1/28/06

Title: A Lie for a Lie
Author: Raya
Theme: Liar, Liar (optional)
Genre: Humor
Version: Manga (Silver Millennium)
Rating: G

Disclaimer: All characters were created by Takeuchi Naoko. I have merely converted them into dolls to play with for a while.

A Lie for a Lie

Sailor Venus sighed as she walked rapidly through the castle towards the garden. 'This is becoming a habit,' she grumbled mentally as she tried to rush without looking like she was in a hurry. She ignored her racing heart and the thrill she felt at the secret hope that she could see him again. 'If this keeps up, the Queen will soon find out!'

"Venus," she heard a voice call. She gulped as she recognized it as Sailor Mercury's. She smiled a greeting, but kept walking. "Where are you off to?" the blue haired girl asked curiously as she fell in step beside her friend.

'Oh no, not Mercury,' Sailor Venus wailed in her mind. Outside, she just dimmed her smile a hair. "Oh, no where in particular," she said breezily. "Serenity is resting, so I thought I'd go spend some time reading in the gardens." She had to resist the urge to grimace at that horrible lie.

Sailor Mercury gave her a look, but did not question her unusual statement. "Oh. I thought Serenity had a meeting this afternoon?"

"It was canceled," Sailor Venus said truthfully. "Serenity said she was still tired after last night, so I escorted her up to her rooms." That was not quite true, but she hoped it would be enough to fool Sailor Mercury.

"Hmmm... Well, that's a lucky break for me," her teammate said with a quick smile. "I actually had something that I wanted to ask her. If she's free, maybe now would be a good time."

Sailor Venus stopped abruptly. "Oh no, no," she babbled frantically. "Now would not be a good time. Really. I mean... She looked pretty tired. I'm sure she's asleep by now. Besides, you'll see her tonight, right? Can't it wait until then?" She held her breath and looked at her friend beseechingly.

Sailor Mercury gave her a slightly surprised look in return, and then shrugged. "I suppose so. It was important, but not urgent." Sailor Venus sighed in relief, and Sailor Mercury smiled in return. "I won't hold you up from your tryst any more," she said as she stepped back. Her smile widened as Sailor Venus blushed slightly. "Enjoy yourself!"

Sailor Venus smiled brightly, relieved that she had been able to fool her friend. "Thanks, I will! See you later!" she called as she started walking away.

"Later!" Sailor Mercury called. She waited until the golden haired senshi had turned the corner, and then began to follow behind. Sailor Venus was a pretty good liar, but it wasn't often she could fool the blue haired Senshi of Wisdom. With a satisfied smile and a hope that she wouldn't end up an embarrassed third party at a lover's tryst after all, Sailor Mercury dashed into the golden light that suddenly surrounded her leader, and let herself be transported away.