* Hey everyone! Thanks again to all the new likes and comments and to all those who have been following the story from the beginning. I had lost inspiration in the story line in the past chapters, and I bet it showed. But having taken time to read some good passionate stories, my inspiration flared. I hope it shows in this chapter and the character interactions. Let me know if it shows? And yes, it's a long chapter! haha Take care! 😉

A Final Escape

Chapter 14

Tightening his hold on the Porsche's grab handle, Kunzite felt his stomach contest the speed, sharp turns, abrupt stops and reckless acceleration. Pulling down the cap lower over his paling face, he tried not to focus on the speeding scenery. It's wasn't that the great leader of the Shitennou was scared… The answer to his queasiness was due to his body not having the chance to adjusted to such transportation since their escape.

The current driver did not aid in any way with his current predicament. Actually, she did the very opposite.

The Venusian Senshi was making it a point to fully enjoy the horsepower and torque the sportscar had to offer. Focusing his gaze on the young woman sitting in the driver seat, he observed how her features changed as she shifted with ease the gears of the powerful machine. Mina hadn't bothered with small talk for once. Her whole focus was on the road. After a couple minutes of concentration, a small grin broke on her lips as her eyes lit up with excitement and adrenaline pumped through her veins.

An awareness sneaked past Kunzite's usual indifference as his eyes remain glued on her. As Mina shifted more rapidly through the traffic, her body came awake with excitement in a way he had never witnessed on Milaina. He took notice of every single detail. How she bit her lips on fast turns. How she exhaled deeply right before her breath caught as she accelerated. The light flush that painted her skin as her arms and legs moved in unison with the car. Her tunnel vision as her eyes focused, her features eager, awaiting the next turn.

Mina's complete openness and obliviousness of himself was a source of fascination he couldn't ignore. Not for the first time, he felt himself being drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Except, for very different reasons.

Princess Milaina had been a natural seductive and breathtaking woman with an acute shrewdness and ability to read and manipulate people at will. The chosen leader of the Inner Senshi had been his match in every possible way. Keeping him on his toes and his alertness to a maximum unlike anyone he had ever met. However, her extensive list of lovers had been a definite turn off. Having been the one to clean up after many of Endymion's affairs, Kunzite hadn't felt like getting caught into another kind of lustful web.

And yet, here he was, almost willingly, allowing himself to brush the outskirts of that net.

Grinding down on his molars, he closed his eyes disappointed with himself. Mina was unnerving him. Why? How was that possible when she was an innocent child compared to Milaina? It was so obvious from the way she used underhanded technics to get back at him. To the way she got frustrated when compared to her old self. To the way she acted independent and carefree to hide her many insecurities. To the way she flipped from easygoing, silly to serious, selfless and bounce back faster than a Ping-Pong ball…

"We're here!" Her cheerful voice brought him back from his deliberating. Even as she got serious, the afterglow remained as did the sparkle in her eyes. "Let me do most of the negotiations. The basic story I had given was that my good friend, an English Duchess, Miss Selene and her fiancé were looking for a new vacation home. As she's my close friend, she asked me to handle the house search. Being a duchess and all, she is far too booked to do it personally. Her fiancé's head of security was supposed come along to inspect and approve the security and such of the location."

Glancing sideways, Mina wished Kunzite had changed into a suit or uniform to fit the role. In his dark cap, hooded dark sweater and black pants, he looked too civilian. 'Too late now…'

"Please act the role. Security personnel don't talk much. They never divulge personnel information of their clients. Artemis tried to find the most professional and discreet agent but if she starts asking questions, we'll look for a replacement… I hope it doesn't get to that. It was hard finding her in the first place… Thank god Darien got his inheritance and did something with it, otherwise we'd be screwed!"

"What does that metaphors mean?" Kunzite observed the area they had parked. The streets around the building were far too busy, too brightly lit and surrounded by the crowds of an entertainment district. Their ins and outs would be noticed by someone.

Failing to hear a reply, he turned toward the silent girl. A slight blush on her cheeks, her eyes were unfocused as she pondered over an explanation. She was doing it again; doing something out of character! Melaina never ever blushed. How was it possible for Mina to even act shy? It baffled him. Yes, she was a different person but she still had all of Melaina's memories. How to be shy when you remembered all the lewd things you did in the past? Was that even possible?

"Miss Mina?" A middle-aged woman with chestnut brown hair pulled into a classic French twist in a light beige suit approached them. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Catherine Beckmann, your real-estate agent. I spoke earlier with your secretary, Mr. Art, about our itinerary for this evening. I've printed out the locations for your convenience."

Mina caught the smirk that flashed on Kunzite's face when Artemis was called her secretary, but she remained in character.

"Mrs. Beckmann, the pleasure is all mine. I've heard nothing but praise about your capabilities and discretion. I'm sure my dear friends are in good hands. May I introduce you to the head of my friend's fiancé head of security, Mr. K… Mr. Kinsley. He'll be joining us tonight."

"A pleasure, Mr. Kinsley. May you extend my gratitude to your employer for entrusting me with the search of their perfect getaway. I'm looking forward to working with you all."

"Good evening Mrs. Beckmann. I will convey your message. Pray forgive my disguise, but my presence must not be discovered as it cannot be linked back to my employer. This is to remain their private retreat for the moment and as such, we hope you can accommodate them. Of course, you will be compensated for your discretion.

Jumping up and down victoriously internally, Mina hi-fived herself. Count on Kunzite to pull off the act. Wasn't that why she had always liked butting heads with him in the past? His personality had bored her but his capabilities never failed to meet her expectations. Using every skill and aptitude in her inventory to break through his cold facade had always diverted her momentarily. Free entertaining, really. Personally, she could not understand why Melaina had never felt any attraction toward the Terran General.

The image of his naked form played vividly in her mind. Every glorious and not so glorious detail of his body filtered back as vividly as the time she had taken a turn around him to prove herself unaffected. But truth was, since then, she had become slowly more and more affected. Mina had lost count of the number of times she had brushed against his body when she tripped him since then. But she hid behind her supposed grudge to cover her sudden awareness of him as a man.

Not matter how clear or vivid Melaina's memories were, Mina was surprisingly untouched. Having shared a few kisses here and there, she had refused to go further. One lifetime of sexual abundance was enough, thank you very much! She wanted to concentrate on her mission, on her Senshi duty!

'Bullshit, girlfriend!' her inner diva snapped her fingers. 'We both know you're just waiting to be swept off your feet, like Serena!'

'Am not!'

'Liar, liar, #%^#$ on fire! Jealousy doesn't suit you, girl!'

Mina smirked, quite amused at her own silly monologue and even her inner censorship. Maybe readying all of Amy's romance novels, and witnessing Serena's courting, twice, had changed her… Unfortunately. deep down, she felt a certainty it would not happen for her. A passionate affair or true love were not in her cards.

Was that why Milaina had accepted sex. As a substitute?

That was the problem with being around Kunzite, or lovey-dobby people in general. It got her thinking too deeply. The adrenaline rush gone; she missed the high keenly. Missed the excitement, the focus, the freedom…

"This location won't do; we don't need to waste time here. May I see the next locations?" The agent seemed taken aback, but kept a professional attitude as she handed over the files for his perusal. "Yes… No. No. No. Yes. No. No…"

Mina's annoyance in general rose as she watched him flip through the pages. Wasn't she supposed to be doing most of the talking and decisions? Again, he was trying to take control of the situation. Lifting her chin resolutely, she looked over the papers as he segregated them. Grudgingly, she had to approve his choices. Some of the places he discarded were stunning, but he didn't let that capture his attention, focusing solely on the necessities and location security.

From twenty-five potential homes, they only had seven to check. Mrs. Beckmann closed her stunned mouth. It was the fastest process of elimination she had ever witnessed. But what followed would be forever engraved in her memory as the most entertaining house hunting experience.

Miss Mina came from a prestigious London family, on top of being a rising star in the music industry and mysterious yet stunning model. But Mrs. Catherine would have never guessed what lay underneath it all. While they chatted, the young lady acted with a refinement and amiability that was sorely missed in today's generation. But when she interacted with Mr. Kinsley, well, that was a different story. She had never witnessed a woman's wrath to such a passionate degree. What had the young man done to make the bubbly celebrity snap, picked at her curiosity.

As they visited the homes, condos and penthouses, she acted oblivious to what was going on right under her nose. More then on one occasion, she witnessed the young lady trip the older man. And while he looked quite capable of breaking every bone in the smaller girl, he swallowed his pride and took it in stride. The way he countered her jabs with a calculated, patient response hinted at special forces, of military training. Though some of the ways he got back were just as childish, such as interrupting conversations or refusing to answer...

The silent battle between the two created a tension that saturated the air. And when tensions rise, at some point, they must snap.

"Miss Beckmann, this is the 6th place we've seen in the past three hours, but not one meats our requirements. May we see the last one, you had said it necessitated extensive work though?" Kunzite had just about enough of Mina's presence. For the first time, he missed Milaina's old calculating personality. Mina's double standard disposition were wearing his patience short. Each tiny attack like a rusted saw scrapping slowly and painfully on his very thin nerves. Not to mention that his shins and ankles were getting a bit too much of a workout from her sly attacks.

At every opportunity, the vivacious long-limbed blond contradicted him or found ways to trip him or push past him in tight spots, knowing it irritated him or made him uncomfortable. Especially since he had not gotten used to the current century's clothing. Her yellow satin camisole and sunflower printed pleated mini skirt, skimpy even by Venusian standards. But she congratulated her choice of clothing in the evening heatwave while she watched him sweat bullets under his black military styled cap, muscle t-shirt and slacks, having discarded the hoodie after the first house.

Kunzite came to a startling realization that evening. No matter how honourable and well trained he was, he was just a man. Who had been frozen for close to a thousand years… Thus, his patience was not what it used to be. While the agent was answered a call, the older man grabbed roughly Mina by the arm and yanked her to him viciously.

"I get you're angry. I get I still have explaining to do. But drop the vengeance act in the meantime, it's getting old!" His toned carried the kind of warning you heard before a rattlesnake stroke.

Mina took a moment to openly stare at him, only to smile slyly as Melaina did. "Oh, but it's only beginning, honey!" Her hiss a promise of retribution.

Kunzite wondered for the hundred time, when and why had her humor gone from exhilarated to irritated as they got back into the car to head to the last place. Looking around, he realized there weren't as many people her age around. It was really getting late, and yet, here she was taking care of business with no assistance or protection. What kind of world had she grown up in? His curiosity was really getting out of hand. But better to talk calmly than continue the pointless squabbling.

"It's really late and on top of that, you've been residing with Lita, is your family not worried?"

Mina glanced at his profile for a second before focusing on the real-estate agent's car ahead. She turned up the music on the radio for a second and sang lightly with Default's rock song.

"Well this is not for real
Afraid to feel
I just hit the floor
Don't ask for more
I'm wasting my time…"

When Kunzite turned away, thinking she wasn't going to answer, her voice carried quietly.

"I was blessed with noncaring and not-present parents." She answered flippantly. But he caught the pain in her eyes. As the avatar of the Goddess of Love, the lack of affection in her life was hurting her deeper than she would ever admit. And his cold demeanor softened a little.

Here was proof that her cheerful mask was nothing but a shield that allowed her to survive her current situation. Milaina had been a natural chameleon with a confidence unrivaled in the whole solar system who saw everything as a game. Mina lived seriously, the fun almost knocked out of her, while she dealt alone with her own insecurities and limitations. How long had she been alone? From what he had learned, Mina had begun as Sailor V, fighting on her own, back in England. A mere child…

He had really failed her… It was partly his fault her happy life was cut short back in the Moon Kingdom. He owed her at least understanding and courtesy, even when she acted immaturely. As they approached the building under construction, he opened her the door, and bowed slightly. She eyed him suspiciously.

"I don't need your pity."

"Who said it was pity?" She stopped short, a deep frown of mistrust across her brow.

"Have I ever displayed pity to anyone?

"No. So what is this?

"You're the Princess of Venus, avatar of Aphrodite and the leader of the Senshi. And I have failed, again, to show you the proper respect owed you." He added in his formal General voice.

"I'm not longer a princess, just an average girl, who's trying to live up to the role of Senshi leader… I'm not mad at you… I… Fuck! … Kunzite, let's just get this over with." She sighed, dropping for a moment the brave happy façade. She looked young in that moment, too young. And for a first time in what felt like millennia, Kunzite felt like protecting someone from the ugliness of the world.

It was an unfamiliar feeling or need. He was born, raised and trained to protector the Terran Prince. He had not expected to develop such feelings for another person. But remembering the time spent with Melaina and now meeting her young reincarnation, that need slowly grew stronger with every minute. Wasn't it what an older brother felt for a helpless sibling, much like what he felt for Endymion? Although, sometimes it wasn't quite the same...

But he had no time to waste over it; there were urgent priorities to tackle. Now that the Negaverse was hunting them down, Kunzite knew their days were numbered. But no matter how things turned out, he wouldn't fail his Prince or his promise to Venus again.

Without waiting for her, he followed the agent into the building. The location was right, it was in an old industrial area being redeveloped into an up and coming residential hub. But that would take time. At the top of the skyrise under construction was a penthouse. With only the outside finished and supporting beams spread across the open area, the place offered them the perfect opportunity to finish it to their specifications.

Seeing the interested light in the young people, Mrs. Catherine excused herself, explaining that it was late and she needed to head home. The security guard downstairs would lock up after them. Mina nodded, thanking the elder lady and promising to contact her the following day.

"We can set up the bedrooms in the eastern wing, and turn the second floor into the training area. The main meeting area can be right here in the entrance. The servant's residence can be…" Kunzite started planning as soon as Mrs. Beckmann was in the elevator.

The Venusian in her laughed arrogantly. Well here was the aristocratic lord making his entrance! "Leave the planning to me. You've lost your touch! The bedrooms should be all on the second floor, with enough space between them so you can't hear what his royal highness's are up to. I'm sure Raye can fill you in on those details."

"Why the bedrooms on the second floor?"

"Further away from anyone coming into the place, in case of an attack. As we have super jumping abilities, we can escape through the upstairs windows. But we need to custom order the windows."

"That seems like a useless expenditure." Kunzite shook his head, were they going to agree on anything?

"We need to have mirror treatment done on the windows for the day, and thick curtains for the night so nobody can see inside. Artemis can order a security system for the outside. We'll need to get a wooden overhead veranda build on the outside patio, so to block the view. Wisteria's could be planted for extra privacy as it grows fast." Mina turned away from the night view to focus on the entrance. "The entry should look as normal as possible. We'll need a large inviting vestibule but with bulletproof French doors and an access code, at least." Closing imaginary doors behind her, she pointed where they should set up the living room, dining room and kitchen with two adjoining powder rooms.

"Bullet proof? Why two powder rooms?"

"How many people are going to live here?" Her brow rose in a are you stupid look? "The side doors should look like bedroom doors, as decoys. The meeting room would be set up in the east wing with the veranda view. It'll give it a regal feel. The west wing would make the perfect space for the training area as it has elevated ceilings. We could soundproof it with cork floors and walls. They're also installing a pool in the building. Definitely a must by Amy's standard. There's an option of reserving it at certain hours, so we don't need to interact too closely with the rest of the residents. What else?"

He could visualize in detail what the place would look like as she walked through the open area, even if he didn't get all the terms. But his feet froze at the insinuation.

"Wait! Mina… Do you mean that all you girls will be moving in here too?" The idea spelled disaster in every single possible way.

"Duh!" Again, she was treating him as an idiot. "You want Darien to move in here so you can look after him, yes?" She asked very calmly. He nodded.

"Darien will want to live with Serena so he can look after her, yes?" Again, he nodded.

"Serena will feel awkward living with only guys, yes?" His nod froze as he saw the mathematical outcome of her thinking direction.

"The Scouts will want to live with Serena so we can look after her. So, we'll need to move in here too, yes?" He shook his head at that, disagreeing.

"You realize you're asking for a war? How are we going to live under the same roof when Raye is looking for any excuse to turn Jadeite into ash, Lita beat Nephrite to a pulp, and your sweet Amy already froze Zoisite!" His voice rose against his better judgement. The idea of young, unmarried, even married, women living under the same roof as the men in his charge, spelled trouble! They might have been from aristocratic families, and guards of the Terran Prince, but they were honestly as troublesome as their charge. Sometimes even more so. "It's out of question!"

"That is not up to you to decide on your own!" Mina's temper flared. How stupid could Kunzite be? The safest measure right now for them was to stay together. That had been the plan before the Generals had appeared, and screw Kunzite's arrogance, it would stay that way! As if she'd allow her future Queen to live alone surrounded with those arrogant bastards!

"No, it's not proper and this place will be far too small to accommodate everyone. Why not buy another floor where you girls or we can live separately?"

"Because that would waste more of Darien's money! And what are you talking about, this place is huge enough to have three staircases so every group gets their privacy!" What was Kunzite so caught up on? Did he think the girls now too lowly to live with their future King and Queen? How insulting! With a fast summon, her love chain appeared in her hand. She flicked it around the unsuspecting incensed man, entangling him from shoulders to feet in it. Tapping into her Senshi speed and strength, she ran up a column and flipped on the other side of the supporting beam, tying the chain around the base.

Kunzite felt a deep rage explode in him as he found himself dangling upside down. He had allowed her to trip him, embarrass him, push him to his limit, feeling like he deserved every shot. But this was a different situation altogether! Here he was trying to protect hers and her friend's innocence from his men! And how had she thanked him?!

"Cool your head off, you self-righteous bastard! While you're hanging there, take the time to look around this place for what it is. A possible new beginning. A leveling plain!" As she walked toward the veranda to cool her head, he got a nice view of her long legs and swaying hips. Damn, that was a short skirt!

Looking around, he knew she was right about the space thing and the starting over. But fuck, that didn't mean it was a good idea still! Why couldn't Venus be more level headed about these situations. Tapping into his own power, he allowed his energy and strength to course throw his body until it exploded, shattering the chain. Flipping around to land on his feet, he stomped after the source of his constant frustration.

She turned as she sensed his approach. The body smash came swiffer than she had anticipated and send her hurling against the wall. The body that smashed into her seconds later cut her breath, actually startling her. What the fuck was up with Kunzite, he always, always held himself in check?

"What the fuck! Get off of me!"

"No." He ground into her, trying to bring his point home. Grabbing her wrists, he secured them on either side of her shoulders. "What you going to do little girl?" Looking at her like she was a slab of fine steak, he stared her down in contempt. "You forget we aren't like other men! Our powers and strength can match yours."

Mina felt Kunzite pressed against her from chest to tight, far too aware of the furious man plastered against her. Of the solid pecks, the rippling abs, the stone hard tights, the … Ignoring where her thoughts were headed, she tapped into her anger to fuel her own Senshi power.

Trashing, she managed to loosen her wrist free, flipping their position, she managed to pin him in a similar position against the wall. "Your true colors and intentions are showing, there, Negaverse Scum!"

"Wha?!" Pissed beyond reason, he shoved against her hold, until she tumbled back, with him landing full weight on top of her, knocking her breath out again. "That was low, even for you! And use your head a little there, doll-face!" She struggled like a hellcat under him, and for that he admired her as he took in her every hit with his not yet recuperated body. Because, he preferred to ignore what his subconscious and body thought at that moment.

Mina, pushed her hip up as she had learned from her grappling lessons and flipped on top of him. Before she could jump off, Kunzite grabbed her wrists, yanking her down firmly atop him. As pissed as Venus was, she flushed in embarrassment at the compromising position. Seeing the blush, Kunzite let her go so she could scramble off him as fast as she could.

"Now do you understand why it's a bad idea for the Shittennou and Senshi to move in together?" She stopped her retaliation as his calm question sinked in. 'Oh…' Leaning on his elbow, Kunzite stayed sprawled on the floor as he waiting for Mina to come to terms with his obvious objection.

Mina was not used to feeling embarrassed or shocked. She was Milaina's reincarnation, after all! But damn, no one had ever dared or been stupid enough to force himself on her. Why hadn't he just said it instead or trying to prove his point… Physically… It had scared her initially, then turned sexual against her will as Milaina's personality awoke.

No! He wouldn't win this round. He had embarrassed her and wouldn't that feed his ego enough. She needed to take control of the situation!

"You mean to tell me, your and your men's baser needs will prevent you from doing your job properly. How you guys became Shitennou is beyond me…" Dusting off her crumpled, dusted clothes, she took stock of her nerves. "I'm going down to the car. When you're ready, come down and I'll drop you off at Darien's before I head to Lita's."

Without looking back, she strut out of the penthouse as if nothing had happened between them. Kunzite rubbed his face frustratedly. Where the hell had that come from?

And of course, she should have won with her reasoning. Except, as Aphrodite's avatar, did she not suspect the reasons behind the tensions between the other Generals and Scouts? Or, did she willingly stay oblivious so to focus solely on the mission? Endanger it, unnecessarily…

What great leaders they made!

More importantly, where had his supposed overprotective brotherly feelings gone. "Ahhh!" Banging his fist hard against a metal column, he got up to follow the source of his current undoing.