The Road Less Traveled ~
Chapter 8:
Usagi was tired. It was the kind of weariness that went beyond a simple lack of sleep. It was the kind of fatigue that one felt in the very core of their being. A mental exhaustion combined with a physical one. She rolled on her side and glanced at the clock on the table beside the couch. She sighed as she buried her face in the pillow. Her latest attempt as sleeping was another dismal failure. The last three days travelling through space had taken their toll. Usagi sat up and stretched her limbs, grimacing as her leg made a cracking noise. Looking up from her book. Luna smiled sympathetically at Usagi's discomfort.
" Are we there yet?" Usagi said wryly, rubbing her palms on her aching back.
" Ha ha." Luna closed the book and laid it across her lap; " If you can't sleep you should be learning about the cultures that we are going to be introduced to not long from now. They will be very different from what we were used to back on Earth."
" I don't know about that." Usagi rolled her eyes to the ceiling, twirling a golden strand of hair between her fingertips. " In my experience every culture and civilization are pretty similar. People in politics always seem to act the same."
" Yeah they always seem to be as boring as hell."
Usagi laughed and smacked Luna on the leg with her pillow. "Hey, what's up with the attitude? Have you forgotten that you spent most of your life, past and present, in some kind of court? I turn you into a human and you turn into a bitch."
" Watch your mouth young lady." Luna scolded feigning outrage. " Now I have to get back to my book so that ONE of us will be prepared when we land."
Usagi smiled to herself at the prim expression Luna plastered on her face as she continued reading. Usagi found her eyes straying to the large windows in the side of the spaceship. The spaceships' light speed travel caused the stars to blur together into long streaks of rainbow coloured light. The windows had showed almost nothing else during their trip, and this scene had been such a constant fixture, that she had almost forgotten that the windows could show something else. Usagi stood up and wandered over to the windows, resting her hand on the glass. 'So much life in such emptiness.' Usagi reflected, a little surprised at the thought. A soft noise behind her made her turn her head. Amio had entered the room while she was at the window, and was now talking to Luna. Usagi watched as Luna laughed, and was startled by a small pang in the bottom of her stomach as she watched the scene.
" That wouldn't be jealousy, would it Usagi?" she muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes as she turned back to the window. Usagi had not talked much with Amio since they had left Kinnmoku, and had come to realize over the past three days that she was a somewhat a coward. Something had happened between them in the hangar when Amio returned Mamorou's necklace, and Usagi didn't want to begin deciphering the perplexing emotions growing in her.
"Stop thinking so much!" Usagi scolded herself, closing her eyes.
" Usagi!" Usagi opened her eyes at the sound of Luna's voice." Amio just told me that the pilot said that we are going to be landing on Palma within the hour."
" Ah!" Usagi yelped; " I'm not ready yet!"
" You'd better move your ass and get changed." Luna ordered, standing up from her chair. " You have less than an hour to turn into royalty!"
" Fates help us." Usagi breathed, her eyes growing wide with excitement.
"Amen to that." Luna said dryly.
~@@@@@~
The roar of spaceships landing and taking-off filled the air as Luna and Amio waited outside the Kinnmoku shuttle, watching the unloading of the ship. Luna gazed in wonderment at the activity around her as ships from far off worlds arrived to drop off their delegates for the conference. Fortunately the Kinnmoku pilot was taking care of the details of their landing so Luna and Amio could acclimate themselves to their new surroundings with relative peace. Luna began to feel very insignificant as she came in contact with creatures from all over the galaxy. On Earth there was no knowledge of any life outside of their planet, and here in another corner of the galaxy, hundreds of different species were gathering for diplomatic conferences. The scene was awe inspiring and sobering at the same time. Luna had to continually chastise herself to retain some semblance of decorum, and not to look totally like a slack-jawed yokel. She had long given up on Amio who watched the commotion with a child-like awe.
Footsteps behind her made her turn, and she gazed in wonderment as the Palmian envoy approached the ship to welcome them. The Palmian race was human-like in appearance, but taller and more slender. They had smooth skin that was light green in colour, and large almond-shaped eyes that were totally black, with no irises or pupils. Their thick black hair, for both the males and females of the party, was arranged in elaborate styles that were obviously a sign of rank and status. The higher the status the more elaborate the hairstyle. The palace delegates appeared to be male and female, and walked slightly ahead of several guards that followed behind. This envoy was obviously very important Luna thought, judging from the overall regality of their appearance and demeanor, and the copious amounts of security personnel that followed them.
" Cha'tur nagoth." The male Palmian said, folding his slender hands together as he made a short albeit elegant bow. " I am Bal'Ur, who represents her majesty Queen Iyla. On behalf of her and all of Palma I welcome you and render myself your humble servant" His voice was deep and melodic, almost like an instrument.
Luna smiled attractively as she returned the bow. " Queen Iyla and Palma honours our party with their kindness."
Bal'ur smiled and nodded at Luna's response as if pleased that the new arrivals were civilized beings. "This is Amal who will be bring you to your quarters," he gestured to the female to his right." Amal will ensure that your stay on Palma is a pleasurable one."
Luna smiled in appreciation at Amal, who inclined her head at Bal'ur's introduction. " I am sure that any arrangements that you have made will exceed our expectations. Princess Serenity will be joining us in a short while, she was just completing some final tasks aboard the ship." A noise at the top of the entranceway made her turn. " Ah there she is now."
Luna's voice dried in her throat as she saw Usagi descending the ramp from the shuttle. Usagi was dressed in a pastel green gown that seemed to float around her like a soft mist. Simple platinum coloured jewelry adorned her neck and wrists, but that only served to bring out the beauty of her garment. Her hair flowed loose around her shoulders like a golden waterfall, and her eyes seemed to shine with a light of their own. The most magnificent piece was her tiara that shone in her hair like a moonbeam fashioned into metal. Usagi looked wholly regal and Luna had forgotten that she could look like that. Luna glanced around and saw the looks of admiration on the Palmian delegates faces. 'Rightfully so.' She thought somewhat smugly.
Usagi smiled graciously at the Palmian emissaries as she reached the bottom of the staircase. " I thank you for allowing us to join your conference at such a late hour. I apologize for any inconvenience that we caused you."
" No need for any apology, the honour is ours Princess Serenity." Bal'ur replied kissing Usagi's hand. " I am pleased that you were able to make it here safely, but now on to business! Amal, will you take Her Majesty's companions to their quarters while I bring Princess Serenity to meet the Queen."
Amal nodded obediently as Bal'ur took Usagi by the arm and guided her toward the entrance to the palace. Amal inclined her head at Amio and Luna and smiled benignly. " This way please." She said, turning to walk across the tarmac. Luna began to follow but soon realized she was alone. Turning back she saw that Amio was still rooted to his spot, gazing at Usagi's retreating form. "Amio!" Luna called. Startled Amio turned to Luna with a blank expression. " This way." Luna said, nodding her head in the direction that Amal had taken. " You look like you've seen a ghost!"
" No, just an angel." He mumbled to himself, just loud enough for Luna to hear.
~@@@@@@~
Usagi's meeting with the Queen had gone by without any obstacles She was able to answer the royalty's questions about her planet, and explain how Kakyuu had come to visit earth without any reference to the Sailor Wars or Galaxia. Queen Iyla had been very intrigued with Usagi's journey and had insisted that Usagi join her tonight at the grand welcoming ball so she could introduce Usagi to the other planetary nobility. As Usagi strolled idly beside Bal'ur through the cavernous hallway of the main palace back to the visitors quarters, she realized that she had begun to feel different, as if her royal heritage was beginning to come back to her. There was a certain grace to her step and tenor to her voice that had not been present even a few hours earlier. Bal'ur was describing various architectural features of the palace as Usagi listened in wonderment. The palace was designed with a fluidity that reminded Usagi of the graceful flow of water. She was so engrossed in listening to Bal'ur's descriptions that she failed to notice the two men passing her on the other side of the hallway, until a familiar sensation seized her.
'Just like at Tokyo Airport.the day that Seiya arrived.'
The recognition made Usagi stop mid-stride and turn to see two ponytails swinging faintly down the backs of the two men as they walked, one silver..and one black. Usagi eyes widened as the taller dark-haired man stopped walking almost at the same moment as her, as if he too was struck with the same feeling as Usagi. Panicking she realized that he was about to turn around and quickly turned back to face her original direction. Bal'ur had stopped a few paces ahead of her once he realized that she was no longer with him. Usagi swallowed deeply and forced herself to walk calmly even though her heart was beating so loud she was sure that he could hear it. The desire to turn around and look him in the face was intoxicating, and it took every ounce of Usagi's will power not to.
'I can't face him yet. I just can't.' Usagi thought to herself somewhat desperately.
"Are you alright your highness?" Bal'ur inquired with concern in his obsidian eyes.
" I'm sorry Bal'ur. I just thought that I saw an old acquaintance of mine." Usagi said, forcing a smile on her face. " However it turned out not to be so."
Bal'ur nodded and offered Usagi his arm again, which Usagi was grateful for. She felt a little lightheaded after the encounter, but strangely energized at the same time. As Bal'ur continued talking, Usagi found herself only half-listening.
" He's really here." She thought as a wave of excitement passed over her; " Seiya is really here."
~@@@@@~
Usagi burst through the doors of her quarters barely able to control her excitement. She had made it through the walk back without breaking her composure and had even been able to say a pleasant farewell to Bal'ur, but she found that she could no longer contain her excitement.
" Luna! LUNA!" Usagi shouted as she ran to the other side of the sitting room.
" What!? What's wrong?" Luna asked frantically, running half dressed from one of the bedrooms.
" He's here! He's here!" Usagi clapped her hands together, her eyes shining in her exhilaration.
" He's here? Seiya..wow." Luna repeated slowly, sitting on the nearest couch. " Did you speak to him?"
" Are you crazy?" Usagi gasped, sitting across from Luna; " I didn't even know it was him until I passed him on my way back here. It makes my stomach knot just thinking how close I came to literally smacking into him. I haven't even figured out what I'm going to say yet."
Luna watched Usagi ramble on about her close encounter with Seiya and was taken by the way she seemed to glow with enthusiasm " It was strange;" Usagi mused, leaning back into the satin covered couch; " It felt just like when I first met him at Tokyo Airport. I didn't even see him, but when I passed him, I was hit by the exact same feeling. It was so strong it made me stop in my tracks and even made him stop as well."
" Well, that can only mean that you two still have a bond. To still have that link so many years later is a very positive sign." Luna said comfortingly, patting Usagi's hand.
Usagi smiled gratefully at Luna as she stood up. " I will talk to him tonight. I don't know what I will say, but I will talk to him. I'd better start getting ready though because Bal'ur will be back shortly to bring me to the ball. Queen Iyla has insisted on introducing me to the other dignitaries so I'd better not be late!"
" No you'd better not!" Luna chided, rising from her seat." We know how long it takes you to get ready!"
Feigning outrage Usagi smacked Luna in the arm lightly, but it just made Luna laugh as she gave Usagi a hug. Smiling in her happiness Usagi returned Luna's hug vigorously. Both were so engrossed in their conversation that neither noticed an orange-haired figure move stealthily away from a nearby doorway and close the door silently behind him.
~@@@@@~
" Would you stop fussing with your collar!? You're driving me crazy!" Luna said exasperated at Amio's fidgeting.
" I wish they didn't made these things so damn tight!" Amio growled, giving his collar one more vicious tug. Hearing a perceptible ripping noise, he smiled triumphantly as Luna put her face in her hands.
The ball had been proceeding for about an hour and it was just starting to fill up with ornately dressed delegates. Looking at the rainbow of lavish gowns and jewelry made Luna feel plain in comparison. Glancing at Amio, Luna was forced to admit how handsome he looked. The Kinnmoku tailors had fashioned a formal outfit that consisted of light coloured pants paired with a black tunic. The tunic had elaborate multihued embroidery that complimented both his orange hair and his golden eyes. The only facet of the outfit he insisted upon was keeping his glass bead necklaces. Luna had originally been mortified, but realized that they lent their own distinction to the outfit and Amio wouldn't be Amio without them.
Glancing around the room she spied Usagi in the midst of a throng of other delegates. She was obviously the star of the evening and everyone wanted an audience with this mysterious newcomer from another star system. If Usagi had looked beautiful this morning, she looked positively radiant now. Instead of the sea-green gown she now wore a pearl-white gown of the same fabric that was embroidered with thousands of silver threads that shimmered in the light of the room. The faultless state of the dress made her platinum jewelry luminous, including her elaborate tiara, and her once straight hair was curled into angelic ringlets. Usagi shone like a diamond in the room and every eye in the room was riveted towards her, including Amio's who had barely taken his eyes off her since they had entered the ballroom. Luna wondered if Amio had indeed fallen for Usagi, although he never betrayed any thoughts to that effect. Luna hoped for his sake that he had not, but found she couldn't fault him if he had.
" Look there's Usagi." Luna pointed in her direction, watching as Usagi was introduced to another political envoy; " I can't believe that she is able to keep smiling after all this."
Usagi was still smiling, but finding it increasingly hard to do so as time wore on. She had been introduced to so many people that she found their names running together into one big jumble. She continued nodding politely and answering questions while surreptitiously looking for Seiya in the growing thong of people. So far she had no luck, but she spied Luna and Amio standing along the edge of the room. Relived she excused herself before she could get drawn into another conversation. Hurrying toward them she waved enthusiastically and smiled as they waved back.
" You guys are doing a good job keeping a low profile. I wasn't sure if I should break your cover!"
" Very funny." Luna said darkly; " We all can't be Miss Popularity you know."
Usagi laughed and gave Luna a hug. " Oh come on. I've met so many people that I don't remember the names of any of them. I practically had to run away to be able to come over here. I'm seriously starting to wish that this will be over with soon, I don't know how I'm going to last when I become a real Queen."
" When you're a real Queen you'll force people to come to you, instead of the other way around." Amio said impishly, laughing as Usagi stuck her tongue out at him in response.
Hearing the orchestra begin a waltz behind her Usagi turned to look before turning back to Luna and Amio. " That means I'll probably have to dance soon." She lamented, glancing at the couples that had begun to gather on the dance floor. " I hope I remember how to waltz."
Usagi was so engrossed in watching the twirling couples on the dance floor that she didn't notice anyone coming nearer until he was right next to her.
" Princess Serenity?"
" Yes? " Usagi smiled turning toward the deep voice at her side, but as she turned, her heart stopped in her chest and the music fell to a din in her ears.
It was Seiya, standing right before her, so close that she could reach out to touch him if she wanted to. He was dressed in the same outfit as in her dreams and was even clutching the same sword by his side. He looked just like she had remembered him but older, his features a bit sharper and less boyish. His eyes however were exactly the same, deep liquid pools of sapphire that seemed to look into her soul and know the very core of her being. He was stunningly beautiful, and seeing him right before her in flesh and bone took Usagi's breath away.
He bowed gracefully and extended his hand toward her. " I was wondering if you would give me the pleasure of the next dance." He asked with the same rakish grin that captured her heart so many years ago.
Chapter 8:
Usagi was tired. It was the kind of weariness that went beyond a simple lack of sleep. It was the kind of fatigue that one felt in the very core of their being. A mental exhaustion combined with a physical one. She rolled on her side and glanced at the clock on the table beside the couch. She sighed as she buried her face in the pillow. Her latest attempt as sleeping was another dismal failure. The last three days travelling through space had taken their toll. Usagi sat up and stretched her limbs, grimacing as her leg made a cracking noise. Looking up from her book. Luna smiled sympathetically at Usagi's discomfort.
" Are we there yet?" Usagi said wryly, rubbing her palms on her aching back.
" Ha ha." Luna closed the book and laid it across her lap; " If you can't sleep you should be learning about the cultures that we are going to be introduced to not long from now. They will be very different from what we were used to back on Earth."
" I don't know about that." Usagi rolled her eyes to the ceiling, twirling a golden strand of hair between her fingertips. " In my experience every culture and civilization are pretty similar. People in politics always seem to act the same."
" Yeah they always seem to be as boring as hell."
Usagi laughed and smacked Luna on the leg with her pillow. "Hey, what's up with the attitude? Have you forgotten that you spent most of your life, past and present, in some kind of court? I turn you into a human and you turn into a bitch."
" Watch your mouth young lady." Luna scolded feigning outrage. " Now I have to get back to my book so that ONE of us will be prepared when we land."
Usagi smiled to herself at the prim expression Luna plastered on her face as she continued reading. Usagi found her eyes straying to the large windows in the side of the spaceship. The spaceships' light speed travel caused the stars to blur together into long streaks of rainbow coloured light. The windows had showed almost nothing else during their trip, and this scene had been such a constant fixture, that she had almost forgotten that the windows could show something else. Usagi stood up and wandered over to the windows, resting her hand on the glass. 'So much life in such emptiness.' Usagi reflected, a little surprised at the thought. A soft noise behind her made her turn her head. Amio had entered the room while she was at the window, and was now talking to Luna. Usagi watched as Luna laughed, and was startled by a small pang in the bottom of her stomach as she watched the scene.
" That wouldn't be jealousy, would it Usagi?" she muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes as she turned back to the window. Usagi had not talked much with Amio since they had left Kinnmoku, and had come to realize over the past three days that she was a somewhat a coward. Something had happened between them in the hangar when Amio returned Mamorou's necklace, and Usagi didn't want to begin deciphering the perplexing emotions growing in her.
"Stop thinking so much!" Usagi scolded herself, closing her eyes.
" Usagi!" Usagi opened her eyes at the sound of Luna's voice." Amio just told me that the pilot said that we are going to be landing on Palma within the hour."
" Ah!" Usagi yelped; " I'm not ready yet!"
" You'd better move your ass and get changed." Luna ordered, standing up from her chair. " You have less than an hour to turn into royalty!"
" Fates help us." Usagi breathed, her eyes growing wide with excitement.
"Amen to that." Luna said dryly.
~@@@@@~
The roar of spaceships landing and taking-off filled the air as Luna and Amio waited outside the Kinnmoku shuttle, watching the unloading of the ship. Luna gazed in wonderment at the activity around her as ships from far off worlds arrived to drop off their delegates for the conference. Fortunately the Kinnmoku pilot was taking care of the details of their landing so Luna and Amio could acclimate themselves to their new surroundings with relative peace. Luna began to feel very insignificant as she came in contact with creatures from all over the galaxy. On Earth there was no knowledge of any life outside of their planet, and here in another corner of the galaxy, hundreds of different species were gathering for diplomatic conferences. The scene was awe inspiring and sobering at the same time. Luna had to continually chastise herself to retain some semblance of decorum, and not to look totally like a slack-jawed yokel. She had long given up on Amio who watched the commotion with a child-like awe.
Footsteps behind her made her turn, and she gazed in wonderment as the Palmian envoy approached the ship to welcome them. The Palmian race was human-like in appearance, but taller and more slender. They had smooth skin that was light green in colour, and large almond-shaped eyes that were totally black, with no irises or pupils. Their thick black hair, for both the males and females of the party, was arranged in elaborate styles that were obviously a sign of rank and status. The higher the status the more elaborate the hairstyle. The palace delegates appeared to be male and female, and walked slightly ahead of several guards that followed behind. This envoy was obviously very important Luna thought, judging from the overall regality of their appearance and demeanor, and the copious amounts of security personnel that followed them.
" Cha'tur nagoth." The male Palmian said, folding his slender hands together as he made a short albeit elegant bow. " I am Bal'Ur, who represents her majesty Queen Iyla. On behalf of her and all of Palma I welcome you and render myself your humble servant" His voice was deep and melodic, almost like an instrument.
Luna smiled attractively as she returned the bow. " Queen Iyla and Palma honours our party with their kindness."
Bal'ur smiled and nodded at Luna's response as if pleased that the new arrivals were civilized beings. "This is Amal who will be bring you to your quarters," he gestured to the female to his right." Amal will ensure that your stay on Palma is a pleasurable one."
Luna smiled in appreciation at Amal, who inclined her head at Bal'ur's introduction. " I am sure that any arrangements that you have made will exceed our expectations. Princess Serenity will be joining us in a short while, she was just completing some final tasks aboard the ship." A noise at the top of the entranceway made her turn. " Ah there she is now."
Luna's voice dried in her throat as she saw Usagi descending the ramp from the shuttle. Usagi was dressed in a pastel green gown that seemed to float around her like a soft mist. Simple platinum coloured jewelry adorned her neck and wrists, but that only served to bring out the beauty of her garment. Her hair flowed loose around her shoulders like a golden waterfall, and her eyes seemed to shine with a light of their own. The most magnificent piece was her tiara that shone in her hair like a moonbeam fashioned into metal. Usagi looked wholly regal and Luna had forgotten that she could look like that. Luna glanced around and saw the looks of admiration on the Palmian delegates faces. 'Rightfully so.' She thought somewhat smugly.
Usagi smiled graciously at the Palmian emissaries as she reached the bottom of the staircase. " I thank you for allowing us to join your conference at such a late hour. I apologize for any inconvenience that we caused you."
" No need for any apology, the honour is ours Princess Serenity." Bal'ur replied kissing Usagi's hand. " I am pleased that you were able to make it here safely, but now on to business! Amal, will you take Her Majesty's companions to their quarters while I bring Princess Serenity to meet the Queen."
Amal nodded obediently as Bal'ur took Usagi by the arm and guided her toward the entrance to the palace. Amal inclined her head at Amio and Luna and smiled benignly. " This way please." She said, turning to walk across the tarmac. Luna began to follow but soon realized she was alone. Turning back she saw that Amio was still rooted to his spot, gazing at Usagi's retreating form. "Amio!" Luna called. Startled Amio turned to Luna with a blank expression. " This way." Luna said, nodding her head in the direction that Amal had taken. " You look like you've seen a ghost!"
" No, just an angel." He mumbled to himself, just loud enough for Luna to hear.
~@@@@@@~
Usagi's meeting with the Queen had gone by without any obstacles She was able to answer the royalty's questions about her planet, and explain how Kakyuu had come to visit earth without any reference to the Sailor Wars or Galaxia. Queen Iyla had been very intrigued with Usagi's journey and had insisted that Usagi join her tonight at the grand welcoming ball so she could introduce Usagi to the other planetary nobility. As Usagi strolled idly beside Bal'ur through the cavernous hallway of the main palace back to the visitors quarters, she realized that she had begun to feel different, as if her royal heritage was beginning to come back to her. There was a certain grace to her step and tenor to her voice that had not been present even a few hours earlier. Bal'ur was describing various architectural features of the palace as Usagi listened in wonderment. The palace was designed with a fluidity that reminded Usagi of the graceful flow of water. She was so engrossed in listening to Bal'ur's descriptions that she failed to notice the two men passing her on the other side of the hallway, until a familiar sensation seized her.
'Just like at Tokyo Airport.the day that Seiya arrived.'
The recognition made Usagi stop mid-stride and turn to see two ponytails swinging faintly down the backs of the two men as they walked, one silver..and one black. Usagi eyes widened as the taller dark-haired man stopped walking almost at the same moment as her, as if he too was struck with the same feeling as Usagi. Panicking she realized that he was about to turn around and quickly turned back to face her original direction. Bal'ur had stopped a few paces ahead of her once he realized that she was no longer with him. Usagi swallowed deeply and forced herself to walk calmly even though her heart was beating so loud she was sure that he could hear it. The desire to turn around and look him in the face was intoxicating, and it took every ounce of Usagi's will power not to.
'I can't face him yet. I just can't.' Usagi thought to herself somewhat desperately.
"Are you alright your highness?" Bal'ur inquired with concern in his obsidian eyes.
" I'm sorry Bal'ur. I just thought that I saw an old acquaintance of mine." Usagi said, forcing a smile on her face. " However it turned out not to be so."
Bal'ur nodded and offered Usagi his arm again, which Usagi was grateful for. She felt a little lightheaded after the encounter, but strangely energized at the same time. As Bal'ur continued talking, Usagi found herself only half-listening.
" He's really here." She thought as a wave of excitement passed over her; " Seiya is really here."
~@@@@@~
Usagi burst through the doors of her quarters barely able to control her excitement. She had made it through the walk back without breaking her composure and had even been able to say a pleasant farewell to Bal'ur, but she found that she could no longer contain her excitement.
" Luna! LUNA!" Usagi shouted as she ran to the other side of the sitting room.
" What!? What's wrong?" Luna asked frantically, running half dressed from one of the bedrooms.
" He's here! He's here!" Usagi clapped her hands together, her eyes shining in her exhilaration.
" He's here? Seiya..wow." Luna repeated slowly, sitting on the nearest couch. " Did you speak to him?"
" Are you crazy?" Usagi gasped, sitting across from Luna; " I didn't even know it was him until I passed him on my way back here. It makes my stomach knot just thinking how close I came to literally smacking into him. I haven't even figured out what I'm going to say yet."
Luna watched Usagi ramble on about her close encounter with Seiya and was taken by the way she seemed to glow with enthusiasm " It was strange;" Usagi mused, leaning back into the satin covered couch; " It felt just like when I first met him at Tokyo Airport. I didn't even see him, but when I passed him, I was hit by the exact same feeling. It was so strong it made me stop in my tracks and even made him stop as well."
" Well, that can only mean that you two still have a bond. To still have that link so many years later is a very positive sign." Luna said comfortingly, patting Usagi's hand.
Usagi smiled gratefully at Luna as she stood up. " I will talk to him tonight. I don't know what I will say, but I will talk to him. I'd better start getting ready though because Bal'ur will be back shortly to bring me to the ball. Queen Iyla has insisted on introducing me to the other dignitaries so I'd better not be late!"
" No you'd better not!" Luna chided, rising from her seat." We know how long it takes you to get ready!"
Feigning outrage Usagi smacked Luna in the arm lightly, but it just made Luna laugh as she gave Usagi a hug. Smiling in her happiness Usagi returned Luna's hug vigorously. Both were so engrossed in their conversation that neither noticed an orange-haired figure move stealthily away from a nearby doorway and close the door silently behind him.
~@@@@@~
" Would you stop fussing with your collar!? You're driving me crazy!" Luna said exasperated at Amio's fidgeting.
" I wish they didn't made these things so damn tight!" Amio growled, giving his collar one more vicious tug. Hearing a perceptible ripping noise, he smiled triumphantly as Luna put her face in her hands.
The ball had been proceeding for about an hour and it was just starting to fill up with ornately dressed delegates. Looking at the rainbow of lavish gowns and jewelry made Luna feel plain in comparison. Glancing at Amio, Luna was forced to admit how handsome he looked. The Kinnmoku tailors had fashioned a formal outfit that consisted of light coloured pants paired with a black tunic. The tunic had elaborate multihued embroidery that complimented both his orange hair and his golden eyes. The only facet of the outfit he insisted upon was keeping his glass bead necklaces. Luna had originally been mortified, but realized that they lent their own distinction to the outfit and Amio wouldn't be Amio without them.
Glancing around the room she spied Usagi in the midst of a throng of other delegates. She was obviously the star of the evening and everyone wanted an audience with this mysterious newcomer from another star system. If Usagi had looked beautiful this morning, she looked positively radiant now. Instead of the sea-green gown she now wore a pearl-white gown of the same fabric that was embroidered with thousands of silver threads that shimmered in the light of the room. The faultless state of the dress made her platinum jewelry luminous, including her elaborate tiara, and her once straight hair was curled into angelic ringlets. Usagi shone like a diamond in the room and every eye in the room was riveted towards her, including Amio's who had barely taken his eyes off her since they had entered the ballroom. Luna wondered if Amio had indeed fallen for Usagi, although he never betrayed any thoughts to that effect. Luna hoped for his sake that he had not, but found she couldn't fault him if he had.
" Look there's Usagi." Luna pointed in her direction, watching as Usagi was introduced to another political envoy; " I can't believe that she is able to keep smiling after all this."
Usagi was still smiling, but finding it increasingly hard to do so as time wore on. She had been introduced to so many people that she found their names running together into one big jumble. She continued nodding politely and answering questions while surreptitiously looking for Seiya in the growing thong of people. So far she had no luck, but she spied Luna and Amio standing along the edge of the room. Relived she excused herself before she could get drawn into another conversation. Hurrying toward them she waved enthusiastically and smiled as they waved back.
" You guys are doing a good job keeping a low profile. I wasn't sure if I should break your cover!"
" Very funny." Luna said darkly; " We all can't be Miss Popularity you know."
Usagi laughed and gave Luna a hug. " Oh come on. I've met so many people that I don't remember the names of any of them. I practically had to run away to be able to come over here. I'm seriously starting to wish that this will be over with soon, I don't know how I'm going to last when I become a real Queen."
" When you're a real Queen you'll force people to come to you, instead of the other way around." Amio said impishly, laughing as Usagi stuck her tongue out at him in response.
Hearing the orchestra begin a waltz behind her Usagi turned to look before turning back to Luna and Amio. " That means I'll probably have to dance soon." She lamented, glancing at the couples that had begun to gather on the dance floor. " I hope I remember how to waltz."
Usagi was so engrossed in watching the twirling couples on the dance floor that she didn't notice anyone coming nearer until he was right next to her.
" Princess Serenity?"
" Yes? " Usagi smiled turning toward the deep voice at her side, but as she turned, her heart stopped in her chest and the music fell to a din in her ears.
It was Seiya, standing right before her, so close that she could reach out to touch him if she wanted to. He was dressed in the same outfit as in her dreams and was even clutching the same sword by his side. He looked just like she had remembered him but older, his features a bit sharper and less boyish. His eyes however were exactly the same, deep liquid pools of sapphire that seemed to look into her soul and know the very core of her being. He was stunningly beautiful, and seeing him right before her in flesh and bone took Usagi's breath away.
He bowed gracefully and extended his hand toward her. " I was wondering if you would give me the pleasure of the next dance." He asked with the same rakish grin that captured her heart so many years ago.