Moon: Ceremonial Ball (Tag One, Tag All)

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]

[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]

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]

[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?”

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

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