her friend winced and slumped backward at impact. Ami’s electric blue eyes showed fear. “Ami-chan!” Serenity cried, retreating from the others filled with her own fear. “I’m so sorry, I would never…” Her lips parted, quivering until her mouth gaped open with shock. She turned her hands toward her, palms faced her and arms bent slightly at the elbow. Serenity’s hands radiated with a shimmering, vibrant pink aura. She wasn’t prepared to see the fear and shock in her friend’s eyes. She could take those looks from any in her Kingdom, but not one of her friends. Her fingertips curved and upper body shook. “I can’t control this!” She spun around to the greater group, her eyes frantic and helpless. Her entire body shuddered. “I didn’t ask for this! I just want to be normal!” She broke down, tears welled up in the corner of her eyes, hands shaking. She didn’t want to hurt anyone else. What was she becoming? Rei moved forward slowly, her arms extended and her demeanor calm.
"Serenity, it's going to be alright. You just have to calm down."
Gently, the Princess of Mars placed her hands on Serenity's upper arms and pulled them forward so that the aura radiating from her hands was nearly pressed against her body. If she failed to calm the Moon Princess, Rei's body was prepared to absorb the blast and keep everyone else from harm.
“Rei, you have to get away from here. You must get away from me!” Serenity protested. “I—I don’t know what to do.” She confessed, sucking in a large breath as she closed her eyes. What was this feeling of power and drive? She swelled with emotions—she wanted to make change. She felt angry. She felt like she was losing herself. All her fragile strength was gone.
Setsuna carefully moved behind her so she could speak in Serenity's ear.
"Hear her words, Princess. You must hear her."
Rei carefully moved her right hand up Serenity's arm and lightly caressed the side of her head.
The light was blinding. She looked above herself as the slivers of radiant gold poked through the open spaces between the lush and vibrant extensions of towering trees. She squinted her eyes, bringing her hand to rest above her eye line for cover. The warm, gentle embrace of the wind wrapped her up completely. “But….how?” Her gaze shifted and body settled into the moment.
"Think about the lake. Remember how it made you feel? Remember the warmth of the sunlight and the cool sensation of the water on your legs. Remember how calm it made you feel."
And there he was, bent over and splashing water at her while continuing to chide her for her coy anonymity. His sapphire eyes hiding just beneath the veil of his tussled ebony locks. Then, he smiled at her with such an honest sincerity. He didn’t even know her. She didn’t even know him, and yet, he took her breath away. He took her away her insecurities and the burden or responsibilities. The water felt cool and she felt safe. She felt oddly worthy, trapped in a ghost of a memory with him.
Her upper body crumpled up against the raven-haired woman’s chest in resolve. A gentle voice of exhausted breathed a warm word into the woman’s ear. “Thank you.” She said tiredly. Her eyes remained closed for a time before they opened and wandered along the marble tiles of the dance floor to see a lone rose on the floor. That uncomfortable tightening of her chest resumed at the sight. She had to find a way to see him again — this couldn’t be the end.
Mako watched in surprise. Serenity's show of power was unexpected, and Mako felt her muscles tense in anticipation of anything. She was glad Rei was there to take charge of comforting Serenity. Mako was a shield, great to hide behind but not to cuddle with. She moved quietly to check on Ami.
Arms stronger than her delicate appearance may have given embraced Serenity, catching her as she collapsed. Rei held her close, her hand idly rubbing her back in a calming manner. “Of course”, she whispered back.
Setsuna stood to her full height as she stared seemingly into the distance. Her eyes followed the path none could see, looking into a place that had yet to exist, searching, hoping, she had corrected its course. For the briefest of moments a look of relief spread across her face only to be quickly replaced by her usual unreadable features. She had done it. Without saying a word, the Guardian of Time walked towards the entrance to the balcony, then stopped and turned back to the five young women. Her amethyst eyes studied each of them for a moment before her dark lips parted and her soft voice filled the air.
“You must be more careful.”
With that, she turned and left the balcony, disappearing into the crowd.
Rei opened her mouth to say thank you, but the Guardian of Time was already gone.
[WE'LL NOW RESUME INDIVIDUAL RESPONSES. THIS WAS A GREAT COLLABORATION, ALL!]
|
|
|
Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Jul 14, 2015 18:56:08 GMT -5
Serenity slowly lifted her head from the raven-haired woman’s shoulder. Her bright sapphire eyes were dulled, glassy and wrought with emotion. “Rei… you saw… they are good people. We must ensure their safety.” She urged, her hands fell onto the woman’s broad shoulders, squeezing with effort.
“Please, we need to seek them out and get them home.” Serenity pled.
Minako shook her head, emerald green eyes wavered over the empty corridor leading back toward the main part of the palace. “That’s unnecessary. They clearly had help getting into the palace — navigating around the guards, they even knew what to wear tonight. I’m confident they had a quick escape plan as well.” She added, pacing quickly toward Rei and Serenity.
Minako brought a hand carefully underneath Serenity’s chin, leaning her face close to her fellow blonde Princess. “Are you okay, Serenity?” She questioned. After a feeble nod from their naïve Princess, Minako continued.
“I’m glad.” She said calmly. “From now on, you must be honest with us.” She stressed, kindly raising her brows, as her fingertips slipped tenderly over the woman’s cheek — trying to further calm her down. “We want to support you, but without the knowledge of what we might incur around the next corner, it is difficult to protect you.” She chided. “Especially with two women, who clearly have confidence issues and feel the need to be in control involved.” She huffed.
“But don’t worry, Serenity. We’ll take care of it.” Internally, she wondered if Haruka was such a coward that she’d go all the way to the Queen to whine about Serenity’s actions that so clearly did not align with her traditionalist policies. If that were to happen, Minako wasn’t quite sure what she’d do. She could only hope it would not go that far. An uncomfortable feeling began to grow at the pit of her stomach at the thought of it. At least, she had a lead. She would find a way to sync up with the surprisingly less of a statue man that was Earth’s lead general. She had to make sure there would be no consequences and hard feelings between the planets after this night.
Ami’s grimace began to fade as Makoto approached. “Mm. I’m okay, Makoto. I merely had the wind knocked out of me.” She said, holding a hand gently against her side with an uncomfortable sigh as she lowered her right shoulder and then lifted her left, using the movement of her body to ease out the minor pain.
“I was unaware that Serenity was able to do such things.” She said in a soft, even meager voice. Her words were just above a whisper. They were not meant for Serenity, nor the whole group. Ami just needed to process what she had seen, heard and felt. She needed her Jovian counterpart to validate what they had seen.
Serenity had voiced concerns that she was growing in abilities she was unable to train and control. Why would her mother not want her to harness these abilities, especially when they could be unleashed at any moment.
“Thank you for standing up for us Makoto.” She smiled lightly, finally pulling away from the railing, taking a few steps back toward the group. “Thank you as well, Minako. I do agree that Princesses Haruka and Michiru were overstepping their boundaries.” She frowned.
“Serenity, I want you to return to the ballroom. Please, take it easy on yourself for a time. You do not have to dance, but sit in the throne and be present. I need to follow up on a few items with these ladies.” Minako added, ushering the other woman back into the pool of humanity and prominence that was the main ballroom. Serenity was sullen, but after all that had happened, she did not disobey the order.
It was that moment that Minako let out a long, slow breath. Her façade cleanly dissolved and her chest tightened with anxiety. “So, we can hope that those two aren’t running to the Queen at this moment, and if they don’t, what do we plan on doing going forward?” She questioned.
“Rei, tell me more about what you learned. Makoto, Ami? Were we each so strategically paired with one of the Prince’s Generals?” Her eyebrows furrowed at the realization.
[Tag Rei and Makoto]
|
|
|
Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Jul 14, 2015 19:36:41 GMT -5
A sharp left at the end of one corridor and a quick right at the next. Jadeite’s feet were moving faster than his head. Were they even going the right way? At first, he was his charming and polite self. He carefully navigated around the innocent patrons and servants, apologizing for himself and his merry band of fools as they went. Now, he shoved and pushed — shouting for these foreigners to get out of their way.
All the while, Zoisite tugged Endymion along. A stern hand remained against the man’s shoulder. He had seen how taken his Prince was with this women, and even now, he feared, that given the opportunity, his Prince would go right back into the danger zone to seek out the Moon Princess.
“Keep moving, Endymion.” Zoisite hissed, informally shoving the other man. Internally these aggressive actions were beyond how he ever imagined he’d treat his Prince, but everything they had seen and heard had officially unraveled the usually composed man’s nerves.
As they stalked into a more familiar environment — magnificent stars darted the endless black pit of a sky that surrounded them. These stars, there were so close, one could almost touch them. But the group moved so quickly none could take in the beauty of the surrounding, least of all Jadeite. “We’re leaving early. Prepare for departure!” Jadeite let out a sigh of relief. He rushed the group toward their transport.
He let Zoisite pass, sneering as he watched his fellow General shove the Prince into the cargo bay.
“What are we waiting for? We need to leave!” Zoisite pressed, throwing a pointed look toward their Prince.
“Are you alright?” He questioned, while trying to catch his breath.
“Kunzite will be just behind us. We wait for him. He will be here. It’s always like him to make things a tad more interesting.” Jadeite mused, feeling that if they were in the transport and neither maniac Princess was in view, they were safe — for now. "Calm down, won't you." Jadeite chided, slipping his fingertips through his sandy blonde locks anxiously. Kunzite would be there. He had to. He was their leader.
[Tag Nephrite, Kunzite and Endymion]
|
|
|
Post by hinorei on Jul 20, 2015 12:41:36 GMT -5
Rei gave a heavy sigh, ignoring the pain in her abdomen from being so close to Serenity's uncontrolled power, and turned to face Minako.
"At the beginning of the ceremony I noticed a strange energy that suddenly appeared in the crowd. It wasn't hostile, nor did it seem to have ulterior motives, so when the presentation was over I decided to investigate it further without causing alarm. Our coming together as one tonight must have boosted my abilities because I was able to discern that there were five of them and that they were spread throughout the room. I locked on to one and followed it, and the commenced interrogating the young man it led me to.
He told me he and his comrades were from Earth and that they meant us no harm. He then informed me that the 'young man' Serenity ran into during her trip happened to be none other than the Prince of Earth. Their Prince was taken with the lovely young woman he'd met and was beside himself with worry because she had been taken away so suddenly. As for us being strategically partnered up with the four Generals, that seems to have been entirely coincidental. None of them had any idea that the young woman their Prince was so desperate to find was Princess Serenity and they were spread out so they could keep an eye on him no matter where he went."
The Princess of Mars gave a half smile as she shook her head as she continued.
"It was all done out of desperation and love. The Prince, who was desperate to make sure his maiden was safe, and the Generals, whose love for their Prince brought them here to protect him. I would have gotten more information, such as how they got here and how they managed to infiltrate the party, but my interrogation was interrupted by those jerks causing a scene."
Rei sighed again, clearly frustrated.
"When I first came up the steps to stop them, I was overwhelmed by a vision of war and destruction. It still haunts me," she said with a shiver. Her eyes then shifted to look at her fellow guardians.
"Where you able to learn anything from the men you were with?" she asked the three of them.
Tag: Minako, Makoto, and Ami
|
|
|
Post by Prince_Endymion on Jul 31, 2015 11:05:11 GMT -5
Nephrite hadn’t fully realized he’d been holding his breath until the myriad of warrior princesses seemed to give them their hesitant blessing to leave; to accept their freedom. His focus immediately shifted to his brothers, as Zoisite and Jadiete both escorted/dragged Endymion from the scene. There was some piece of comfort in knowing Endymion was safe again, that was their first goal in all things; to protect the Prince. The man paused, turning to watch his leader. He couldn’t leave until he knew Kunzite was coming as well, so he took this recess to wait, even though he was feeling anxious as ever.
His dark blue eyes shifted until they met the bright, emerald gaze of Makoto once again, her face flushed and beautiful from the near-brawl they’d stumbled into. A wry smile crossed his lips as he looked to her, winking at her as he moved to his leader’s side. He then leaned in towards Kunzite; placing a firm hand on his shoulder. “Come on Kunzite, they got Endymion out of here, we must go, now!!” He hissed under his breath, not wishing to draw any more attention to them as they made their getaway. Now he shoved at the white haired man, relieved when he no longer resisted and instead followed his lead.
The two men made a move for the door, Nephrite at the white haired man’s shoulder when the Moon Princess called out to Kunzite. Even after all the trouble and craziness, this woman still wanted to take any blame off of Endymion. His blue eyes widened slightly at her statement, before he nodded respectfully and then pushed Kunzite out the back door of the balcony. They stumbled back into the elegant music and soft lighting; the ballroom continuing to swirl with dancers as though nothing out of the ordinary had just occurred. Inhaling deeply to calm himself, as to not draw any suspicions, the two men moved calmly through the throngs of people, until they’d reached the hallway. Breaking into a run, he kept pace with Kunzite, hoping that they’d make it back to meet up with the others.
“We’ve done it Kunzite! Now let’s get home!” Neprhite’s voiced was breathy as he ran, but his smile was genuine, they should make it out of this unscathed. Hoping his confidence would be enough to support Kunzite in this moment. However his reassurance didn’t seem to be necessary, as the sight of the transport came into view. A wave of relief washed over the brunette man, his long wavy locks flicking in the breeze at his back as he took note of three well-dressed men already inside. As much as he hated to admit it, one way or the other, Endymion had been right.
[Tag: Kunzite, Endymion, Jadiete, Zoisite]
|
|
|
Post by Princess Jupiter on Aug 1, 2015 12:07:47 GMT -5
Makoto smiled with Ami, glad she was okay. And yet, they were both still a little tense. Serenity's power rivaled all else – she was the Moon Princess after all – and it fell to her guardians to protect her from without and from within, it seemed. “I don't think she knew, either..” Mako replied quietly, putting a hand gently on Ami's shoulder and looking back toward Serenity with concern. It certainly wasn't that Mako was afraid of Serenity, but she felt she understood being stronger than one realized, “It's just another reason we all have to be here for her, y'know?”
“I only wish I could've done more.” she replied to Ami's thanks, staying a couple paces back as she rejoined the group, allowing that mind-worm to get inside her head.
Mako breathed out heavy and slow. She was annoyed. Annoyed and scared. Annoyed, scared, and sad. Annoyed, scared, sad, and angry. Yes, that about wrapped it up.
Those jerks had ruined her romantic moment. They upset Serenity. Serenity had exposed a power no one knew she had, and now they all had to pick up the pieces of their evening together. Makoto much wanted to just find those two and beat the living daylights out of them. Even she had more tact than those two, and that was saying something!
She kicked the air idly and her gaze fell upon a full-stemmed rose on the ground. There were none like it out here, so it must have come from—aah, Mako remembered, it was the Prince's. In the language of flowers, red roses always meant love and courage. She reached down and picked it up. In her reveree with Nephrite, Mako had just glossed over how dangerous and daring the Prince's, and the whole Earth group's, coming to the Moon was. Mako was annoyed at how it turned out, but the rose remindered her of why they had gone to such lengths. She smiled, a little bitterly, and she spun the rose between her fingertips. Love bloomed, but thorny-stemmed. This aftermath was the thorns, but they couldn't forget about the flower because of the thorns, could they?
Mako looked over at Serenity departing figure. Was it a good idea to set off another emotional cascade just as she was beginning to recover by giving it to her now? Mako thought not. She quickly tucked away the rose for now. She would give it to her after, she thought to herself, when they had all settled down.
It was then she rejoined the group to discuss what they had learned,
“Nothing more than you've already said, Rei, “Mako offered, “Nephrite was pretty open with me about their whole earth group being here. Their Prince Endymion wanted to be here to the point of refusing to listen to the rest of them. Quite a guy our Princess found, eh?" she commented with a sly expression.
Tag: Ami, Rei, Minako
|
|
|
Post by General Kunzite on Aug 3, 2015 11:40:53 GMT -5
[joint post - Kunzite and Setsuna]
Kunzite bowed respectfully to Princess Serenity, and then with one last look that said, “I'll be in touch” to Minako, he allowed Nephrite to lead him away.
“You should have gone with the others,” he berated Nephrite in a calm and disinterested tone like he had used the wrong spoon at dinner, “We cannot afford to have TWO of Prince Endymion's inner circle being capture here.”
As she meandered through the halls, eyes focused on the invisible strands of time, a sudden shift caught Setsuna's attention. It would seem her involvement in tonight's events was not quite over. She quickened her pace and turned down what appeared to be a random hallway, the guards paying her no mind. A few quick turns and she rounded the corner in time to see Kunzite and Nephrite barreling towards her. A quick flick of her wrist summoned her staff to her hand, which she then used to block their way. The two men stopped, both wearing looks of surprise, and two guards passed behind the Guardian of Time, taking no notice of the three of them. When the hallway was once again clear, Setsuna lowered her staff and turned away from the two Earth men. Glancing at them over her shoulder, she motioned for them to follow her.
To be fair, the rebuke was almost instinctual. The rest of Kunzite's consciousness was devoted to escaping the potential trap to be sprung. He kept his attention focused like a leopard who knew it was being tracked as he moved with Nephrite through the ballroom and into the halls of the Palace. The Commander General had memorized the floorplan of the palace as part of his preparation, but no one had access to the guard's patrols and the two very nearly walked headlong into a pair before a long staff spread out before them. Following it was the dark complexion and deep eyes of...Setsuna, if he remembered her companions complaints correctly. The pair of guards walked past them and the Plutonian Princess motioned to them to follow her.
Silently, Setsuna led the two men down a different set of hallways, all of them empty of any guard activity. If they had concerns about where she was leading them, they did not voice them and the Princess of Pluto couldn't help but feel grateful that they were trusting her with their safety. She turned down a short hallway with a single door at the end. With her free hand she pushed open the door and the cool outside air rushed passed her, dancing through the two unbound locks of her emerald hair. Not only had she helped them avoid the guards, but she led them right to the docks. She walked over to their craft, then turned to face them.
Of all of them, this Princess seemed the biggest riddle. The Moon Princess was young and in love. The contentions of the other Princesses seemed ingrained in an ideological battle of past and future. But Kunzite could not fathom whose side Princess Setsuna was on. He got the distinct impression that she was on no one's “side,” but was working for some hidden goal. A different enemy? But she was helping them. Kunzite couldn't help but wonder if she would have some sort of demand before she let them go, but none came as they finally arrived at their craft.
“Thank you, my Lady. Twice you have saved us, and I shall remember it.” he said, intoning his gratitude as well as suspicions all in one phrase.
Her dark lips curved into a smile and she gave a slight nod of appreciation.
"I'm certain our paths will cross again. Have a safe journey home General Kunzite, General Nephrite," she said nodding at each as she spoke his name.
Without another word Setsuna walked between them and left the bewildered men to make their escape.
Rejoining his full party, Kunzite huffed and complained again, “Stop standing around. We must aways, now!”
Captain Fartrader stood besides his vessel, and when he saw the motley crew he downed the rest of whatever drink he carried, tossed it aside, and opened his vessel to them. Within minutes, they were back in the cold, but safe, embrace of space.
Finally, Kunzite allowed himself to slump against the wall, his stress finally washing over and away from him as he closed his eyes and crossed his hands over his chest, “Mission successful. We'll debrief when we get home.”
Tag: Endymion, Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoicite.
|
|