Chapter Nine ~
Time seemed to stand still as Usagi stared at Seiya's outstretched hand, too stunned to even utter a word. Slowly, almost dreamily her hand went out to his, and she felt herself being swept after him as he forged a path to the dance floor. Usagi glanced behind her to see the looks of shock and puzzlement on Luna and Amio's faces respectively, and was slightly comforted that she wasn't the only one taken aback. She turned forward to find herself starting at Seiya's broad shoulders in front of her. Taking a deep breath she struggled to regain her composure as her thoughts raced furiously.
' Does he recognize me? Does he know? Oh shimatta."
Mercifully Usagi didn't have time to dwell on these thoughts as the couple reached the dance floor. Nimbly Seiya turned to face Usagi, and captured her waist in his hand as they began to move in time to the music. His eyes bored into hers, but he remained silent, elegantly guiding her around the other couples on the dance floor. Usagi met his gaze unwaveringly, searching for any glimmer or recognition in their indigo depths, but she could not glean any inkling into his thoughts or feelings. This silent exchange continued as other couples began to enter the dance floor and the orchestra changed the tempo of the song. Faultlessly Seiya and Usagi changed their dance to fit the music, still locked in each other's eyes. Having him this close and feeling his body beneath her hands after such a long time was almost too much for Usagi to bear. It was all Usagi could do not to draw him into her arms, professing her undying love for him right then and there.
Like some exquisite torture, Seiya gripped Usagi closer and leaned down to speak in her ear. " I'm making all the other men here jealous." He whispered playfully, making Usagi blush becomingly as her gaze slipped from his face.
" I guess I better introduce myself." He said leaning back slightly and inclining his head, " I am Seiya, one of Princess Kakyuu's seishi. I believe that I saw you earlier today walking in the Grand Corridor with a Palmian delegate."
" Yes, that was I. " Usagi replied, her voice wavering slightly, " I just arrived today and was just coming back from my meeting with the Queen."
" You'll pardon my frankness Your Highness if I tell you that you remind me of someone. In fact I was struck with.a familiar feeling when I passed by you today. "
Usagi's breath caught almost imperceptibly, but she forced herself to laugh, lest she betray her emotions.
" I bet you say that to all the girls." Usagi countered, giving Seiya an impish smile.
Seiya laughed as he spun Usagi around, in time to the music. " No, just to some of them." He smiled roguishly, making Usagi smile back as well. Coughing, he tried to recuperate his sense of decorum, as if just realizing that he was talking with a princess.
" I must admit that I had somewhat of an ulterior motive for asking you to dance just now."
" Oh?"
" My sovereign Princess Kakyuu sent me to ask if you would honour her with the pleasure of your company. She would like to meet the beautiful and charming mystery princess for herself."
Usagi blushed again at his lavish compliments; she searched yet again for any realization on his part of her true self but continued to find none. Resignedly, she decided to continue the charade for a little while longer, but was cheered with the thought of seeing Kakyuu and perhaps Yaten and Taiki again.
" Nothing would give me more delight." Usagi rejoined, taking Seiya's arm as he led her across the dance floor.
~@@@@@~
"So what was that all about?" Amio queried, frowning slightly at the couple on the dance floor.
Luna paused slightly before answering, allowing herself to watch Seiya and Usagi dance a few moments longer. She couldn't believe how much he had changed, but was even more struck by how much he was the same. Seiya garbed in black, his ebony hair gleaming in the candlelight made a sharp contrast to Usagi's beatific appearance. It was like watching two angels; one dark and one light weave through the dance floor. She watched their mouths to see if they were talking but both were silent. Sighing, Luna glanced at Amio; realizing that it was her unpleasant task to tell him their true purpose, even if it meant hurting his feelings.
" That's the reason why we're here." Luna pointed to the pair, who was now at the other end of the ballroom. " Seiya's the reason why we came to Kinnmoku and why we followed Kakyuu to Palma."
Surprisingly Amio showed no surprise at Luna's confession, but continued to watch Seiya and Usagi impassively. " I knew..kind of." He said quietly, turning to Luna. " I overheard you and Usagi earlier today when she came back from her meeting with the Queen. I wasn't eavesdropping! " He said before Luna could chide him, " I was just leaving when she came in the door, and I didn't want to interrupt your conversation."
" She really came halfway across the galaxy just for him?" He said, mostly to himself, glancing back at the couple that was just leaving the dance floor.
Luna didn't answer, but smiled sympathetically at Amio as she watched Usagi and Seiya leave. Gradually she began to tall Amio everything, the Sailor Seishi, Mamorou, Crystal Tokyo, Galaxia and the Sailor Wars and finally Usagi's loneliness. Amio listed attentively, his amber eyes never changing, only perhaps becoming more thoughtful. When she was finished, they both stood silently, musing over their own private thoughts while they watched the spectacle continue. Abruptly Amio left; Luna started to go after him, but stopped herself. 'It's better if he works out his feelings on his own,' the thought to herself, watching his retreating form disappear in the crowds; ' I've given him enough to think about for one evening.'
~@@@@@~
Seiya was leading Usagi around the room, looking for Princess Kakyuu and her entourage, but so far had no luck. The crowd had become overwhelming in the hours since the ball began, and it took forever to weave through the multitude of people.
' Think of something to say Usagi! You came across the galaxy to talk to him and here he is. Say something!' her inner voice scolded her as she followed Seiya past another throng of guests.
" Dammit!" Usagi swore under her breath. She couldn't believe that now of all times she was tongue-tied!
' Okay, okay,' She thought, ' just come out and say it. If you just say it quick then it'll be done with.'
" Seiya!" She called, but their pace didn't slacken.
" Seiya! " She yelled louder, attempting to bring them to a halt.
Stopping, Seiya turned to see Usagi watching him, " Princess Serenity? Is everything all right? " He asked, his cobalt eyes showing concern for the cause of their sudden stop.
Usagi almost cringed when he called her Serenity, but she suppressed the feeling and began to answer when a voice interrupted her calling his name. Seiya frowned, but he ignored the summons. " Whatever it is you can tell me." He said sincerely, cupping her hands in his.
Drawing a deep breath, Usagi forced herself to look at Seiya. " There's something I need to tell you." She said earnestly, averting her eyes from his sharp gaze. " I..I don't really know how to say this. So I'd better just say it."
Seiya opened his mouth to reply, but the voice grew louder, scowling at the continued interruption, he turned to see who was calling him. Catching sight of who it was, he nodded and turned back to Usagi.
"I apologize princess, but that was my comrade telling me to hurry up. We'd better get over there before the princess punishes me for keeping you all to myself. " He winked at Usagi, causing her to laugh. " We can talk later about what is on your mind Princess Serenity?"
Nodding, Usagi smiled and followed Seiya to Kakyuu, feeling both annoyed and relived at the disruption. Following Seiya she sought to catch a glimpse of the Kinnmoku entourage, but just could see a small group of people circling a sitting figure. As they approached, they parted like water to reveal a regal crimson-haired figure sitting regally in the centre, surrounded by her delegation. Kakyuu was still the beautiful woman of Usagi's past, but like everyone else, seemed to grow even more striking with age. As they approached, her scarlet eyes warmed, and a smile creased her lips as she greeted her soldier. Seiya knelt on one knee to kiss her outstretched hand, as she bent over laughing to make him stand. Seiya grinned as he stood; indicating that this was a common game between the two. Turning, he pulled Usagi closer, positioning her in front of the princess like a trophy.
" This my liege is the star of the evening, the beautiful Princess Serenity, and this Princess Serenity is the equally beautiful Princess Kakyuu, supreme ruler of Kinnmoku and her territories." Seiya bowed solemnly before both ladies, while Usagi fought to refrain from laughing and Kakyuu rolled her eyes.
" Honestly Seiya, stop being such an ass. My dear lady, I apologize for my Seishi's outlandish behavior. It's a wonder he didn't frighten you away." Kakyuu said gravely, her sparkling eyes belying her serious tone.
" My desire to meet you your highness overcame any thoughts of escape." Usagi replied, curtseying gracefully as she arched a slender eyebrow at Seiya, who feigned mock outrage.
Kakyuu laughed at their mischievous exchange and gestured for Usagi to sit next to her. Once seated, Usagi had a better look at Kakyuu's entourage. Among them were several she recognized as Palmians, and a few races that she did not. There were two younger members who sported the same low ponytail as the Starlights, and Usagi assumed that they were new Seishi that had joined Kakyuu since her return to Kinnmoku. She looked for Yaten since she was sure that he was with Seiya earlier, but did not see him in the group. Usagi was slightly disappointed, but her reverie was interrupted as Kakyuu introduced the members of her inner circle. The two young companions were in fact part of Kakyuu's Seishi, but Usagi found that she was only half listening through the introductions. She couldn't believe that Kakyuu had not recognized her either.
" So what brings you to this part of the galaxy Princess Serenity?" Kakyuu inquired, smiling warmly at Usagi as the rest of her entourage listened attentively.
" Well, I guess it was for personal reasons. I decided that it was time to meet my neighbours and find old friends. " Usagi replied, glancing at Seiya despite herself.
" This is your first visit to the Beta quadrant? " inquired a Sirian ambassador named Collum Ra.
" Yes. " Usagi admitted, shrugging " I actually arrived on your home planet first your highness. Your regent Umi was quite helpful. She is the one that told us of this summit and guided us here."
" How remarkable!" Kakyuu exclaimed in surprise. " Imaging lading on my planet of all planets in this area of the galaxy. I regret that I was not there to welcome you, but I am thankful that Umi was of assistance to you. You must visit me again there so I can give you a proper welcome and introduction to my kingdom."
" I would like that very much. " Usagi said honestly, putting her hand around Kakyuu's. Privately Usagi hoped that Kakyuu would be as gracious when Seiya found out her true self.
" Come Serenity, you must tell us what your home planet is like!" Kakyuu smiled encouragingly, and Usagi could see that this was the question that the rest were waiting for. For a split second Usagi thought about revealing the truth, but decided to err on the side of caution and bide her time until she and Seiya could be alone.
" Oh, I just come from small solar system in the Gamma quadrant. " Usagi smiled at her attentive audience, and continued somewhat dreamily. " My kingdom used to be on the moon circling the third planet of the system, and that kingdom was supreme over the other eight planets of the system. For a thousand of years our kingdom was the centre of peace and order in a Silver Millennium. Then suddenly there was a great disaster, and the kingdom was destroyed, but it was found later to be actually reborn on the third planet. Another millennium passed tumultuously, but a third millennium of peace and prosperity dawned, ruled from a crystal capital. This turned out to be the beginning of a new golden age for my people."
Usagi stopped, realizing the somber mood that had settled over the group as they listened. All had looks of understanding on their faces, as if her story had been repeated during their respective histories, not to mention the terrible years of the Sailor Wars.
" Well that is enough about me, I came here to lean about you!" Usagi exclaimed attempting to lighten the atmosphere of the group.
All laughed as Kakyuu put her arm around Usagi. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a flash of orange, and turned to see Amio striding casually toward them, his ocher eyes fixed on the group. Usagi stood waving as he approached relived at the familiar face. As he drew nearer, Usagi noticed the appreciative looks on several female faces, not to mention Kakyuu's. Usagi made a note to tease Amio about it later.
" Your highness, may I present my friend and guide Amio. He actually hails from your planet, I met him when we landed on Kinnmoku."
" And quite a landing it was." Amio deadpanned, giving Usagi a wink. Bowing deeply he kissed Kakyuu's hand. " It is an honour to meet you your highness."
Kakyuu smiled graciously at Amio, and returned his bow with a short nod. " I am pleased that Kinnmoku has made such a good impression on our visiting princess."
" I must ask your majesty's leave to borrow Usagi for a few moments. There are a few matters that need her attention."
" Usagi?" Kakyuu repeated, a slight flicker of recognition passing over her crimson eyes.
'Oh no.Amio!' Usagi thought stunned that Amio had called her by her true name, especially in front of Seiya and Kakyuu. Usagi's stomach dropped as she saw the change in Kakyuu's expression, and therefore did not dare look at Seiya. Oh Kami...
" Usagi is an old nickname, and one that I don't like much. " Usagi shot Amio her hardest look, but he avoided her gaze as if he realized his faux pas.
Curtseying quickly, Usagi excused herself and took Amio's arm, virtually propelling him across the room in her haste. Stealing a quick look behind, she saw Kakyuu and Seiya watching their retreat. Kakyuu regarded them pensively, while Seiya stood with his arms crossed staring fixedly at them, an unreadable expression in his sapphire eyes.
Time seemed to stand still as Usagi stared at Seiya's outstretched hand, too stunned to even utter a word. Slowly, almost dreamily her hand went out to his, and she felt herself being swept after him as he forged a path to the dance floor. Usagi glanced behind her to see the looks of shock and puzzlement on Luna and Amio's faces respectively, and was slightly comforted that she wasn't the only one taken aback. She turned forward to find herself starting at Seiya's broad shoulders in front of her. Taking a deep breath she struggled to regain her composure as her thoughts raced furiously.
' Does he recognize me? Does he know? Oh shimatta."
Mercifully Usagi didn't have time to dwell on these thoughts as the couple reached the dance floor. Nimbly Seiya turned to face Usagi, and captured her waist in his hand as they began to move in time to the music. His eyes bored into hers, but he remained silent, elegantly guiding her around the other couples on the dance floor. Usagi met his gaze unwaveringly, searching for any glimmer or recognition in their indigo depths, but she could not glean any inkling into his thoughts or feelings. This silent exchange continued as other couples began to enter the dance floor and the orchestra changed the tempo of the song. Faultlessly Seiya and Usagi changed their dance to fit the music, still locked in each other's eyes. Having him this close and feeling his body beneath her hands after such a long time was almost too much for Usagi to bear. It was all Usagi could do not to draw him into her arms, professing her undying love for him right then and there.
Like some exquisite torture, Seiya gripped Usagi closer and leaned down to speak in her ear. " I'm making all the other men here jealous." He whispered playfully, making Usagi blush becomingly as her gaze slipped from his face.
" I guess I better introduce myself." He said leaning back slightly and inclining his head, " I am Seiya, one of Princess Kakyuu's seishi. I believe that I saw you earlier today walking in the Grand Corridor with a Palmian delegate."
" Yes, that was I. " Usagi replied, her voice wavering slightly, " I just arrived today and was just coming back from my meeting with the Queen."
" You'll pardon my frankness Your Highness if I tell you that you remind me of someone. In fact I was struck with.a familiar feeling when I passed by you today. "
Usagi's breath caught almost imperceptibly, but she forced herself to laugh, lest she betray her emotions.
" I bet you say that to all the girls." Usagi countered, giving Seiya an impish smile.
Seiya laughed as he spun Usagi around, in time to the music. " No, just to some of them." He smiled roguishly, making Usagi smile back as well. Coughing, he tried to recuperate his sense of decorum, as if just realizing that he was talking with a princess.
" I must admit that I had somewhat of an ulterior motive for asking you to dance just now."
" Oh?"
" My sovereign Princess Kakyuu sent me to ask if you would honour her with the pleasure of your company. She would like to meet the beautiful and charming mystery princess for herself."
Usagi blushed again at his lavish compliments; she searched yet again for any realization on his part of her true self but continued to find none. Resignedly, she decided to continue the charade for a little while longer, but was cheered with the thought of seeing Kakyuu and perhaps Yaten and Taiki again.
" Nothing would give me more delight." Usagi rejoined, taking Seiya's arm as he led her across the dance floor.
~@@@@@~
"So what was that all about?" Amio queried, frowning slightly at the couple on the dance floor.
Luna paused slightly before answering, allowing herself to watch Seiya and Usagi dance a few moments longer. She couldn't believe how much he had changed, but was even more struck by how much he was the same. Seiya garbed in black, his ebony hair gleaming in the candlelight made a sharp contrast to Usagi's beatific appearance. It was like watching two angels; one dark and one light weave through the dance floor. She watched their mouths to see if they were talking but both were silent. Sighing, Luna glanced at Amio; realizing that it was her unpleasant task to tell him their true purpose, even if it meant hurting his feelings.
" That's the reason why we're here." Luna pointed to the pair, who was now at the other end of the ballroom. " Seiya's the reason why we came to Kinnmoku and why we followed Kakyuu to Palma."
Surprisingly Amio showed no surprise at Luna's confession, but continued to watch Seiya and Usagi impassively. " I knew..kind of." He said quietly, turning to Luna. " I overheard you and Usagi earlier today when she came back from her meeting with the Queen. I wasn't eavesdropping! " He said before Luna could chide him, " I was just leaving when she came in the door, and I didn't want to interrupt your conversation."
" She really came halfway across the galaxy just for him?" He said, mostly to himself, glancing back at the couple that was just leaving the dance floor.
Luna didn't answer, but smiled sympathetically at Amio as she watched Usagi and Seiya leave. Gradually she began to tall Amio everything, the Sailor Seishi, Mamorou, Crystal Tokyo, Galaxia and the Sailor Wars and finally Usagi's loneliness. Amio listed attentively, his amber eyes never changing, only perhaps becoming more thoughtful. When she was finished, they both stood silently, musing over their own private thoughts while they watched the spectacle continue. Abruptly Amio left; Luna started to go after him, but stopped herself. 'It's better if he works out his feelings on his own,' the thought to herself, watching his retreating form disappear in the crowds; ' I've given him enough to think about for one evening.'
~@@@@@~
Seiya was leading Usagi around the room, looking for Princess Kakyuu and her entourage, but so far had no luck. The crowd had become overwhelming in the hours since the ball began, and it took forever to weave through the multitude of people.
' Think of something to say Usagi! You came across the galaxy to talk to him and here he is. Say something!' her inner voice scolded her as she followed Seiya past another throng of guests.
" Dammit!" Usagi swore under her breath. She couldn't believe that now of all times she was tongue-tied!
' Okay, okay,' She thought, ' just come out and say it. If you just say it quick then it'll be done with.'
" Seiya!" She called, but their pace didn't slacken.
" Seiya! " She yelled louder, attempting to bring them to a halt.
Stopping, Seiya turned to see Usagi watching him, " Princess Serenity? Is everything all right? " He asked, his cobalt eyes showing concern for the cause of their sudden stop.
Usagi almost cringed when he called her Serenity, but she suppressed the feeling and began to answer when a voice interrupted her calling his name. Seiya frowned, but he ignored the summons. " Whatever it is you can tell me." He said sincerely, cupping her hands in his.
Drawing a deep breath, Usagi forced herself to look at Seiya. " There's something I need to tell you." She said earnestly, averting her eyes from his sharp gaze. " I..I don't really know how to say this. So I'd better just say it."
Seiya opened his mouth to reply, but the voice grew louder, scowling at the continued interruption, he turned to see who was calling him. Catching sight of who it was, he nodded and turned back to Usagi.
"I apologize princess, but that was my comrade telling me to hurry up. We'd better get over there before the princess punishes me for keeping you all to myself. " He winked at Usagi, causing her to laugh. " We can talk later about what is on your mind Princess Serenity?"
Nodding, Usagi smiled and followed Seiya to Kakyuu, feeling both annoyed and relived at the disruption. Following Seiya she sought to catch a glimpse of the Kinnmoku entourage, but just could see a small group of people circling a sitting figure. As they approached, they parted like water to reveal a regal crimson-haired figure sitting regally in the centre, surrounded by her delegation. Kakyuu was still the beautiful woman of Usagi's past, but like everyone else, seemed to grow even more striking with age. As they approached, her scarlet eyes warmed, and a smile creased her lips as she greeted her soldier. Seiya knelt on one knee to kiss her outstretched hand, as she bent over laughing to make him stand. Seiya grinned as he stood; indicating that this was a common game between the two. Turning, he pulled Usagi closer, positioning her in front of the princess like a trophy.
" This my liege is the star of the evening, the beautiful Princess Serenity, and this Princess Serenity is the equally beautiful Princess Kakyuu, supreme ruler of Kinnmoku and her territories." Seiya bowed solemnly before both ladies, while Usagi fought to refrain from laughing and Kakyuu rolled her eyes.
" Honestly Seiya, stop being such an ass. My dear lady, I apologize for my Seishi's outlandish behavior. It's a wonder he didn't frighten you away." Kakyuu said gravely, her sparkling eyes belying her serious tone.
" My desire to meet you your highness overcame any thoughts of escape." Usagi replied, curtseying gracefully as she arched a slender eyebrow at Seiya, who feigned mock outrage.
Kakyuu laughed at their mischievous exchange and gestured for Usagi to sit next to her. Once seated, Usagi had a better look at Kakyuu's entourage. Among them were several she recognized as Palmians, and a few races that she did not. There were two younger members who sported the same low ponytail as the Starlights, and Usagi assumed that they were new Seishi that had joined Kakyuu since her return to Kinnmoku. She looked for Yaten since she was sure that he was with Seiya earlier, but did not see him in the group. Usagi was slightly disappointed, but her reverie was interrupted as Kakyuu introduced the members of her inner circle. The two young companions were in fact part of Kakyuu's Seishi, but Usagi found that she was only half listening through the introductions. She couldn't believe that Kakyuu had not recognized her either.
" So what brings you to this part of the galaxy Princess Serenity?" Kakyuu inquired, smiling warmly at Usagi as the rest of her entourage listened attentively.
" Well, I guess it was for personal reasons. I decided that it was time to meet my neighbours and find old friends. " Usagi replied, glancing at Seiya despite herself.
" This is your first visit to the Beta quadrant? " inquired a Sirian ambassador named Collum Ra.
" Yes. " Usagi admitted, shrugging " I actually arrived on your home planet first your highness. Your regent Umi was quite helpful. She is the one that told us of this summit and guided us here."
" How remarkable!" Kakyuu exclaimed in surprise. " Imaging lading on my planet of all planets in this area of the galaxy. I regret that I was not there to welcome you, but I am thankful that Umi was of assistance to you. You must visit me again there so I can give you a proper welcome and introduction to my kingdom."
" I would like that very much. " Usagi said honestly, putting her hand around Kakyuu's. Privately Usagi hoped that Kakyuu would be as gracious when Seiya found out her true self.
" Come Serenity, you must tell us what your home planet is like!" Kakyuu smiled encouragingly, and Usagi could see that this was the question that the rest were waiting for. For a split second Usagi thought about revealing the truth, but decided to err on the side of caution and bide her time until she and Seiya could be alone.
" Oh, I just come from small solar system in the Gamma quadrant. " Usagi smiled at her attentive audience, and continued somewhat dreamily. " My kingdom used to be on the moon circling the third planet of the system, and that kingdom was supreme over the other eight planets of the system. For a thousand of years our kingdom was the centre of peace and order in a Silver Millennium. Then suddenly there was a great disaster, and the kingdom was destroyed, but it was found later to be actually reborn on the third planet. Another millennium passed tumultuously, but a third millennium of peace and prosperity dawned, ruled from a crystal capital. This turned out to be the beginning of a new golden age for my people."
Usagi stopped, realizing the somber mood that had settled over the group as they listened. All had looks of understanding on their faces, as if her story had been repeated during their respective histories, not to mention the terrible years of the Sailor Wars.
" Well that is enough about me, I came here to lean about you!" Usagi exclaimed attempting to lighten the atmosphere of the group.
All laughed as Kakyuu put her arm around Usagi. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a flash of orange, and turned to see Amio striding casually toward them, his ocher eyes fixed on the group. Usagi stood waving as he approached relived at the familiar face. As he drew nearer, Usagi noticed the appreciative looks on several female faces, not to mention Kakyuu's. Usagi made a note to tease Amio about it later.
" Your highness, may I present my friend and guide Amio. He actually hails from your planet, I met him when we landed on Kinnmoku."
" And quite a landing it was." Amio deadpanned, giving Usagi a wink. Bowing deeply he kissed Kakyuu's hand. " It is an honour to meet you your highness."
Kakyuu smiled graciously at Amio, and returned his bow with a short nod. " I am pleased that Kinnmoku has made such a good impression on our visiting princess."
" I must ask your majesty's leave to borrow Usagi for a few moments. There are a few matters that need her attention."
" Usagi?" Kakyuu repeated, a slight flicker of recognition passing over her crimson eyes.
'Oh no.Amio!' Usagi thought stunned that Amio had called her by her true name, especially in front of Seiya and Kakyuu. Usagi's stomach dropped as she saw the change in Kakyuu's expression, and therefore did not dare look at Seiya. Oh Kami...
" Usagi is an old nickname, and one that I don't like much. " Usagi shot Amio her hardest look, but he avoided her gaze as if he realized his faux pas.
Curtseying quickly, Usagi excused herself and took Amio's arm, virtually propelling him across the room in her haste. Stealing a quick look behind, she saw Kakyuu and Seiya watching their retreat. Kakyuu regarded them pensively, while Seiya stood with his arms crossed staring fixedly at them, an unreadable expression in his sapphire eyes.