Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon or Gundam Wing. Both series belong to their rightful owner(s) and creator(s). I don't own the following songs used either. Enjoy the story!! =0)
(*****) - Author's Note's
* * - Telepathy
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Forbidden Love
Chapter 4 - Of Love & Pranks
Author: Krys Yuy & Usa-chan
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Princess Serenity ran into her room and shut the door quietly, so she wouldn't bring any unwanted attention. She drew out a breath at the close encounter with Makoto and Duo. "That was close," she whispered to herself. She frowned slightly as she recalled their conversation. 'Why did I stand up for Heero?' she thought. 'I just met him, even though we did kiss a few times.' She blushed as she remembered those tender moments. Then she collapsed on the bed, her eyes staring at the ceiling.
As the princess thought about Heero, a strange tingling feeling came over her whole body. Her heartbeat began beating more rapidly and her cheeks flushed again. A small smile lighted up her face unconsciously. Her heart began to realize something, even if her mind didn't yet. She was falling in love... and falling fast...
* * * * *
Heero stood from his kneeling position on the ground as he heard footsteps heading his way. He glanced at the dust again, still pondering why there wasn't a corpse. He expected to see a giddy princess returning or a cheerful Duo calling him, about to reappear down the walkway. Instead what he got, was a Senshi of Uranus, who had a calm, yet threatening look on her face. His hand instinctively reached for his gun, but paused to see what business the senshi had come to deal with him, of all people.
Haruka strode right up to Heero until they were staring into each other's eyes, daring the other to fold first. "Did you kiss Koneko?" she demanded as her hands balled into fists.
"Hn," was Heero's response.
"Damn it! I'm not fooling around!" Haruka stated, her eyes flashing. "Answer me, Yuy. Did you, or did you not, kiss Koneko?"
Heero narrowed his Prussian blue eyes at the slightly older teenager. "Why do you want to know?" he asked in monotone.
"I am not just a protector for the princess. I am her friend. Believe it or not, I love her and care for her," Haruka said. "I will not tolerate anyone hurting her in any shape or form. Got it?"
"Hn."
Haruka growled and she grabbed the front of Heero's shirt just as the click of a gun was heard. She felt the pressure of cold metal against the side of her forehead. She remembered the damage the object had done and reluctantly let go of him. Heero continued to aim his gun at her, watching for any sudden movement.
Haruka stepped back and looked him up and down. 'He has quick reflexes and he doesn't look so bad,' she thought. 'Better than the prince of Earth.' She snorted. 'He might actually be capable of taking care of my princess. Besides, she looked happy. I haven't seen that light in her eyes in the longest time. It vanished when the Queen had announced her engagement to the prince. I can't believe I'm going to do this...'
Heero stared suspiciously as the sandy-haired teenager seemed to be studying him. The soldier side of him was convinced that she was up to no good, while the rational side of him stated that she had a rightful reason to be worried. She was just concerned about her princess and it was only natural that she was interrogating him. Besides, it would probably make the princess very upset to find one of her guardians dead.
'Why would I care how the princess would act?' Heero thought, confusion seeping into his brain. He lost that train of thought as the teenager in front of him began to speak.
"Listen to me and listen to me good, Yuy," Haruka started with a warning tone. "Don't bother answering my previous question. I don't care. All I care about is that she is in good hands. I would like the knowledge to know that she is happy. If she's happy, then I'm happy, all right?" She received a curt nod. "However, if I find out that you have hurt her in any way possible, be it physical or emotional..." Her voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "So help me God, Heero Yuy, I will hunt you down like the dog you are and will tear you limb from limb." Haruka stared into his eyes one last time with her threatening glare and then turned and left.
* * * * *
Ami entered the library again with Minako, her mind set on reading a couple of books before they carried out the prank. She went into the center of the library and was startled to find that Trowa was still there. In fact, he was reading a book himself and was seated comfortably on one of the couches. He turned the pages quietly and seemed very absorbed into whatever he was reading.
"Hi, Trowa-san!" Minako called brightly, surprising the young man.
Trowa looked up from the novel as he heard someone say his name. He saw Venus and Mercury standing a few feet in front of him. He nodded, acknowledging their presence. "Hello, Venus, Mercury," he greeted as he stood up and laid the book on a nearby table.
"Oh, there's no need for that, Trowa-san!" Venus said with a wave of her hand. "You can call me Minako-chan or Mina-chan, whichever you prefer." She tugged on the sleeve of Mercury's blue dress. "And you can call her Ami-chan."
"All right... Minako-chan," Trowa replied.
Minako smiled at him and an idea formed in her mind as she looked from him to her friend, Mercury. Ami looked about ready to bury herself in another book, while Trowa was glancing back at the book he had put on the table. 'Hmm... Ami-chan and Trowa-san...' Venus thought with a grin. 'It just might work. I'll leave them alone, so they can get acquainted.' "I have to go somewhere," she said. "I'll see both of you later, all right?"
Ami studied her friend curiously. "Where do you need to go, Minako-chan?"
'Uh oh... Think of something fast, Venus!' she thought with panic. "Umm... I'm going to go and try to find Serenity-hime!" she announced.
"Oh, all right," Ami commented with a sigh.
"Okay, bye!" Venus said, relief hidden in her voice.
Before either could react, Venus gave Mercury a push which was just enough to send her on the floor. In the blink of an eye, Ami was in the safe arms of Trowa before she even touched the ground at all. Minako grinned and quickly left the library, but not without sending an apology to Ami. *Gomen nasai, Ami-chan,* she said telepathically before setting out to find her princess.
Ami heard Minako's apology but was too busy blushing to respond. She was leaning on her right knee unsteadily, while Trowa was bent down to support her. She tilted her head to look into his eyes, or more accurately, eye that was showing. She realized how close they were to each other. 'If I just move...' Ami thought. Then she snapped out of her trance. 'Baka! What are you thinking?!' she scolded herself.
Ami broke from the intense gaze of Trowa and reached her right hand to grab the table so she could have some support to lift herself. Trowa saw what she was doing and placed his hands on both sides of her waist. He lifted her up as she grasped the edge of the table. She blushed brighter and stepped away from his embrace.
"Arigato, Trowa-san," Ami said, while bowing her head to study the carpet.
Trowa blinked and a hint of a smile crossed his handsome face. "No problem," he replied quietly. "Ami-chan," he added.
Ami raised her blue eyes to stare at him again. She moved her hand to bring it to her side and accidentally knocked the book Trowa had been reading to the floor. "How clumsy of me!" Ami exclaimed. "Gomen nasai Trowa-san," she apologized. "Let me get that."
However, Trowa was already bending down to get it, while Ami kneeled on the floor again, but this time she could balance herself. They both reached the book at the same exact time. As their fingers brushed against each other, a warm sensation ran through their connection. They rose to their feet, both of them holding one end of the book. Ami glanced at the title of the book, which was bound in a red velvet cover.
"Do you like reading these kind of stories, Trowa-san?" asked Ami.
Trowa didn't talk much. Usually, he would just remain silent and emotionless. However, he found himself talking to this blue-haired beauty. "Occasionally," he answered.
"Have you read this before?" she inquired, curiousity shining through her eyes.
"Yes, but in my time, this book comes from way back in the twentieth century," he replied. "The author lived even longer before that."
"The twentieth century?" Ami echoed. "I've never heard of that term before."
"Well, what time are we in?" Trowa asked.
"You're in the Silver Millennium, Trowa-san," Ami answered. "So what time are you from?" She tilted her head to the side.
Trowa calmly regarded how beautiful she looked like that. Her head was leaning to the right and strands of blue hair fell in her icy blue eyes. They looked soft and tempting to touch. He shook his head to rid himself of the spell being woven. "The year is A. C. 195 from where I come from."
"A. C.?"
"After Colony."
"Oh," Ami commented, not knowing what else to say.
"You said you've never heard of the twentieth century?" Trowa asked. Ami nodded a yes to his question. "Well then, where did you get this book?"
Ami studied the cover of the book, which the both of them were still holding. "Setsuna-san gave it to me as a birthday present long ago." At Trowa's blank look, she added, "Pluto."
"Ahh," Trowa said. "So have you read this before?"
"Many times," Ami answered. "Usually, I'm not one for these kinds of books, but this one captured my interest quickly. In reality, it is a play, but I still love reading it."
"Hai," Trowa agreed.
"May I read with you, Trowa-san?" Ami asked. Then she blushed a light pink again. "Oh my. I'm just asking too many questions. Can you forgive me?"
Then for the first time in a long time, Trowa chuckled. It was low and soothing to Ami's ears. He saw how nervous the young woman in front of him looked. He couldn't help but find it amusing to see her embarrassed. It made her look so cute. "No need to apologize, Ami-chan," he said. "You may read it with me, if you like."
"Arigato again," Ami said. She traced the title of the book. "This story just touches my heart." Trowa nodded to her comment. "This tale of forbidden love... You know they belong together. Nothing can break them apart. When I read it, I just can't stop, but the ending is disappointing." 'If only everything could be happily ever after,' she thought wistfully.
Trowa gently pulled the book from Ami's fingers. "Well, why don't we finish it now?" He sat near the end of the couch.
"All right," Ami agreed. She settled herself by him.
Now, it was either fate or pure coincidence that the next thing happened. There was a loud bang as if someone had slammed a door and Ami jumped, startled, while Trowa remained unmoving. It just so happened that when she jumped, she had landed even closer to Trowa. She was practically sitting in his lap with her back to his chest. Before she could move, Trowa had reached around to hand her the book, so his arms had encircled her body.
"Why don't you read it aloud?" Trowa commented huskily, which was out of character for him. (AN: O_o;;)
Ami took the book from Trowa's hands and leaned against him, the rosy pink of her cheeks fading a bit as she began to become more comfortable. She read the cover. "Romeo & Juliet," she said, her voice the only thing audible within the large library.
Trowa never felt such peace before in his life as Ami began to read from where he had left off. Her voice wrapped around him like a warm blanket. Nothing had the capability to do that, except for when he played the flute. The notes would have the same exact same effect on him. He could forget everything around him and just concentrate on nothing and anything at once. A soft sigh escaped past his lips. Unconsciously, he pulled her closer against his body as she read, so she was now fully seated on his lap. He leaned his chin against her shoulder and glanced at the pages. He felt her stiffen then relax. Her head tilted slightly to the right to lean against his.
"Juliet: My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late! Prodigious birth of love it is to me; That I must love a loathed enemy," Ami read.
On Ami's wrist, was a sapphire bracelet she had received at birth. It had a charm on it, which was a heart seated on a cross with antennae. Trowa's hand had brushed against it. A blue light escaped from the charm and into Trowa's body. Neither noticed as they were too absorbed into the book... and each other.
* * * * *
"Baka onna..." Wufei muttered, lightly rubbing his cheek, where a bruise was steadily forming.
*Flashback*
"Only those of Martian blood can enter this sacred room. What are you doing here?!"
Wufei became puzzled by her words. "What do you mean by Martian?"
A girl his age stood there on the maroon carpeting, looking at him defiantly. Hair the color of fire went below her waist, but was tied in a loose violet ribbon. She wore a simple red and white outfit, suited for praying. "Mars, of course," she snapped.
Wufei stared into her deep red eyes. 'Like burning flames of dragons...' he thought but then quickly snapped back to reality as he heard her answer. "Mars?" he scoffed. "That's impossible."
Pilot 05 could have sworn the fire in her eyes raged higher as he said that. Unconsciously, he noted that a flicker of flames had surrounded her right hand. "You still haven't answered me. What are you doing here?" she repeated.
Wufei stared at her blankly. Frankly, he had no idea why he was here. He vaguely remembered a strange pull he had. "Umm..."
"Well, do you have an answer or not?" she demanded.
"I don't know, all right?!" he replied, frustrated. "I guess I just wanted to know what was in here. All I see is a weak onna."
"What did you say?" the girl said sharply.
"I don't have to reply to you."
"Why, I ought to kick your ass!"
"I'd like to see you t-" Wufei was cut off as he barely dodged a kick to his mid-section.
"Let's see if I can change your mind," she said, something flashing in her eyes.
The girl charged at him, fist outstretched. Wufei caught it in his hand easily and he smirked. That was wiped off immediately when the girl crouched with him still holding her hand, and sweeping him. He landed backwards but didn't let go of his grip. She tumbled down with him but got up faster than he did, taking her hand away from his grasp. Wufei frowned and flipped upright in a fighting stance. He attacked her but she twisted her body so he missed. He whirled around and before she could react, held her arms behind her back in a firm hold. His lips were about to curve in a triumphant smile when she stomped on his foot and jabbed her elbow in his stomach. She then let her fist fly to his right cheek. He let go of her and hissed in pain. He brought a hand to his face and hesitantly touched it. He winced and brought it to his eyes. It held smudges of blood.
The girl gave a small smile, but didn't taunt him. She leaned forward and brought her lips right next to his ear. "Never underestimate your opponent, no matter how good you may be," she whispered, sending shivers up and down Wufei's spine. With a single glance over her shoulder, she walked out the door, her steps quick and precise.
Wufei was left to stare after her, disbelief etched in his face. 'Guess she's not a weak onna after all,' he thought. For some reason, which would make Duo faint right on the spot, Wufei's lips curved into a goofy looking grin.
*End Flashback*
"Shimatta," he cursed as he remembered he didn't know where the infirmary was.
"Need help?" a half-amused, half-concerned sounding voice inquired.
Wufei turned his head to face the girl warrior who had beaten him. Her eyes held an unreadable emotion as she studied him. Her previous outfit had been replaced with a silk red dress. "What do you want?" he demanded. "Come to rub it in my face?"
"No," she replied quietly. "I came to apologize."
Wufei's head snapped up in surprise. "Hontoo?"
"Hai," she answered. "Gomen nasai. I didn't mean for us to fight that far. I got a little carried away."
"You could say that," he muttered.
She continued on, ignoring his previous comment. "I guess I was just puzzled as to why you could enter the sacred Fire Room without an invitation."
He shrugged carelessly, looking as if the topic didn't bother him. Underneath, his head was swimming with questions. 'If what she said is true, then *why* was I able to enter the room?' he thought to himself.
"Never mind that now," the girl said as if reading his mind. "I'll lead you to the infirmary. By the way, my name is Rei. And no, I did not mean for that to rhyme."
"My name is-"
"Wufei," Rei interrupted.
He glanced at her cautiously and warily. "How did you know that?"
"From my friend, Venus, of course," Mars replied. "That doesn't matter though. Here we are." She pointed to a white set of doors. She pushed them open and led him to an empty room. "Sit on the bed," she instructed. Wufei did as she ordered, wanting to get something for his bruise. Rei glanced at his face, then the rest of his body. "Seems like everything else is all right, except for your cheek."
"Hai."
"Okay, just let me get this treatment." She reached in a cabinet and began pulling down several bottles.
Wufei watched her curiously. His eyes never left her graceful and powerful form, taking in everything. She moved with an air of balance and confidence. He smirked when she gave a cry of triumph. She picked up a bottle and squeezed some of the lotion onto her hand.
"This might sting a little," she warned as she began to apply a little of the cream onto his bruise.
"Ow!" Wufei hissed.
"Oh, don't be such a big baby!" Rei scolded. "It can't be hurting that much." At Wufei's pained look, she gave an exasperated sigh. "Here, lets see if this makes it any better." She brought her lips millimeters from his bruise and kissed his face gently.
"What did you do that for?" he demanded, a pink tint covering his cheeks.
"To help you," Rei replied, patience laced in her voice.
To his ultimate surprise, Wufei actually found that his bruise wasn't throbbing as much as it was fifteen minutes ago. "I guess it worked," he muttered to her.
Rei smiled knowingly. "See? What did I say?"
"Great! Now you're going to have a big ego!" exclaimed Wufei.
"What? How dare you!" Rei commented sarcastically. She hit him playfully in the shoulder. The two laughed as if they were old friends.
* * * * *
"Do you really think they could have kissed, Duo?" asked Makoto, her eyes glazing over.
"I don't know, Makoto," Duo replied, shaking his head. "It's kind of hard to imagine the Perfect Soldier showing any emotions."
"The Perfect Soldier?" Makoto questioned.
"Well, you see-" Duo tried to search for the right words. "Heero is a rather detached guy. He has no emotions, except probably irritation. He rarely shows anything and when he does, it probably won't ever happen again."
"So, he's kind of a loner?"
Duo shrugged. "I guess you could say that."
"So what do you want to do?" Makoto asked.
"I don't know. What does royalty do?"
"Anything," Jupiter stated bluntly.
"Well, that narrows it down," Duo said sarcastically.
"How about some basketball?"
Duo's eyes widened in disbelief and excitement. "You guys play basketball?"
"Sure! Isn't it great?"
"You got that right, babe," he commented with a wink, making a nice pink blush cover Makoto's face. "Well, lets go play."
"All right. Let me get changed." She gestured to her attire, which consisted of green silk.
Duo looked her from the top of her head to the bottom of her dress. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Where's your room?"
"Over here," she said, gesturing to the beginning of a new hall.
"Whoa," Duo commented, "love the decor. What do all these symbols on the door mean?"
"Well, they stand for the planets of the Solar System. Each room is suited for each princess. There's Uranus and Neptune, except those are rarely used. We just passed Venus, Mars, and Mercury. Ah! Here's my room, Jupiter," she stated. "I'll be right back." She disappeared behind the forest green door.
"What a weird looking four..." Duo murmured, his hands brushing against the symbol. Green light shot out from it and into his body without him realizing it. He glowed for a split second, then returned to normal. 'I feel weird all of a sudden,' thought Duo but shrugged it off. 'Probably just all that's been happening.'
The door opened again and out stepped the princess of Jupiter. "Okay! I'm ready," she announced.
Duo grinned as he saw her appearance. "You look gorgeous!" he complimented. "Lets go play some b-ball!" The two started walking down the halls, heading for the basketball court outside.
Makoto grinned and produced a basketball from her subspace pocket. She twirled it on one finger as Duo gawked at her. "What?" she questioned innocently, tugging on her tank top, while holding the basketball under her arm.
"How did you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Make that basketball appear out of nowhere," Duo replied, making gestures with both his hands.
"Oh, that's it? Well, it's pretty easy... for me anyways," Jupiter said, brushing some hair away from her face. "I just took it out of my subspace pocket."
"What's that?"
"It's kind of complicated," Makoto replied. "You should really ask Mercury about these things. She's better at it." She stopped as they made their way onto the black top of the court. "Here we are!"
"Nice," Duo whistled.
"Loser or winner's ball?" she questioned. "Half court or full?"
"Loser and half-court," Duo replied. "You want to take it out? I want to give you a fair chance."
Makoto smirked but complied. "Whatever you say, Duo." She stepped behind the half-court line, the basketball held firmly in her hands. "Check." She bounce passed the ball to him and he returned it in the same fashion.
"Lets see what you got," Duo said, dropping into a basketball defensive stance.
Jupiter just smiled and started dribbling the ball. She tried to go around Duo, but he blocked her way to the basket. After some unsuccessful attempts, she faked going to the right. Instead of doing what he expected from her, she bounced the ball through her legs and did a lay-up from the left side. It landed with a bounce off the backboard and in the white net. She received the ball as it landed on the ground. She chest passed it to Duo, who stood there with an impressed look.
"Loser's ball," Makoto said.
Duo cracked a grin as he checked the ball. He attempted to pass her by speed but found that she was just as fast as him. He dribbled the ball with his back to her front, glancing over his shoulder to see how far he was from the basket. He ducked under her arm and then did a hook shot. It landed with a nice swish from the net. He picked up the ball and handed it to Makoto, who was standing right next to him, her cheeks flushed slightly from the beginnings of the game.
As he held the basketball in one hand, Duo stretched out his arm to hand it to her. Makoto stepped closer to him and reached for the ball, brushing her hands against his own. A jolt of electricity ran through them and they both looked into each other's eyes, neither seeming able to move. The only noise was the sound of the wind and the slight panting of each player. Duo leaned forward and Makoto held her breath. Instead of what she expected him to do, he pressed their foreheads together gently, his breathing still uneven.
"Your turn," he whispered, their eyes still locked with the other's, pressing the ball into her arms.
* * * * *
Quatre wandered from hall to hall, not knowing what he should do. That's when he stumbled upon the perfect place for him to be: the music room. Furnished from left to right along the walls, hung instruments of all shapes and sizes. Music stands and chairs were arranged in the room for practices and one's own entertainment. In front of the furniture, was a grand piano and another music stand. A bookcase was squeezed between instruments, holding books of composers and binders of sheet music.
"Hmm..." Quatre headed towards the bookcase and leafed through the titles of the music. After a few minutes, he found a song that caught his attention. He took out the binder and flipped through the sheets. "What beautiful music," he murmured. "And verses..."
Quatre carefully took down an exquisite violin hanging from the wall. He then walked and stood in front of the music stand by the piano. He tucked the instrument under his chin expertly and started to bring the bow across the taut strings. A delicate melody flowed from the violin, filling the room with its presence and passing the confinements of the wooden door. He shut his eyes and let the music take him away. He was unaware that someone entered the room and began watching him. As the figure moved towards him, he felt the presence and opened his blue orbs. He was greeted by the sight of the princess of Venus. He stopped playing.
"Oh, please don't stop," Mina said softly. "That was so beautiful."
Quatre blushed as he held the violin in his hands. "Please, Miss Venus, I'm not that good."
"Don't be so humble, Quatre-san," Venus replied with a grin. "And none of that Miss Venus stuff. Call me Mina-chan or Minako-chan." She flashed a peace sign and walked up next to him. She glanced at the music sheets. "Oh! I love this song." She stared up at him. "Do you mind if I sing, while you play?"
Quatre found himself lost in the blue depths of her eyes. "Of course you can," he consented.
Minako smiled and took a step closer to him to read the verses. Her bracelet brushed against his arm. An orange light appeared and vanished in his body. Quatre's cheeks turned red again from the closeness of their bodies. He pulled the violin under his chin and began to play the notes for a second time. He felt Minako shift beside him as she started to sing.
(AN: The song probably can't be played with the violin but just use your imagination, okay? Now the verses will be in ~ and "". The quotations are there because Minako is singing it while we switch scenes.)
* * * * *
~"I'm not looking for someone to talk to
I've got my friends, I'm more than O.K.
I've got more than a girl could wish for..."~
* * * * *
Princess Serenity got up from her bed, banishing previous thoughts. She glanced around her room before rummaging through her closet. She pushed back hangers and went through dressers. Finally, she settled on a midnight blue and silver dress that touched the ground. She frowned as she remembered the reason why they were having the ball. In honor of her and Endymion's upcoming wedding. For some reason, she felt utterly alone. However, she had her friends and she had to admit, things could be worse.
'Duty...' she thought.
That was why she was dragged into all of this. This mess which was her life. She inwardly wanted to scream at those who told her how fortunate she was. She was going to marry the handsome prince of Earth and rule the Silver Millennium after her mother. She had anything a girl could wish for. Beauty, wealth, intelligence... but not freedom. What good was it all if she could do nothing with it but let others make her decisions.
Serenity dressed herself in her chosen attire for the ball. She picked sapphire earrings and put them on her ears. A single silver necklace was hung around her neck. A soft breeze blew through the room from the open balcony doors, ruffling her skirts. She went to close them but something below caught her eye. She leaned against the railing, her eyes turning cloudy as she stared at the immobile figure.
"Heero..." she murmured.
* * * * *
~"I live my dreams but it's not all they say
Still I believe I'm missing something real
I need someone who really sees me-"~
* * * * *
Ami unconsciously snuggled up closer to Trowa's body, reveling in the new sensations running through her body. She read loud and clear, hearing his breath against her face. It was even and soothing to her ears, for some reason. She sighed inwardly as Trowa wrapped is arms around her tighter.
'What are you doing?!' demanded the logical side of her mind. 'You just met the man and you're already embracing?!'
'Hey! She's just following her heart!' argued another part of her mind.
'All she needs to do is study and train so she can protect the Princess,' the other side retorted. 'Are you saying that the Princess isn't important?'
'I'm not saying that! It's just that someone besides her friends needs to know the real her. Not just what's on the surface...'
Ami blinked as Trowa whispered in her ear, "Daijoubu ka?"
"Oh! Daijoubu," she replied, embarrassed. "Just got lost in thought."
She could have sworn she felt him smile. "All right. Maybe we should finish this another time. It's getting late."
Ami glanced at a clock hanging in the library. "You're right! I better go!" she exclaimed. "I have somewhere to go!" She broke from his embrace quickly.
Trowa was immediately at a loss as he felt her move away. 'What is this feeling?' he asked as he watched her.
"Gomen nasai, Trowa-san," she apologized. "I have to go now..."
"That's okay, Ami-chan," he replied, studying her with his green orbs. "We'll see each other again, ne?"
"Hai," Ami blushed. "Ja ne... Trowa-kun." She saw his shocked look and on impulse, which went against all logical reasoning... she kissed him. She turned a brighter pink as she then fled from the room to get ready for the ball.
Trowa stood there silent and unmoving as he saw the blue haired girl leave the room. His right hand tentatively reached to touch his lips, where a strange tingle had occurred. 'Can it be-' he thought. '... love?'
* * * * *
~"Don't wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
All I need is to know it's for sure
Then I'll give all the love in the world-"~
* * * * *
"You okay now?" Rei inquired, looking him over.
"Hai," Wufei mumbled. He noticed that she was studying him. "What are you staring at, onna?"
"Just checking if you're all right," she replied nonchalantly.
"I'm fine!" he snapped. "Don't have to act like my kaasan."
"Why do you have to act like such a snob?!" Rei retorted angrily. "Why do you have to turn everything around on everybody else?"
Wufei replied without thinking. "Because that's what people expect of me!" His eyes widened as he realized what he said.
Rei stared at him hard. "Are you sure? 'Cause I don't expect you to act like that."
Wufei turned away from her. "Just leave me alone, onna."
"You know," Rei whispered softly. "I like you just the way you are."
He lifted his head to stare at her incredulously. "Nani?" he whispered.
Rei came up close to his face, her mouth centimeters away from his own. "I mean... I'm attracted to you, your inner self and spirit."
Wufei drew in a sharp breath as she brushed her lips against his own. He responded slowly, loving the feel of his lips against hers. Then she pulled back, her hair slightly tangled. She smiled at him and the fire in her eyes sparked.
"Don't doubt yourself, Wufei..." she whispered for only him to hear before she left through the door as if she had never been there at all.
"Why does she always do that?!"
* * * * *
~"I've often wondered if love's an illusion
Just to get you through the loneliest days
I can't criticize it - I have no hesitation
My imagination just stole me away-"~
* * * * *
"Great game, Makoto," said Duo.
"You weren't so bad yourself, Duo-san," Makoto replied with a grin.
"You know, you're just the kind of girl I've been looking for," he thought, unaware he had just said it aloud.
"Nani?" Makoto asked, her cheeks turning pink.
"Did I just say that aloud?!" Duo inquired, eyes wide.
"Hai," she mumbled to him, brushing a lock of hair away from her green eyes.
"Oh," he murmured, eyes cast to the ground.
Makoto turned away, her eyes slowly filling with tears, guessing it had all been a joke. "Well-" she choked out. "We better-"
She was rudely interrupted as Duo grabbed her and pulled her towards his body. He brushed his lips against her own in a soft, tender kiss, the kind that you'll remember forever. He pulled away after a few moments and hugged her. "I meant what I said," he whispered to her.
Makoto really couldn't say anything because her mind and heart were still reeling from the kiss. All that came out was one word. "Wow..."
Duo winked and traced her cheek with his thumb. "I know."
Makoto suddenly realized that it was getting late and it was almost time for the ball. "I have to get ready for something," she said. "I'll be back later, okay?"
"Sure," Duo said. He embraced her before watching her run back to the palace.
She looked over her shoulder and blew him a kiss. She giggled as he pretended to catch it and put it in his pocket. "Ja ne, Duo-kun!" she called. She headed towards her room. 'Did that just really happen?' she thought. 'Or am I just dreaming?'
* * * * *
~"Still I believe
I'm missing something real
I need someone who really sees me-"~
* * * * *
Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter found the way to their respective rooms with glazed looks. They looked in their closets for outfits to wear, humming to themselves. They finally found the perfect ones and hurried to get dressed. They added the necessary accessories while fixing their hair. As they sat at their vanities, they studied their reflection hard, unaware that someone was watching them.
'Is... that really me?' they wondered as they traced their face in the mirror.
Their cheeks had a certain glow and rosy color. A light twinkled in each of their eyes, making them look even more beautiful. They noticed their attitudes had changed considerably. They had the same thoughts.
'I feel like I'm complete... like I was never missing something before,' they thought. 'Is this what it's like to fall in love?'
* * * * *
~"Don't wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
All I need is to know it's for sure
Then I'll give all the love in the world-"~
* * * * *
Heero looked up sharply as he felt someone watching him. His body tensed but for some reason, he relaxed just as quickly. He saw the silhouette of the princess staring down at him, seemingly in a trance. 'Why is this so familiar?' he thought. 'I remember... that play Quatre took me to. What was it? Romeo & Juliet? Yes, I think that's right.'
Serenity was startled as Heero swiftly looked up at her. She couldn't break away from his intense gaze as his eyes unfocused. She watched, puzzled, as he seemed deep in thought. A sigh fell from her lips as she felt a tug from somewhere in her chest. 'What are you doing to me, Heero Yuy?' she thought.
'It was about a tale of forbidden love,' Heero said to himself, the plot coming back to him. 'In the end, they ended up dead because of an endless feud full of meaningless bloodshed.' He shook his head as he turned away from the captivating image of the princess. 'Does that have to happen here?' a small voice whispered in his head.
* * * * *
~"Love's for a lifetime not for a moment
So how could I throw it away
Yeah I'm only human
And nights grow colder-"~
* * * * *
Princess Serenity whirled around as she heard her door open. Three of her guardians entered, each looking quite different for some reason. She stared at them suspiciously while they blushed under her gaze. "Where have you all been?"
"With Duo."
"With Wufei."
"With Trowa."
"Seems like Minako-chan is not the only one with crushes!" taunted the moon princess.
"You're one to talk, Sere!" Jupiter retorted with a grin. "What about Heero?"
"He's nothing but a friend," Serenity replied quietly, her head bowed.
"Are you so sure, Princess?" asked a voice from the doorway.
"Michiru-chan!" she exclaimed with a squeal and dashed towards the older teenager. She hugged her enthusiastically and noticed the person beside her. "Ruka-chan! Nice to see you again!"
"Well, we do have a prince to humiliate, do we not?" Haruka smirked.
"Hai," Rei said. "All we're missing is Venus."
"Where is she?" asked Jupiter.
"Well, she said she was going to find you, Sere," answered Ami.
"Odd," commented the princess.
"Lets see what my mirror tells us," Michiru said. She stared at the glassy surface as it began to shimmer. It faded to reveal the scene of Quatre and Minako. "She's in the music room," Neptune answered.
"I'll just call her telepathically," replied Serenity. *Venus! It's time for the prank.*
* * * * *
~"With no-one to love me that way
Yeah I need someone who really sees me
And I won't wake up alone anymore-"~
* * * * *
*All right, Serenity,* Minako answered. *I'll be there in a moment.* She sang the last verses with a passion as the lyrics touched her heart. It was a song of pure hope and love, something she hoped every day she would find. As the last word came out from her lips, she opened her eyes. To her surprise, Quatre and herself had ended up very close to each other while she had been singing.
Quatre's eyes were still closed but he could feel Minako's presence beside him. 'So full of life...' he thought. 'A goddess...'
"Quatre?" Mina whispered. "Quatre? Quatre?!"
"Wh-" The teenager jumped in surprise, almost letting go of his grip on the violin he had been playing.
"Oops! Gomen nasai, Quatre-san. Gomen nasai."
"That's all right, Minako-chan. Entirely my fault."
"What are you talking about?"
"It was my fault."
"Iie, it was mine."
"Iie, it was *mine.*"
"Iie, it wasn't."
"Hai, it was."
"Was not."
"Was too."
"Was not."
"Was too."
"Was not!"
"Was too!"
The two stared at each other, then laughed aloud for a few good minutes. "We were acting like a bunch of six year olds," Venus commented.
"You're right," he agreed as he glanced at her.
Quatre didn't fail to notice how beautiful she looked after a breathless fit of laughter. He stepped closer to her and Minako held her breath. He tilted her chin in a trance and looked deeply into her eyes. She gazed right back, her heart beating a mile a minute. As the distance between their lips lessened, their eyelids fluttered close and the two met in the middle. It was a breath-taking first kiss, full of something unexpected which made your skin tingle. After a few minutes, they both pulled away, out of breath.
Then Minako remembered what she had to do. "Oh, gomen Quatre-san, but Serenity-hime needs me."
"I understand. See you later, ne?"
"Hai," she replied. "Ja ne, Quatre-kun!" She gave him a swift kiss on the lips once again, before leaving the room.
Quatre gazed at the spot where she had been standing, and remembered the events that had brought him here. "Maybe it's not such a bad day after all," he thought.
* * * * *
~Still believing you'll walk through my door
You'll reach for me and I know it's for sure
Then I'll give all the love in the world
(Don't wanna wake up alone)~
* * * * *
Queen Serenity walked with grace as her quick steps brought her closer to the terminal of the palace. She was greeted by a lovely woman as old as herself with golden curls of hair shimmering past her shoulders. She had beautiful blue eyes and perfect shaped face. She wore a simple orange and yellow gown, which suited her in a most flattering way.
"Aphrodite!" Serenity exclaimed. "How are you?" She hugged her long time friend.
"I've been fine, Serenity," the Queen of Venus replied. "How are things here?"
"Some unruly boys have arrived, claiming to have been sent here by Pluto."
"Iie, soo ka?"
"Hai. I don't know what they're up to. I just don't like it."
"Are they cute?"
"Venus! Really!" Queen Serenity gave her a light smack on the shoulder with an irritated look.
"Nani?"
"You're married."
"I know that! I'm looking for someone for my dear Minako."
"Endymion will be marrying my Serenity."
"Ah... the prince of Earth, ne?"
"Hai. He has such good manners," the queen complimented.
"I'm sure," Aphrodite agreed distractedly as her senses picked up something. She turned her head in the direction of the pilots' rooms as they walked down the halls of the castle.
"What is it?"
"It's nothing," the Venus queen replied convincingly.
"All right," the Moon queen said. "Well, tonight at the ball, I'm going to officially announce Serenity's engagement to the prince of Earth. It will be simply lovely, if only the bride would cooperate."
"Hai..." Aphrodite agreed while her friend continued to tell her the wedding plans. She wasn't listening as her gaze spotted five young men outside in the courtyard. 'Those boys...' she thought. 'They're the ones making me feel the energy. They don't belong here but at the same time they do.'
One of them spotted her and smiled. He had blonde hair with blue eyes. The Venus queen smiled back. 'They seem nice enough,' she thought. Then she saw how the others looked. 'At least some of them.'
Luna came running up to them. "My queen, excuse me for the interruption, but it is time to get ready for the ball."
"Thank you, Luna," the Moon queen replied. "You may go now."
Luna nodded. "Yes, your majesty." Then she turned around and walked toward the palace.
"I'll see you at the ball, ne, Aphrodite?" she asked.
"Of course, Serenity," the Venus queen answered.
"See you then."
"Good-bye," she said.
As the Queen of Venus turned around to study the five young men again, she concentrated on her planet. They all had their backs turned to her. As ruler of the planet of Love, she had a gift to see the loves of others through a special aura. When it was time, she would pass the ability onto her daughter, Princess Minako. She studied the teenagers carefully as the auras visible only to her eye leapt up. One with dark brown hair had a navy surrounding him with tints of green, while one with brown hair covering his eyes had an emerald color. The teenager who had smiled at her had a golden aura and one with black hair had a crimson glow. The last young man, who had a braid, had an ebony glow. She stifled a gasp as she read their auras. Weaved through each and every aura of the young men were those of the moon princess and Inner Senshi's own colors. She realized it was very faint, but she could also see the potential it had of growing. Sooner or later, the love could become unbreakable and nothing could tear it apart.
'But do the girls feel the same way?' she wondered.
* * * * *
Minako burst through the room, panting, holding her make-up kit. "Never fear for I am here!" she proclaimed.
"Venus..." Princess Serenity trailed off in an irritated tone, while tapping her foot.
"Umm... yeah?" the senshi of Love replied weakly.
"Where were you?!"
"Well, you see... the truth is..."
"You were with Quatre, weren't you?"
"Nani?! How did you know?" Minako asked her princess.
Serenity smirked, reflecting a flawless imitation of the perfect soldier. "Seems all my Inner guardians have gained a habit of spending time with the boys." All the Inner Senshi flushed at their princess's comment, but she giggled. "Minna-chan's falling in love! Minna-chan's falling in love!" That only served to make them blush deeper.
"Don't we have a prank to do?" Makoto asked, changing the subject.
"Hai, we do," Serenity agreed, her giggling fits stopping.
"Ami-chan, do you have the potion?" asked Rei.
"Hai," Ami answered, while taking out a vile from her subspace pocket.
"Here's two glasses of wine," Michiru added, setting them on a tray.
"When did you get that?" Haruka asked, startled.
Michiru shrugged indifferently, hiding a secret smile. "Minna was so preoccupied, I decided to get the other supplies we needed for the prank."
"Doomo arigato, Chiru-chan," Serenity expressed with grateful eyes.
"You're welcome, princess," the Senshi of the Seas replied with a light smile.
"Step One: Gather supplies; check," Rei said.
Ami opened the vile and poured the contents into one of the glasses. "Okay, Sere-hime, the left glass is the one you give to the prince."
"Left glass... got it," the princess replied.
"Step Two: Prepare wine glasses; check," Makoto said.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Koneko-chan?" she asked.
"Hai. The baka prince needs to learn a lesson," declared Serenity.
"All right," Minako said. "Lets check if the victim is near." She and Makoto quickly opened the door and poked their heads out. They could see the prince of Earth coming down the hallway by himself. They stuck their heads back into the room and signaled to the rest of them.
Serenity smoothed her dress over and nearly gagged that she was actually getting ready for Prince Endymion. 'Kill me now...' she thought, but then remembered the purpose of it all.
"Here's the glasses, Sere-hime," said Ami. She put the one with the potion in the princess's left hand and the other in her right hand.
"Wish me luck," the princess requested as she exited the room after taking a final breath.
"Good luck..."
"Now commencing Step Three: Prince's Bait," Haruka commented, while the others stared at her. "What?"
* * * * *
Serenity put on her best I'm-happy-to-see-you smile as the prince of Earth approached her with his usual arrogant face. "Hello, princess," Endymion greeted with a smirk.
"Hello, Endymion," she replied, holding the two glasses to her bosom.
It just so happened that Endymion noticed the glasses since his gaze had drifted there, which didn't go unnoticed by the princess. "My, my... what is the wine for, Serenity?" he asked.
'Ecchi...' she thought darkly, but smiled sweetly. "For you, actually," she answered. "You hentai," she added under her breath, low enough so he couldn't hear.
"Really?" Endymion questioned, incredulous as he raised his eyebrow. "Why?"
"Well, I decided it is best for the Earth and Moon that your planet joins the Silver Millennium through our marriage. Why put up a fight? I should just learn to accept it," she expressed.
The suspicious look on the prince of Earth's face disappeared to be replaced with one of almost hidden triumph. "I'm glad you came to your senses," he commented.
Serenity tried not to roll her eyes. "Would you like a glass of wine?" she inquired politely, an innocent look on her face.
"Of course," he answered. He took the glass in her left hand, which she had offered, and put it to his lips. He gave a sigh of satisfaction as the cool liquid flowed down his throat.
The moon princess took a small sip herself, but not too much. "So, how does the wine taste, Endymion?"
"It tastes delicious..." Endymion trailed off as he collapsed to the ground with a thud.
Serenity sighed peacefully while fanning herself with her hand. "I knew you would like it," she commented as she took another sip herself.
* * * * *
"I heard a thud," commented Minako.
"Hai, me too," agreed Rei.
"I think she did it," said Haruka.
"I believe she did," Michiru agreed as she opened the door. "Take a look for yourself."
The rest of the senshi rushed to look through. They started to giggle as they saw the prince sprawled on the floor, while their princess yawned indifferently. "Are you going to help me or not?" Serenity asked as she spotted them.
"Of course, Koneko-chan," Haruka said impassively as she brushed past the Inner Senshi. She picked up the limp body of the prince with no effort at all and carried him back to the princess's room. She set him down on the bed carelessly.
"Are you positive that he's fully knocked out?" asked Rei.
"Iie, let me check," Ami said. She walked to the side of the bed and used the skills she learned from her classes and books. After a few minutes, she stepped back. "Hai, he's in a deep sleep."
Minako cracked her knuckles. "Time to work!" she declared as she opened her make-up case, which contained all kinds of powders, polishes, and so forth. She grinned evilly and started to dig through her things.
Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and the princess all looked at Venus, then at one another, then back at Venus. They shrugged their shoulders and joined her.
Michiru and Haruka looked upon the scene with amusement. "Well, what do you think?" Haruka asked.
"Why don't we?"
"All right."
The two older Senshi joined their younger companions in finding something to put on the prince. Bottles and tubes flew through the air as they discarded them.
"Iie, that color's all wrong."
"What do you mean? I love that color!"
"Of course it would look good on you, Minako, but what about Endymion?"
"Oh, you're right."
"I get to put on the lipstick!"
"No! I do!"
"You can put on the blush."
"Fine, fine."
"I take the nail polish."
"Then I get the eye liner."
"I get this color powder!"
"Okay. Everyone grabbed something?" asked Serenity.
"Hai!"
"Then lets get started."
After about fifteen minutes and fits of giggles, all the princesses were done and looked upon their handiwork with satisfaction. They tilted their heads to the side and studied him from every angle. "What do you think?" Minako questioned.
"Maroon isn't his color," commented Rei.
"Did somebody put on too much blush?" Makoto asked. "He looks like a clown."
"Well, he needs to look ridiculous, ne?" Serenity giggled. "I figure it worked."
"Hai," agreed Haruka. "It worked a lot. In fact, I think too good."
"He reminds me of one of those scary jesters," Michiru commented as she brushed a hand through her sea green hair.
"Doesn't he?" Ami said. "Do you think we might have overdone it just a tad?"
"Iie," replied Minako.
"Just one more thing..." Serenity trailed off as she stood beside the bed by the prince.
"Oh?"
"What's that?"
Serenity just shook her head and smiled. She waved a hand over Endymion's head and murmured a few incoherent words under her breath. A few sparkles escaped past her fingertips and twinkled down onto his hair. They glowed for a second where they landed, before spreading like wildfire. When the process was done, the princess stepped back as her guardians gawked.
"Did we discuss this part?"
"Genius! Pure genius!"
"Oh my."
"I can't believe it!"
"Wait to go, Serenity!"
"Why pink?"
"It just seemed like the right color for some reason," the princess commented.
"Step Four: Make-up; check," Minako said.
"What's next?" Michiru asked.
"We need to take him to his chambers," Serenity replied. "Ruka-chan? Would you mind?"
"Iie," Haruka answered. She carried the prince for yet another time and quickly exited the room.
The others followed the senshi of Uranus cautiously as they stepped into the hall. They walked quietly towards the prince's room and were relieved to find his door unlocked. They entered before anyone could see them and watched as Haruka laid him on the bed. They looked between each other for a moment before bursting into laughter again.
"Okay, enough is enough," Ami said as she wiped her eyes after a few minutes. "We've had our fun. Now we better go."
"What are you talking about, Ami-chan?" asked Makoto. "The party just started."
"But-"
"Who's going to be the servant?" asked Minako. "We can't let it be a regular one. They'll tell him for sure."
"How about we get someone to do it for us? Someone we trust?"
"Like who?"
"How about Duo?" suggested Makoto.
"Hai, Duo seems like the fun type," commented Serenity. "I'll get him. Who wants to come with me?"
"I'll go with you," said Jupiter.
"Okay, lets go," the princess replied, and the two exited.
Minako stared after the princess and Makoto with understanding eyes as her gaze landed on Jupiter's back. "She's got it bad," she commented.
"Got what?" asked Ami, puzzled.
"What do you think? She's in love!" Minako exclaimed. "Didn't you see her face when she suggested Duo?"
"Hai... it was dreamy," commented Rei, "and distracted."
"Love symptoms!" Minako declared, pumping her fist into the air.
"But she just met him today!" Ami exclaimed.
"What does time have to do with love?" asked Michiru quietly.
"........................."
"See?" Haruka questioned, amused. "You can fall in love in mere minutes or hours. It doesn't matter."
"I agree," Rei said.
Michiru glanced in her mirror talisman as she took it out to look at it. "Nothing is more extraordinary than a timeless love," she commented softly.
* * * * *
Duo heard a knock sound on his bedroom door right after he had gotten back from his meeting with his friends. "Coming!" he called. "Hold on!" He opened the door and gaped.
"Pick your mouth off the floor, Duo-san," the princess giggled.
"Wh-? Oh, of course," Duo agreed, shaking his head as he tore his gaze away from the princess of Jupiter. "So, why are you guys here?"
"Well, we kind of need your help for something," Makoto said, playing with the folds of her dress.
"Oh?" Duo raised an eyebrow. "And what might that be?"
* * * * *
The princesses glanced up as the door to Prince Endymion's room was opened and in came Serenity, Makoto, and an enthusiastic Duo. "I am totally in!" exclaimed Duo. Then he got a good look at the prince and started laughing so hard he cried. After awhile, he wiped his eyes. "So, how is this going to work?"
"Take this," Serenity offered, holding out to him a pink pen which she took out of thin air.
He looked at it suspiciously. "Let me guess... Subspace, right?"
"Hai."
"What do I do with this pen?" asked Duo as he examined it.
"Hold it up in the air, say 'Disguise Power,' and whatever you want to turn into," Serenity instructed.
'Here goes nothing,' Duo thought as he bit his lip. "Disguise Power! Turn me into a servant!" Lights flashed and encircled Duo with its glow. As it faded, a new young man stepped out. Duo had his eyes shut tightly, still holding the pen in the air. "Well?"
"Whoa..."
"Totally different look..."
"He kind of looks like Heero..."
"Nani?!" exclaimed Duo as his eyes shot open. He felt his hair and found that he had no braid at all. "What happened to my braid?!" he demanded.
"Don't worry so much, Duo-kun. It's only temporary," Makoto stated.
Duo pouted and gave the pen back to the princess. He crossed his arms over, irritated, as he studied his new clothes. He wore beige slacks, covered with a white shirt and gray vest. That was covered by an apron and he wore black shoes. His hair had been cut just like Heero's, except he had much shorter bangs. His hair had been tinged with black, but still retained its brown color. His usual laughing cobalt blue eyes had been changed to a startling blue-green, somewhat similar to turquoise. Not only that, he wore wire rimmed glasses.
"Not too shabby," Haruka commented. "Just like all the other servants here."
"Remember what to do, Duo-san?" asked Serenity.
"Gotcha," he winked behind his glasses.
"Okay, lets go," Rei said.
Everyone filed out of the room, but not before Makoto gave him a kiss on the cheek for good luck. He grinned with silliness as he waved, then turned his attention to the task at hand. "Step Five: Humiliation Galore; now in progress," he murmured. 'Time to get into character,' he thought. He straightened his back and stood like a servant would. Then he approached the bed and shook the shoulders of the prince not so gently. "Your majesty? Your majesty!" he exclaimed, about ready to gag, like the princess had been moments ago.
"What is it?" Endymion asked, irritated and dizzy.
"It is time for the ball," Duo replied. "You're late."
"Tell them to wait five more minutes," the prince instructed as he fell back on the bed.
"Oh no you don't," Duo said. He picked up the prince and let him lean on his shoulder. He grabbed several mismatch clothes from the prince's closet and thrust it in his arms. He let the prince go and watched, amused, as Endymion stood dizzily. "Wear those," he instructed.
The prince, still too groggy to see straight, followed the orders, oblivious to the snickers coming from the 'servant.' Unknown to his hazy mind, he was dressed in a variety of clothes which looked horrible and at the same time, ridiculous. "I'm done," he mumbled.
"You sure are," Duo chuckled. He supported the sleepy prince and walked out of the room.
The trip down the hall was uneventful, since everyone was attending the engagement ball and all the servants were there. As Duo approached the main doors leading to the ballroom, the guards looked between in each other and tried not to snicker at his royal majesty. Duo shook his head and tried to compose himself.
"His Majesty the Prince of Earth would like to be announced," Duo managed to say without chuckling.
The guard on the right side stared uneasily at the prince. "Are you sure?"
"Hai!" Endymion snapped, annoyed.
The other guard snickered but caught himself. "If you say so, your majesty." He opened the door slightly and slipped in. Then he came back out, smiling somewhat. "They're ready."
"Presenting His Majesty Prince Endymion!" a voice boomed from the inside.
"That's your cue, your highness," Duo smirked as he let the prince stand by himself.
"Hai," the prince replied nonchalantly, rubbing his eyes.
Duo stood a few steps behind him, adjusting his glasses. 'I have got to see this...' he thought.
The guards opened the doors as Prince Endymion entered with Duo trailing behind him. All activity in the ballroom ceased immediately and things became deathly silent. You could hear a pin drop as all eyes stared at the Earth prince. People were staring at him as he stood at the top of the stairs, with utter disbelief and confusion.
Suddenly, as if by some higher being, the prince's mind cleared and he was able to think straight. He blinked as he realized everyone was looking at him. He smirked, naturally liking the attention, but that quickly faded when someone chuckled. That set off a tidal wave of snickers and laughter. Everyone was gawking or staring at him some more. Some faces became red after so much laughing. He frowned and glanced at the right toward a full length mirror. Then he did a double take and his mouth opened in horror.
Prince Endymion's reflection was not the one who greeted him every day. Instead of the handsome one (*coughs*) he usually saw, he was staring into the eyes of one who looked completely and utterly ridiculous. He wore an ugly shade of green pants topped off with a maroon shirt. He had an orange overcoat with brown outdoor boots. What was shocking was his face. He had on lipstick, blush, and mascara that were all different shades of colors. There was not an inch of his face that was not covered. To top all that off, his hair was no longer the deep ebony like a raven's. It was a shockingly bright PINK. The prince took one last look at himself, terrified, listened to the jeers of the people, and ran out of the room with a speed that even amazed the senshi of the Winds.
Duo grinned and winked at the group of princesses smiling at him. Then he slipped back outside before he was caught and questioned.
"Was that hilarious or not?" Makoto giggled.
"HAI!" echoed her friends.
"I can't believe it," Haruka chuckled.
"What a prank," Minako whistled.
"Serenity!" exclaimed a voice from the side.
The princess of the moon turned, delighted at the familiar voice. She laughed and her eyes twinkled as she launched herself in the man's arms. He, in turn, chuckled and embraced her as well.
"How's it going, Bunny?"
"I'm fine," she replied.
"That's good," the man said. "Any other love interests besides the prince?" he added slyly.
"Jadeite!" Serenity squealed.
End Chapter 4 - Of Love & Pranks
Coming Next - Chapter 5
(*****) - Author's Note's
* * - Telepathy
******************************
Forbidden Love
Chapter 4 - Of Love & Pranks
Author: Krys Yuy & Usa-chan
******************************
Princess Serenity ran into her room and shut the door quietly, so she wouldn't bring any unwanted attention. She drew out a breath at the close encounter with Makoto and Duo. "That was close," she whispered to herself. She frowned slightly as she recalled their conversation. 'Why did I stand up for Heero?' she thought. 'I just met him, even though we did kiss a few times.' She blushed as she remembered those tender moments. Then she collapsed on the bed, her eyes staring at the ceiling.
As the princess thought about Heero, a strange tingling feeling came over her whole body. Her heartbeat began beating more rapidly and her cheeks flushed again. A small smile lighted up her face unconsciously. Her heart began to realize something, even if her mind didn't yet. She was falling in love... and falling fast...
* * * * *
Heero stood from his kneeling position on the ground as he heard footsteps heading his way. He glanced at the dust again, still pondering why there wasn't a corpse. He expected to see a giddy princess returning or a cheerful Duo calling him, about to reappear down the walkway. Instead what he got, was a Senshi of Uranus, who had a calm, yet threatening look on her face. His hand instinctively reached for his gun, but paused to see what business the senshi had come to deal with him, of all people.
Haruka strode right up to Heero until they were staring into each other's eyes, daring the other to fold first. "Did you kiss Koneko?" she demanded as her hands balled into fists.
"Hn," was Heero's response.
"Damn it! I'm not fooling around!" Haruka stated, her eyes flashing. "Answer me, Yuy. Did you, or did you not, kiss Koneko?"
Heero narrowed his Prussian blue eyes at the slightly older teenager. "Why do you want to know?" he asked in monotone.
"I am not just a protector for the princess. I am her friend. Believe it or not, I love her and care for her," Haruka said. "I will not tolerate anyone hurting her in any shape or form. Got it?"
"Hn."
Haruka growled and she grabbed the front of Heero's shirt just as the click of a gun was heard. She felt the pressure of cold metal against the side of her forehead. She remembered the damage the object had done and reluctantly let go of him. Heero continued to aim his gun at her, watching for any sudden movement.
Haruka stepped back and looked him up and down. 'He has quick reflexes and he doesn't look so bad,' she thought. 'Better than the prince of Earth.' She snorted. 'He might actually be capable of taking care of my princess. Besides, she looked happy. I haven't seen that light in her eyes in the longest time. It vanished when the Queen had announced her engagement to the prince. I can't believe I'm going to do this...'
Heero stared suspiciously as the sandy-haired teenager seemed to be studying him. The soldier side of him was convinced that she was up to no good, while the rational side of him stated that she had a rightful reason to be worried. She was just concerned about her princess and it was only natural that she was interrogating him. Besides, it would probably make the princess very upset to find one of her guardians dead.
'Why would I care how the princess would act?' Heero thought, confusion seeping into his brain. He lost that train of thought as the teenager in front of him began to speak.
"Listen to me and listen to me good, Yuy," Haruka started with a warning tone. "Don't bother answering my previous question. I don't care. All I care about is that she is in good hands. I would like the knowledge to know that she is happy. If she's happy, then I'm happy, all right?" She received a curt nod. "However, if I find out that you have hurt her in any way possible, be it physical or emotional..." Her voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "So help me God, Heero Yuy, I will hunt you down like the dog you are and will tear you limb from limb." Haruka stared into his eyes one last time with her threatening glare and then turned and left.
* * * * *
Ami entered the library again with Minako, her mind set on reading a couple of books before they carried out the prank. She went into the center of the library and was startled to find that Trowa was still there. In fact, he was reading a book himself and was seated comfortably on one of the couches. He turned the pages quietly and seemed very absorbed into whatever he was reading.
"Hi, Trowa-san!" Minako called brightly, surprising the young man.
Trowa looked up from the novel as he heard someone say his name. He saw Venus and Mercury standing a few feet in front of him. He nodded, acknowledging their presence. "Hello, Venus, Mercury," he greeted as he stood up and laid the book on a nearby table.
"Oh, there's no need for that, Trowa-san!" Venus said with a wave of her hand. "You can call me Minako-chan or Mina-chan, whichever you prefer." She tugged on the sleeve of Mercury's blue dress. "And you can call her Ami-chan."
"All right... Minako-chan," Trowa replied.
Minako smiled at him and an idea formed in her mind as she looked from him to her friend, Mercury. Ami looked about ready to bury herself in another book, while Trowa was glancing back at the book he had put on the table. 'Hmm... Ami-chan and Trowa-san...' Venus thought with a grin. 'It just might work. I'll leave them alone, so they can get acquainted.' "I have to go somewhere," she said. "I'll see both of you later, all right?"
Ami studied her friend curiously. "Where do you need to go, Minako-chan?"
'Uh oh... Think of something fast, Venus!' she thought with panic. "Umm... I'm going to go and try to find Serenity-hime!" she announced.
"Oh, all right," Ami commented with a sigh.
"Okay, bye!" Venus said, relief hidden in her voice.
Before either could react, Venus gave Mercury a push which was just enough to send her on the floor. In the blink of an eye, Ami was in the safe arms of Trowa before she even touched the ground at all. Minako grinned and quickly left the library, but not without sending an apology to Ami. *Gomen nasai, Ami-chan,* she said telepathically before setting out to find her princess.
Ami heard Minako's apology but was too busy blushing to respond. She was leaning on her right knee unsteadily, while Trowa was bent down to support her. She tilted her head to look into his eyes, or more accurately, eye that was showing. She realized how close they were to each other. 'If I just move...' Ami thought. Then she snapped out of her trance. 'Baka! What are you thinking?!' she scolded herself.
Ami broke from the intense gaze of Trowa and reached her right hand to grab the table so she could have some support to lift herself. Trowa saw what she was doing and placed his hands on both sides of her waist. He lifted her up as she grasped the edge of the table. She blushed brighter and stepped away from his embrace.
"Arigato, Trowa-san," Ami said, while bowing her head to study the carpet.
Trowa blinked and a hint of a smile crossed his handsome face. "No problem," he replied quietly. "Ami-chan," he added.
Ami raised her blue eyes to stare at him again. She moved her hand to bring it to her side and accidentally knocked the book Trowa had been reading to the floor. "How clumsy of me!" Ami exclaimed. "Gomen nasai Trowa-san," she apologized. "Let me get that."
However, Trowa was already bending down to get it, while Ami kneeled on the floor again, but this time she could balance herself. They both reached the book at the same exact time. As their fingers brushed against each other, a warm sensation ran through their connection. They rose to their feet, both of them holding one end of the book. Ami glanced at the title of the book, which was bound in a red velvet cover.
"Do you like reading these kind of stories, Trowa-san?" asked Ami.
Trowa didn't talk much. Usually, he would just remain silent and emotionless. However, he found himself talking to this blue-haired beauty. "Occasionally," he answered.
"Have you read this before?" she inquired, curiousity shining through her eyes.
"Yes, but in my time, this book comes from way back in the twentieth century," he replied. "The author lived even longer before that."
"The twentieth century?" Ami echoed. "I've never heard of that term before."
"Well, what time are we in?" Trowa asked.
"You're in the Silver Millennium, Trowa-san," Ami answered. "So what time are you from?" She tilted her head to the side.
Trowa calmly regarded how beautiful she looked like that. Her head was leaning to the right and strands of blue hair fell in her icy blue eyes. They looked soft and tempting to touch. He shook his head to rid himself of the spell being woven. "The year is A. C. 195 from where I come from."
"A. C.?"
"After Colony."
"Oh," Ami commented, not knowing what else to say.
"You said you've never heard of the twentieth century?" Trowa asked. Ami nodded a yes to his question. "Well then, where did you get this book?"
Ami studied the cover of the book, which the both of them were still holding. "Setsuna-san gave it to me as a birthday present long ago." At Trowa's blank look, she added, "Pluto."
"Ahh," Trowa said. "So have you read this before?"
"Many times," Ami answered. "Usually, I'm not one for these kinds of books, but this one captured my interest quickly. In reality, it is a play, but I still love reading it."
"Hai," Trowa agreed.
"May I read with you, Trowa-san?" Ami asked. Then she blushed a light pink again. "Oh my. I'm just asking too many questions. Can you forgive me?"
Then for the first time in a long time, Trowa chuckled. It was low and soothing to Ami's ears. He saw how nervous the young woman in front of him looked. He couldn't help but find it amusing to see her embarrassed. It made her look so cute. "No need to apologize, Ami-chan," he said. "You may read it with me, if you like."
"Arigato again," Ami said. She traced the title of the book. "This story just touches my heart." Trowa nodded to her comment. "This tale of forbidden love... You know they belong together. Nothing can break them apart. When I read it, I just can't stop, but the ending is disappointing." 'If only everything could be happily ever after,' she thought wistfully.
Trowa gently pulled the book from Ami's fingers. "Well, why don't we finish it now?" He sat near the end of the couch.
"All right," Ami agreed. She settled herself by him.
Now, it was either fate or pure coincidence that the next thing happened. There was a loud bang as if someone had slammed a door and Ami jumped, startled, while Trowa remained unmoving. It just so happened that when she jumped, she had landed even closer to Trowa. She was practically sitting in his lap with her back to his chest. Before she could move, Trowa had reached around to hand her the book, so his arms had encircled her body.
"Why don't you read it aloud?" Trowa commented huskily, which was out of character for him. (AN: O_o;;)
Ami took the book from Trowa's hands and leaned against him, the rosy pink of her cheeks fading a bit as she began to become more comfortable. She read the cover. "Romeo & Juliet," she said, her voice the only thing audible within the large library.
Trowa never felt such peace before in his life as Ami began to read from where he had left off. Her voice wrapped around him like a warm blanket. Nothing had the capability to do that, except for when he played the flute. The notes would have the same exact same effect on him. He could forget everything around him and just concentrate on nothing and anything at once. A soft sigh escaped past his lips. Unconsciously, he pulled her closer against his body as she read, so she was now fully seated on his lap. He leaned his chin against her shoulder and glanced at the pages. He felt her stiffen then relax. Her head tilted slightly to the right to lean against his.
"Juliet: My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late! Prodigious birth of love it is to me; That I must love a loathed enemy," Ami read.
On Ami's wrist, was a sapphire bracelet she had received at birth. It had a charm on it, which was a heart seated on a cross with antennae. Trowa's hand had brushed against it. A blue light escaped from the charm and into Trowa's body. Neither noticed as they were too absorbed into the book... and each other.
* * * * *
"Baka onna..." Wufei muttered, lightly rubbing his cheek, where a bruise was steadily forming.
*Flashback*
"Only those of Martian blood can enter this sacred room. What are you doing here?!"
Wufei became puzzled by her words. "What do you mean by Martian?"
A girl his age stood there on the maroon carpeting, looking at him defiantly. Hair the color of fire went below her waist, but was tied in a loose violet ribbon. She wore a simple red and white outfit, suited for praying. "Mars, of course," she snapped.
Wufei stared into her deep red eyes. 'Like burning flames of dragons...' he thought but then quickly snapped back to reality as he heard her answer. "Mars?" he scoffed. "That's impossible."
Pilot 05 could have sworn the fire in her eyes raged higher as he said that. Unconsciously, he noted that a flicker of flames had surrounded her right hand. "You still haven't answered me. What are you doing here?" she repeated.
Wufei stared at her blankly. Frankly, he had no idea why he was here. He vaguely remembered a strange pull he had. "Umm..."
"Well, do you have an answer or not?" she demanded.
"I don't know, all right?!" he replied, frustrated. "I guess I just wanted to know what was in here. All I see is a weak onna."
"What did you say?" the girl said sharply.
"I don't have to reply to you."
"Why, I ought to kick your ass!"
"I'd like to see you t-" Wufei was cut off as he barely dodged a kick to his mid-section.
"Let's see if I can change your mind," she said, something flashing in her eyes.
The girl charged at him, fist outstretched. Wufei caught it in his hand easily and he smirked. That was wiped off immediately when the girl crouched with him still holding her hand, and sweeping him. He landed backwards but didn't let go of his grip. She tumbled down with him but got up faster than he did, taking her hand away from his grasp. Wufei frowned and flipped upright in a fighting stance. He attacked her but she twisted her body so he missed. He whirled around and before she could react, held her arms behind her back in a firm hold. His lips were about to curve in a triumphant smile when she stomped on his foot and jabbed her elbow in his stomach. She then let her fist fly to his right cheek. He let go of her and hissed in pain. He brought a hand to his face and hesitantly touched it. He winced and brought it to his eyes. It held smudges of blood.
The girl gave a small smile, but didn't taunt him. She leaned forward and brought her lips right next to his ear. "Never underestimate your opponent, no matter how good you may be," she whispered, sending shivers up and down Wufei's spine. With a single glance over her shoulder, she walked out the door, her steps quick and precise.
Wufei was left to stare after her, disbelief etched in his face. 'Guess she's not a weak onna after all,' he thought. For some reason, which would make Duo faint right on the spot, Wufei's lips curved into a goofy looking grin.
*End Flashback*
"Shimatta," he cursed as he remembered he didn't know where the infirmary was.
"Need help?" a half-amused, half-concerned sounding voice inquired.
Wufei turned his head to face the girl warrior who had beaten him. Her eyes held an unreadable emotion as she studied him. Her previous outfit had been replaced with a silk red dress. "What do you want?" he demanded. "Come to rub it in my face?"
"No," she replied quietly. "I came to apologize."
Wufei's head snapped up in surprise. "Hontoo?"
"Hai," she answered. "Gomen nasai. I didn't mean for us to fight that far. I got a little carried away."
"You could say that," he muttered.
She continued on, ignoring his previous comment. "I guess I was just puzzled as to why you could enter the sacred Fire Room without an invitation."
He shrugged carelessly, looking as if the topic didn't bother him. Underneath, his head was swimming with questions. 'If what she said is true, then *why* was I able to enter the room?' he thought to himself.
"Never mind that now," the girl said as if reading his mind. "I'll lead you to the infirmary. By the way, my name is Rei. And no, I did not mean for that to rhyme."
"My name is-"
"Wufei," Rei interrupted.
He glanced at her cautiously and warily. "How did you know that?"
"From my friend, Venus, of course," Mars replied. "That doesn't matter though. Here we are." She pointed to a white set of doors. She pushed them open and led him to an empty room. "Sit on the bed," she instructed. Wufei did as she ordered, wanting to get something for his bruise. Rei glanced at his face, then the rest of his body. "Seems like everything else is all right, except for your cheek."
"Hai."
"Okay, just let me get this treatment." She reached in a cabinet and began pulling down several bottles.
Wufei watched her curiously. His eyes never left her graceful and powerful form, taking in everything. She moved with an air of balance and confidence. He smirked when she gave a cry of triumph. She picked up a bottle and squeezed some of the lotion onto her hand.
"This might sting a little," she warned as she began to apply a little of the cream onto his bruise.
"Ow!" Wufei hissed.
"Oh, don't be such a big baby!" Rei scolded. "It can't be hurting that much." At Wufei's pained look, she gave an exasperated sigh. "Here, lets see if this makes it any better." She brought her lips millimeters from his bruise and kissed his face gently.
"What did you do that for?" he demanded, a pink tint covering his cheeks.
"To help you," Rei replied, patience laced in her voice.
To his ultimate surprise, Wufei actually found that his bruise wasn't throbbing as much as it was fifteen minutes ago. "I guess it worked," he muttered to her.
Rei smiled knowingly. "See? What did I say?"
"Great! Now you're going to have a big ego!" exclaimed Wufei.
"What? How dare you!" Rei commented sarcastically. She hit him playfully in the shoulder. The two laughed as if they were old friends.
* * * * *
"Do you really think they could have kissed, Duo?" asked Makoto, her eyes glazing over.
"I don't know, Makoto," Duo replied, shaking his head. "It's kind of hard to imagine the Perfect Soldier showing any emotions."
"The Perfect Soldier?" Makoto questioned.
"Well, you see-" Duo tried to search for the right words. "Heero is a rather detached guy. He has no emotions, except probably irritation. He rarely shows anything and when he does, it probably won't ever happen again."
"So, he's kind of a loner?"
Duo shrugged. "I guess you could say that."
"So what do you want to do?" Makoto asked.
"I don't know. What does royalty do?"
"Anything," Jupiter stated bluntly.
"Well, that narrows it down," Duo said sarcastically.
"How about some basketball?"
Duo's eyes widened in disbelief and excitement. "You guys play basketball?"
"Sure! Isn't it great?"
"You got that right, babe," he commented with a wink, making a nice pink blush cover Makoto's face. "Well, lets go play."
"All right. Let me get changed." She gestured to her attire, which consisted of green silk.
Duo looked her from the top of her head to the bottom of her dress. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Where's your room?"
"Over here," she said, gesturing to the beginning of a new hall.
"Whoa," Duo commented, "love the decor. What do all these symbols on the door mean?"
"Well, they stand for the planets of the Solar System. Each room is suited for each princess. There's Uranus and Neptune, except those are rarely used. We just passed Venus, Mars, and Mercury. Ah! Here's my room, Jupiter," she stated. "I'll be right back." She disappeared behind the forest green door.
"What a weird looking four..." Duo murmured, his hands brushing against the symbol. Green light shot out from it and into his body without him realizing it. He glowed for a split second, then returned to normal. 'I feel weird all of a sudden,' thought Duo but shrugged it off. 'Probably just all that's been happening.'
The door opened again and out stepped the princess of Jupiter. "Okay! I'm ready," she announced.
Duo grinned as he saw her appearance. "You look gorgeous!" he complimented. "Lets go play some b-ball!" The two started walking down the halls, heading for the basketball court outside.
Makoto grinned and produced a basketball from her subspace pocket. She twirled it on one finger as Duo gawked at her. "What?" she questioned innocently, tugging on her tank top, while holding the basketball under her arm.
"How did you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Make that basketball appear out of nowhere," Duo replied, making gestures with both his hands.
"Oh, that's it? Well, it's pretty easy... for me anyways," Jupiter said, brushing some hair away from her face. "I just took it out of my subspace pocket."
"What's that?"
"It's kind of complicated," Makoto replied. "You should really ask Mercury about these things. She's better at it." She stopped as they made their way onto the black top of the court. "Here we are!"
"Nice," Duo whistled.
"Loser or winner's ball?" she questioned. "Half court or full?"
"Loser and half-court," Duo replied. "You want to take it out? I want to give you a fair chance."
Makoto smirked but complied. "Whatever you say, Duo." She stepped behind the half-court line, the basketball held firmly in her hands. "Check." She bounce passed the ball to him and he returned it in the same fashion.
"Lets see what you got," Duo said, dropping into a basketball defensive stance.
Jupiter just smiled and started dribbling the ball. She tried to go around Duo, but he blocked her way to the basket. After some unsuccessful attempts, she faked going to the right. Instead of doing what he expected from her, she bounced the ball through her legs and did a lay-up from the left side. It landed with a bounce off the backboard and in the white net. She received the ball as it landed on the ground. She chest passed it to Duo, who stood there with an impressed look.
"Loser's ball," Makoto said.
Duo cracked a grin as he checked the ball. He attempted to pass her by speed but found that she was just as fast as him. He dribbled the ball with his back to her front, glancing over his shoulder to see how far he was from the basket. He ducked under her arm and then did a hook shot. It landed with a nice swish from the net. He picked up the ball and handed it to Makoto, who was standing right next to him, her cheeks flushed slightly from the beginnings of the game.
As he held the basketball in one hand, Duo stretched out his arm to hand it to her. Makoto stepped closer to him and reached for the ball, brushing her hands against his own. A jolt of electricity ran through them and they both looked into each other's eyes, neither seeming able to move. The only noise was the sound of the wind and the slight panting of each player. Duo leaned forward and Makoto held her breath. Instead of what she expected him to do, he pressed their foreheads together gently, his breathing still uneven.
"Your turn," he whispered, their eyes still locked with the other's, pressing the ball into her arms.
* * * * *
Quatre wandered from hall to hall, not knowing what he should do. That's when he stumbled upon the perfect place for him to be: the music room. Furnished from left to right along the walls, hung instruments of all shapes and sizes. Music stands and chairs were arranged in the room for practices and one's own entertainment. In front of the furniture, was a grand piano and another music stand. A bookcase was squeezed between instruments, holding books of composers and binders of sheet music.
"Hmm..." Quatre headed towards the bookcase and leafed through the titles of the music. After a few minutes, he found a song that caught his attention. He took out the binder and flipped through the sheets. "What beautiful music," he murmured. "And verses..."
Quatre carefully took down an exquisite violin hanging from the wall. He then walked and stood in front of the music stand by the piano. He tucked the instrument under his chin expertly and started to bring the bow across the taut strings. A delicate melody flowed from the violin, filling the room with its presence and passing the confinements of the wooden door. He shut his eyes and let the music take him away. He was unaware that someone entered the room and began watching him. As the figure moved towards him, he felt the presence and opened his blue orbs. He was greeted by the sight of the princess of Venus. He stopped playing.
"Oh, please don't stop," Mina said softly. "That was so beautiful."
Quatre blushed as he held the violin in his hands. "Please, Miss Venus, I'm not that good."
"Don't be so humble, Quatre-san," Venus replied with a grin. "And none of that Miss Venus stuff. Call me Mina-chan or Minako-chan." She flashed a peace sign and walked up next to him. She glanced at the music sheets. "Oh! I love this song." She stared up at him. "Do you mind if I sing, while you play?"
Quatre found himself lost in the blue depths of her eyes. "Of course you can," he consented.
Minako smiled and took a step closer to him to read the verses. Her bracelet brushed against his arm. An orange light appeared and vanished in his body. Quatre's cheeks turned red again from the closeness of their bodies. He pulled the violin under his chin and began to play the notes for a second time. He felt Minako shift beside him as she started to sing.
(AN: The song probably can't be played with the violin but just use your imagination, okay? Now the verses will be in ~ and "". The quotations are there because Minako is singing it while we switch scenes.)
* * * * *
~"I'm not looking for someone to talk to
I've got my friends, I'm more than O.K.
I've got more than a girl could wish for..."~
* * * * *
Princess Serenity got up from her bed, banishing previous thoughts. She glanced around her room before rummaging through her closet. She pushed back hangers and went through dressers. Finally, she settled on a midnight blue and silver dress that touched the ground. She frowned as she remembered the reason why they were having the ball. In honor of her and Endymion's upcoming wedding. For some reason, she felt utterly alone. However, she had her friends and she had to admit, things could be worse.
'Duty...' she thought.
That was why she was dragged into all of this. This mess which was her life. She inwardly wanted to scream at those who told her how fortunate she was. She was going to marry the handsome prince of Earth and rule the Silver Millennium after her mother. She had anything a girl could wish for. Beauty, wealth, intelligence... but not freedom. What good was it all if she could do nothing with it but let others make her decisions.
Serenity dressed herself in her chosen attire for the ball. She picked sapphire earrings and put them on her ears. A single silver necklace was hung around her neck. A soft breeze blew through the room from the open balcony doors, ruffling her skirts. She went to close them but something below caught her eye. She leaned against the railing, her eyes turning cloudy as she stared at the immobile figure.
"Heero..." she murmured.
* * * * *
~"I live my dreams but it's not all they say
Still I believe I'm missing something real
I need someone who really sees me-"~
* * * * *
Ami unconsciously snuggled up closer to Trowa's body, reveling in the new sensations running through her body. She read loud and clear, hearing his breath against her face. It was even and soothing to her ears, for some reason. She sighed inwardly as Trowa wrapped is arms around her tighter.
'What are you doing?!' demanded the logical side of her mind. 'You just met the man and you're already embracing?!'
'Hey! She's just following her heart!' argued another part of her mind.
'All she needs to do is study and train so she can protect the Princess,' the other side retorted. 'Are you saying that the Princess isn't important?'
'I'm not saying that! It's just that someone besides her friends needs to know the real her. Not just what's on the surface...'
Ami blinked as Trowa whispered in her ear, "Daijoubu ka?"
"Oh! Daijoubu," she replied, embarrassed. "Just got lost in thought."
She could have sworn she felt him smile. "All right. Maybe we should finish this another time. It's getting late."
Ami glanced at a clock hanging in the library. "You're right! I better go!" she exclaimed. "I have somewhere to go!" She broke from his embrace quickly.
Trowa was immediately at a loss as he felt her move away. 'What is this feeling?' he asked as he watched her.
"Gomen nasai, Trowa-san," she apologized. "I have to go now..."
"That's okay, Ami-chan," he replied, studying her with his green orbs. "We'll see each other again, ne?"
"Hai," Ami blushed. "Ja ne... Trowa-kun." She saw his shocked look and on impulse, which went against all logical reasoning... she kissed him. She turned a brighter pink as she then fled from the room to get ready for the ball.
Trowa stood there silent and unmoving as he saw the blue haired girl leave the room. His right hand tentatively reached to touch his lips, where a strange tingle had occurred. 'Can it be-' he thought. '... love?'
* * * * *
~"Don't wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
All I need is to know it's for sure
Then I'll give all the love in the world-"~
* * * * *
"You okay now?" Rei inquired, looking him over.
"Hai," Wufei mumbled. He noticed that she was studying him. "What are you staring at, onna?"
"Just checking if you're all right," she replied nonchalantly.
"I'm fine!" he snapped. "Don't have to act like my kaasan."
"Why do you have to act like such a snob?!" Rei retorted angrily. "Why do you have to turn everything around on everybody else?"
Wufei replied without thinking. "Because that's what people expect of me!" His eyes widened as he realized what he said.
Rei stared at him hard. "Are you sure? 'Cause I don't expect you to act like that."
Wufei turned away from her. "Just leave me alone, onna."
"You know," Rei whispered softly. "I like you just the way you are."
He lifted his head to stare at her incredulously. "Nani?" he whispered.
Rei came up close to his face, her mouth centimeters away from his own. "I mean... I'm attracted to you, your inner self and spirit."
Wufei drew in a sharp breath as she brushed her lips against his own. He responded slowly, loving the feel of his lips against hers. Then she pulled back, her hair slightly tangled. She smiled at him and the fire in her eyes sparked.
"Don't doubt yourself, Wufei..." she whispered for only him to hear before she left through the door as if she had never been there at all.
"Why does she always do that?!"
* * * * *
~"I've often wondered if love's an illusion
Just to get you through the loneliest days
I can't criticize it - I have no hesitation
My imagination just stole me away-"~
* * * * *
"Great game, Makoto," said Duo.
"You weren't so bad yourself, Duo-san," Makoto replied with a grin.
"You know, you're just the kind of girl I've been looking for," he thought, unaware he had just said it aloud.
"Nani?" Makoto asked, her cheeks turning pink.
"Did I just say that aloud?!" Duo inquired, eyes wide.
"Hai," she mumbled to him, brushing a lock of hair away from her green eyes.
"Oh," he murmured, eyes cast to the ground.
Makoto turned away, her eyes slowly filling with tears, guessing it had all been a joke. "Well-" she choked out. "We better-"
She was rudely interrupted as Duo grabbed her and pulled her towards his body. He brushed his lips against her own in a soft, tender kiss, the kind that you'll remember forever. He pulled away after a few moments and hugged her. "I meant what I said," he whispered to her.
Makoto really couldn't say anything because her mind and heart were still reeling from the kiss. All that came out was one word. "Wow..."
Duo winked and traced her cheek with his thumb. "I know."
Makoto suddenly realized that it was getting late and it was almost time for the ball. "I have to get ready for something," she said. "I'll be back later, okay?"
"Sure," Duo said. He embraced her before watching her run back to the palace.
She looked over her shoulder and blew him a kiss. She giggled as he pretended to catch it and put it in his pocket. "Ja ne, Duo-kun!" she called. She headed towards her room. 'Did that just really happen?' she thought. 'Or am I just dreaming?'
* * * * *
~"Still I believe
I'm missing something real
I need someone who really sees me-"~
* * * * *
Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter found the way to their respective rooms with glazed looks. They looked in their closets for outfits to wear, humming to themselves. They finally found the perfect ones and hurried to get dressed. They added the necessary accessories while fixing their hair. As they sat at their vanities, they studied their reflection hard, unaware that someone was watching them.
'Is... that really me?' they wondered as they traced their face in the mirror.
Their cheeks had a certain glow and rosy color. A light twinkled in each of their eyes, making them look even more beautiful. They noticed their attitudes had changed considerably. They had the same thoughts.
'I feel like I'm complete... like I was never missing something before,' they thought. 'Is this what it's like to fall in love?'
* * * * *
~"Don't wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
All I need is to know it's for sure
Then I'll give all the love in the world-"~
* * * * *
Heero looked up sharply as he felt someone watching him. His body tensed but for some reason, he relaxed just as quickly. He saw the silhouette of the princess staring down at him, seemingly in a trance. 'Why is this so familiar?' he thought. 'I remember... that play Quatre took me to. What was it? Romeo & Juliet? Yes, I think that's right.'
Serenity was startled as Heero swiftly looked up at her. She couldn't break away from his intense gaze as his eyes unfocused. She watched, puzzled, as he seemed deep in thought. A sigh fell from her lips as she felt a tug from somewhere in her chest. 'What are you doing to me, Heero Yuy?' she thought.
'It was about a tale of forbidden love,' Heero said to himself, the plot coming back to him. 'In the end, they ended up dead because of an endless feud full of meaningless bloodshed.' He shook his head as he turned away from the captivating image of the princess. 'Does that have to happen here?' a small voice whispered in his head.
* * * * *
~"Love's for a lifetime not for a moment
So how could I throw it away
Yeah I'm only human
And nights grow colder-"~
* * * * *
Princess Serenity whirled around as she heard her door open. Three of her guardians entered, each looking quite different for some reason. She stared at them suspiciously while they blushed under her gaze. "Where have you all been?"
"With Duo."
"With Wufei."
"With Trowa."
"Seems like Minako-chan is not the only one with crushes!" taunted the moon princess.
"You're one to talk, Sere!" Jupiter retorted with a grin. "What about Heero?"
"He's nothing but a friend," Serenity replied quietly, her head bowed.
"Are you so sure, Princess?" asked a voice from the doorway.
"Michiru-chan!" she exclaimed with a squeal and dashed towards the older teenager. She hugged her enthusiastically and noticed the person beside her. "Ruka-chan! Nice to see you again!"
"Well, we do have a prince to humiliate, do we not?" Haruka smirked.
"Hai," Rei said. "All we're missing is Venus."
"Where is she?" asked Jupiter.
"Well, she said she was going to find you, Sere," answered Ami.
"Odd," commented the princess.
"Lets see what my mirror tells us," Michiru said. She stared at the glassy surface as it began to shimmer. It faded to reveal the scene of Quatre and Minako. "She's in the music room," Neptune answered.
"I'll just call her telepathically," replied Serenity. *Venus! It's time for the prank.*
* * * * *
~"With no-one to love me that way
Yeah I need someone who really sees me
And I won't wake up alone anymore-"~
* * * * *
*All right, Serenity,* Minako answered. *I'll be there in a moment.* She sang the last verses with a passion as the lyrics touched her heart. It was a song of pure hope and love, something she hoped every day she would find. As the last word came out from her lips, she opened her eyes. To her surprise, Quatre and herself had ended up very close to each other while she had been singing.
Quatre's eyes were still closed but he could feel Minako's presence beside him. 'So full of life...' he thought. 'A goddess...'
"Quatre?" Mina whispered. "Quatre? Quatre?!"
"Wh-" The teenager jumped in surprise, almost letting go of his grip on the violin he had been playing.
"Oops! Gomen nasai, Quatre-san. Gomen nasai."
"That's all right, Minako-chan. Entirely my fault."
"What are you talking about?"
"It was my fault."
"Iie, it was mine."
"Iie, it was *mine.*"
"Iie, it wasn't."
"Hai, it was."
"Was not."
"Was too."
"Was not."
"Was too."
"Was not!"
"Was too!"
The two stared at each other, then laughed aloud for a few good minutes. "We were acting like a bunch of six year olds," Venus commented.
"You're right," he agreed as he glanced at her.
Quatre didn't fail to notice how beautiful she looked after a breathless fit of laughter. He stepped closer to her and Minako held her breath. He tilted her chin in a trance and looked deeply into her eyes. She gazed right back, her heart beating a mile a minute. As the distance between their lips lessened, their eyelids fluttered close and the two met in the middle. It was a breath-taking first kiss, full of something unexpected which made your skin tingle. After a few minutes, they both pulled away, out of breath.
Then Minako remembered what she had to do. "Oh, gomen Quatre-san, but Serenity-hime needs me."
"I understand. See you later, ne?"
"Hai," she replied. "Ja ne, Quatre-kun!" She gave him a swift kiss on the lips once again, before leaving the room.
Quatre gazed at the spot where she had been standing, and remembered the events that had brought him here. "Maybe it's not such a bad day after all," he thought.
* * * * *
~Still believing you'll walk through my door
You'll reach for me and I know it's for sure
Then I'll give all the love in the world
(Don't wanna wake up alone)~
* * * * *
Queen Serenity walked with grace as her quick steps brought her closer to the terminal of the palace. She was greeted by a lovely woman as old as herself with golden curls of hair shimmering past her shoulders. She had beautiful blue eyes and perfect shaped face. She wore a simple orange and yellow gown, which suited her in a most flattering way.
"Aphrodite!" Serenity exclaimed. "How are you?" She hugged her long time friend.
"I've been fine, Serenity," the Queen of Venus replied. "How are things here?"
"Some unruly boys have arrived, claiming to have been sent here by Pluto."
"Iie, soo ka?"
"Hai. I don't know what they're up to. I just don't like it."
"Are they cute?"
"Venus! Really!" Queen Serenity gave her a light smack on the shoulder with an irritated look.
"Nani?"
"You're married."
"I know that! I'm looking for someone for my dear Minako."
"Endymion will be marrying my Serenity."
"Ah... the prince of Earth, ne?"
"Hai. He has such good manners," the queen complimented.
"I'm sure," Aphrodite agreed distractedly as her senses picked up something. She turned her head in the direction of the pilots' rooms as they walked down the halls of the castle.
"What is it?"
"It's nothing," the Venus queen replied convincingly.
"All right," the Moon queen said. "Well, tonight at the ball, I'm going to officially announce Serenity's engagement to the prince of Earth. It will be simply lovely, if only the bride would cooperate."
"Hai..." Aphrodite agreed while her friend continued to tell her the wedding plans. She wasn't listening as her gaze spotted five young men outside in the courtyard. 'Those boys...' she thought. 'They're the ones making me feel the energy. They don't belong here but at the same time they do.'
One of them spotted her and smiled. He had blonde hair with blue eyes. The Venus queen smiled back. 'They seem nice enough,' she thought. Then she saw how the others looked. 'At least some of them.'
Luna came running up to them. "My queen, excuse me for the interruption, but it is time to get ready for the ball."
"Thank you, Luna," the Moon queen replied. "You may go now."
Luna nodded. "Yes, your majesty." Then she turned around and walked toward the palace.
"I'll see you at the ball, ne, Aphrodite?" she asked.
"Of course, Serenity," the Venus queen answered.
"See you then."
"Good-bye," she said.
As the Queen of Venus turned around to study the five young men again, she concentrated on her planet. They all had their backs turned to her. As ruler of the planet of Love, she had a gift to see the loves of others through a special aura. When it was time, she would pass the ability onto her daughter, Princess Minako. She studied the teenagers carefully as the auras visible only to her eye leapt up. One with dark brown hair had a navy surrounding him with tints of green, while one with brown hair covering his eyes had an emerald color. The teenager who had smiled at her had a golden aura and one with black hair had a crimson glow. The last young man, who had a braid, had an ebony glow. She stifled a gasp as she read their auras. Weaved through each and every aura of the young men were those of the moon princess and Inner Senshi's own colors. She realized it was very faint, but she could also see the potential it had of growing. Sooner or later, the love could become unbreakable and nothing could tear it apart.
'But do the girls feel the same way?' she wondered.
* * * * *
Minako burst through the room, panting, holding her make-up kit. "Never fear for I am here!" she proclaimed.
"Venus..." Princess Serenity trailed off in an irritated tone, while tapping her foot.
"Umm... yeah?" the senshi of Love replied weakly.
"Where were you?!"
"Well, you see... the truth is..."
"You were with Quatre, weren't you?"
"Nani?! How did you know?" Minako asked her princess.
Serenity smirked, reflecting a flawless imitation of the perfect soldier. "Seems all my Inner guardians have gained a habit of spending time with the boys." All the Inner Senshi flushed at their princess's comment, but she giggled. "Minna-chan's falling in love! Minna-chan's falling in love!" That only served to make them blush deeper.
"Don't we have a prank to do?" Makoto asked, changing the subject.
"Hai, we do," Serenity agreed, her giggling fits stopping.
"Ami-chan, do you have the potion?" asked Rei.
"Hai," Ami answered, while taking out a vile from her subspace pocket.
"Here's two glasses of wine," Michiru added, setting them on a tray.
"When did you get that?" Haruka asked, startled.
Michiru shrugged indifferently, hiding a secret smile. "Minna was so preoccupied, I decided to get the other supplies we needed for the prank."
"Doomo arigato, Chiru-chan," Serenity expressed with grateful eyes.
"You're welcome, princess," the Senshi of the Seas replied with a light smile.
"Step One: Gather supplies; check," Rei said.
Ami opened the vile and poured the contents into one of the glasses. "Okay, Sere-hime, the left glass is the one you give to the prince."
"Left glass... got it," the princess replied.
"Step Two: Prepare wine glasses; check," Makoto said.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Koneko-chan?" she asked.
"Hai. The baka prince needs to learn a lesson," declared Serenity.
"All right," Minako said. "Lets check if the victim is near." She and Makoto quickly opened the door and poked their heads out. They could see the prince of Earth coming down the hallway by himself. They stuck their heads back into the room and signaled to the rest of them.
Serenity smoothed her dress over and nearly gagged that she was actually getting ready for Prince Endymion. 'Kill me now...' she thought, but then remembered the purpose of it all.
"Here's the glasses, Sere-hime," said Ami. She put the one with the potion in the princess's left hand and the other in her right hand.
"Wish me luck," the princess requested as she exited the room after taking a final breath.
"Good luck..."
"Now commencing Step Three: Prince's Bait," Haruka commented, while the others stared at her. "What?"
* * * * *
Serenity put on her best I'm-happy-to-see-you smile as the prince of Earth approached her with his usual arrogant face. "Hello, princess," Endymion greeted with a smirk.
"Hello, Endymion," she replied, holding the two glasses to her bosom.
It just so happened that Endymion noticed the glasses since his gaze had drifted there, which didn't go unnoticed by the princess. "My, my... what is the wine for, Serenity?" he asked.
'Ecchi...' she thought darkly, but smiled sweetly. "For you, actually," she answered. "You hentai," she added under her breath, low enough so he couldn't hear.
"Really?" Endymion questioned, incredulous as he raised his eyebrow. "Why?"
"Well, I decided it is best for the Earth and Moon that your planet joins the Silver Millennium through our marriage. Why put up a fight? I should just learn to accept it," she expressed.
The suspicious look on the prince of Earth's face disappeared to be replaced with one of almost hidden triumph. "I'm glad you came to your senses," he commented.
Serenity tried not to roll her eyes. "Would you like a glass of wine?" she inquired politely, an innocent look on her face.
"Of course," he answered. He took the glass in her left hand, which she had offered, and put it to his lips. He gave a sigh of satisfaction as the cool liquid flowed down his throat.
The moon princess took a small sip herself, but not too much. "So, how does the wine taste, Endymion?"
"It tastes delicious..." Endymion trailed off as he collapsed to the ground with a thud.
Serenity sighed peacefully while fanning herself with her hand. "I knew you would like it," she commented as she took another sip herself.
* * * * *
"I heard a thud," commented Minako.
"Hai, me too," agreed Rei.
"I think she did it," said Haruka.
"I believe she did," Michiru agreed as she opened the door. "Take a look for yourself."
The rest of the senshi rushed to look through. They started to giggle as they saw the prince sprawled on the floor, while their princess yawned indifferently. "Are you going to help me or not?" Serenity asked as she spotted them.
"Of course, Koneko-chan," Haruka said impassively as she brushed past the Inner Senshi. She picked up the limp body of the prince with no effort at all and carried him back to the princess's room. She set him down on the bed carelessly.
"Are you positive that he's fully knocked out?" asked Rei.
"Iie, let me check," Ami said. She walked to the side of the bed and used the skills she learned from her classes and books. After a few minutes, she stepped back. "Hai, he's in a deep sleep."
Minako cracked her knuckles. "Time to work!" she declared as she opened her make-up case, which contained all kinds of powders, polishes, and so forth. She grinned evilly and started to dig through her things.
Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and the princess all looked at Venus, then at one another, then back at Venus. They shrugged their shoulders and joined her.
Michiru and Haruka looked upon the scene with amusement. "Well, what do you think?" Haruka asked.
"Why don't we?"
"All right."
The two older Senshi joined their younger companions in finding something to put on the prince. Bottles and tubes flew through the air as they discarded them.
"Iie, that color's all wrong."
"What do you mean? I love that color!"
"Of course it would look good on you, Minako, but what about Endymion?"
"Oh, you're right."
"I get to put on the lipstick!"
"No! I do!"
"You can put on the blush."
"Fine, fine."
"I take the nail polish."
"Then I get the eye liner."
"I get this color powder!"
"Okay. Everyone grabbed something?" asked Serenity.
"Hai!"
"Then lets get started."
After about fifteen minutes and fits of giggles, all the princesses were done and looked upon their handiwork with satisfaction. They tilted their heads to the side and studied him from every angle. "What do you think?" Minako questioned.
"Maroon isn't his color," commented Rei.
"Did somebody put on too much blush?" Makoto asked. "He looks like a clown."
"Well, he needs to look ridiculous, ne?" Serenity giggled. "I figure it worked."
"Hai," agreed Haruka. "It worked a lot. In fact, I think too good."
"He reminds me of one of those scary jesters," Michiru commented as she brushed a hand through her sea green hair.
"Doesn't he?" Ami said. "Do you think we might have overdone it just a tad?"
"Iie," replied Minako.
"Just one more thing..." Serenity trailed off as she stood beside the bed by the prince.
"Oh?"
"What's that?"
Serenity just shook her head and smiled. She waved a hand over Endymion's head and murmured a few incoherent words under her breath. A few sparkles escaped past her fingertips and twinkled down onto his hair. They glowed for a second where they landed, before spreading like wildfire. When the process was done, the princess stepped back as her guardians gawked.
"Did we discuss this part?"
"Genius! Pure genius!"
"Oh my."
"I can't believe it!"
"Wait to go, Serenity!"
"Why pink?"
"It just seemed like the right color for some reason," the princess commented.
"Step Four: Make-up; check," Minako said.
"What's next?" Michiru asked.
"We need to take him to his chambers," Serenity replied. "Ruka-chan? Would you mind?"
"Iie," Haruka answered. She carried the prince for yet another time and quickly exited the room.
The others followed the senshi of Uranus cautiously as they stepped into the hall. They walked quietly towards the prince's room and were relieved to find his door unlocked. They entered before anyone could see them and watched as Haruka laid him on the bed. They looked between each other for a moment before bursting into laughter again.
"Okay, enough is enough," Ami said as she wiped her eyes after a few minutes. "We've had our fun. Now we better go."
"What are you talking about, Ami-chan?" asked Makoto. "The party just started."
"But-"
"Who's going to be the servant?" asked Minako. "We can't let it be a regular one. They'll tell him for sure."
"How about we get someone to do it for us? Someone we trust?"
"Like who?"
"How about Duo?" suggested Makoto.
"Hai, Duo seems like the fun type," commented Serenity. "I'll get him. Who wants to come with me?"
"I'll go with you," said Jupiter.
"Okay, lets go," the princess replied, and the two exited.
Minako stared after the princess and Makoto with understanding eyes as her gaze landed on Jupiter's back. "She's got it bad," she commented.
"Got what?" asked Ami, puzzled.
"What do you think? She's in love!" Minako exclaimed. "Didn't you see her face when she suggested Duo?"
"Hai... it was dreamy," commented Rei, "and distracted."
"Love symptoms!" Minako declared, pumping her fist into the air.
"But she just met him today!" Ami exclaimed.
"What does time have to do with love?" asked Michiru quietly.
"........................."
"See?" Haruka questioned, amused. "You can fall in love in mere minutes or hours. It doesn't matter."
"I agree," Rei said.
Michiru glanced in her mirror talisman as she took it out to look at it. "Nothing is more extraordinary than a timeless love," she commented softly.
* * * * *
Duo heard a knock sound on his bedroom door right after he had gotten back from his meeting with his friends. "Coming!" he called. "Hold on!" He opened the door and gaped.
"Pick your mouth off the floor, Duo-san," the princess giggled.
"Wh-? Oh, of course," Duo agreed, shaking his head as he tore his gaze away from the princess of Jupiter. "So, why are you guys here?"
"Well, we kind of need your help for something," Makoto said, playing with the folds of her dress.
"Oh?" Duo raised an eyebrow. "And what might that be?"
* * * * *
The princesses glanced up as the door to Prince Endymion's room was opened and in came Serenity, Makoto, and an enthusiastic Duo. "I am totally in!" exclaimed Duo. Then he got a good look at the prince and started laughing so hard he cried. After awhile, he wiped his eyes. "So, how is this going to work?"
"Take this," Serenity offered, holding out to him a pink pen which she took out of thin air.
He looked at it suspiciously. "Let me guess... Subspace, right?"
"Hai."
"What do I do with this pen?" asked Duo as he examined it.
"Hold it up in the air, say 'Disguise Power,' and whatever you want to turn into," Serenity instructed.
'Here goes nothing,' Duo thought as he bit his lip. "Disguise Power! Turn me into a servant!" Lights flashed and encircled Duo with its glow. As it faded, a new young man stepped out. Duo had his eyes shut tightly, still holding the pen in the air. "Well?"
"Whoa..."
"Totally different look..."
"He kind of looks like Heero..."
"Nani?!" exclaimed Duo as his eyes shot open. He felt his hair and found that he had no braid at all. "What happened to my braid?!" he demanded.
"Don't worry so much, Duo-kun. It's only temporary," Makoto stated.
Duo pouted and gave the pen back to the princess. He crossed his arms over, irritated, as he studied his new clothes. He wore beige slacks, covered with a white shirt and gray vest. That was covered by an apron and he wore black shoes. His hair had been cut just like Heero's, except he had much shorter bangs. His hair had been tinged with black, but still retained its brown color. His usual laughing cobalt blue eyes had been changed to a startling blue-green, somewhat similar to turquoise. Not only that, he wore wire rimmed glasses.
"Not too shabby," Haruka commented. "Just like all the other servants here."
"Remember what to do, Duo-san?" asked Serenity.
"Gotcha," he winked behind his glasses.
"Okay, lets go," Rei said.
Everyone filed out of the room, but not before Makoto gave him a kiss on the cheek for good luck. He grinned with silliness as he waved, then turned his attention to the task at hand. "Step Five: Humiliation Galore; now in progress," he murmured. 'Time to get into character,' he thought. He straightened his back and stood like a servant would. Then he approached the bed and shook the shoulders of the prince not so gently. "Your majesty? Your majesty!" he exclaimed, about ready to gag, like the princess had been moments ago.
"What is it?" Endymion asked, irritated and dizzy.
"It is time for the ball," Duo replied. "You're late."
"Tell them to wait five more minutes," the prince instructed as he fell back on the bed.
"Oh no you don't," Duo said. He picked up the prince and let him lean on his shoulder. He grabbed several mismatch clothes from the prince's closet and thrust it in his arms. He let the prince go and watched, amused, as Endymion stood dizzily. "Wear those," he instructed.
The prince, still too groggy to see straight, followed the orders, oblivious to the snickers coming from the 'servant.' Unknown to his hazy mind, he was dressed in a variety of clothes which looked horrible and at the same time, ridiculous. "I'm done," he mumbled.
"You sure are," Duo chuckled. He supported the sleepy prince and walked out of the room.
The trip down the hall was uneventful, since everyone was attending the engagement ball and all the servants were there. As Duo approached the main doors leading to the ballroom, the guards looked between in each other and tried not to snicker at his royal majesty. Duo shook his head and tried to compose himself.
"His Majesty the Prince of Earth would like to be announced," Duo managed to say without chuckling.
The guard on the right side stared uneasily at the prince. "Are you sure?"
"Hai!" Endymion snapped, annoyed.
The other guard snickered but caught himself. "If you say so, your majesty." He opened the door slightly and slipped in. Then he came back out, smiling somewhat. "They're ready."
"Presenting His Majesty Prince Endymion!" a voice boomed from the inside.
"That's your cue, your highness," Duo smirked as he let the prince stand by himself.
"Hai," the prince replied nonchalantly, rubbing his eyes.
Duo stood a few steps behind him, adjusting his glasses. 'I have got to see this...' he thought.
The guards opened the doors as Prince Endymion entered with Duo trailing behind him. All activity in the ballroom ceased immediately and things became deathly silent. You could hear a pin drop as all eyes stared at the Earth prince. People were staring at him as he stood at the top of the stairs, with utter disbelief and confusion.
Suddenly, as if by some higher being, the prince's mind cleared and he was able to think straight. He blinked as he realized everyone was looking at him. He smirked, naturally liking the attention, but that quickly faded when someone chuckled. That set off a tidal wave of snickers and laughter. Everyone was gawking or staring at him some more. Some faces became red after so much laughing. He frowned and glanced at the right toward a full length mirror. Then he did a double take and his mouth opened in horror.
Prince Endymion's reflection was not the one who greeted him every day. Instead of the handsome one (*coughs*) he usually saw, he was staring into the eyes of one who looked completely and utterly ridiculous. He wore an ugly shade of green pants topped off with a maroon shirt. He had an orange overcoat with brown outdoor boots. What was shocking was his face. He had on lipstick, blush, and mascara that were all different shades of colors. There was not an inch of his face that was not covered. To top all that off, his hair was no longer the deep ebony like a raven's. It was a shockingly bright PINK. The prince took one last look at himself, terrified, listened to the jeers of the people, and ran out of the room with a speed that even amazed the senshi of the Winds.
Duo grinned and winked at the group of princesses smiling at him. Then he slipped back outside before he was caught and questioned.
"Was that hilarious or not?" Makoto giggled.
"HAI!" echoed her friends.
"I can't believe it," Haruka chuckled.
"What a prank," Minako whistled.
"Serenity!" exclaimed a voice from the side.
The princess of the moon turned, delighted at the familiar voice. She laughed and her eyes twinkled as she launched herself in the man's arms. He, in turn, chuckled and embraced her as well.
"How's it going, Bunny?"
"I'm fine," she replied.
"That's good," the man said. "Any other love interests besides the prince?" he added slyly.
"Jadeite!" Serenity squealed.
End Chapter 4 - Of Love & Pranks
Coming Next - Chapter 5