"Say You'll Go" by Janelle Monáe

Say You'll Go

She turned a corner into a hallway that led to her destination. The natural draft of the inside picked up her black ponytail and leather sailor collar, blowing back her long side-swept bangs. Her strides were purposeful and familiar, though quiet as the thick red carpet muted the clicks of her heeled boots.

Sailor Star Fighter ended up in front of a door, running a gloved thumb under her bottom lip to wipe away any stray lipstick before knocking. She bowed in response as a recognizable head of red answered.

"Your highness."

The referenced royal smiled and stepped aside. "Come in, Fighter."

She strolled inside the bedchamber and immediately noticed a moving holographic visual of a news anchor talking on the wall across the bed. She furrowed her brow as she stared at it. "I can't believe they have the gall to call the invasion a fucking union."

"Ginmoku was a weak planet, and thus an easy target."

"Kamoku is too dangerous and they're getting arrogant. We're the next stop in the system."

"They'd be stupid to move onto us so soon."

"We shouldn't be so dismissive. We're who they're really after." Fighter ran her hand through her hair with a heavy sigh. "I should be out there."

"No… you're right where you need to be—protecting me." The royal smiled, moving closer to the Starlight to take her in a lustful embrace from behind and planting a soft kiss on the tip of her shoulder.

She huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "I'm serious. The field guardians are practically babies and haven't seen a real battle."

"There are plenty of veterans out there with them. And I need you." The kisses moved up her neck.

Fighter then crossed her arms. "Which head is saying that?"

"Both heads. And both hearts."

"I thought dicks were supposed to be heartless."

He buried his face within the crook of her neck to chuckle. "Then I guess that makes me not a dick."

Fighter couldn't help but snicker and turned around to face the touchy royal, snaking her hands from his chest to behind his neck.

"Are you ready for tonight?"

He cocked an eyebrow while sucking in a breath. "Let's skip it."

"I'd love to see you try." She responded through light laughter.

"They won't notice me gone. Kyuna's the birthday brat anyway."

"Well, it just so happens that, at least for now, you're the more important twin. With a coronation and a wedding coming up, they will sniff you out from a black hole if they have to."

The reminder of such information painted his face with a longing sadness. "You're coming with me, right?" His tone was soft and hopeful.

A tad confused about the question, she responded with an unsettled rhythm. "Uh, well… I'll surely be there. Probably stationed at the south door—"

"No, I mean as my guest." His tone then turned stern.

"You were serious about that?" She blinked fast enough for her long, dark eyelashes to almost take her up in flight.

"Of course."

"Do you not understand the shitstorm it will cause? The king might actually kill you."

"I already agreed to marry the Keikan princess as he wanted, so he's pretty much in my pocket at this point. If he kills me, there goes our ally in the west."

"Kyo, I just—" she placed her hands over her face to contain her discomfort, leaving her nose and mouth exposed. "The prince and a guardian walking in together for a royal event is practically putting a target on my back."

"People know about us anyway. What difference will it make?"

What's with these royal children and wanting to tell the whole world of their business? Fighter removed her hands to allow her eyes to emphasize her attitude. "So you don't understand the shitstorm this will cause."

"What good will it do for the monarchy to defame one of the most beloved and revered Starlights in our history? The whole planet would do Kamoku's bidding and help overthrow us. And believe me, dad knows that."

She made a "tch" sound and shook her head, unable to argue with him. Though, she still thought it was a bad idea.

Kyo smiled with obnoxious victory, before leaning down to whisper with his lips grazing her ear. "This will be the last time we can do that."

Fighter didn't resist the prince's actions; the feeling of his touch and voice sent tingles all over her body. She grabbed his head to guide their lips to meet with passionate intentions for several moments. Her gloved hands placed themselves on his jaw and his hands found their way inside her shorts to squeeze her bare bottom as he moaned into her mouth. In between their progressing tongue play and lip biting, Kyo felt a flash from behind his closed eyelids and soon felt bare fingertips on his chin and the prison of her shorts gone. He pulled his head back and opened his eyes to be met with a de-transformed and stark naked Seiya. Her wavy raven locks were out of its regimental ponytail and cascaded to one side down to her hip, covering one of her pink-tipped breasts. Her eyes, lustful yet coy, looked down as she bit into her lips.

"It is your birthday after all."

"The court welcomes Prince Kyohaku, and his guest—the fighter, defender, and protector of our planet, galaxy, and universe—Sailor Star Fighter, in her civilian form, Madame Seiya."

Still looking forward, Seiya leaned over to her plus one and whispered: "That was an unnecessary mouthful."

Kyo adjusted his crown with a wink. "Maybe. I feel like he missed something."

She pursed her lips with narrow eyes. "I hate you so much."

Both walked in arm-in-arm down a long, narrow red rug which spanned a quarter of the room from the entrance. In the style of royalty, she donned a black and blue sheer robe dress with long flare sleeves and a long skirt which billowed behind her as she walked, otherwise dragging on the floor if she were at rest. The skirt's front opening revealed her long bare legs; her body truly covered only by a black corset, small puffy shorts, and black heels with a curvy, upturned toe. Her hair was styled up with various small braids, twisted and peaking throughout a mass of curls, and held in place with jeweled pins and barrettes, with the exception of two thick, straight tendrils laid over her shoulders.

Ah yes, here they are—the cautious stares, the faint whispers, the blatant stink eyes… Why would anyone invade anyone for this?

She wouldn't be faced with the judgment for much longer since the guests bowed in succession as they passed, having to stare at the ground to perform their duty to the prince. Kyo placed a hand over Seiya's to send a silent message of support as he noticed the volume of murmurs was louder than normal. She returned the gesture, stacking her other hand over his as a silent, 'I told you so.'

Once settled into the festivities, she wasted no time calling over a butler with the wine tray, politely requesting that he keep a special eye on her drink and replenish until she says otherwise. While Kyo had to mingle and make the rounds, Seiya broke herself away to seek out safe company in a corner of the room.

"Look who decided to associate with us peasants." Sailor Star Healer eyed the dolled-up Seiya with contempt and a hint of envy.

"Of course, it's always nice to talk to the little people once in a while." Seiya took a sip of wine and flipped a stray braid as a sarcastic display.

Healer sneered, unappreciative of her serving the same attitude. However, she paused to give Seiya another once-over and changed her tune. "Do you at least get to keep the dress?"

Seiya looked around and stepped closer. "Do you think they'll notice if it disappears?"

Standing with folded arms beside Healer, Sailor Star Maker spoke up. "I wouldn't count on it. Unless it's damaged."

"One of the courtiers stepped on it while we were in line to enter, does that count?" Seiya took a sip of wine in thought.

"Dirt and grime are to be expected."

A lightbulb immediately went off above Healer. "What about wine spills?"

Maker cocked an eyebrow. "That's probably their exact definition of damage."

Healer displayed the most devilish grin. "Seiya, spill on yourself! And make sure you get the puffy shorts too!"

"What? No! We're not even two hours in." She lowered her voice to contain her outrage.

"Whatever, it's a dark color. It won't show!"

Seiya glared deep into Healer's lime green eyes. "No."

She scoffed. "Okay, maybe not spill but like," she paused her sentence to come up with a second suggestion, and soon began to make waving motions with the back of her hand. "Maybe flick some droplets on yourself."

Seiya snorted. "If we wait, I guarantee you someone at this party has it out for me and will gladly 'accidentally' spill on me."

"But we have to make sure you get the puffy shorts!" She took it upon herself to stick two gloved fingers in Seiya's wine to get the job done herself.

"Yaten! What the hell are you—stop!" Seiya began backing away from her attacker, though the latter kept her pace well holding up a threatening hand of dripping liquid.

"My clothes won't even fit you! Go bother the children's tailor!"

"Madame Seiya?"

The two recognized the voice and halted their antics, practically frozen in their postures for a solid few seconds. When they faced it, Healer stood tall with both hands behind her back, and Seiya stroked her thick hair streams over her shoulders in a puny effort to save face. Maker, still in the vicinity, shook her head.

Two red-headed princesses stood by with amused expressions as they stared at the bickering women. How long they had been there was a mystery Seiya and Healer didn't want to think about.

"Princess Kyuna." Seiya curtsied low with a leg crossed over the other as she held out the side of her dress. "Happy birthday, my princess. I hope you are having a good time so far."

"Thank you, Madame Seiya." The referenced princess giggled and couldn't help but shimmy her body in the process. She was dressed nearly identical to the raven-haired beauty, however in the official royal red colors and with more hair loops, jewels, jangles, and sparkles. "I'm sorry, it just makes me laugh to say it. Everyone here is talking about you!"

"That's great." Seiya squeaked out a response as she feigned a smile and cried invisible tears; Kyuna was well-known for her imperceptiveness and ignorance. Everyone wondered how she shared a womb with the contrasting nature of the calmer, more congenial Kyo. However, as a blessing in disguise, it was Seiya's duty to address the other princess standing beside her.

"Princess Kakyuu," Seiya curtsied just as deeply toward her. "Welcome back."

Kakyuu's face beamed once she said her name. "Seiya, it's good to see you."

"Kakyuu, it's Madame Seiya." Kyuna reprimanded her younger sister and even swatted at her. "You shouldn't be so informal!"

"It's okay, I've been called worse," Seiya assured.

"Oh yes, the names flying around here are very creative." Kyuna laughed at herself way too hard, resulting in uncomfortable smiles from the rest. Though, her laughter died down as she grasped her stomach all of a sudden with a look of horror. Everyone else's discomfort switched to concerned confusion.

"Oh… my… I—I suddenly need to excuse myself." She set her sights on the silent guardians standing behind the madame. "Excuse me, Starlight. I will need assistance in the washroom."

Healer and Maker bowed in unison, though the latter dared to speak up. "Do you need both of us, Princess?"

"I need someone strong. Come with me, tall one." She gestured with a pointer finger.

Maker nodded without question. "Yes, Princess."

"Nice try." Healer pushed out a throaty whisper from the side of her mouth.

Maker seemed to hear nothing as she joined Kyuna in their hurried journey to the nearest washroom.

Kakyuu, Seiya, and Healer were the only ones left standing. Though as far as Kakyuu was concerned, she had business with the madame.

"Healer, would you excuse us?" The princess smiled at her as she took Seiya's arm and guided her toward a nearby pair of doors that opened to a terrace. As Seiya was led, she felt her heart rate spike, and a lump formed in her throat, though not big enough to prevent gulps of wine from going down. For how the night was going so far, there wouldn't be enough wine in the world.

The two women sauntered onto the empty balcony, overlooking the acres of the royal courtyard and bright lights of the cityscape of the capital.

"It's been so long, and it's so good to see you. I've missed you." Kakyuu couldn't contain her beaming face. "You look so beautiful tonight."

Seiya smiled. "You too, Princess. You must tell me all about your trip."

"Oh wow, that'll take so long. I want to hear how it has been with you, Seiya—I mean, Madame…" She covered her giggle with her hand.

"Don't—Princess, it's—please, it's fine." Seiya stuttered in annoyed awkwardness. "The prince just thinks he's really funny but far, far from it."

"Yes, well, my brother still has you, and that makes up for everything else." The princess looked down into her fidgeting hands.

Seiya winced as she was hoping by now Kakyuu had moved on from those comments. Tonight was the first time they had seen each other in a few years, and it was within those few years that Kyo and Seiya started to get to know each other. Kakyuu had been traveling with her older sister Kikyo, with both political and humanitarian agendas, to help the more disadvantaged planets still healing from Galaxia's attack, and they had only returned this morning. But for the sake of avoiding any more tension for the night, Seiya gave her the benefit of the doubt.

"Princess, it's not like that."

"Right, of course. He's getting married soon." Kakyuu laughed at herself at her small oversight. "Do you know what you're going to do then?"

"What do you mean?"

"You won't be able to be together. So… will things be okay with you?"

"Um, well… things will be fine." Seiya managed a chuckle. "He has his own life and responsibilities and I respect them. I will continue to serve out my duty to the royal family and this planet until death, no matter what happens in between."

"So you're not… in love with him?"

"It was never about being in love. We have a very deep connection and understanding with each other."

"Is that not what love is?"

"Sure it is, but it's not being in love." She blushed a bit as she took her time to find the right words. "It's weird, but we're the only ones who understand, and that's what's most important. I know on the outside it looks like a lot of things, but we're happy with what we have and are content with what's going to happen. We'll be okay."

Kakyuu nodded. "I admire that. You've always had such a strong heart."

Seiya tittered at both the absurdity and flattery of that comment. "It doesn't feel like it."

After a few moments of silence, Kakyuu cleared her throat, perking up suddenly as she glanced through the windows which allowed her to view the packed room inside.

"I should be getting back, but… will I see you around?"

"Of course," Seiya assured. "I'm still assigned as the prince's personal detail."

"Good. We'll have to catch up." The princess curtsied. "Have a good evening, Madame."

Seiya was ready to jump off the balcony or punch Kyo square in the face, or both in any order. Instead, she humored Kakyuu and curtsied back in respect.

"You too, Princess."

After Kakyuu's departure, Seiya wanted to give herself a few minutes of solitude to decompress and regain the mental strength to return to the party. She decided it would be until she would finish her glass of wine, which would only take about three gulps. However, her alone time was cut short when the butler from earlier in the evening walked out toward her with a tray of a single full glass of wine.

"Madame, your refill." He bowed his head while holding up the black tray.

"Yes, thank you so much!" Seiya came off almost too excited as she grabbed the glass off the platter. She gulped down the rest of her wine from her first serving in one swig and then set the empty glass on the tray. However, the butler didn't move as he kept staring at her in awe, making Seiya slightly uncomfortable.

"My Starlight, I just want to say we're absolutely blessed and honored to be in your presence and serve you. We don't understand how it's not a daily occurrence."

Seiya was truly touched, relieved to realize the guy wasn't just being a creep. "I'm honored too, really. I saved this planet once, but it's saved every day by the people."

"You are too kind, Madame." He put a hand on his chest. "We pray for you every day at the Osmanthus temple that she blesses you in love, wisdom, and inner peace."

"Oh, wow, thank—thank you. That's so nice of you." She tipped her head toward him in gratitude. Though, she had to wonder if Osmanthus had her headphones in or something during those prayers because Seiya felt she had none of that in her life.

"And don't worry," he looked around the surrounding area to double-check that they were alone. "I put curses on those in there who were talking about you." He gave a wink and a thumbs-up.

"Ah… um, thank you… again," was all she could think to respond with at the moment. She was going to pretend she didn't hear that… or ask this question. "Was it a lot?"

He bobbed his head as he tallied the numbers in his mind. "A little more than half, give or take."

"Wow, really? More than half? Really? " Seiya couldn't keep her voice from rising, becoming slightly offended.

"I usually go by how bad my hand cramps are, and the pain is about a level eight."

"Damn! I mean, thank you, but… what exactly did you do?"

"Let's just say the wine is going to give them a little… intestinal discomfort." He winked again.

It took her a couple of seconds before her mind finished buffering. She then wagged a finger at him with crinkled, mischievous eyes. "That's good! Real, real sneaky! You're good!"

"Anything for Sailor Star Fighter." He gave her one last bow. "You have a good evening, Madame."

"You too! Take care of that hand!" She raised her glass to him.

As the butler departed back indoors, Seiya kept her spot at the end of the balcony. She turned around and looked out into the bustling city ahead, resetting the internal timer on her alone time. Bringing her glass up to her lips for a fresh sip, she had to pause, remembering her interaction with Kyuna, and smirked in evil realization.

"Poor… poor Taiki.