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Post by hinorei on Dec 2, 2016 12:16:14 GMT -5
A thoughtful look shaped the features of Rei's face for a moment. "While I have had unpleasant visions before, I've never seen anything of this magnitude. It's why I'm so driven to find answers. If I can find even a single clue, perhaps I can stop it from happening."
The Princess of Mars turned her gaze to the marble floor for a moment as memory of her encounter with bold archer from Earth flooded her mind. As their conversation replayed in her mind, the fire priestess wondered how much she should relay to Luna. While the feline was adviser to Princess Serenity, she also reported to the queen. More than anything, Rei didn't want to put her in an uncomfortable position, but she would let Luna herself make that choice.
"The most important thing we learned is that they meant no harm. The dark haired man met Serenity on her jaunt to Earth and was merely concerned for her safety. The others were his closest friends who accompanied him to ensure his safety and none of them had any idea who she really was."
Rei paused and knelt down close to Luna, her voice softening and her eyes locking onto those of the feline adviser. "There is more, but the four of us have chosen to carry this burden in secret. If I tell you, you must carry it in secret as well. I realize this would put you in a precarious position and I will not burden your shoulders unless you chose to carry the weight."
Tag: Luna
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Post by Princess Jupiter on Dec 20, 2016 17:26:34 GMT -5
“Ami..” Makoto was startled and surprised out of her moral dilemma and emotional turbulence.
She bit her lip at her question. Where was Serenity? Beyond their grasp? Beyond their help? Although Mako’s face was an open book, her desire to figure it out on her own before causing a stir won over and she replied lamely, “I didn’t see where she went off to…” as her gaze fell to the window, the blue planet looming like a priceless jewel on the breast of the universe.
Too obvious? Probably. Ami was the smartest person on this rock, and Mako was sure she saw through the response easily. Despite that, Ami seemed like she was preoccupied with other concerns. At first, Mako didn’t register Ami’s request, still feverishly processing her last conversation with Serenity. It certainly didn’t help when Ami launched into technobabble. Her attention was finally reigned in with Ami’s change of tone.
“Wait, what?” her brain retraced the half-heard request, “You need...muscle?” She smirked. Finally, a problem she could solve without bending her mind in pretzels.
“Just lead the way. If you can’t open his mind, I’ll open it for him.”
Tag: Ami
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Aug 27, 2017 18:10:21 GMT -5
There was no going back from this moment; Serenity was forever changed. A word she never found herself using hung heavily upon her heart and mind. The word? Why. Trembling fingertips strained to hold onto the music box Setsuna had brought to life. With each note that sweetly played, Serenity’s resolve strengthened.
Exiting her room with great haste, her pace adjusted with the flow of the guards posted about the corridor. She leaned back against the wall, tucking in closer to the shadows as she waited for a guard to move forward. Holding her breath, the uncertainty welled up within her.
All the narratives passed down from her mother and her tutors, her very understanding of that carefully-constructed ecosystem was collapsing. Why were such boundaries in place between the Earth and the Moon? It all had made sense before, but now, she wondered, what specific instances led their kingdoms to this juncture? Was her mother operating off an unfounded fear? Certainly, if the people of Earth were any reflection of Prince Endymion, there was no reason for any of it. He would never abuse such a partnership. Would he? The onslaught of her own thoughts were utter torment. How could one person, a person she hardly knew open her eyes so clearly. She thought herself to be a rebel, a free-spirit. And yet, now she understood just how small her cage had been all these years. Her wings, bound.
As a guard cut into the corridor, Serenity tucked away into the shadows, holding her breath. Her eyes transfixed on the man’s rigid movements toward her. She prayed for invisbility. She prayed for Setsuna’s words to be true—that she had time itself on her side. And now that she knew what was in her heart to be true, would she be cursed forever? Was she spitting in the face of ancient law? Was she the traitor Princess Uranus claimed her to be? Without question—and no moment felt more right than the present. A wave of fear rose up and washed over her as the guard passed by her, rounding the next corner to the next wing of the palace. Her upper body sank with relief. She had no time to celebrate or reflect upon the moment. She had to keep moving.
The heavens themselves opened up to her as she scurried out into the gardens, breathing in the open environment. Pausing to drink in the sky above, dotted with innumerable stars. Then, further in the distance, a bewitching blue orb. Her eyes darted left, then right, the music box wobbled as she fumbled with the delicate pocket watch, twisting one knob forward, then pressing it in and clearing her crowded head with a simple thought and destination.
[Tag Endymion]
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Aug 27, 2017 18:25:30 GMT -5
Ami’s first set of questions were met with silence and quibbles. The man clearly felt above her, annoyed that someone off her role and title would dare request something as mundane as transport logs. Luckily, Makoto’s towering presence aided the conversation. The woman needed to do nothing more than cross her arms and make eye contact with the man before he offered to send the detailed ledger to Ami directly by morning.
The man shuffled away, his grumbling over the whole thing audible upon his exit.
“Thank you.” Ami smiled, celebrating the small win within a rather complicated evening. “Makoto…” She paused, choosing her next words with precision and care. “Although we have known each other for quite some time, we have not always been the closest of companions. However, I know one thing to be true about you—your mind is steel trap,” she commended. “I’m not quite sure what Serenity is up to in the moment, but I trust your judgment and hope you’ll invite me into your confidence when you are ready.” She offered. “Because, if we do not fully trust one another and share our secrets, I fear we will fail in our duties to protect the princess and each other. Does that make sense?” She questioned, gesturing for the other woman to follow her, as she gathered the fine cloth of her gown politely before making her way back to the ballroom.
“If we aren’t at our big ceremony, people will start to wonder,” she added. Ami was skilled at peeling back complex layers, but people were not as structured as her books and formulas. Had she offended the princess with her thoughts. Her hands came together at her waist, her shoulders lifted uncomfortably. Serenity once spoke of wearing masks, and perhaps now, Ami understood what that had meant. She only hoped that each of her fellow princesses would see the other for who and what they really were at all times. She earnestly wanted to be their equal, and yet, she suddenly felt so inadequate compared to her peers. Luckily, she’d soon have some time to herself, as the ball was clearly winding down—many guests approaching to say hello and good evening. That was simple enough. Those were interactions she could handle. What tomorrow would bring? She was unsure.
[Tag Makoto]
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Aug 27, 2017 18:42:26 GMT -5
Minako tossed her back against the door to Rei’s quarters with a few haphazard slams. It was hardly polite—and hardly the act any princess would take. But, Minako never considered herself a dutiful princess. If she were, most of the events of the evening would have never taken place. Mentally, she swatted away at the discomfort in acknowledging her truth. How could she politely knock on the woman’s door anyway? She had a rather large bottle of champagne in one hand and two glasses in the other.
The ball was over. Thank the gods for that. What was next was unknown. A silk robe of bright orange punctuated with pale yellow flowers, wrapped about her. Vibrant brushes of purple peeked through the opening of her robe. For a moment she let her thoughts slide away, her body shivered. The moon was far cooler than temperate Venus. She huffed, blowing a few stray strands of gold away from her eyes. Another moment of her own realizing of how ill-equipped she had been for this trip and these duties tried to tear away at her confidence again.
She dug her back shoulder blade into the door with a wince, and then she turned around. “Come now, Princess. The least you can do is tell me more about the man whom you danced with—over drinks, of course.” She mused, allowing the glasses to rattle in her hold. Minako was the definition of heart and emotion. Even in her strongest moments, her thoughts and feelings lay bare for others to see and digest. Rei was always so mysterious in that sense—so much was unknown about her. And yet, some man seemed to break through her ice in an instant. Was Serenity right about fate? In Rei’s case, it had to be so. Nothing else made sense. Of course, out of friendship, she’d give the raven-haired princess a chance to prove her own thoughts wrong. But, she was quite confident that something special was brewing. Would any of the women see the intruders from Earth again?
[Tag Rei]
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Aug 27, 2017 19:00:28 GMT -5
Luna might have left the Princess of Mars with more concern that was truly necessary. She had asked whether Luna could choose between her master and her ward. And while that answer was readily available, it was not hers alone. When Queen Serenity had tasked Luna with her younger daughter—to be the girl’s trusted advisor and guardian of sorts, she had tried to distance herself from Serenity’s wild antics and naïve kindness. The realities of the realm were far more harsh than her pure ideals, and there was a time when Luna felt Serenity would be better off understanding that. Somewhere along their time together, the young princess had broken down the proud feline’s original goals. While Luna wished she could be firmer and stronger, she knew that allowing Serenity to find her own way was vital.
She galloped at light speed down the main corridor, barging into Minako’s room. She hoped to find Artemis there. She owed him the opportunity to choose where he wanted to be in all this. “Artemis?” She called, breathlessly, her pace slowing. Her black tail twitched behind her, realizing Princess Minako was nowhere to be found in the room. “A—Artemis,” she stammered, realizing how abrupt and out of character she was in the moment. “We must speak,” she added, looking for even the slightest clump of white.
Was he already asleep? How would anyone sleep this night. And where was Minako? Where was Serenity? She felt as if her keen grip had clearly faltered. She needed Artemis, and she hoped he could understand why betraying the Queen’s trust was a worthwhile endeavor. Would he understand.
[Tag Artemis]
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Aug 27, 2017 19:15:53 GMT -5
“The mood?” Zoisite questioned, tossing a glance at Jadeite as Endymion dodged their final questions by politely excusing himself from their presence all together.
Jadeite licked his finger and stuck it toward the air, closing his eyes as if he where thoughtfully measuring the temperature and the gust of a blistering wind. “Uncertain,” he sighed. “Perhaps a little sulky if you’re focused on our Prince’s orbit. He finally took the silence as an opportunity to release himself from his seated position. “If we were concerned before about keeping track of Endymion on Earth, how do we elevate our worries for intergalactic escapades?” He questioned, directing his gaze at Kunzite. “What have we done this time?” He quipped, shrugging his shoulders. He knew he was equally responsible for the events of the evening.
“All we can do is watch him—closely.” Zoisite chimed in. “I for one want to get to bed and try to erase the fantasies of the evening with some more manageable dreams.” He offered. “Could they really erase our memories? What sort of power is that?” He questioned, falling back into his safe space of running the possibilities and analyzing all that had passed between the two groups who were never meant to meet.
“I’m tired of talking, Zoisite.” Jadeite added gruffly, plucking his dress gloves from the bench beside him. “I guess I’ll keep these as a momento?” He grinned. Inside, he craved solitary. He had much to think about. They all did. But, he needed permission. He needed Kunzite’s cold reprieve before he could move on from the evening, before he could move on from Endymion’s silly lies. He was enchanted—no he was bewitched. And, he feared they would all pay the price for it. Now, it wasn’t all bad. With the moon princess came the raven-haired beauty, full of prophecy. Though, she seemed so sad when she dug into his future, and while he resolved to be confident is his time and whatever ludicrous road the gods had carved out for him—he hoped she’d be at least a part of it. Was that selfish? Certainly. But, weren’t they all being a bit selfish now?
[Tag Kunzite + Nephrite]
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Post by hinorei on Aug 28, 2017 15:19:56 GMT -5
Rei sat at her vanity running a brush through her long raven locks. Though her eyes stared forward, her gaze was far off; her arm's movements no more than muscle memory as her mind raced with thoughts from the night's events. Had she placed too heavy a burden on Luna's shoulders? Should she have kept quiet about everything? What was their next move going to be? Had they seen the last of the strange men from Earth? Deep down, the Princess of Mars knew the answer to that last question.
Rei nearly jumped out of her skin at the sudden and loud pounding on he door. Her hair brush slipped from her grip, but the fire priestess was able to catch it in a feat of graceless agility that she was certain she would never be able to perform again. Trying to regain her composure, she placed the hair brush on her vanity and stood, smoothing out the soft satin fabric of her red nightgown.
"Come in," she said, slipping her matching red satin robe over her delicate shoulders and securing it around her waist with the black satin belt.
The Princess of Mars hadn't anticipated any late visitors to her room and was admittedly surprised when Minako burst through her door.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize your hands were full," she said, hurrying to the door and closing it behind the Venetian Princess.
"Oh, that," Rei said, motioning towards the velvet cushioned couch against the wall. "I can assure you, it isn't what you think. I was merely trying to gather information. Once I'd confronted him he promised to answer my questions if I danced with him. Though I found his unabashed confidence and bold behavior somewhat annoying, I suppose I can admit it wasn't the worst experience I've ever had."
The fire priestess sat down on the couch and smiled the Princess of Venus. "Since we're on the topic of men who capture our attention, tell me more about the tall white-haired man you were speaking with."
Attn: Minako
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Post by Princess Jupiter on Aug 29, 2017 13:04:06 GMT -5
"Ami, wait." Mako suddenly blurted out, closing any gap between them with a quick stride and gripping her slender shoulder.
The two were not particularly close, that was true. But the mind of steel was Ami's, not Mako's. That power to weave through the intricacies and difficulties like water that Mako could only plow like a bull through.
Serenity, you made me do this, she thought to herself.
She had called Mako sister. Beyond being a guardian or a princess, Mako wanted to protect Serenity. And somewhere in that moment, The Princess Makoto of Jupiter had decided to own her new family simply because she wanted to. And that meant reaching out to her other sisters.
"We have to talk. Serenity went back to Earth, to find the Prince. I couldn't stop her, but...I need to tell Minako. I'm just not sure to calm down anymore! What is even our next step?"
Makoto felt her emotional control slipping as her voice cracked and her vision went blurry with tears.
Tag: Ami
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Sept 14, 2017 20:08:29 GMT -5
Minako sauntered forward, pausing only long enough to pour a drink for her friend. “Ah,” her vibrant green eyes followed the flow of the scarlet liquid from one container to another. “I will not be so easy, Princess,” she mused, turning toward the woman in one sharp motion before offering the glass of wine with an outstretched arm. “At least not until we’ve had a few drinks,” she grinned.
“So, before my mind becomes fuzzy, I want to hear about this man who ‘wasn’t the worst experience you’ve ever had.’” She reiterated, brow raised. “Such a statement for you is practically positive--and that’s quite peculiar.” She added, shifting her focus to her own glass, quickly filling it up--even moreso than what she had given to her raven-haired counterpart. Sliding into place on the couch, her upper body rested lazily against the arm of the couch as she let out a breath, her bangs brushed against her forehead. “What a mess we’re in,” she said softly. “What of this Prince of Earth anyway? I mean, do we truly know his intents and purpose for coming all this way as honest?” She shrugged. “Serenity is far too trusting, she always has been. She hardly knows this man.”
If her words weren’t conveying her level of anxiety and concern, her first significant gulp of her drink would surely signify it all. The Princess of Mars still seemed walled off, guarding her true thoughts. Minako playfully tapped a finger tip toward the base of the other wine glass, encouraging Rei to take an equally hearty sip. “Now now, we can tell eachother anything right?” She questioned, eager for the woman’s confidence. A funny thought struck her; she was equally eager for Kunzite’s understanding. As a peer and leader, he must understand the complexities of duty--and yet he was so cold and domineering. And yet, like an early morning frost fighting warmer seasons, he melted with her and softened--and underneath that veneer was more. As her mind drifted, she held the glass evenly, the rim of the glass sliding left and then right over her lower lip.
"Do you think we're making a mistake, allowing Serenity to follow her heart in such a way?" She suddenly question, gaze growing serious. Duty and friendship were never great bed fellows, and her hopes to please both responsibilities tore at her conscious.
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Sept 14, 2017 20:18:25 GMT -5
The firm grip the other woman exerted on her shoulder was overwhelming, as Ami was still recovering from the brunt of Serenity's powerful outburst. A flicker of pain, her shoulders clenched. "Makoto?" She questioned, gaze rising to meet the tower figure's concerned face.
The two were not particularly close, that was true. But the mind of steel was Ami's, not Mako's. That power to weave through the intricacies and difficulties like water that Mako could only plow like a bull through.
Serenity, you made me do this, she thought to herself.
Gently, Ami wiped at tear, remaining calm to balance her friend's anguish. "I am honored that you would share this with me, and I know this is difficult for all of us." She offered, softly and deliberately. "I'm not always the best at this, and I believe we can learn a great deal from each other." She offered, showing calm and not fear. In fact, she hardly seemed surprised regarding Serenity's whereabouts. "As much as we are Serenity's keepers, we are also her friends. As your heart is breaking with worry, I imagine Serenity felt the same for the Prince of Earth--after such a dramatic exit and the heated words and accusations that passed between his comrades and the Princesses of Uranus and Neptune," she offered.
"I do believe we need to speak with Minako," she added, letting her hand remain softly against the other woman's cheek, trying to offer a kindred understanding and support. "But, I think we all need to take the night to breath, to think and to reflect on the night. We will let Serenity have this night and her peace of mind." She suggested. "Tomorrow is a new day and in the morning, refreshed, we can sort through it all. Our next steps are uncertain, but I do know we will take them together as a team. I'm confident in our shared abilities and strengths. Aren't you?" She questioned with a light smile.
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Sept 14, 2017 20:28:45 GMT -5
This is Part One of a joint post between Serenity and Endymion.
Upon the men’s return to the Earth Palace, Endymion bid them a hurried and brief goodnight as he stalked off to his bedchamber. He needed to be alone with his thoughts, rather than surrounded by them and their double standards. Pushing the door closed behind him, he twisted the lock, releasing himself from having to encounter any unexpected visitors of any kind. There was a slow, seething anger building in his core, he’d left a thousand things unsaid to her, and getting back to her would be damn near impossible.
Before she could even gather her bearings, she sought him out with desperation. “Endymion?!” She called into the silent night with a forceful whisper. Immediately, the brisk embrace of the cold wind sent shock waves through her already trembling body. She gasped in a sharp breath, ducking her upper body forward. With two quick steps forward and fingertips grasping at the elegant material of her gown, she darted her attentions in front and behind of her. Was she even in the right place? If she were caught she’d get into trouble, and she truly would never be able to see him again.
Teeth grinding against the others as he absently reached to his neck, roughly dismantling the white bow and casting it aside with his now dusty white gloves. He stared blankly ahead for a moment, trying to replay those precious few moments she was in his arms, before some maniac Warrior Princess had intervened. Endymion threw his hands roughly against his table, the thud echoing in his empty bed chamber as the table bore his weight. He was generally so calm, this internal rage and anguish was unfamiliar, uncomfortable and made him feel like he couldn’t breathe.
Nothing. It had been hours since she had seen him get dragged away by his Generals. What if they never actually made it away from the Moon? What if something had happened to them? She brought a hand to her stomach as she leaned forward, grappling at the balcony railing in front of her, the music box wobbling in her uncertain grasp. And yet the soft melody from the music box played. Would she really be safe while the music kept going? She set the box carefully to the ground, trying to calm her mind and heart.
Haunted blue eyes slammed shut for a moment, furiously trying to process everything. The fury, the frustration, the agony of longing to just see her again. He hadn’t thought it possible, but he was more desperate than ever to find Serenity, to apologize for ruining this grand night of hers. And for what seemed to be a growing list of reasons. The Prince couldn’t quite reckon with the onslaught of emotions in that moment. Had he been wrong? Had he been right? Should he have said more? Or did he say entirely too much? Perhaps he should not have tempted fate; perhaps he should have stayed on Earth. He’d had so many opportunities and opted to not take a single one.
And yet, given the chance again, he’d risk it all for her. Pushing off the table he turned to face his balcony.
The moon’s reflection on the calming waters of Lake Kosuke below offered no solace. Her chest only began to rise and fall at a faster rate, as her concerns continued to grow. Ocean blue eyes traced the lake’s outward perimeter, some sense of familiarity saturated her with a slice of comfort. This was Endymion’s balcony. The gilded cage he spoke of. She was drawn to him. He had to be near.
Unclipping the dramatic, red lined cape which fluttered gracefully to the ground at his back as he unbuttoned the top two buttons at his neck. He felt like he could breathe finally, so he inhaled deeply, attempting to recover his composure. Endymion needed his Generals to be wrong. That couldn’t have been his last moment with her. Desperation caused an ache in his heart for more time with her; for a thousand more moments. All he’d wanted was to dance with her, to feel that precious ‘normalcy’ for whatever brief a time.
This was unsafe. It was selfish. The words of her Mother and Minako’s warnings ringed in her ears. She shrunk away from the railing, wincing as the cold continued to torment her. Bringing a cloak hadn’t been an option. “Why are you here Serenity?” She questioned, tone filled with frustration as she brought a hand to her head. She had already complicated this planet’s monarchy, and clearly drove a wedge between her guardians with her actions. But, this feeling inside, a feeling she could hardly define, was driving her. At what cost though? She didn’t want to bring this planet anything but peace and prosperity, and her guardians — she began to drown in brimming consequences of her actions. The space between her fingertips filled with golden locks of hair as she clenched her hand into a fist near her forehead in panicked frustration.
Traipsing towards the door, he released the buttons upon the tuxedo jacket as he approached the curved double doors leading out to his balcony. The calming effect of the night’s cold breeze would surely help sober his spirit. Something much needed.
Then, as if unexpected, he appeared. She gasped, her body jerked around to face him. Her long flowing locks waved and snapped with her movement, while her hand fell from the confines of her hair and rested neatly at her side. A myriad of feeling swirled within her. Wordlessly, her eyes traced up his body, as if to ensure it was really him and not some cruel ghost of memory. He was a towering figure, like the trees that surrounded Lake Kosuke. But his sapphire eyes were warm and gentle, perhaps distorted by his disbelief in that moment. But, she remembered — she remembered the promise he uttered with a shining smile and brimming confidence. She grew lost, meeting his magnetic blue gaze.
The opening doors offered a rush of wind blowing against his face and ruffling his ebony hair as Endymion paused at the doorway. His dark blue gaze narrowed for the briefest moment to analyze the errant figure upon his balcony before they widened brightly in disbelief. For but a second longer he drank the sight of her in; beautiful and anxious, with long blonde curls twisting upon the breeze and a sapphire gaze whose surprise mirrored his own.
It was that memory in that moment that reminded her — she knew exactly why she was there.
Breathing her name under his breath like a prayer, he rushed to her. Surely if he touched her she’d disappear. Fade into nothing but a beautiful memory whom would forever haunt his wildest dreams.
She lunged forward, throwing her arms about him. Her upper body pressed firmly against his chest. “You’re okay!” She exhaled, head buried between his shoulder and neck. Her voice seemed strained and full of fear. Her eyes snapped close as she pulled in tightly toward him, in the darkness visions of his mistreatment played in her mind. “I am so sorry for how you were treated.”
As she crashed against him, his arms closed firmly about her, resting his atop the soft blonde curls. Inhaling deeply, Endymion breathed her in, the sweet scent of her threatening to undo his well-manicured composure. Leaning her back in his arms as he looked down at her, his brows furrowing at her apology. He reached out, gently brushing a stray hair off her forehead, his voice low and serious, “Serenity… Please don’t apologize. None of that had anything to do with you…”
“Please.” She pulled away from him slowly, creating some space. Without thinking, her fingertips slid over his cheeks, curving tenderly against his soft skin as she spoke on in earnest. The tension in her arms was evident. “Please forgive them. They are good people, my guardians. They’re just very protective.” Her words poured out between exasperated breaths. Sapphire orbs searched his frantically.
He felt his chest tighten at the feeling of her hands against his face. An unexpected nervousness set his heart racing again, but it was different than before. Instead it was both terrifying and glorious, saturating him with the desire to pull her close again and whisper all the reasons he wanted to be near her. More than that, to assure her that he blamed her for nothing.
Waking up to her actions—her fingertips against his skin, his face so close—her eyes widened and face lit up with a deep crimson blush. “Uh... it’s not fair of me to ask you that…” She quickly tore her hands away and spun away from his gaze, trying to save herself from more embarrassment. It was both comforting and frightening how at ease she was with him. She stumbled back a few steps, squeaking out inaudible words before she found her voice again.
The ghost of a gentle smile touched his lips as he attempted to quell her fears, “Serenity.” He said sternly, hoping to get her attention, to make her understand. “You’re their Princess. Their entire existence is devoted to protecting you, is it not? I don’t blame them for fearing some intruder Prince from Earth. They couldn’t possibly have known my intents and purposes for being there.” The smile faded as she pulled away and turned, embarrassed for her closeness. Was he so difficult to read? Did she truly think she’d offended him?
“I’ve caused you so much trouble as it is,” she huffed through a short chuckle. “And yet, here I am again, uninvited and on your planet a second time.” She frowned with guilt, her head lowered and shoulders hunched forward. A jolt of her selfishness in this moment robbed her energy. But, she couldn’t leave all that was unsaid unspoken. “C-can we speak freely here?” She questioned softly, her head twitched left and right, eyes scanned about apprehensively. “Your guards…and generals… they won’t…” She searched for the right words.
Another cool summer night breeze rolled off of Lake Kosuke and ruffled his black hair; a realization hit him as he stared at Serenity’s back, her fair but bare shoulders basked in moonlight-she must be freezing. Slowly sweeping up behind her for the second time that night, shrugging swiftly out of his jacket, draping it gently over her shoulders. His hands remaining there as he leaned to whisper to her.
“Ah.” She breathed, feeling him place the jacket over her shoulders, enveloping her in his warmth. Her shoulders lifted and facial expression softened.
“...You don’t need to apologize for your guardians. Nor do you require an invitation to visit Earth, I hear the Prince rather likes seeing you…” He chided gently. Glancing about the empty gardens before them, certain his Generals were long asleep at this point he released her shoulders, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. “As for conversations? I assure you, we shall encounter no one else tonight. You need not worry, my Lady.”
“Thank you,” she said softly, bringing a hand up over the side of her face as her fingertips swept over her forehead and along the side and frame of her face, brushing away strands of hair from her view. Her other hand rested about her chest, where she clenched the fabric momentarily. Why was her heart racing? She took in a slow and careful breath, quietly gulping away her growing emotions as his hands slid away from her shoulders.
His gaze softened watching her brush the hairs from her face, her statement of gratitude earning a quiet smile from him. Endymion was certain he couldn’t tear his gaze from her-not that he wanted to. Having her here seemed to balance out the chaos of the night; it made every action make sense. The thoughts sounded illogical as they sounded out in his mind, but as he watched her expression shift and change, reflecting her cautious emotions, everything made sense. She made him want to evolve to become a better prince, a better person even. He wanted to be someone worthy of her attention-and if he was honest with himself, her affections.
His warmth and endearing calm was like fuel. It was like a power. In his presence, she felt like she were meeting a new side of herself: A side that didn’t have to try. A side that didn’t have to work at every word and action she put forward. With him, by his measure, she was altogether worthy. She was already the future Queen she and her planet needed. Perhaps, she was even the Queen the Earth needed as well.
It was as if she inhaled him, and she’d never lose this feeling of his light. Her arm bent at the elbow, hand rested against the side of her neck as she turned her head to face him again. “It’s nice to see you like this, without the weight of your armor and your responsibilities.” She smiled. “You’re even more sarcastic, sure of yourself and relentless this way.” Her hand moved from the side of her face and into a lapel of his jacket, gently tugging the material snuggly against her, letting out a content breath. There was nothing standing in their way in this moment. She couldn’t hide behind anonymity. He knew exactly who she was, and it warmed her heart and terrified her head.
Her walls came down, her guilt faded and she turned to face him again. Once again he found himself fixated on her. Serenity’s beauty was greater than he remembered, bathed in moonlight, nervous freedom glistening in those bright blue eyes. A grin broke out across his face at her comment as he chuckled lightly. “It’s nice to be with you again, Serenity. I wasn’t ready to leave you...” He tapped his chin as though actually considering some deeply intuitive thought, “So, Princess, I suppose that would make me the ‘bad influence’ in your life that is causing you to sneak about without your guardians?”
Pride caused his chest to tighten when she called him relentless again. Watching the way the beauty pulled his jacket more tightly about her, he knew he’d never cease in his relentless pursuit of her. She was like the dawn; the beautiful awakening of his spirit, revealing the person with actual hopes and dreams he hadn’t even been aware of.
“I had to see you again.” She said suddenly. Her gaze hardened and lips pursed, as if she were concentrating so hard to get the words out clearly. “I just thought that if you meant it…” She paused, that desperation hung from her tone again. “…Did you mean what you said?” She asked, fingertips clenched again at the fabric of his tuxedo jacket, head and tilted to the side in earnest.
Endymion’s head dipped to the left, mirroring hers. Slowly, the smile faded from his face as dark eyebrows furrowed questioningly. Her words made his heart stop and then race until he felt breathless. Certain his face must reflect his apprehension. He paused, and swallowed hard against the knot in his throat, his dark blue gaze meeting the intense sapphire eyes before him that seemed to plead with him, but for what?
No, this was far from the coy and collected creature Endymion first met on Earth. She was terrified to look him in the eye. But, she couldn’t tear her gaze away. What was he thinking? Did the risk outweigh the fleeting feelings of normalcy and peace? Words were like knives and she could never take them back. What rested behind his stormy blue eyes?
His own silence hung uncomfortably in the air, desperation reflecting in her gaze. He never wanted to cause her anxiety. He took careful strides towards her, slowly closing the distance between them as he spoke. “…Do I still mean what… Serenity?” The anguish in his whisper surprised even him, as he fixated upon her; beautiful, nervous and trembling before him. Looking down at her, he gently took hold of her waist, hoping to keep her close, to keep her from slipping through his grasp again.
She felt his hand slip about her waist, her shoulders arched back and chin dipped down as her gaze fell to her lower body. She was helplessly drawn to him. He had to know her truth. “I did deceive you at Lake Kosuke, but I never lied to you. I meant every word…every word I said.” She inhaled sharply as her nervousness grew, her eyes wavering from his gaze.
Yes, it was true, he now knew she was the Moon Princess, did she suspect that would that change anything? As she poured her heart out to him, it all became crystal clear to him. Serenity still had no idea where he stood here, consciously or unconsciously, his subtle hints were failing. His eyes traced the movements of her face, beautiful and wrought with emotion. They were so similar, kindred spirits as she had said at Lake Kosuke.
“And I know I hardly know you…but I feel as if I’ve known you forever…and…well…I want to see you again, I want to know you better, and your relentless will.” She admitted. Without taking a breath, she continued to ramble. “I know that’s selfish.” She paused, reiterating what they clearly understood: “I know this is dangerous.” Her eyebrow flickered with animation. “Somehow, you and that dream you carry —your dream is normalcy. It’s mine, too. And…and with you, I feel…like me.” She gulped back words, growing flustered again.
“Well, whatever that me is that I’d truly like to be. No roles or responsibilities…weightless. I feel free.” Her shoulders lifted and expression softened. “So, did you mean it?” Her eyes sparkled with fear and hope in his next words.
“Would you sneak away again… to see me?”
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Post by hinorei on Oct 6, 2017 15:36:02 GMT -5
Rei graciously took the offered glass with a smile and sipped the dark liquid. The burn of the alcohol down her throat was warm and comforting.
The Princess of Mars sighed and took a huge gulp of her wine. "To be completely honest, I don't know. Serenity is not her mother, nor her mother's mother. She can't be expected to learn the same way they did. We're her guardians and if we try to force her into some sort of box, she'll just end up defying us. We know she has a way to sneak down to Earth without us, so if we push her away, she'll just go behind our backs. We're going to spend our lives together, so we have to be able to trust one another. At least this way, we can protect her."
Rei downed the rest of her wine, then poured herself a second glass. "You're right, Serenity is far too trusting, which is why we must be by her side always. While I can't say much about the men from Earth, I can assure you that their intentions tonight were pure. My eyes always see the truth; it's why everyone's so afraid of me," she said with a soft chuckle. "Jadeite told me their prince was worried for her safety and they, in turn, were worried about his. They had no idea Serenity was the Princess or they would have worked harder to discourage him. They truly meant no harm. I could see it in his heart and feel it in his energy."
The Princess of Mars sighed and took another sip of her wine. Talking about him brought back memories of their dance; of his smile; his voice; her vision. Her vision. She had told no one about the vision she had last night. Could she tell Minako? Was she capable of opening herself up to someone? Until now, Serenity had come the closest. Her deep purple eyes stared into the dark red liquid, searching for answers within, but finding only the power to numb her inhibitions. Rei took another big sip then began to speak again, her eyes still focused on her glass.
"Minako, I had a vision about him last night. I didn't see him per se, but I was given his name. He appeared to me as an unusual looking stone that spoke to me. When I awoke, I asked Ami if I could borrow her book on unusual stones and in it I found out that the stone from my vision was called 'Jadeite'. At first, I couldn't understand why I was having visions about rocks, but then I met him. No, I was drawn to him. I followed the strange energy I was feeling and it led me right to him. And I have no idea why and that is driving me crazy."
Rei sat forward, her robe falling open to reveal the red satin nightgown she wore underneath, and rested her elbows on her knees, cupping the glass between her hands. "Sorry about that. I just get really frustrated when I can't figure out one of my visions. And it would seem that lately, my visions bring more questions and fewer answers." For the first time since her confession, Rei turned her eyes to the Venetian Princess to see her reaction to the glimpse behind the wall of ice that the Princess of Mars had just allowed her.
Tag: Minako
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Post by Usagi_Tsukino_Kagetsu on Mar 27, 2018 15:41:41 GMT -5
[This is Part 2 in a joint post by Endymion and Serenity]
She then asked him again; only now he understood the depth of her desperation, and relished the fact that he wasn’t alone. As he stared down at her, he realized that the words on his heart had to be spoken, to lessen whatever pain she felt in that moment. And yet, he wasn’t foolish enough to disregard the ramifications of his words. He couldn’t take them back, he could never go back to the way he was before.
Who was he fooling? It was already too late for that.
Lowering his face closer to hers, his gaze growing in intensity as he gazed intensely into her captivating, sapphire eyes; he saw so many emotions there. With a new tenderness in his voice, he replied as honestly and openly as he could muster, hoping to relay the depth of his desperation to her.
“…You must have misunderstood me. For I have been captivated by you from the first moment I laid eyes on you. No title, no status, no crown of yours would change that. So, yes, Serenity. I would suffer any consequence on the Earth or Moon to see you again ...for as long as you’ll have me…” Laying his right hand gently against her cheek, his thumb brushing gently against the swell of her cheekbone, “At this point, there is nothing that will keep me from finding you.” His heart hammered mercilessly against his chest, wondering if she understood. He wasn’t always skilled at this, at being open. But he needed her to understand that he would stop at nothing for her.
She let out a gentle breath, closing her eyes as her face turned into his touch. “I’m so happy to hear you say that.” She beamed. Truly, she never wanted anything so much. So many people wanted and expected so much from her that they lost her, but he’d always have her squarely in his gravity because of his genuine care for her. In that moment, all the walls she had built and her apprehensions came tumbling down. She placed a hand over his that rested along her cheek. “You said your Generals are caught up to your ways, correct?” She rose a brow. “Then, I will help you be less predictable.” She offered, squeezing his hand momentarily before she drew away.
Her reaction warmed his heart in a way he hadn’t quite expected, a smile twitched upon lips, threatening to spread across his face completely. A new air surrounded her, she seemed renewed, alive with a new confidence as she gripped his hand, asking about his generals. His eyebrows raised and set with a touch of sarcasm, “Indeed, I rather doubt that they’ll let me out of their sight often now…” Less predictable? His face reflected the unasked question.
Both her hands clasped carefully together, curving toward her chest. She closed her eyes tightly, expression hardened in concentration. Suddenly, a gentle golden aura flooded through the space between her fingertips. “It might seem ordinary, but I promise you, this is quite special.” She said cryptically, extending one hand toward him as the golden aura died down. With a flick of her wrist an ornate pocket watch dangled from a fine silver chain.
“Wherever you desire to go—here, the moon, or beyond…this can transport you in an instant.” She said proudly. “I own its brother, so you can find me at any time.” She nodded with a soft smile. “Of course, I can’t account for your Generals…my guardians…” she frowned, biting the tender flesh of her lower lip.
Endymion watched intently with furrowed brows as Serenity manifested something by summoning a brilliant light within her hands. His dark blue eyes were wide as the moonlight glinted against Serenity’s gift, a pocket watch. A breathless, amazed expression broke out across his face, genuine gratitude reflecting in his gaze as he stared, wonder struck at the small totem. “Amazing…” he uttered softly, still mesmerized by the woman and her powers. The racing of his heart refused to cease, for the stunning woman before him not only sought him out, but now provided him with a way to see her. It would seem any apprehensions were washed away with her desire to see him as well.
Bringing a hand over the front of his jacket she shifted her shoulders, repositioning the fabric against her body as she shivered. “I haven’t made a profession out of alluding my guardians like you. Although, I feel good about my small run of it. We’ll need each other to not get caught—but if you’re willing to risk it, so am I.” She blushed with a short chuckle, finally submitting to his bad influence.
Reaching out he gingerly took the pocket watch into his palm, protecting it with his strong, calloused fingers before looking back at her. “I don’t know what to say, this is remarkable.” He stared at it in his hand for a moment longer before carefully stowing it in his pocket and meeting her gaze. “…Thank you, Serenity.” Gaze searching hers for a moment, before continuing quietly, hands stiffening against her slender waist. “You’ve made it easy for me to keep my promise to you.”
"Thank you for seeking me out, Endymion." She said softly, bringing a hand to his cheek. Her palm pressed against his soft skin, fingertips straightened as she drew closer, leaving a warm burst of breath near his cheek as she kissed the tender flesh sweetly. “But now, I really must go. If I'm to see you again. I have to get back before anyone realizes I’m missing.” She said in earnest, tearing her gaze from him as she turned to quickly take her leave, that crimson blush dared to flood her cheeks again.
The way she drew ever so slightly nearer did not go unnoticed by him, quite the opposite, he relished her behavior and her statements. Pleased that she found him charming, and that his pursuit of her was accepted. His fingertips brushed against the thick fabric at her back as the caress and brief kiss bestowed upon his cheek took him by surprise. The faint brush of her lips caused his breath to hitch in his throat, the kiss leaving tendrils of warmth in its wake.
Composure flickering across his expression as she turned quickly from his hold, her sudden absence causing a strange ache within him that he barely recognized. Instinctively, he reached out and firmly caught her wrist, desperately cleaving to any last moment he had with her tonight. He faltered for a moment.
The right side of her upper body jerked as his hand wrapped about her wrist. Her head turned slightly, upper body remained pulled forward as her gaze rose toward his own, lips parted at the suddenness of his action.
“…Of course.” He understood and wanted to cause her no further trouble; even though he was painfully aware of how complicated both of their lives were very quickly becoming. “But …You left your hat at Lake Kosuke. …I kept it for you. One moment…” With haste, he slipped back through the elegant doorway to retrieve the pink hat from its station. As he re-approached her, Endymion extended the hat back to her with his left hand. “Here. I figured you’d want it back...”
“Oh!” She said in an excited whisper, quickly plucking the hat from his grasp. She brought it tenderly to her chest as she smiled. “Thank you for keeping it.” She said, half turning away from him to leave before she stopped completely.
It was a moment of inaction and silence between the two. But, her head was filled with music from the ball and the sapphire eyes that had sought her out that evening. She spun around, back toward him. Her body swept into an outlandishly formal curtsy, head lowered to the ground in respect, her arms daintily spread out from her sides like a swan stretching its wings. Her hat danced and turned in her grasp as the winds picked up.
“Prince Endymion,” she said, keeping her gaze to the ground, though she wished she could see his pained reaction to the formality. As she remained with legs bent and back carefully hunched forward, her gaze lifted and expression softened. “May I have one more dance?” She questioned, tilting her head to the side.
He was taken aback by the way she suddenly whirled around, her frame falling into a proper curtsy. Frowning slightly at the sound of his full name upon her lips; he certainly didn’t act like ‘Prince’ Endymion around her.
No. She captivated his every emotion, stole all of his focus and beyond that, he was completely beguiled by her. Surely those had to be the actions of Endymion, the lost piece of him long hidden beneath a royal title. Her request pulled at his heart, her sincerity drawing him in, as he happily echoed her formality, arm bending at his waist and back as he bowed low before her.
“Princess Serenity… it would be my honor.”
Swiftly rising from it, he moved to her and drew Serenity into hold. His left hand took to her waist, holding her close as his right hand gingerly took hers. Smiling warmly down at her, he felt himself falling further under the spell she unknowingly cast. The one that lingered unspoken within the inescapable gaze of her azure eyes. In that moment, he knew he’d never deny her; any request she could conjure, any question she inquired, he’d find a way, an answer.
The couple swept across the balcony, dancing to music that only they could hear. Endymion followed the course of the dance, his hand guiding the Moon Princess to twirl gracefully away from him, only to return a moment later. As they came to the conclusion of the waltz, he felt his chest tighten, unwilling to let her escape, but realizing he had to. The thought of causing her trouble at his expense was gut-wrenching.
The fingertips of his left hand gently brushed a soft curl back behind her ear, his thumb gently caressing her cheekbone; his right hand still holding her other hand. “Serenity, thank you for… “He paused, a light single chuckle rising from his throat, “… for all of it...” The passion grew as he continued to speak, the intensity of his dark blue gaze likely revealing everything he was unable to convey with words. Bowing properly before her, drawing the petite hand to his lips where he bestowed a kiss there.
“I will see you again soon…” Endymion swallowed hard against the knot his throat as he released her hand, almost as soon as he had, she was gone. It happened as quickly as she’d appeared. He leaned against the edge of the balcony, staring at the moon, as though he would somehow see her if he stared long enough.
It was only in that moment that he saw the small, ornate music box left beside him, on the ground near the balcony railing. Continuing to look out into the night's sky, he listened to its melody slow and then fade all together.
[This ends the current thread. New threads will be posted for all players to continue the story--shortly.]
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