A/N= um half and half between slight and major changes. Read and hope you enjoy.
Arranged Marriage
~0~
Ch. 3 Friend or Annoyance
"Miss?"
"Miss?"
"What?" Her eyes shot open and before the man could move back her head connected with the underside of his chin.
The man staggered back a step as Minako was once again in her seat.
"Madam. The shuttle has landed. If you," a small groan came from his lips as he rubbed his jaw, "if you would be so kind as to exit up front, we thank you for flying with us."
She watched as he walked away before looking out the window.
A smile spread across her face. In the distance she could see the Moon palace.
~0~
Walking through the city of Sel Minako couldn't help but enjoying the energy and life that bustled about her. It reminded her so much of home but in a different way. Venders shouting their wares. Lunarian women purchasing goods. Children running through the streets. It was so freeing. Rarely had she had the chance to feel this free at home.
'Home, ack don't even think about that Minako.' She scolded herself, shaking her head. 'Come on. If I had stayed there they would've had me in a wedding dress ready to say I do… Ow!'
Minako was jolted from her thoughts as someone from behind her knocked her off balance as they moved past causing her to hit the ground. She jerked her head up in time to shout out, "Hey, watch where you're going jerk!"
The stranger twirled around faster then Minako would've thought possible of any humanoid. Minako's breath caught in her throat. She was sure the entire Moon could hear her heart pound against her chest. Emerald eyes narrowed as a frown painted the face of the angel above her. Pale, smooth clear skin, slender frame with raven hair short at her neck but seemed sexy as hell.
'What a goddess. I wonder who she is? Should I ask?
"Are you done staring at me yet? I didn't stop because I wanted to you know." A cold but rich voice spat.
'Huh?' She barely shook off the spell this stranger cast over her heart."Oh sorry! Um, could you help me up by any chance?"
~0~
Rei was tired. Her eyes hurt from the stupid color contacts. She had acted impulsively and ran away from home. She just wanted to get away from the crowded streets and nosy people. She hadn't been looking or paying attention till a voice stopped her. Rei turned around with the intention of telling whoever it was to rot in Hades but the words got stuck in her throat a she gazed down at a golden hair girl.
'She's beautiful. Like a siren or a goddess. I hope I haven't hurt her. Why is she staring? Do I have something on my face?' Tired of the silence she snapped out, "Are you done staring at me yet? I didn't stop because I wanted to stand around you know."
After the words left her lips Rei wined inwardly. 'That was much harsher then I meant.' She knew she was socially awkward. She hated it but right now she just wanted this day to be over.
"Oh, sorry! Um, could you help me up by any chance?" The goddess asked, smiling shyly at being caught staring.
As Rei extended her hand and Minako took it she couldn't help notice how soft and warm she was. A gentleness could be felt, no that wasn't the right word. Rei couldn't explain it but the other girl was just warm. Like a welcoming fire you wanted to curl up in front of. As soon as the girl was standing upright she quickly released her hand then backed up a step. It was such a welcoming feeling. She wanted to feel it again. That meant getting closer to the girl. Torn she didn't want to leave but staying wasn't a option either. She had to find a place to stay. A job. Somewhere where she could just, live. Just once she wanted to feel safe.
Taking a step back she quickly turned a fled. It wouldn't matter anyway. She'd never see the girl again. The Moon was a huge place after all.
Once Minako was on her feet she bent down to dusted herself off but when she stole a glance up the raven haired girl she was gone. "Where did she go? I wanted to ask her name," Minako pouted.
She twisted around searching for any sign of the other girl. In every direction she could only see the crowds of commoners and soldiers proceeding on with their daily lives. Sighing she picked up her bag and continued to the tavern close by.
'Let's see. I need to find a place to stay .I wonder if I should visit Serenity? She'd let me stay. Probably move everything out of her closet so I would have my own little room… Oh, wait if I did go they'd have to tell Mother. Well, I'll figure something out. I got here didn't I? In the name of Venus I will succeed!'
An hour later dust flew as she plopped down in the dirt frustrated. Glowering at the map she held in her hand she wondered why is was so difficult to get decent directions. The men had just stared at her before laughing so hard they fell over. Any woman started saying how sad it was that one so young would have to turn to such a trade. Thinking of the children she passed in the street made her fist clench. That little boy, oh was she going to give him something to remember her by after the kick he gave her, if she ever found him again.
Letting out a sigh she let her head fall into her hands. Nothing was going the way she planned. It should have been easy. Get off the shuttle. Find the tavern. Get a job. Find a place. Things on Venus were easy to find. The people friendly...maybe too friendly at times. Letting out another long suffering sigh she lifted her head to the stars.
"Maybe I just need to work a little harder."
"Working hard is all good little girl but you need to have a goal worth working towards."
Startled, Minako quickly scrambled to her feet. The old man laid his hand behind his head letting out a laugh.
"Sorry girl. I couldn't help but over hear you. Didn't mean to scare you. Ya lost?"
"No!" She shouted then blushed at her outburst. "Well yes. I'm trying to find a tavern. I'm looking for work and a place to stay. I heard that taverns were a great spot for information."
"Work ya? Let me see girl. Let me think." The old man snapped his fingers startling the girl. "Go to the south part of town girl. Look for...um what was that name?"
The old man started mumbling to himself before walking off. Minako stood there torn between horrified and laughter. He had just walked off while talking to her. It was the strangest thing she had ever seen anyone do.
Another hour of walking and finally she and found the tavern she was searching for. Taking a deep breath Minako shoved through the doors. It was like the taverns they had on Venus. A bit of smoke, mugs clanking and the men hooting at the women walking by as they sat, drank, ate then drank some more. Looking around she tried to spot anyone that looked like the owner. A few people she had past commented that the place was run by a woman but seeing no one like that she figure it was just a misunderstanding.
"Excuse me sir who's the owner here?" She asked the man closest to her seated at the table.
The man she addressed turned at her voice smiling at her. "Ya, looking for something baby?"
'Baby?! Ack, No!' "Sorry no. Wrong person. My friend must not be here yet. Pardon me." She flashed a quick smile trying to side step away but the man was quicker.
Giving her a toothy grin the man ran his fingers slowly up her arm to her shoulder then dropped down her collar bone almost grazing Minako's left breast then slowly back up to her shoulder where he let his hand rest. The attention shocked her as her eyes got wider with every stroke that his bold, dirty fingers took against her smooth skin. Disgusted also fit that feeling as well. Minako took a step back but he followed tightening his clasp against her.
"Please let go."
"I don't think so sweet cheeks."
Minako lashed out slapping him across the face. Surprised he released her stumbling back a step in surprise. Quickly Minako ducked, stepped around him fleeing for the door. Realizing his prize was leaving he shot out his hand grabbing her roughly by the cloak yanking her back. Catching her fists he walked her three steps back slamming her into the wall. Using the wall as a anchor Minako pushed back however he slammed her against the wall again even harder then the last time making her teeth sink into her tongue.
"Listen brat. You and me are gonna leave and if you're good I'll give ya a little treat. Got it?"
Minako paled. Princess she was but pigs she knew. "No! Let go you bastard!" She shoved harder against him except he just laughed. It was like pushing against an iron wall.
"I don't like it rough kid. Now shut up." Taking a step back, enough to raise his hand he ruthlessly back handing her across the face.
"Hey, Striker! Play with the toy outside, ok." Another man from the other side of the tavern hooted. "If Alshaim sees you she'll have you arrested for 'disgraceful conduct of the Lunar Patrol'" The man called imitating a woman's voice at that last bit.
"Thanks Valmont. I… WHAT THE BLOODY HELL?!"
"Let-Her-Go." Short cold words accompanied an equally cold, sharp dagger at his jugular.
Minako blink twice and then once more for good measure. It was the girl she met in the street. Why had she helped? Not that Minako was complaining but the girl had left so quickly early that Minako had wonder a bit if she scared her away.
The hands that held her captive vanished. Realizing that she had been set free she scurried behind her savior. As soon as she was out of reach the other girl slammed him into the wall keeping her dagger level with his jugular.
Rei tightened her grasp on the dagger, she could feel the fear roll off him in waves. This is what she hated about those who sought to use power but lacked the courage when coming against another who had the same power. This man was just a bully. None of the other customers moved to help the man Valmont had called Striker. They were all cowards.
Striker shuttered at her eyes. He had been a soldier all his life however these were the eyes or a protector. In his mind he cursed the stranger for robbing him of his reward. He worked hard and show be able to take whatever he pleased. Right now that blonde girl please him. Turning his head his eyes pleading with the other in the room for help. Just for one person to help him.
None of the men in there looked at him. Rage shot through his blood. Two wisps of little girls were making a fool of him.
"Okay girl, let me up and I'll show some mercy toward you. If you say please." If possible the dagger came even closer to his throat but his skin was never pricked. A testament to how much control the girl had who wielded the blade had.
"Hey, what's going on here?" A new voice spoke out as a new person entered the room.
A plump woman glared at the three then scanned the remainder of the area. She crossed her arms, her glare at the commotion turning into a thoughtful one. Rei watched as the woman took note of who was in the room before her gaze settled on them. Minako stayed quietly behind Rei. It was funny but if she reached out she knew she could touch the black beauty in front of her.
"Ok. Since no one is going to answer me, out. Except the two girls."
The woman's voice brought the two girls away from their musing as loud protest, curses, and calls for another drink echoed across the room.
"Come on Alshaim. We were all just having fun. Right boys," Valmont slurred. The innocent look he tried to send the woman made him seem like a pervert instead.
Alshaim frowned walking towards Rei and Minako. Stopping in front of them it was obvious that the dark haired girl was a Martian but the she never, not once had heard of a Martian having green eyes. Asking was not a option either. It was almost a universal rule to never provoke one of them. Judging by the situation she walked in on these men had provoke the girl by bothering what was hers. That possessive gleam they were known for when someone threaten one of their own, whether she knew it or not, was there.
Switching her attention to the other girl it was obvious that the dark one was protecting a treasure. The blonde's coloring appeared Lunarian however she would bet her tavern the smaller girl was a Venusian instead. They made a cute couple too, in her opinion any way. When she noticed the slight paling of the Venusian's visage she quickly realized what had almost happened in her establishment.
Frowning slightly she replied to Valmont. "So if I ask them they will agree? I doubt that. Leave now or I will personally speak to Lord Artemis about your behavior as of late."
Another man stood on wobbly legs, completely drunk off his ass. "Yooth not doooo thaath."
Striker getting more nervous, since Rei never moved or lowered her dagger, shouted, "Leave it alone rooky. Alshaim, we'll leave. Just call this bitch off!"
Leveling her stare she locked eyes with the Martian. A battle of wills ensued. Rei tightened her grip on the blade. Alshaim frowned at the action before looking at the blond next to her hoping that she would reign in her friend. Rei continued to watch the older woman. She was thankful that she stepped in but that didn't mean she didn't want to gut the creep. She had walked in to collect some information on any available job in the area and saw the man strike the girl. Rage flared and before she could stop herself Rei's feet quickened over to aid the blond.
Minako sensing that someone had to give gently laid her hand on the raven's shoulder. Trying to tell her that it was alright. Rei finally relented after she saw understanding in the older woman's blue gaze. She wasn't going to let these pigs hurt them. Lowering her dagger slowly she stepped away even though her Martian pride begged for her to finish him.
The patrons filed out of the door with Striker jerking away from Rei only to stop, muttered something in Rei's ear then quickly walk away. Minako watched as the other girl's eyes narrow and lips pulse together then that glare was directed at her.
Inwardly she cringed. "T-T-Thank you for-"
"Are you stupid? Or did you want to be hit?" Rei cut her off abruptly.
Minako bristled. "What?!"
"Well you must, seeing as how you just stood there. Did you even think to move or hit that bastard back? Kami just wear a sign that says hit me!" Rei sneered.
"No! I don't like being hit any more then you do, I'm sure. Him," She pointed behind Rei at the swing doors. "Trying to bed me is what started this you rude, arrogant, barbaric jerk with no manners to speak of!" Minako shouted back. She would not let this girl win. Although she did have a point. But did she have to be so abrasive?
Rei opened her mouth to replied, anything would of work only she closed it. It was a mistake. She had no reason to worry about this girl. She didn't know her. She shouldn't worry about her… But she did want to know her. The need to know her, all about her was burning through Rei's skin coursing throughout her blood till her ears were ringing. Now she had really done it. First time she walked away embarrassed at the feelings the golden goddess had invoked and now she insults the blonde. Without a word she reached down from where she dropped her rucksack. Straightening Rei turned on her heels and left leaving Minako to wonder what just happened.
'She left. That antisocial girl left me again. Maybe yelling back at her wasn't such a great move but damn it she left again without telling me her name.' Minako slapped her head in exasperation.
"Well she is a girl of few words, don't you think? By the by, you are…?"
Minako's attention turned back to the woman that was standing next to her. Yanking her thoughts from those emerald pools that she could drown forever in if given half a chance or a lifetime or two. "It's Mina. Just Mina. I was looking for the owner when this misunderstanding happened."
Alshaim appraised Minako up and down. 'This girl is too polite. Short and to the point but polite. I wonder what she is hiding.' "Well I am the owner of this tavern. Name's Alshaim. What da ya want with me?"
Minako swallowed audibly before answering. "I am looking for work and a place to stay. Some friends had mentioned that if there was anything around that you would know. Well, not you personally, just that the owner would."
Alshaim considered a moment nodding. She like the two girls. Forward and out there. There was something special about the two that reminded her of the princess. On a good note though, they didn't seem like an airhead. "I can ask around about a job. As far as a place to live," she pondered a second more. "Yes, that tiny house near the edge of town. You and your friend can stay there."
Confusion washed over Minako. "My friend?"
One, she had never really had a friend apart from Seginus but after that last conversation with him she wasn't so sure she wanted to keep it that way. Two, she hadn't called someone a friend, had she? Not that having a friend here wouldn't be nice, it's just there was no one here. The children at the palace had always stared at her in awe. Their parents bowed to her as she walked by. Duty. It was the one word she hated above all and feared as well.
"Yeah that girl who was here a moment ago. You're friends right?" Alshaim asked, slightly confused. It seemed like the most obvious thing on the Moon that they were friends.
Mina wanted to sigh in frustration. 'More like a rude barbarian. She never told me her name. And she wanted to know if I like being hit. That jerk! Ok I didn't ask but she left before I could. I never even asked for her help in the first place. Who am I kidding; I really hope to see her again.' "Actually we just met. Nothing more."
"Oh, well come by tomorrow and maybe I'll have something for you."
"Thank you." Picking up her bag she headed for the door.
"Oh two more things, 'just Mina'."
Minako turned, unexpectedly flushing at Alshaim stressing her name.
Alshaim smirked. "You and that girl could be great friends in the future. I suggest you find her after you leave here. Second, the house is in the western part of town. Look for the forest. It's near there."
Minako nodded her head in thanks and left.
~0~
She whistled happily down the road. Freedom had never felt so good. No tutors, princess lessons, and no stupid Martian heir who wouldn't know romance if it hit them with a Morning Star. Ok that wasn't quite fair. She mused. Martians could not be that dense. 'Wait I don't want to marry the Martian and oh… What's going on over there?'
Seeing a crowd gathering over by one of the food stand Minako kept walking tell she heard the words being shouted.
"Thief! Thief! I won't let you swindle me!"
Hurrying over she squeezed through the gawking gathering to see the raven haired girl. Her face was set cold and with her lips pursed she, at least to Mina, looked kissable. Her guess was that the girl had been trying to buy food and maybe the Fol was off a bit. Once she got closer however what the merchant held in his hand was shocking. It was iron. Pure iron.
"Guards! Quick someone summon the Lunar guards! I don't want this thief getting away." The man yelled at the crowd looking all important.
"Hey! Hold on a minute!" Minako yelled running up to the two combatants.
She had seen the dagger the other girl had slowly started to withdraw. Before the girl did something that she couldn't get out of she made her way to help her out. Both parties turned at the sound of her voice. The man still looked like an ass as he continuously puffed his chest out more so as to seem was something familiar about that pompous ass that Minako just couldn't put her finger on.
'He reminds me of a puffed up peacock.' Minako giggled at the thought. "Hey everyone this girl is only trying to buy what? Twenty Fol of food and he is calling her a thief because she is using a piece of iron as money." Minako's smiled for the whole crowd to see.
Mummers of disapproval ran to every side of the crowd. If possible the man puffed out his chest more at the attention. Hearing of the ruckus one of the lunar guards had come over to investigate except hearing the words exchange he opted to watch what would unfold next. Truth be told the man looked familiar to him, so did the blonde but he knew it wasn't from any wanted posters.
Rei was flabbergasted, maybe stunned was the better term, to see this goddess for the third time today. Why she would come and help her was beyond Rei's comprehension. Being rude in the alley by not staying and talking to the girl; then insulting her at the tavern, plus walking away again with out speaking a word. Her mother had raised her better than that, Azusa too. She hadn't known what to do. She never felt this strongly about anything since her mother had past away. And now this wisp of a girl was stopping some jerk from having her arrested.
How the hell had this happened?
The peacock man looked between the two girls. There was a spark of something there. Like they were each a different side of the same coin and together they made it whole. The tension and body language was so tangible he could of cut it with a knife if he had one lying around. Breaking into a sweat his eyes locked with the blonde's. Those blue eyes clearly said: 'Stop lying or you'll pay dearly.'
He shuddered, swallowing nervously, "The grade of the stone is horrible. S-See for yourself."
Never stopping her smile Minako took the piece of iron in her hand pretending to consider it. Any honest merchant would've known that even the worst quality of iron could be sold at 100 fol. After pretending careful consideration a frown cross her features and Rei couldn't help but desperately wish she would smile again. No, if she was honest she wanted that smile directed at her. It didn't make sense.
"There is nothing wrong with this. It could easily be sold for 50 thousand Fol." Minako's gaze narrowed more in consideration. "Now I remember you! You were that man who tried to cheat Princess Serenity a year ago with those fake gold rings!"
That was it! Now the guard remembered. He had been on duty that day but he didn't remember this girl. They had been searching for this man for awhile now. Stepping up quickly he addressed the trio while placing a hand on the merchant's shoulder. "I over heard everything. Sir you are under arrest for crimes against the Lunar Crown. Stealing, lying, kidnapping of children just to name some of your smaller dabbling. Will you come along peacefully?"
Mr. Peacock nodded in acceptance. How badly had he screwed this up? He knew he should have listened to his mother when she told him to go into the army.
Some more of the patrol had come to help escort the man away. The one who had listened to the exchange earlier approached the girls. Many of the crowds' people were congratulating the two for catching the man.
"Madams take what you need as thanks for your help."
Rei looked skeptic but Minako just shook her head. "Thank you sir but we're fine. We will be going home now. If you will excuse us."
Bowing slightly she grabbed Rei's hand and began walking south. Once they were away from prying eyes of the crowd Rei keeping a firm hold tugged back a bit grabbing Minako's attention.
"Why did you help me?" Rei had been silent during the ordeal and now voiced her thoughts. "I don't know you. Why bother to help someone you don't know?"
Minako dropped her hand to consider the question. "Do you really need a reason to help someone in trouble? Besides you did help me. Didn't you? I could ask you the same."
Turning around to face her Minako sighed. But both girl were instantly caught up with the others beauty once again. Taking in the height different Minako was about three inches shorter. The pout on her face for some reason delighted Rei. Somehow she knew there was something she won.
"Again you're staring girl," Rei chide gently.
Minako flushed in embarrassment. "Sorry. Hey, I wanted to ask you earlier but... what's your name?"
"It's Akima." Rei squirmed slightly. She hated lying but she would be damned and stabbed if she went back to Mars. "You blondie?"
"It's Mina not blondie! Arrogant jerk!"
Those green eyes lit in, what Minako thought was, amusement. Guarded, stern, however there was a fire in those jade pools that could consume her if she let it. Kami, did she want to drown in those orbs.
Rei bit back a laugh at the girl's expression. Mina had spirit. "Sorry for earlier at the tavern and back in the alley."
Minako's jaw dropped. She… Akima apologized. That was surprising. Waving it off she responded, "No its fine. Hey can we be friends? I'm new around here and could use one. How bout it?"
"Why?"
"Because I want you!" Clamping her mouth shut she blushed again. She sooo did not mean to say that. The words had come out before Minako had the chance to stop them. It sounded so right at the time though. Minako truly wanted Akima to like her.
"Not my problem."
"Are you always so stubborn and short with people?" Minako smirked reaching for Akima's hand again taking it in her own. Akima seemed dense to affectionate words or she was just being polite.
"Don't know. Are you always this loud and annoying?" Rei huffed as she took her hand back and cross her arms.
"Only when I see something that interests me. And you do nicely." Minako shot back.
"Why?"
"Well you seem nice. Then again you didn't stay and talk to me the other two times did you. Are you nice?" Minako mocked.
Rei glared and Minako returned the favor. Both glared at the other trying to hold back their laughter.
Laughter broke out as they stared each other down.
Holding her hand back out Rei asked, "Where are you headed?"
"This way. Let's go home!" Minako yelled pulling Rei along with her.
'I hope I can be with her for a long time.' They thought in unison as they ran down the street towards their new home.
Serenity: Hey I was mentioned!
Rei: Fears and Bonds? What's that?
Minako: Are you scared of spiders Reiko? And Why did you have to call yourself Akima? I like Rei better. Well Reiko is even better. And green contacts. That's the worst part of it all!
Rei: No, I am not afraid of spiders. Stop calling me Reiko. Shut up about the eye color and what about you and your fear of thunder?
Minako: DON"T MENTION THAT!
Makoto: You don't like thunder? (sniff) (sniff) :(
Minako: See what you did Rei?
Rei: Sorry, I was reading a manga. What?
Poor Ami and the Author are shaking their head at the group.
