ARROWS OF DESTINY

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON

Chapter 18: Beautiful Beginning

The next few days were even busier than usual. The peace talk continued and finally a conclusion was drawn. Queen Serenity and King Erde has reached a preliminary agreement. With mutual benefits in mind, the Queen of the Moon kindly asked to consult with her sister planets for further details while King Erde and his group prepare for their departure.

“Once everything has been settled, we will make the announcements to our people in no time.” The Terran king promised.

“As will I.” Queen Serenity smiled politely.

Minako was afraid this meant they were leaving the Moon. After her duel with Kunzite, he started avoiding her. When their meeting was inevitable, he acted politely but distantly. She wondered if she’s confused him too much by showing the fierce side of her. Little did she knew Kunzite had other ideas in his mind.

The silver general was at first confused by Minako’s transformation. But soon after the duel, she was once again the flirty princess who couldn’t keep her laughter to herself.

He knew of course women were unpredictable, and Minako had certain piqued his curiosity. He had a sudden urge to explore more of her true self. But he must not make his wishes too obvious. To let Minako know would put him in a disadvantage. Venusians have a way of toying with people. They are the master minds and once they have you, you would be eating out of their hands. Kunzite had no intention of being Minako’s lapdog.

He needed a plan and he had one.

Kunzite continued to play the stoic man that went about his ways while clearly giving Minako the message of ignoring her. Much to his satisfaction, even he could read her irritation.

“Mother, you can’t possibly let them leave after such vigorous meetings?” Serena said to her mother, hoping to convince the queen in delaying the party a little longer.

“Dear, I’m sure they have much to do on Earth so I shouldn’t take up more of their time.” The queen shook her head.

Serena’s disappointment was all too evident. She then turned and pulled Minako to her side, “Mother, what about Minako? You can’t possibly separate her from General Kunzite after only days of being engaged?”

“Oh my, I did miss this fact, didn’t I?” Queen Serenity said thoughtfully. She turned to the Terran Majesties and asked, “What shall we do about them?”

“Well, Kunzite is needed on Earth, but what kind of a man would he be if he leaves his bride behind?” King Erde laughed loudly, “Perhaps Princess Minako could come to Earth for a short visit? Not many outsiders have the chance to see the beauty of our planet.”

Before Minako had the chance to speak, Endymion cut in, “Father, I think it would be impolite of us to refuse Princess Serena’s kind offer. Few have been offered the chance to stay on the Moon and it really wouldn’t hurt to stay just a few more days. That is, with Your Majesty’s permission.”

Serena looked hopefully at her mother. Queen Serenity pursed her lips in thought, “I see the children have grown attached to each other.” She said knowingly as her eyes sweep the young men and women in front of her, “It would be my pleasure to have all of you as my guests.”

Minako cheered in secret pleasure, while the corner of Kunzite’s lips curled in what dangerously resembled a smile.

Once again, Minako found herself staring at Kunzite. It’s been hours since the masquerade started and Kunzite have not asked her to dance again after the first song. Though she did not lack admirers or invitations from other gentlemen, she only had eyes for one man.

Kunzite seemed different tonight. He had discarded the usual militant suit and his signature silver cape. Dress in a jet black suit, he was the handsome devil of the ball. Without giving her a second glance, he danced with one lady after another, not sparing them his seductive smiles.

The way he held them, the way he whispered into their ears…With each intimate touch, Minako felt her blood boiling rising another degree.

She took a deep breath to calm herself down. Two can play this game.

She looked down at her elegantly tailored feather gown and adjusted the white butterfly mask on her face. When she looked up again, she was as radiant as ever. Men couldn’t help themselves as they flock to her, wooing her with compliments and promises.

Minako felt a little better hearing the same praises she has heard since youth. Not giving Kunzite another thought, she placed her hand in one of the gentlemen’s and drifted onto the dance floor. She smiled sweetly at her partner as they serenaded under the crystal chandelier.

“There’s something different about them tonight.” Ami commented to Makoto as the two watched Minako and Kunzite on separate ends of the room.

“No, Minako’s always been the belle of the ball.” Makoto shook her head, “But General Kunzite is quite a surprise. Who knew under that tough exterior lies the charming devil?”

Ami giggled, “You better not let Nephrite hear you complimenting another man. He’s not going to be happy.”

Makoto blushed deeply. She looked across the room to see Nephrite sharing a conversation with Queen Hav. Nephrite caught her glance and smiled warmly at her.

“This game of theirs is boring me,” Rei cut in, “Kunzite’s not going to beat Minako at her own game.” The raven hair princess has absolute confidence in her friend’s ability.

“I’m not so sure.” Ami said. She looked to where Kunzite was dancing and noticed he has escorted his partner back and was making his way towards his fiancé.

Minako circled in the arms of her partner, when someone put their hands around her waist. She looked up in surprise to find Kunzite behind her.

“Excuse me, may I have my partner back?” Kunzite said politely.

“Of…of course…my lord…” Minako’s partner stuttered as he back away quickly.

The Venusian princess watched her partner leave abruptly in the middle of the dance floor.

“Now look what you have done…You’ve scared my partner away…” She pouted nonchalantly.

He circled his arm around her and held her tightly, much to her dismay. “Then I shall oblige myself in fulfilling his place.”

“How kind of you, after making all that effort trying to stay away from me? I’m touched.” Minako said tartly.

Kunzite leaned in and whispered into her ear, “Forgive me for my lack of attention. But I plan to fully execute my right tonight.”

Minako pushed herself a little way from him and stared fully into his eyes, “Kunzite?”

The man before her smiled secretively but said nothing.

Minako did not speak anymore as she was actually a bit afraid of hearing what he has planned for her. This side of him…this dark and mysterious side of him is all too foreign and unexpected. Yet a small part of her felt exuberated by all of this hide and seek.

They danced and danced, forgetting everything around them. Their eyes were glued to each other. Nothing else matters to them except the heat they were feeling from each other’s body.

“It’s midnight and time to go, my princess.” Kunzite said to her, leading her away from the dance floor.”

“Where are we going?” Minako said to him.

He smiled and held her hand tighter.

“Wait, put this on.” He said as he handed her a blindfold, “Trust me, you’ll love what you see later.” He gently put the blindfold on her. Minako frowned a little but did not object.

They walked through the dark empty halls, with only their footsteps echoing.

“Kunzite?” She asked, as she felt him halt.

“Here we are.” He said as he opened a door and led her in.

“Now I can take the blindfold off?”

“Let me.” He said as he untied the knots, taking off her mask as well.

When Minako opened her eyes, she found herself under a starlit sky.

“We are…in the observatory?”

“I found this place a while ago. It’s perfect for tonight.”

The observatory sits on a tower’s balcony in the palace. Serena used to spent hours here looking down at Earth and thinking of Endymion.

“Why did you bring me here?” Minako asked.

“To show you what we will be sharing together.” He pulled her next to him and pointed at a direction. Minako followed his hand and gasped. The scene before her was magnificent.

“Is this…Earth? I’ve never seen this before!” She exclaimed.

The Earth before her was different than what she has normally seen. The blue planet seemed larger than usual and it’s as if the entire planet was lit with lights all around.

“How beautiful!” Minako said happily as she leaned on Kunzite’s shoulder.

“It’s Christmas Eve on Earth today.” Kunzite explained, “Every household place lights of different sorts to celebrate the festival. The entire planet is illuminated. Tonight is also known as “Halo’s Night”.”

“I’ve never seen such splendor in my life. Thank you!” Minako said as she placed a quick kiss on his cheek. Kunzite was a bit taken back. It’s not often to see Minako so pure. His eyes softened as they watch in silence, with the melodic sounds from the ballroom circling in the background.

“Minako…” Kunzite called out.

“Hmm?” She answered without looking up.

“I want you to promise me something.” He said suddenly.

Hearing the seriousness of his words, Minako turned to face him.

“It seems we had a bad start to this and I’ve given it much thought. The truth is we are engaged now so we should familiarize ourselves with each other. I apologize for my past behaviours, but I think it’s time we have a truce to start anew.” Kunzite has thought about this long and hard. His original plan of bewitching the princess tonight with a different attitude worked, but much to his own dislike. He detested lying to others. This façade was painfully obvious to those who knew him well. Therefore, Kunzite decided to be honest with his feelings and spoke his heart.

The blonde princess did not expect Kunzite to be so direct. But seeing how honest he was being with her makes her care about this man even more.

“I accept your apology, we both behaved badly at one point or another. Let’s put this behind us and get to know each other from the start.” After given it some thoughts, Minako has accepted Kunzite’s proposal.

Kunzite nodded with satisfaction. He was glad this was out in the open as they settled it in a mature and honest fashion. Truly, Minako was a lady full of surprises and he planned to get to know her. Though he was forced into this charade, this charade turned out more interesting and rewarding than he thought.

“But you must promise me one thing and this is the only thing I will ask of you.” Kunzite said carefully.

“What is it?” Minako smiled warmly at her fiancé.

“You must promise to never hide or lie anything from me. Of course, I will also do the same.”

Minako’s smile froze on her face.

“This is important. If we are to be together, I can never tolerate it from someone close to me. Do you understand?”

“I…Of course…I promise!” Minako said as fear griped her in the guts. She has forced herself into a dilemma. Her sworn duty as Sailor Venus must be hidden from Kunzite by all means yet she has also given her word to not lie to him! How ironic! The day she promised herself to be truthful to him became the day she deceived him!

Unbeknownst the battle inside of her, Kunzite relaxed and leaned down, while pulling her face towards him.

“It’s a promise then. But we have to seal it officially of course…” His words lost as their lips meet.

Minako melted in his arms. Kunzite was indeed the gentle lover she has dreamed about since they met. She circled her arms around him and snuggled closer to him, temporarily allowing herself to forget about all those that matters.

I decided to give the couple a clean start so they can get to know each other better...instead of bickering and second guessing each other! I hope everyone like this chapter. I promise there will be more fluffs in the coming chapter...