The Road less Traveled~
Chapter 7
*********
Usagi stood on the tarmac of the palace spaceport under the waning sun watching the palace workers load the last of their supplies into the imperial shuttle. Usagi couldn't believe at how fast the past week had elapsed as the details of the final leg of their journey came into focus.
~@@@@~
Umi, Usagi, Luna and Amio had gathered around the large table in the royal study, to hear the plans that Umi had arranged in order for them to meet up with Kakyuu and her entourage. Fortunately for Usagi's sanity Umi was a very efficient administrator, and she was able to complete all the preparations before Usagi was able to drive herself crazy in anticipation. Luna had found it increasingly difficult to keep Usagi calm as the moment for Usagi and Seiya's reunion slowly came into focus.
" I have sent a message ahead to the planet of Palma in the Sinious star system. They are the next stop in Kakyuu's diplomatic voyage, and fortunately only three days travel time away. " Umi pointed to a serene green planet with three luminous white moons circling it, displayed on the computer projection.
"You should arrive before Kakyuu, thereby giving you time to mingle with the other guests before she reaches the planet. I have introduced you as Princess Serenity, future ruler of the joint Earth-Moon Kingdom, and who just happens to be an old and dear friend of Kinnmoku's royal family." Here Umi gave Usagi a sly wink, causing her to laugh. "The Palmians always give grand parties during these diplomatic visits in order for everyone to get to know each other, and you will be coming in contact with ambassadors and royalty from many planets and star systems. I almost wish that I was going with you, I will be jealous of all the fun you will have."
~@@@@~
As Umi had explained her plans, Usagi's mind had swirled at the thought of what lay ahead of her. Attending the diplomatic meetings and parties would not be that different from those that she had attended on earth, and thanked the stars for her years as the ambassador's attaché. However, unlike her previous experiences where she passed mostly unnoticed through the crowds, this time she would most likely be the focus of attention. She hoped that she had it in her to act like the ruler she would become, and be able to represent her future kingdom with all the grace it deserved.
Mercifully the days after were soon filled by the seemingly endless task of outfitting her small party as a proper diplomatic envoy. Umi had insisted on using Kinnmoku's seemingly limitless generosity on providing them with appropriate clothes and equipment for the journey. Usagi could only marvel at the beautiful gowns and jewelry that was packed away in trunks for herself and Luna, and found comic relief in watching Amio's resistance against being turned into a proper court official by Umi's servants. Frequently she thought he was going to hit the tailor as he took measurements and contorted poor Amio into one degrading position after another. More than once she had to leave the room before she burst into laughter at the scowl that had permanently etched itself on to his face throughout his ordeal.
Usagi smiled at these memories as she pulled the cloak she was wearing closer around her body. The first sun had almost set during her vigil and the sudden drop in temperature brought with it a much cooler wind. She looked at the distinctive Kinnmoku sky, and remembered her first Kinnmoku sunset in Amio's village. That night seemed lifetimes ago, but in truth it was only just over a week past. Usagi wondered when she would see the icy blues and purples of this sunset again, and when she did, if she would be alone. Usagi sighed as she wished she would stop being so melodramatic. It seemed that her thoughts lately were overshadowed by her fears and doubts. She felt as if her nerves had been continually tightening, much like the strings of an instrument. She shook her head as if to chase the dark thoughts from her mind, and set her jaw in the determination that she would try to feel positive and optimistic from now on, no matter how dire things seemed. " If Seiya sees me so high strung he won't want to have anything to do with me. I have to have hope, for myself.for him." Usagi pledged this vow to herself with all the conviction she could muster.
" Usagi."
Usagi turned at the sound of the voice to see Amio standing nearby. She had not heard him approach and wondered if he had heard her, but his serene face belied nothing. Amio was still somewhat of an enigma to her, alternately rough and gentle at the same time. Many a sleepless night in the past week he had escorted her in silence through the palace gardens, his calm demeanor strangely comforting. He didn't offer any insight into his own thoughts during that time, and mercifully didn't pry into Usagi's. She wondered what Amio had thought on their quiet walks, but didn't feel right to ask him. Still, Usagi was greatly relieved that he was there, then and now. She felt an innate closeness to him, which thankfully had not been defined.at least not yet.
" Hello Amio." Usagi brushed loose hair away from her face as the wind began to pick up again. " I'm going to miss your beautiful sunset."
Amio walked to stand beside her, his face lifted to the heavens. The bright stars reflected in his eyes, briefly making them sparkle like golden diamonds. Usagi looked quickly back at the sky, suddenly aware of his close proximity. The sky had turned a deep midnight blue, Seiya's blue..
" Umi sent me to fetch you. The ship will be ready to leave within the hour and she wants to say good-bye to all of us."
Usagi let out a breath, not realizing she had been unconsciously holding it. She couldn't believe that the time had come. " I'll be there in a minute. I just want to say good-bye to this wonderful night."
Amio nodded and turned to leave, but something made him stop. He looked back to where Usagi stood serenely, her eyes closed as she was bathed in the light of the moon. Her tranquillity made her look like an exquisite ivory statue, set forever in a cold stillness. Amio didn't want to disturb her, but...
" Usagi.."
Usagi opened her eyes with a smile. " Yes?"
" Can I ask you something?"
" Of course." Usagi said, moving closer to where Amio stood.
" Was that necklace that you sold to Pasa really important to you? I mean, was it a gift from someone special? I mean..dammit! " He swore, pulling away sharply, " Sorry! It's none of my business. " He frowned, raking his fingers through his hair.
" No that's okay." Usagi smiled reassuringly, " I don't mind telling you. Yes, it was from someone special. An old love from long ago." Usagi walked forward a few paces, her arms folded as she looked at the crates being loaded on the ship. " Mamorou was intended to be my husband in the future, but I chose to change that path. He gave me the necklace as a reminder of the love we once had. It was pure and beautiful in its own way, just like the diamond, but it wasn't really meant to be because it wasn't enough..for me. He would be content that I sold it for a good reason. In order to bring myself peace and happiness"
Usagi turned to see an unrecognizable expression on Amio's face. " I'm sorry," she said laying a hand on his arm, " I didn't mean to bore you with my ramblings." Usagi laughed a little ruefully.
Amio smiled back somewhat awkwardly. " You didn't bore me Usagi. It's just that I...I went back to Pasa's and bought the necklace back from him. I thought that you were giving up something important and I wanted you to have it back." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the necklace holding it gingerly in his roughened palm.
Usagi was stunned by the simple sweetness of his gesture. She felt tears welling up in her eyes as she thought about Amio travelling all the way back to his village just to retrieve something that he thought was important to her. Usagi reached out and grasped the necklace, her hand brushing his. The touch brought an electric feeling down Usagi's back to the pit of her stomach as she turned the necklace over in her hand. The diamond was still intact, and it caught the new moonlight in its complex surface. She looked up to see Amio with a lopsided grin on his face.
" I can't believe you did that you big dummy!" Usagi's voice was coloured by her emotion as she reached up to place the necklace back on her neck.
Amio laughed as he watched Usagi struggle with the clasp as a few tears journeyed down her cheeks. " I'm just glad that I could make you smile." His face sobered as he looked at Usagi. " I know that a lot has been going through your mind and I just wanted to make you happy." Amio reached up and cupped Usagi's face in his large hand very gingerly as if he was afraid that she would move away from his touch.
Usagi found herself once again drawn to the magnetic force of Amio's gaze. She felt Amio grasp her face and instinctively leaned into his tough. Her soft skin mingled with his weathered palm and she felt a warm wave travel through her body. She closed her eyes at the sensation and also to escape Amio's piercing gaze. 'Kinnmoku men and their eyes.' She thought almost dreamily. A small noise made Usagi's eyes fly open, and Amio's hand dropped from her face as if it was on fire. Usagi turned her head to see Luna watching herself and Amio with a slightly bemused expression on her face.
" Umi sent me out to look for the both of you. It seems that the workers have loaded the shuttle more quickly than expected and we are ready to leave now."
Usagi looked around the hanger somewhat bewildered and found the cavernous opening devoid of movement. She had been so engrossed in her conversation with Amio that she hadn't even realized that the ship had finished loading, and that she and Amio were the only ones left. She felt a hot blush rise in her cheeks and looked to see a similar colour present in Amio's face. Nodding somewhat stiffly to Luna he began walking toward the entrance, not meeting her eyes as he passed her. Luna watched him leave and turned back to Usagi with cocked eyebrows.
" Not a word! I don't want to hear it!" Usagi said venomously as she rushed past Luna, her loud laughter echoing throughout the building.
Chapter 7
*********
Usagi stood on the tarmac of the palace spaceport under the waning sun watching the palace workers load the last of their supplies into the imperial shuttle. Usagi couldn't believe at how fast the past week had elapsed as the details of the final leg of their journey came into focus.
~@@@@~
Umi, Usagi, Luna and Amio had gathered around the large table in the royal study, to hear the plans that Umi had arranged in order for them to meet up with Kakyuu and her entourage. Fortunately for Usagi's sanity Umi was a very efficient administrator, and she was able to complete all the preparations before Usagi was able to drive herself crazy in anticipation. Luna had found it increasingly difficult to keep Usagi calm as the moment for Usagi and Seiya's reunion slowly came into focus.
" I have sent a message ahead to the planet of Palma in the Sinious star system. They are the next stop in Kakyuu's diplomatic voyage, and fortunately only three days travel time away. " Umi pointed to a serene green planet with three luminous white moons circling it, displayed on the computer projection.
"You should arrive before Kakyuu, thereby giving you time to mingle with the other guests before she reaches the planet. I have introduced you as Princess Serenity, future ruler of the joint Earth-Moon Kingdom, and who just happens to be an old and dear friend of Kinnmoku's royal family." Here Umi gave Usagi a sly wink, causing her to laugh. "The Palmians always give grand parties during these diplomatic visits in order for everyone to get to know each other, and you will be coming in contact with ambassadors and royalty from many planets and star systems. I almost wish that I was going with you, I will be jealous of all the fun you will have."
~@@@@~
As Umi had explained her plans, Usagi's mind had swirled at the thought of what lay ahead of her. Attending the diplomatic meetings and parties would not be that different from those that she had attended on earth, and thanked the stars for her years as the ambassador's attaché. However, unlike her previous experiences where she passed mostly unnoticed through the crowds, this time she would most likely be the focus of attention. She hoped that she had it in her to act like the ruler she would become, and be able to represent her future kingdom with all the grace it deserved.
Mercifully the days after were soon filled by the seemingly endless task of outfitting her small party as a proper diplomatic envoy. Umi had insisted on using Kinnmoku's seemingly limitless generosity on providing them with appropriate clothes and equipment for the journey. Usagi could only marvel at the beautiful gowns and jewelry that was packed away in trunks for herself and Luna, and found comic relief in watching Amio's resistance against being turned into a proper court official by Umi's servants. Frequently she thought he was going to hit the tailor as he took measurements and contorted poor Amio into one degrading position after another. More than once she had to leave the room before she burst into laughter at the scowl that had permanently etched itself on to his face throughout his ordeal.
Usagi smiled at these memories as she pulled the cloak she was wearing closer around her body. The first sun had almost set during her vigil and the sudden drop in temperature brought with it a much cooler wind. She looked at the distinctive Kinnmoku sky, and remembered her first Kinnmoku sunset in Amio's village. That night seemed lifetimes ago, but in truth it was only just over a week past. Usagi wondered when she would see the icy blues and purples of this sunset again, and when she did, if she would be alone. Usagi sighed as she wished she would stop being so melodramatic. It seemed that her thoughts lately were overshadowed by her fears and doubts. She felt as if her nerves had been continually tightening, much like the strings of an instrument. She shook her head as if to chase the dark thoughts from her mind, and set her jaw in the determination that she would try to feel positive and optimistic from now on, no matter how dire things seemed. " If Seiya sees me so high strung he won't want to have anything to do with me. I have to have hope, for myself.for him." Usagi pledged this vow to herself with all the conviction she could muster.
" Usagi."
Usagi turned at the sound of the voice to see Amio standing nearby. She had not heard him approach and wondered if he had heard her, but his serene face belied nothing. Amio was still somewhat of an enigma to her, alternately rough and gentle at the same time. Many a sleepless night in the past week he had escorted her in silence through the palace gardens, his calm demeanor strangely comforting. He didn't offer any insight into his own thoughts during that time, and mercifully didn't pry into Usagi's. She wondered what Amio had thought on their quiet walks, but didn't feel right to ask him. Still, Usagi was greatly relieved that he was there, then and now. She felt an innate closeness to him, which thankfully had not been defined.at least not yet.
" Hello Amio." Usagi brushed loose hair away from her face as the wind began to pick up again. " I'm going to miss your beautiful sunset."
Amio walked to stand beside her, his face lifted to the heavens. The bright stars reflected in his eyes, briefly making them sparkle like golden diamonds. Usagi looked quickly back at the sky, suddenly aware of his close proximity. The sky had turned a deep midnight blue, Seiya's blue..
" Umi sent me to fetch you. The ship will be ready to leave within the hour and she wants to say good-bye to all of us."
Usagi let out a breath, not realizing she had been unconsciously holding it. She couldn't believe that the time had come. " I'll be there in a minute. I just want to say good-bye to this wonderful night."
Amio nodded and turned to leave, but something made him stop. He looked back to where Usagi stood serenely, her eyes closed as she was bathed in the light of the moon. Her tranquillity made her look like an exquisite ivory statue, set forever in a cold stillness. Amio didn't want to disturb her, but...
" Usagi.."
Usagi opened her eyes with a smile. " Yes?"
" Can I ask you something?"
" Of course." Usagi said, moving closer to where Amio stood.
" Was that necklace that you sold to Pasa really important to you? I mean, was it a gift from someone special? I mean..dammit! " He swore, pulling away sharply, " Sorry! It's none of my business. " He frowned, raking his fingers through his hair.
" No that's okay." Usagi smiled reassuringly, " I don't mind telling you. Yes, it was from someone special. An old love from long ago." Usagi walked forward a few paces, her arms folded as she looked at the crates being loaded on the ship. " Mamorou was intended to be my husband in the future, but I chose to change that path. He gave me the necklace as a reminder of the love we once had. It was pure and beautiful in its own way, just like the diamond, but it wasn't really meant to be because it wasn't enough..for me. He would be content that I sold it for a good reason. In order to bring myself peace and happiness"
Usagi turned to see an unrecognizable expression on Amio's face. " I'm sorry," she said laying a hand on his arm, " I didn't mean to bore you with my ramblings." Usagi laughed a little ruefully.
Amio smiled back somewhat awkwardly. " You didn't bore me Usagi. It's just that I...I went back to Pasa's and bought the necklace back from him. I thought that you were giving up something important and I wanted you to have it back." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the necklace holding it gingerly in his roughened palm.
Usagi was stunned by the simple sweetness of his gesture. She felt tears welling up in her eyes as she thought about Amio travelling all the way back to his village just to retrieve something that he thought was important to her. Usagi reached out and grasped the necklace, her hand brushing his. The touch brought an electric feeling down Usagi's back to the pit of her stomach as she turned the necklace over in her hand. The diamond was still intact, and it caught the new moonlight in its complex surface. She looked up to see Amio with a lopsided grin on his face.
" I can't believe you did that you big dummy!" Usagi's voice was coloured by her emotion as she reached up to place the necklace back on her neck.
Amio laughed as he watched Usagi struggle with the clasp as a few tears journeyed down her cheeks. " I'm just glad that I could make you smile." His face sobered as he looked at Usagi. " I know that a lot has been going through your mind and I just wanted to make you happy." Amio reached up and cupped Usagi's face in his large hand very gingerly as if he was afraid that she would move away from his touch.
Usagi found herself once again drawn to the magnetic force of Amio's gaze. She felt Amio grasp her face and instinctively leaned into his tough. Her soft skin mingled with his weathered palm and she felt a warm wave travel through her body. She closed her eyes at the sensation and also to escape Amio's piercing gaze. 'Kinnmoku men and their eyes.' She thought almost dreamily. A small noise made Usagi's eyes fly open, and Amio's hand dropped from her face as if it was on fire. Usagi turned her head to see Luna watching herself and Amio with a slightly bemused expression on her face.
" Umi sent me out to look for the both of you. It seems that the workers have loaded the shuttle more quickly than expected and we are ready to leave now."
Usagi looked around the hanger somewhat bewildered and found the cavernous opening devoid of movement. She had been so engrossed in her conversation with Amio that she hadn't even realized that the ship had finished loading, and that she and Amio were the only ones left. She felt a hot blush rise in her cheeks and looked to see a similar colour present in Amio's face. Nodding somewhat stiffly to Luna he began walking toward the entrance, not meeting her eyes as he passed her. Luna watched him leave and turned back to Usagi with cocked eyebrows.
" Not a word! I don't want to hear it!" Usagi said venomously as she rushed past Luna, her loud laughter echoing throughout the building.