The Love of a Princess Part 3
After sneaking some food off to Artemis, she immediately changed into her black riding trousers and white shirt and put all of her hair down. She met up with the rest of the guys (except Kunzite) down at the barn. They began to saddle up the horses and put a bridle on their horses. Nephrite's horse was dark brown, Zoisite's was light yellow, Endymion's was black, Jadeite's was white, Minako's was white with a hint of silver. She put on her black helmet and climbed onto her horse, Moonlight.
"Hey, Minako!" Endymion hollered at the girl who was now leaning forward and petting the horse. She looked up to see what he wanted. "Race around the trail. You know your way around, you on?"
A smile slowly spread across her face and confidence shown brightly in her blue eyes. "Prepare for defeat, Prince Endymion. Just try to keep up," she said as she stared at him. She straightened her back so she won't appear as short among the others.
"A race, we're Zoi, Neph, and I are always up for it. All right, line up!" Jadeite commanded. They led their horses to the beginning of the wild trail. Endymion was on the left with Minako on the right of him. Jadeite was in the middle between Minako and Zoisite. Nephrite was on the far right. "Ready..." he stared at the princess, who was ready for whatever she had to face. Her eyes shined with a triumphant fire. He's surprised that she's fitting in so well. Especially just after one day. "On your mark..." Everyone tightened their reins and leaned forward. "Get set..." Jadeite stopped wandering his gaze around and concentrated on the path. "GO!"
At the sound of the signal, all five of them shot out onto the open road. At first, they all seemed equal, but then Minako and Endymion began to take the lead. Jadeite kept encouraging his horse to go faster as his short blond hair got rustled in the wind. Nephrite kept calm as he began to take his place as third. Zoisite just kept his eyes on the road as he struggled to keep up with Nephrite.
After beating the others for a couple of yards, it was the prince and the princess's race with Minako slightly ahead of her opponent. Endymion was trying his best to keep up and his concentration was on the finish line, which was just a couple more corners. Then, he heard a soft laughter ringing. He looked up at his opponent and stared mindlessly. She wasn't even taking this seriously! She was laughing her heart out as she let go of her reins and stood up with her arms wide open. Her silky, golden hair that stuck out of her helmet flew like the horse's tail. He looked back and realized that his guardians were gawking at her also.
She's never felt so free in her life. The tingle that rushed through her body as the excitement ran through her blood. The wind blew in her face refreshingly and suddenly, she snapped back to her senses and grabbed back onto the reins. She could almost see Artemis yelling at her if he saw her.
Then, she heard voice calling to her. She looked up and ahead and found a log sticking up that's went up to the horse's face. She smiled with excitement as she guided her horses to jump over the huge log. Everyone gasped but she laughed light heartedly. She let go of the reins once again but gripped onto the saddle with her legs. The horse began it's leap and she leaned back. She felt like she was flying as they soared through the air.
Jadeite officially thought that she's insane. Jumping a log that's even taller than her? Even he wouldn't do that! But she did, and she made it. It almost gave everyone a heart attack, but she made it.
"Bye boys," she said and winked as she looked back. Then she turned back to the road and outrun all of them. Very soon, she crossed the finish line, quicker than the wind. She got off her horse and waited for the rest of them as she listened to the soft sound of approaching horses.
"Did all of you go out on the trail?" A low voice made the little princess turn around, her golden hair swirling around her. She saw Kunzite, brushing off a silver horse.
"Yea. Is that your horse?" Minako asked curiously, taken by the horse's unique color. Kunzite proudly nodded as he patted the it's neck. "What's it's name?"
"Cassandra. She's been with me since I was about your age," he said.
"Let me help you," she said as she grabbed a brush. The steady hoof beats grew louder.
"Wow, you really beat them bad. Maybe I should start training them in horseback riding as well," Kunzite said as he chuckled, imagining his proud Jadeite being beaten by a girl.
"I guess so. But hey, I'm pretty fast. If you raced me, maybe you'd think that you have to improve your skills also," she kidded as a small smile gently spread across her face. Maybe he did like her a little bit after all. He hasn't addressed her properly yet and he's actually talking to her.
"I really don't think so," he said as he began to brush the top. Then suddenly, he felt warm skin, not the horse's familiar, rough fur, but human skin. He looked up and realized that their hands bumped into each other while they were trying to brush the same part. He could feel her large blue eyes on him and she could feel his silver gaze upon her. Then, they pulled their hands away at the same time, not knowing what to say.
Just then, Endymion crossed the finishing line. Minako quickly turned around, relieved that he'd broken the tension that was quickly building between her and Kunzite. What was that odd feeling she felt when they touched? "What took you?"
"Just a couple seconds of awe when this crazy girl in front of me jumped a log that's higher than her," he said casually as he got off. Just then, a white rabbit jumped out onto the middle of the road and Minako practically jumped with joy.
"Look! It's so cute!" she said as she pointed at it. Her other hand subconsciously clutched onto Kunzite sleeve, but he sure noticed it and blushed very quickly as the princess jumped up and down, not noticing the difference. But then Jadeite began to approach, followed closely by Nephrite and Zoisite. Immediately, she gasped and her eyes widened at the thought of one of them running over the rabbit. She almost screamed. Everything happening too happening, she jumped onto the road, hugged the rabbit and rolled out. The horses stopped so abruptly that Jadeite almost fell off.
Minako could feel and hear her dress rip at different places as she laid there with the rabbit safe in her arms. She gently let it go and it hopped back as suddenly as it came out. She stared after it for a second as she laid on the floor, back facing the boys. "Are you crazy?!" She winced as she heard both Jadeite and Endymion yell. She decided to sit up and face them.
"You could have gotten yourself killed!" Endymion said with a worried look in his eyes. He hugged his relative closely and protectively. He felt a little guilty for not holding onto her. A smile slowly spread across her face.
"I'm all right now, Endymion. And that's all that matters. Everyone's all right," she said softly as Endymion touched one of the many cuts she had.
"That's not the point, Princess! You're a princess who will live a very long and prosperous life! You can't give that up for a plain rabbit who would probably die in a couple of days anyway," Jadeite said blindly.
Minako's eyes began to turn angry as she got up and brushed the dirt off of her. When she was finished, she walked up to Jadeite and looked him straight in the eye. The stormy expression surprised Jadeite, coming from a child. "A life shouldn't be measured by it's length and no one's an exception when it comes to life and death," she said in a soft voice before running off.
Kunzite just watched in awe, surprised by both the girl's strength and wisdom. "I'm going to go check if she's all right," he said before running off after her.
She could feel hot tears coming down her face but she didn't care. No one should judge a life just like that. Anger stirred within her at the injustice comment repeated over and over again in her head. She ran back to her room and quickly shut the door. By then her eyes have already dried and she almost looked normal, asides from her filthiness. She didn't have much time. She quickly got into a shower, cleaned up as quickly as humanly possible and changed into a clean outfit for Athena's lesson. She realized that her light blue sleeveless dress didn't hide the cuts and bruises she received.
She grabbed a sleeping kitten and began to shake it. "Change, Artemis! I need you!" The cat slowly opened it's large blue eyes and gasped when he saw her large bruise on her arm. Without another word, he quickly transformed into a ten year old boy who had strikingly similar features as Kunzite. His long, silver hair hung loosely and tall structure stood strong. Their only difference is the yellow moon on his forehead and instead of intense, stone-gray eyes, Artemis had warm, blue eyes.
"What happened, Minako?" he asked as he examined her cuts. He placed a hand over it and closed his eyes as he concentrate. Very soon, there was nothing there. After they were through he asked her again, "What happened?"
She was just about to answer when Kunzite burst into the room. "Who are you and stay away from the princess!" he ordered. He walked closer towards them and turned to Minako. "Has he harmed you, Princess Minako?"
"I would never harm Minako!" Artemis defended himself. He never could stand people accusing him of hurting someone, especially when that person is the one he cared about the most, the sunshine in his life.
"That's Princess Minako to you!" Kunzite shouted as he saw Artemis walk between him and the frail girl.
"Guys, don't," she began, but she could tell that they weren't even listening. They were too busy with their death glare.
"All right, what's going on here?" Athena asked as she walked into the room with the rest of the boys and Queen Demeter. She gasped when she saw what was going on. "Kunzite, Artemis, stop that! What are you two doing?"
"I'm trying to protect the princess, your majesty, from this stranger who just appeared in her room," Kunzite growled. The other boys were surprised, they've never seem him so protective in his life except when the wolf was howling at Endymion.
"Why would she need protection from someone like you when she's got me? And plus, you're the stranger, you're the one who just burst into the room. I've been here the whole time," he said with the same, strong affection.
"Just stop it, it was all a big misunderstanding!" Athena said, Minako just sit down, giving up on talking. "Kunzite, this is Artemis, Minako's guardian. He may take the form of a cat or a form of a boy. Now all of you, go back to whatever you were doing. Minako, we have a lesson."
"Oh dear, I wasn't aware of Artemis' human form. I must assign new sleeping quarters then," Queen Demeter muttered under her breath. "Come with me, Artemis, we'll find you somewhere close by to stay. It's not proper for a boy and a girl to sleep in the same room."
Minako and Artemis' face immediately turned bright red. She'd never thought of him as anything but a great friend and a wise advisor. 'Me and Kitty? Nah!' She looked over at Kunzite, who's been silent. His usual emotionless, stone-gray eyes turned angry and stormy as he glared at Artemis. For a second, she thought she saw a hint of jealousy, but she shrugged it off.
After sitting through two classes with Clio and Athena, she finally reached to the one lesson she genuinely enjoyed, music. Apollo greeted her with his usual smile and she politely curtsied before taking her seat and grabbing a lyre. She placed her fingers on the strings and began to play a soft, soothing melody. They closed their eyes as they imagined themselves somewhere else, lost in the music.
After strumming the last note, her teacher opened his eyes and congratulated her on her progress. Tomorrow, they could move on to modern instruments. She's mastered every ancient instruments already.
Their lesson was interrupted when Queen Demeter came into the room and called for Minako. She looked at Apollo for permission and he dismissed her from her lesson and she skipped out of the room, following the queen.
"Now, we've assigned new rooms. You still take the same one, but Artemis must move to the room next to you instead. Also, Kunzite have requested to take the room on the other side of you so would it be all right if you had a room between the two stubborn boys?" she asked in a gentle voice.
"Of course!" She said cheerfully. Silently, she wondered why Kunzite requested for the room. She finally settled for the fact that he wanted more competition with Artemis.
"Now go to the training room, Hermes and Artemis are expecting you there," the queen said as she began to walk off. Minako searched her way to the training room and peered her head in. She saw her usual trainer, the blue haired man who still looked 20 years old after a thousand years. His light blue eyes concealed a glint of mischief.
She was quite surprised, however, to see two silver haired boys there, glaring at each other. "Hermes, Kunzite, Artemis," she addressed them as she curtsied. The three turned their attention on her and bowed. She'd changed into much more comfortable clothes for active training. She was in a pair of old gray sweat pants and a soft, white t-shirt.
"Have you gotten in any trouble lately, Minako?" Hermes asked. Hermes was one of Minako's friends instead of advisor. He's like the older brother she never had.
"Yes..." she said hesitantly after recalling the incident not too long ago.
"Good girl," he said with a mischievous smile as he softly patted her head. He noticed that her hair was still hanging down freely. "You forgot to put your hair up?"
"I was in a hurry. One second," she said as she grabbed all her hair and pulled it back into a high ponytail.
"Why don't you two start the first lap?" Hermes suggested as he turned to Artemis and Kunzite, who looked ready to kill each other.
"You're going down," Artemis growled as he took his place on the track. They glared at each other with ice cold eyes before taking the beginning stance.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Hermes? Please don't cause trouble between them. There's already enough tension and my room is right between theirs," she said as she watched.
"Don't worry about it. Their powers are equal except for the fact that Artemis can heal. They can feel that they're equal and that's what sparks their competitiveness. They're great fighters and it's not easy to find equals," he said as they walked towards them at the beginning line. "All right, one lap boys. May the best man win," he said as he made a loud noise, indicating them to go. They were as swift as lightning and all during their run, they kept their eyes on each other, making sure that the other didn't pass him. Their competitiveness seemed to have created a strong fire between them and Minako was stunned at how badly they wanted to beat each other.
They began to close in on the finishing line and to finish off the race, they both gave a powerful kick and passed the line at the same time. The princess was stunned by how fast they were. "Wow," the word escaped from her mouth and she got grins from both proud soldiers. As soon as they realize it, they glared at each other. She just sighed and figured that she may as well get used to it since she still have many years on this planet.
"Good job, boys. Now, Minako, run with them," Hermes ordered. She obediently walked over to the starting point where Kunzite and Artemis were already flashing glares at each other. Calmly, she decided to run in the middle lane between them. The farther apart they were, the better.
"Don't cry when I beat you, princess," Kunzite said with a proud grin.
"She'll beat you badly, you dope. You haven't seen how fast she is," Artemis defended her. And it was true, she is the fastest, asides from Hermes, he's ever seen.
"Boys, this is just a little friendly competition. Be nice!" she said promptly as they got into the beginning stance. Kunzite was thinking about maybe letting her win, but he'll see if she's as fast as everyone says she is.
At the sound of the signal, all three of them dashed off. Minako immediately took the lead. They were all surprised by the amazing speed as she begins to beat them by at least ten feet. Surprising everyone, she passed the finish line quicker than they thought possible. Hermes had a smile that seemed to have said, 'I taught her everything she knows.'
"Wow," Kunzite said. Minako looked over her shoulder and grinned at him. Artemis just stood and glared, making sure that his rival and his companion never makes too much contact.
"I'll see you guys later. I have to go change for dinner," she said with a smile before turning around and running towards her room. The two boys looked after her and seemed daze as they stared at her golden hair blowing in the wind. Hermes went up to them and put one arm around each shoulder.
"Boys, you don't win girls like the princess by beating each other up," he said as he smiled down at them. The moment they walked into the room, he could tell there was tension between them.
"What are you talking about, Hermes? I'm not trying to win over the princess. I'm merely doing my job as a guardian to watch over the guests on Earth. I don't have any feelings for her," he said as his face became flushed. He just said that to deny how he truly felt. His heart began to beat faster and his head began to ponder about the situation he's in.
"I'm just doing my job as the princess's guardian. I'm protecting her, Kunzite, and she doesn't need you when she has me. Also, I'm not so sure if I want the princess to trust you," Artemis retaliated, also blushing mad. He didn't know anything about the strange feelings he had towards his princess, but all he knew is that he must protect her with every breath that he has. It's not just his duty, it's his will.
That night, Minako came to dinner with Artemis and when she got to the table, she noticed the weird silence. Everyone was sitting in the same spots and Kunzite was staring at his food before glaring at Artemis again. She was just about to sit down next to Endymion again when Artemis helped her with the chair. Across from her, Jadeite chuckled a little when he felt the jealousy between Kunzite and Artemis. 'This is going to be very interesting,' he thought mischievously. Then Minako glared at him and he realized that she's still angry at him.
For Artemis' convenience, the table once set for six is now set for seven, three on Minako's side, two on the other, and two on the edges. Before Zoisite could take his usual seat next to Minako, Artemis helped himself to it, leaving Zoisite with the seat between him and Kunzite.
Everyone ate in silence after the prayer that night. Endymion, Jadeite, Nephrite and Zoisite kept glancing at each other innocently while Minako cowered every time she felt either Kunzite or Artemis glaring at each other or glancing at her. Feeling unbelievably uncomfortable, Minako quickly excused herself from the dinner table and Artemis followed.
In the lonely hallway, they began to walk back towards their rooms. Minako stopped and waited until Artemis caught up and they began to stroll slowly side by side under the moonlight. Her fingers were laced together in front of her as she pondered about various things while his hands were in his pocket as he walked with his head up high. Finally, Minako asked, "why don't you like him, Artemis?" She looked up at him for a reply.
He looked a little flustered as he tried to think of a reason. He didn't know exactly why he didn't like him. "I just don't trust him, that's all. I'm afraid he'll take advantage of you and hurt you," he said as he kept his bright blue eyes ahead of him.
Slowly, a smile spread across her face and she unlaced her fingers to hug his arm. He was a little stunned and taken back at first. His face blushed a bright red and was grateful that her eyes were closed while she leaned her head on his shoulder. They kept walking like that for a while, enjoying the silence. "I know you'll always take good care of me Artemis," she whispered softly.
"Of course," he said, smiling to himself. He looked over at her and gently kissed her on the forehead. "Of course, my princess," he breathed. Everything seemed so peaceful. They finally got to their rooms. "Have a nice night, Princess," he said with a smile before entering his room. Minako smiled to herself sweetly before entering her own.
After sneaking some food off to Artemis, she immediately changed into her black riding trousers and white shirt and put all of her hair down. She met up with the rest of the guys (except Kunzite) down at the barn. They began to saddle up the horses and put a bridle on their horses. Nephrite's horse was dark brown, Zoisite's was light yellow, Endymion's was black, Jadeite's was white, Minako's was white with a hint of silver. She put on her black helmet and climbed onto her horse, Moonlight.
"Hey, Minako!" Endymion hollered at the girl who was now leaning forward and petting the horse. She looked up to see what he wanted. "Race around the trail. You know your way around, you on?"
A smile slowly spread across her face and confidence shown brightly in her blue eyes. "Prepare for defeat, Prince Endymion. Just try to keep up," she said as she stared at him. She straightened her back so she won't appear as short among the others.
"A race, we're Zoi, Neph, and I are always up for it. All right, line up!" Jadeite commanded. They led their horses to the beginning of the wild trail. Endymion was on the left with Minako on the right of him. Jadeite was in the middle between Minako and Zoisite. Nephrite was on the far right. "Ready..." he stared at the princess, who was ready for whatever she had to face. Her eyes shined with a triumphant fire. He's surprised that she's fitting in so well. Especially just after one day. "On your mark..." Everyone tightened their reins and leaned forward. "Get set..." Jadeite stopped wandering his gaze around and concentrated on the path. "GO!"
At the sound of the signal, all five of them shot out onto the open road. At first, they all seemed equal, but then Minako and Endymion began to take the lead. Jadeite kept encouraging his horse to go faster as his short blond hair got rustled in the wind. Nephrite kept calm as he began to take his place as third. Zoisite just kept his eyes on the road as he struggled to keep up with Nephrite.
After beating the others for a couple of yards, it was the prince and the princess's race with Minako slightly ahead of her opponent. Endymion was trying his best to keep up and his concentration was on the finish line, which was just a couple more corners. Then, he heard a soft laughter ringing. He looked up at his opponent and stared mindlessly. She wasn't even taking this seriously! She was laughing her heart out as she let go of her reins and stood up with her arms wide open. Her silky, golden hair that stuck out of her helmet flew like the horse's tail. He looked back and realized that his guardians were gawking at her also.
She's never felt so free in her life. The tingle that rushed through her body as the excitement ran through her blood. The wind blew in her face refreshingly and suddenly, she snapped back to her senses and grabbed back onto the reins. She could almost see Artemis yelling at her if he saw her.
Then, she heard voice calling to her. She looked up and ahead and found a log sticking up that's went up to the horse's face. She smiled with excitement as she guided her horses to jump over the huge log. Everyone gasped but she laughed light heartedly. She let go of the reins once again but gripped onto the saddle with her legs. The horse began it's leap and she leaned back. She felt like she was flying as they soared through the air.
Jadeite officially thought that she's insane. Jumping a log that's even taller than her? Even he wouldn't do that! But she did, and she made it. It almost gave everyone a heart attack, but she made it.
"Bye boys," she said and winked as she looked back. Then she turned back to the road and outrun all of them. Very soon, she crossed the finish line, quicker than the wind. She got off her horse and waited for the rest of them as she listened to the soft sound of approaching horses.
"Did all of you go out on the trail?" A low voice made the little princess turn around, her golden hair swirling around her. She saw Kunzite, brushing off a silver horse.
"Yea. Is that your horse?" Minako asked curiously, taken by the horse's unique color. Kunzite proudly nodded as he patted the it's neck. "What's it's name?"
"Cassandra. She's been with me since I was about your age," he said.
"Let me help you," she said as she grabbed a brush. The steady hoof beats grew louder.
"Wow, you really beat them bad. Maybe I should start training them in horseback riding as well," Kunzite said as he chuckled, imagining his proud Jadeite being beaten by a girl.
"I guess so. But hey, I'm pretty fast. If you raced me, maybe you'd think that you have to improve your skills also," she kidded as a small smile gently spread across her face. Maybe he did like her a little bit after all. He hasn't addressed her properly yet and he's actually talking to her.
"I really don't think so," he said as he began to brush the top. Then suddenly, he felt warm skin, not the horse's familiar, rough fur, but human skin. He looked up and realized that their hands bumped into each other while they were trying to brush the same part. He could feel her large blue eyes on him and she could feel his silver gaze upon her. Then, they pulled their hands away at the same time, not knowing what to say.
Just then, Endymion crossed the finishing line. Minako quickly turned around, relieved that he'd broken the tension that was quickly building between her and Kunzite. What was that odd feeling she felt when they touched? "What took you?"
"Just a couple seconds of awe when this crazy girl in front of me jumped a log that's higher than her," he said casually as he got off. Just then, a white rabbit jumped out onto the middle of the road and Minako practically jumped with joy.
"Look! It's so cute!" she said as she pointed at it. Her other hand subconsciously clutched onto Kunzite sleeve, but he sure noticed it and blushed very quickly as the princess jumped up and down, not noticing the difference. But then Jadeite began to approach, followed closely by Nephrite and Zoisite. Immediately, she gasped and her eyes widened at the thought of one of them running over the rabbit. She almost screamed. Everything happening too happening, she jumped onto the road, hugged the rabbit and rolled out. The horses stopped so abruptly that Jadeite almost fell off.
Minako could feel and hear her dress rip at different places as she laid there with the rabbit safe in her arms. She gently let it go and it hopped back as suddenly as it came out. She stared after it for a second as she laid on the floor, back facing the boys. "Are you crazy?!" She winced as she heard both Jadeite and Endymion yell. She decided to sit up and face them.
"You could have gotten yourself killed!" Endymion said with a worried look in his eyes. He hugged his relative closely and protectively. He felt a little guilty for not holding onto her. A smile slowly spread across her face.
"I'm all right now, Endymion. And that's all that matters. Everyone's all right," she said softly as Endymion touched one of the many cuts she had.
"That's not the point, Princess! You're a princess who will live a very long and prosperous life! You can't give that up for a plain rabbit who would probably die in a couple of days anyway," Jadeite said blindly.
Minako's eyes began to turn angry as she got up and brushed the dirt off of her. When she was finished, she walked up to Jadeite and looked him straight in the eye. The stormy expression surprised Jadeite, coming from a child. "A life shouldn't be measured by it's length and no one's an exception when it comes to life and death," she said in a soft voice before running off.
Kunzite just watched in awe, surprised by both the girl's strength and wisdom. "I'm going to go check if she's all right," he said before running off after her.
She could feel hot tears coming down her face but she didn't care. No one should judge a life just like that. Anger stirred within her at the injustice comment repeated over and over again in her head. She ran back to her room and quickly shut the door. By then her eyes have already dried and she almost looked normal, asides from her filthiness. She didn't have much time. She quickly got into a shower, cleaned up as quickly as humanly possible and changed into a clean outfit for Athena's lesson. She realized that her light blue sleeveless dress didn't hide the cuts and bruises she received.
She grabbed a sleeping kitten and began to shake it. "Change, Artemis! I need you!" The cat slowly opened it's large blue eyes and gasped when he saw her large bruise on her arm. Without another word, he quickly transformed into a ten year old boy who had strikingly similar features as Kunzite. His long, silver hair hung loosely and tall structure stood strong. Their only difference is the yellow moon on his forehead and instead of intense, stone-gray eyes, Artemis had warm, blue eyes.
"What happened, Minako?" he asked as he examined her cuts. He placed a hand over it and closed his eyes as he concentrate. Very soon, there was nothing there. After they were through he asked her again, "What happened?"
She was just about to answer when Kunzite burst into the room. "Who are you and stay away from the princess!" he ordered. He walked closer towards them and turned to Minako. "Has he harmed you, Princess Minako?"
"I would never harm Minako!" Artemis defended himself. He never could stand people accusing him of hurting someone, especially when that person is the one he cared about the most, the sunshine in his life.
"That's Princess Minako to you!" Kunzite shouted as he saw Artemis walk between him and the frail girl.
"Guys, don't," she began, but she could tell that they weren't even listening. They were too busy with their death glare.
"All right, what's going on here?" Athena asked as she walked into the room with the rest of the boys and Queen Demeter. She gasped when she saw what was going on. "Kunzite, Artemis, stop that! What are you two doing?"
"I'm trying to protect the princess, your majesty, from this stranger who just appeared in her room," Kunzite growled. The other boys were surprised, they've never seem him so protective in his life except when the wolf was howling at Endymion.
"Why would she need protection from someone like you when she's got me? And plus, you're the stranger, you're the one who just burst into the room. I've been here the whole time," he said with the same, strong affection.
"Just stop it, it was all a big misunderstanding!" Athena said, Minako just sit down, giving up on talking. "Kunzite, this is Artemis, Minako's guardian. He may take the form of a cat or a form of a boy. Now all of you, go back to whatever you were doing. Minako, we have a lesson."
"Oh dear, I wasn't aware of Artemis' human form. I must assign new sleeping quarters then," Queen Demeter muttered under her breath. "Come with me, Artemis, we'll find you somewhere close by to stay. It's not proper for a boy and a girl to sleep in the same room."
Minako and Artemis' face immediately turned bright red. She'd never thought of him as anything but a great friend and a wise advisor. 'Me and Kitty? Nah!' She looked over at Kunzite, who's been silent. His usual emotionless, stone-gray eyes turned angry and stormy as he glared at Artemis. For a second, she thought she saw a hint of jealousy, but she shrugged it off.
After sitting through two classes with Clio and Athena, she finally reached to the one lesson she genuinely enjoyed, music. Apollo greeted her with his usual smile and she politely curtsied before taking her seat and grabbing a lyre. She placed her fingers on the strings and began to play a soft, soothing melody. They closed their eyes as they imagined themselves somewhere else, lost in the music.
After strumming the last note, her teacher opened his eyes and congratulated her on her progress. Tomorrow, they could move on to modern instruments. She's mastered every ancient instruments already.
Their lesson was interrupted when Queen Demeter came into the room and called for Minako. She looked at Apollo for permission and he dismissed her from her lesson and she skipped out of the room, following the queen.
"Now, we've assigned new rooms. You still take the same one, but Artemis must move to the room next to you instead. Also, Kunzite have requested to take the room on the other side of you so would it be all right if you had a room between the two stubborn boys?" she asked in a gentle voice.
"Of course!" She said cheerfully. Silently, she wondered why Kunzite requested for the room. She finally settled for the fact that he wanted more competition with Artemis.
"Now go to the training room, Hermes and Artemis are expecting you there," the queen said as she began to walk off. Minako searched her way to the training room and peered her head in. She saw her usual trainer, the blue haired man who still looked 20 years old after a thousand years. His light blue eyes concealed a glint of mischief.
She was quite surprised, however, to see two silver haired boys there, glaring at each other. "Hermes, Kunzite, Artemis," she addressed them as she curtsied. The three turned their attention on her and bowed. She'd changed into much more comfortable clothes for active training. She was in a pair of old gray sweat pants and a soft, white t-shirt.
"Have you gotten in any trouble lately, Minako?" Hermes asked. Hermes was one of Minako's friends instead of advisor. He's like the older brother she never had.
"Yes..." she said hesitantly after recalling the incident not too long ago.
"Good girl," he said with a mischievous smile as he softly patted her head. He noticed that her hair was still hanging down freely. "You forgot to put your hair up?"
"I was in a hurry. One second," she said as she grabbed all her hair and pulled it back into a high ponytail.
"Why don't you two start the first lap?" Hermes suggested as he turned to Artemis and Kunzite, who looked ready to kill each other.
"You're going down," Artemis growled as he took his place on the track. They glared at each other with ice cold eyes before taking the beginning stance.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Hermes? Please don't cause trouble between them. There's already enough tension and my room is right between theirs," she said as she watched.
"Don't worry about it. Their powers are equal except for the fact that Artemis can heal. They can feel that they're equal and that's what sparks their competitiveness. They're great fighters and it's not easy to find equals," he said as they walked towards them at the beginning line. "All right, one lap boys. May the best man win," he said as he made a loud noise, indicating them to go. They were as swift as lightning and all during their run, they kept their eyes on each other, making sure that the other didn't pass him. Their competitiveness seemed to have created a strong fire between them and Minako was stunned at how badly they wanted to beat each other.
They began to close in on the finishing line and to finish off the race, they both gave a powerful kick and passed the line at the same time. The princess was stunned by how fast they were. "Wow," the word escaped from her mouth and she got grins from both proud soldiers. As soon as they realize it, they glared at each other. She just sighed and figured that she may as well get used to it since she still have many years on this planet.
"Good job, boys. Now, Minako, run with them," Hermes ordered. She obediently walked over to the starting point where Kunzite and Artemis were already flashing glares at each other. Calmly, she decided to run in the middle lane between them. The farther apart they were, the better.
"Don't cry when I beat you, princess," Kunzite said with a proud grin.
"She'll beat you badly, you dope. You haven't seen how fast she is," Artemis defended her. And it was true, she is the fastest, asides from Hermes, he's ever seen.
"Boys, this is just a little friendly competition. Be nice!" she said promptly as they got into the beginning stance. Kunzite was thinking about maybe letting her win, but he'll see if she's as fast as everyone says she is.
At the sound of the signal, all three of them dashed off. Minako immediately took the lead. They were all surprised by the amazing speed as she begins to beat them by at least ten feet. Surprising everyone, she passed the finish line quicker than they thought possible. Hermes had a smile that seemed to have said, 'I taught her everything she knows.'
"Wow," Kunzite said. Minako looked over her shoulder and grinned at him. Artemis just stood and glared, making sure that his rival and his companion never makes too much contact.
"I'll see you guys later. I have to go change for dinner," she said with a smile before turning around and running towards her room. The two boys looked after her and seemed daze as they stared at her golden hair blowing in the wind. Hermes went up to them and put one arm around each shoulder.
"Boys, you don't win girls like the princess by beating each other up," he said as he smiled down at them. The moment they walked into the room, he could tell there was tension between them.
"What are you talking about, Hermes? I'm not trying to win over the princess. I'm merely doing my job as a guardian to watch over the guests on Earth. I don't have any feelings for her," he said as his face became flushed. He just said that to deny how he truly felt. His heart began to beat faster and his head began to ponder about the situation he's in.
"I'm just doing my job as the princess's guardian. I'm protecting her, Kunzite, and she doesn't need you when she has me. Also, I'm not so sure if I want the princess to trust you," Artemis retaliated, also blushing mad. He didn't know anything about the strange feelings he had towards his princess, but all he knew is that he must protect her with every breath that he has. It's not just his duty, it's his will.
That night, Minako came to dinner with Artemis and when she got to the table, she noticed the weird silence. Everyone was sitting in the same spots and Kunzite was staring at his food before glaring at Artemis again. She was just about to sit down next to Endymion again when Artemis helped her with the chair. Across from her, Jadeite chuckled a little when he felt the jealousy between Kunzite and Artemis. 'This is going to be very interesting,' he thought mischievously. Then Minako glared at him and he realized that she's still angry at him.
For Artemis' convenience, the table once set for six is now set for seven, three on Minako's side, two on the other, and two on the edges. Before Zoisite could take his usual seat next to Minako, Artemis helped himself to it, leaving Zoisite with the seat between him and Kunzite.
Everyone ate in silence after the prayer that night. Endymion, Jadeite, Nephrite and Zoisite kept glancing at each other innocently while Minako cowered every time she felt either Kunzite or Artemis glaring at each other or glancing at her. Feeling unbelievably uncomfortable, Minako quickly excused herself from the dinner table and Artemis followed.
In the lonely hallway, they began to walk back towards their rooms. Minako stopped and waited until Artemis caught up and they began to stroll slowly side by side under the moonlight. Her fingers were laced together in front of her as she pondered about various things while his hands were in his pocket as he walked with his head up high. Finally, Minako asked, "why don't you like him, Artemis?" She looked up at him for a reply.
He looked a little flustered as he tried to think of a reason. He didn't know exactly why he didn't like him. "I just don't trust him, that's all. I'm afraid he'll take advantage of you and hurt you," he said as he kept his bright blue eyes ahead of him.
Slowly, a smile spread across her face and she unlaced her fingers to hug his arm. He was a little stunned and taken back at first. His face blushed a bright red and was grateful that her eyes were closed while she leaned her head on his shoulder. They kept walking like that for a while, enjoying the silence. "I know you'll always take good care of me Artemis," she whispered softly.
"Of course," he said, smiling to himself. He looked over at her and gently kissed her on the forehead. "Of course, my princess," he breathed. Everything seemed so peaceful. They finally got to their rooms. "Have a nice night, Princess," he said with a smile before entering his room. Minako smiled to herself sweetly before entering her own.