Violet Flame- Rei's Story
Part Four
"The first star I see May not be a star We can't do a thing but wait So lets wait For one more the time such clumsy time In deciding if its time I'm careful but not sure how it goes You can lose yourself in your courage" -For Me this is Heaven by: Jimmy Eat World.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~The day had finally come. The palace was bustling with maids and servants hurrying around me. Fixing my dress, checking my hair, touching up my make up. Consoling my parents. I was leaving for the Moon Palace. The packing was done and the travel arrangements were here. It was the last few hours I had on my home until I could come back and visit. Who knows when that would be. I walked around the palace. I tried to memorize all the tiny details. My mother had almost refused to get out of bed. I sighed. Fifteen years had passed so quickly. My room was completely packed up. There wasn't much that was left behind, just in case I needed my possessions at some point. I wandered outside and stood by the fountain. I checked the watch my father had just given me for my birthday. It was a gold bracelet type watch with small gemstones in the band. One half hour left. I glanced back to the stairs. Thinking of all the times I had sat out there at night when I couldn't sleep or something was off in my days. The lilies waved in the breeze.
I turned back to the fountain. The water gurgled quietly. I was so sad to leave. I didn't want to. I never had. Watching my mother relive the time and my father's face as the time came nearer tore at my heart as I steeled myself from crying. There were steps behind me, but I didn't turn figuring it was a servant needing me for something or other.
"Rei," My father said quietly behind me. I faced him, I could see in his eyes he wasn't ready to let me go, but the rest of his face was set in a calm expression. "Now, you take care of yourself while you're there, you hear?" I nodded. The tears weren't far from coming now. His voice was breaking a little. "I've been fearing this day since the minute you were born," he said quietly. "But now I'm so proud of you. You'll do fine there, and you won't dishonor our planet. I'm just going to miss you terribly."
"Oh, Daddy..." I said. I walked up to him and hugged him. I couldn't keep the tears back now. "I don't want to go!" I cried. He held me tight against him and it was one of the most calming sensations I can remember. When we were there like that, in the front of the palace with just the two of us before any major problems arose was very special for the both of us. I sniffed and he stepped back. He whipped a tear from my face and smiled very slightly.
"Your mother wants to have a word with you, Rei," We walked into the palace where my mother was sitting by a window staring out at the city beyond.
"Mom?" I asked. She looked at me vaguely. Then she looked at my father and he left the room, leaving just the two of us alone in the silent room. She patted the seat next to her and I sat. She enveloped me in her arms and started talking quietly.
"Rei darling, I know this is a big step for you. But don't worry. Adjusting is much easier than you think it will be," Her hands were soft against my arms, and her resonant voice echoed in my head. I could feel the power that we shared from her as much as I could my self. "I just worry about what happens next," she sighed, and let me go. I sat up. She studied my face. My mother had deep violet eyes, unlike my own. You could hardly tell what she was thinking because she knew how to hide her emotions so well.
"You know something don't you?" The concern showed on my face. She shook her head, sadly. She turned back to the city. I eventually followed her gaze.
"Whatever you do, don't desert those people. They're counting on you to return safely some day a proud, strong woman who'll be capable of leading them into the future," She held my hand lightly. "I have something for you," I was surprised she was so calm now, especially after the display she had been putting on for the last few days. Maybe it was more that she was defeated than calm. She set a small wooden token in my hands. "This is a luck charm," I nodded. I recognized them. "But this one is special. Your grandfather made this one the day you were born. It's a prayer for protection," My eyes watered. I had never met my grandfather, and he had been the only surviving grandparent. "Keep it with you and safe, and no harm should come to you, as long as you're aware of your surroundings," She closed my fingers of the soft polished wood. The circular shape fit into my palm perfectly. I'd have to put this with the stone Jedite had found for me the last time we had seen each other. My father walked into the room.
"Rei, Nailyn, its time," I stood up, then waited for my mother to stand. She looked away from me.
"I'm not going. I'll say good bye here," I stared at her. I wanted to throw a fit and tell her that I wanted her to go send me off, but something told me to hold my tongue. I glanced at my father who looked surprised. She stood up, with an effort it seemed, and folded me into her arms. "Good-bye Rei."
"Bye, Mom." I choked out.
"Ka wallen mitecyuh." She whispered in the ancient language. I nodded and she released me. Then I walked from the room my father following. He paused at the door to watch my mother for a second. She was staring out the window again with her back turned to us. I didn't see it, but I knew she was crying. My father sighed and motioned for us to leave. We walked out into the blinding light out side. All the servants walked behind us solemnly. I shook my head before I got into the transport vehicle. I held onto the charm tightly. I turned and gave my father on last hug.
"Good bye, Princess!" One of the servants called. A chorus of good bye's followed. I waved and then we were off. I made sure not to look back again.
The trip went well. But, by the time I reached the moon I was exhausted. As I got out of the transport, Minako was waiting for me. She was leaning against the wall. She looked up as the doors opened. A curious look crossed her face. "Rei!" She squealed. She tackled me in a big hug. I hugged her back, but wearily.
"Welcome, Lady Rei," a servant said as he stepped up. He bowed. "Let me escort you to your quarters," We started to walk to my room. Minako followed, oddly silent. The servant opened the door for me, and I stepped into the room.
I had a large room with whitewashed walls that glittered in the sunlight. A breezy patio was adjoined to my room. The sliding frosted glass doors stood open, letting a soft breeze filter in. Stark white flowers framed my vanity. Their reflections in the mirror were as perfect as their flawless petals. The bright gauze on the canopy bed fluttered in the breeze. My jaw dropped. I hadn't expected my room to be more exquisite than my one at home. The plush carpet cushioned my feet as I stood still absorbing my new surroundings.
"I take it you like it?" Minako asked from behind me. My hair swirled around me as I turned to face her.
"Like it?" I turned around again and began to walk around. "It's absolutely amazing! I had imagined some drab room with heavy tapestries and dark morbid colors. But this..." I took in a breath. "Is spectacular." I stopped when I noticed a subtle watercolor. It depicted a garden, with many pastel and vibrant colors, all of which led up to a single trellis in the center of the garden with misty wisteria draping from it. I could practically smell the fragrances. Other servants brought in my possessions and set them in a corner of the room, right next to a hidden door. I glanced at Minako then looked back at the door. A closet blocked it from view for the most part.
"You'll find out what it is later," Minako said. "Right now you have an audience with the Queen," I nodded. I wanted to flop down on the cozy bed and feel the blissful fabrics. I wanted to know if they were as silky as they looked. Minako set a hand on my shoulder. "Rei," she said. I nodded, and took one last sidelong look at the bed and followed her out of the room. She stopped at the room next to mine. "This is my room," she said pointing to the door. Small stones had been molded into the frame that gave off an opalescent shine. I could tell it was her room simply by looking at the door. She sighed. The palace stretched before us.
"I presume that this should take a while," I said. Minako shook her head.
"It shouldn't you've had a long trip," She picked up the pace a little. The heavy weave of my travel gown dragged me down as we walked. I wanted to change into something lighter. Suddenly a huge open space fell upon us. Minako turned left and opened a door. It swung open noiselessly. Her gown rustled loudly in the silence of the sanctum. Reflection pools lined the sides of the room. Usagi turned and smiled at me. She had been looking at something in front of her. The sunlight streaked in from windows high above us. It made intricate patterns on the floor where it had been broken by the leaves of plants that were nestled in the arched ceiling and the beams.
Minako sat down on a bench and tilted her head towards the light. It framed her face and hair so that it appeared that her hair was spun gold that fell in soft waves around her. Another door in the room opened and I turned my attention to the woman who had entered. She was tall, and graceful. She looked completely at ease with everything around her. She had eyes that told one not to be afraid and could calm easily. Even her walked seemed relaxing with it's slow easy gait and smooth motion.
"Rei Hino. I'm glad you arrived safely," Her voice was clear like bells. I sub consciously straightened.
"It was a long trip. Thankfully we didn't have any major problems on the way," I replied.
"I see Minako thought it best to bring you hear for our first meeting. She must know much more about you than I do," Minako looked to Usagi who shrugged and began to play with a bit of her hair. "This is the sanctuary," the queen continued, "Through this room to the left is a prayer room we had built for you, by request from your mother," I nodded. "I hope you found your quarters suitable?" she asked.
"Yes, very much so in fact."
"Good," she said. "In that case I'll let you rest and refresh yourself for dinner. If you need to know anything, ask Minako."
"Thank you," I said. Minako stood and we left the sanctuary. I looked at her as we walked. "For some reason I expected a little more," I said. Minako shrugged.
"There's more to come, trust me," She dropped me off at my room. "I'll get you when it's time for dinner," Minako said as I stood in by my door. She turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" she paused.
"I'm going outside, I don't know where after that," I nodded, then went into my room as she walked off. Her manner wasn't what it usually was. I only dwelled on it for a moment. It was finally time for me to flop down on the huge, cushy bed. I walked up to it gleefully. The silken cover was as soft as it looked. After taking one last glance at the room, I knew I had to sleep before anything else. I sat down on the bed, then sprawled fully enjoying the soft layers. It didn't take me long to doze off.
A few hours passed before I heard a soft knocking on my door. I stirred, feeling too comfortable to move. So, I ignored the tapping for a while. Finally the person just entered. Usagi walked in and looked around. Then found me on the bed. She stopped just before it.
"Rei-chan," she said quietly. I looked over at her idly.
"Mmm?" I responded lazily. Usagi sighed and set her hands on her hips.
"I thought it best that I wake you so you could bathe if you felt you needed to," she said. I sat up.
"So...where's the bath?" I asked. She looked at me, confused.
"You have your own," My eyes widened.
"No way!" I exclaimed. I hopped off the bed and stood next to her. "Where?" The question was too demanding. Usagi blinked.
"Right there," she pointed to the almost hidden door. I jumped up once, happily. I dashed to it and opened it up.
"Oh my gosh, it's beautiful!" I exclaimed. I turned to Usagi, smiling broadly. My voice echoed in the room. The bath was white as well. I had the feeling most everything would be, but I liked it that way. There were stairs leading to a raised basin, which must have been the bathtub, itself. There were shelves in all kinds of nooks and crannies where downy towels and sparkling bottles of soaps and perfumes caught the light from the skylight. A skylight in my bath! Small colored stones were embedded in the floor and a small throw rug was placed at the bottom of the stairs. A cover lay across the top of the basin, to preserve the heat of the water. If only I had known earlier! Usagi smiled, though she didn't seem to understand.
"Thank you, Usagi!" I exclaimed brightly. She nodded, then turned to leave.
"I'll leave you be so that you can fully enjoy your bath." I nodded, brimming with newfound energy and excitement. Maybe this Moon business wouldn't be as bad as I thought it would. I quickly shed my clothes and settled into the bath. The water was hot and it was thoroughly relaxing. I soaked until my skin was wrinkled. Then I soaped up and rinsed off. The scents of the soap were heavenly. This day was turning out oddly glorious.
There was a light knock at the door. I wrapped a towel around me and opened the door slightly. A maid stood at the door, and she blushed when I opened the door. "It's time for dinner, milady," she said quietly. I nodded.
"Thank you." I said, matching her tone. She turned to the closet and waited. I blinked then realized why she was waiting. "I can dress myself, thank you." She nodded again and then left, closing the door softly behind her. I walked over to the closet, drying my hair with another towel as I went. I stopped and looked at my dresses. I didn't know what to wear! And it was surprising how well everything had been put away so quickly, all my clothes at least. Most of my other possessions were still in boxes. The door burst open suddenly.
"Rei, I'm so sorry!" Minako said breathlessly. I was startled by her sudden appearance. "Let's get you into something and fix your hair a little." zhe said as she closed the door. I didn't respond. She turned to my closet and whipped out a bright red dress, with mid sleeves and a flared skirt. "Go ahead, put it on!" she said, impatiently.
"Mina, it's just dinner isn't it?" I asked. She stopped and put her arms down, still holding the dress. Then she shook her head slowly.
"You need to make an impression. There's more than just the royal family here, the council and the courtiers are going to be here tonight." I sighed and reached for the dress. As I slid it on, Minako rustled around in one of my drawers. I thought they were all empty. She pulled out a box of glittering barrettes. The dress fell around me as I turned to her. My hair was still somewhat wet. Minako made me sit by the vanity as she worked on my hair. She pulled half of it back into two small braids on the side of my hair, joining them as they met in the middle of my head. The rest of my hair remained down around me. It looked nice. I loved the way the barrettes captured any light. Minako then pulled me up from the chair. I wondered why she was taking charge so quickly. Then I watched her carefully.
She was wearing a thin pale pink dress with a ruffle around the waist, and one around the bottom. She was working on freeing a bracelet that was tangled in a case she had brought in with her. I realized it was her jewelry she was getting out. But it was for me. She had her hair back in a twist but pieces of hair had been pulled out and were curled so they framed her face and left a dramatic impression. Some of the same barrettes held her hair in place. Upon Minako's arm was a small circlet, and she didn't wear anything else accept the necklace Kunzite had given her. She still had it. She looked nervous. Maybe she was nervous for me.
"Here." She said. She handed me a bracelet and a choker necklace. I put them both on and soon we were ready. I stopped her before she got out the door. She was slightly flushed.
"Hey, are we going to be late?" I asked. Minako shook her head.
"But we should be getting there soon. Selene wants to go over a few things with you." she replied. I nodded.
"Are you alright?" I stared at her. I was waiting for her reaction. She just looked at me calmly and nodded.
"I'm just a little excited for you, is all." Then she pulled me out into the hall and guided me to the dinner hall. It didn't take us long to reach it. She paused at the entrance, watching the servants setting the multiple tables. I stopped behind her and watched as well. It seemed busy. Minako sighed and walked in. She found Selene and led me to her. We had a short discussion and before I knew it, every one was assembled and dinner was starting.
Even that went by quickly. It was the usual boring dinner party, but all the rest of the crowd seemed quite interested in me. Minako had worked her magic once again. Then we were back at my room again. I was tired and Minako felt that we shouldn't stay up and talk. We'd have plenty of time for that later. My life had just been completely altered in one day, and I wasn't feeling the effects yet. As soon as I was in my bed I was out. The next day would seal the reality of my new life.
~*~Notes from Zellie*~*
I don't have much to say this time around. Hope you enjoyed V.F. 4! If you feel the need to contact me, leave a review or simply mail me. Lil_Venus@hotmail.com