Thank you to all who reviewed! * Hugs and kisses to all * I see people who
demand reviews when they have like 40 or 50 already and refuse to write
more, it makes me so mad! Why can't they be happy? Some people are just
greedy...
Your reviews made me so happy! 12! Never I have gotten so many! My other stories kinda sucked and I didn't finish them but I promise I won't do that with this. I was dancing in my chair and my brother (I have three too!) was giving me weird looks. Unfortunately my net has been cut off so I am not able to update as often as I wish, I ask you to please be patient and I will try my hardest. ^-^!
Enough with that, on with the story .
Chapter Seven
Same day, late in the afternoon,
Lita walked into the training room to see Raye beating the life out of a sandbag tied to the ceiling. Mina was next to her doing the same thing to another one however on the sandbag someone had hastily pinned a rather deformed stick figure of a General with silver eyes and .... kitty ears?
Lita saw Serena sitting in a corner with a dreamy look in her eyes. She was so spaced out that she had not even noticed Lita. Ami was curled up in a corner reading a book on chess; occasionally she would stop and stare into the distance. Lita frowned, am I imagining things or is she slightly pink?
Raye and Mina stopped for a breather. Raye turned and noticed the stick figure. 'That's a great idea but I don't need a visual, I can see him in my head.' Mina replied, 'I can see him in my head too but it makes me so much more ..... satisfied to see his face.'
'That bad huh?'
'It was the worst! I cannot believe I have to go back there for lunch.'
'It could not have been much worse than mine' Raye's face went red. 'He totally humiliated me!'
'The porridge thing didn't work out?' asked Lita of everyone. Ami went red. 'I .... didn't follow through.' She murmured.
'What?' shouted Raye turning to confront Ami.
'I mean,' she hastily altered, 'He saw through my plan. Yeah, that's what happened.' Raye immediately calmed down. 'He saw through mine too.' Ami breathed a sigh of relief.
'My plan half worked,' offered Mina, 'But it also backfired right into my face. Literally.' 'Yeah,' agreed Lita, 'Mine went something like that too.'
Four girls turned as one and looked at Serena. She was still gazing off into space with that dreamy look and silly half smile.
'Sez?' asked Mina, 'Serena? Are you feeling alright?'
'Hmm?' she asked snapping back to herself. 'Oh, hello Lita! We have been waiting for you.'
The four exchanged glances. 'Serena,' asked Raye slowly, 'did you follow through with the plan?'
Serena blinked. 'oh I have been meaning to talk to you. Mission: Operation chase off unwanted silly Earthlings, has not worked. I want to call it off.'
The others took a step back. This is the same girl who only a few hours ago had convinced them all to take messed-up porridge to un-suspecting princes with such passion and power that they could not refuse her.
'May I ask why?' asked Ami logically.
'Endy and I- I mean Prince Endymion and I have had a talk and he understands everything. He had not wished to do this either. He was dragged into it like I was.' She explained.
'No more pranks?' asked Raye softly, 'No more tricks?'
'No more pranks or tricks,' echoed Serena firmly.
Raye looked disappointed. 'I was having fun.' She mumbled. Mina agreed.
'We have to get them back for what they did!' she argued.
'But we already have!' protested Ami. The others glanced at her in confusion.
'We have tricked and humiliated the Princes twice now and some of it was painful, not to mention the porridge incident, I can tell that not all the Princes escaped from that.' She explained.
Serena vigorously nodded. 'I feel that we have exacted our revenge.'
'But they have done things since then!' argued Raye but when asked all she did was turn red and refuse to speak of it.
'Serena,' asked Lita suspiciously, 'what do you think of Prince Endymion now?'
Serena blushed. 'He is rather nice when you get to know him.' She mumbled. 'I cannot believe this!' squealed Mina. 'She has fallen in love with the enemy!'
'I have not!' objected Serena. 'I just said he was nice as in a friend sort of way.'
Mina gave the others a knowing wink. 'I am the goddess of luur-ve you know,' she whispered loudly. The others couldn't help it. They giggled, Serena's face was so funny!
'It doesn't matter anyway,' huffed Serena, 'We have to go to Earth tomorrow evening so I suggest you pack or do whatever you hyenas do in your free time.'
She left the room, mimicking the Queen's grand exit but not quite right, much to their amusement.
@~@~@~@~@
Lunch had passed with no trouble as the Queen had left the palace on important business and the girls had pleaded with the servants until they had promised to serve lunch to the Princes. The servants knew the Queen's orders but who could resist five puppy-dog faces? The staff loved their Princesses and had found the whole affair rather amusing but had steadfastly refused to serve dinner as well.
That evening ......
Serena and Ami had not minded serving dinner; in fact they rather enjoyed it. They dined with the Princes and had talked animatedly throughout the evening.
Serena and Darien gazed at each other across the table. Both were slightly pink.
When Serena started to feel slightly flustered at the silence she asked, 'We are leaving tomorrow for Earth. Tell me of your planet.'
'Earth,' said Darien smiling, 'Is a beautiful planet with many trees and vast amounts of water. It's a place filled with vibrant color and most native animals are not dangerous at all.'
Serena could hear the pride and passion in his voice when he spoke of Earth. Clearly he missed his home.
'More beautiful than the Moon?' she enquired without offence.
'The Moon is beautiful in all its radiant glory,' he explained, 'But the Earth has a beauty of its own. I wish to show you the Royal Rose Gardens.' He confessed
'What is in there?' asked Serena subconsciously pleased that he thought of her.
'When the Moon is full and the roses are in full bloom, it is an enchanting place to be.' He described, thrilled that she wished to see it.
'I do wish to see it,' enthused Serena. They both smiled.
@~@~@~@
In a room not far away ...
'Checkmate,' Ami said with a satisfied smile, Zoicite's jaw dropped opened. He was just beaten by a girl ...... from the Moon.
'Good match,' offered Ami when Zoicite was apparently speechless.
'I will get my revenge,' said Zoicite to Ami with a smile, 'Another round?'
'Certainly.' And with that they continued.
@~@~@~@
Things were not going so well in other parts of the palace.
General Malachite was eating dinner in his room alone. He had trouble using the utensils with his paws and had resorted to lapping food from the dish on the table.
Malachite sighed and glanced at the door.
He remembered to earlier that evening ... 'I have bought you your dinner.' Said Mina with her usual smile.
Malachite had expected her to stay and annoy him further but she had placed the dish down and left the room without another word.
Somehow it had left him feeling rather disappointed. And now he was alone and for once felt lonely.
He began to lap again when he heard a knock on the door. He looked up as Mina entered.
'I forgot to bring you your dessert,' she explained before giggling.
Malachite just sat there, he rarely had words to say so he said nothing.
Mina put the dessert down and bustled up to Malachite. She whipped out a handkerchief and wiped his chin. 'I didn't forget to bring you a spoon did I?' she asked worriedly peering into his face.
Malachite looked away. Being near her sometimes made him feel funny, it wasn't that he hadn't been with a female before but Princess Mina was different. He couldn't stand to be near her but he didn't like being away from her either.
'You didn't forget,' he said brusquely, 'It was easier that way.' He showed her his paws.
Understanding dawned and Mina had the grace to blush. 'Well if it is my fault than I will rectify it.' She picked up the spoon and without hesitation held it up to his mouth.
Malachite blinked. She was offering to feed him? He blushed much to Mina's amusement. 'The Great General Malachite will not be spoon fed like a child.' He said 'It would be an embarrassment and a shame.'
'I see,' said Mina still holding the spoon, 'And lapping from his dish like a little kitty cat isn't?'
'Well,' he blushed, 'No one was watching.' He mumbled.
'And no one is now,' she said logically and without further ado shoved the spoon in his mouth.
Malachite was flabbergasted until he realized she was right and began eating. 'Are you still angry with me?' he asked between mouthfuls looking at her.
'I was,' admitted Mina, 'But seeing you with food all over your face made me forget.'
'It was not ALL over my face!' he huffed.
'Actually it was and you looked like you tried to drown in the stuff.'
'And whose fault was that?'
'And who hurt my little Pearl?'
'That beast is not hurt and you should stop mothering it. It is meant to be a wild hunting carnivorous beast not your little tame kitty cat.'
Mina threw the spoon back into the bowl causing food to fly everywhere.
'You have no idea how we treat our beasts and you have never seen Pearl hunt. Kitty cat she is not! I would not judge things I am ignorant of if I were you!' she hissed.
She turned and left the room but not before saying, 'I am not sorry one bit for the pranks I pulled. I hope you found them painful and humiliating!'
Malachite glanced at the empty door, he had to open his mouth didn't he, well, if the girl can't take good advice than that's her problem, he thought angrily.
@~@~@~@
Raye was surprised when she served dinner to Jadeite. He was rolling in bed clutching his stomach and making groaning noises.
'Err..... are you alright?' she had asked but he did not hear her.
She approached closer but stepped back when he abruptly sat up.
'Oh it's you,' he said softly, 'well, you can leave now. Shoo shoo.' He waved his hands as if bothered by a pesky fly.
Raye ground her teeth. 'I will not be treated as a serving girl!' she huffed. Then noticing that he was clutching his stomach again asked, 'Are you really all right? It would not do to have you fall ill.'
Jadeite grinned where he was curled up into a ball, 'Are you worried about me?' he teased. Raye didn't bat an eyelid. 'Yes,' she said simply, and when he beamed at her she added, 'The Moon's honor is on the line. People will think we poisoned you. Not that we didn't try.'
Jadeite jumped up. 'I knew it! You were trying to poison me! That's why I didn't eat lunch!' he crowed satisfied.
Raye blinked. This guy was stupider than she thought. He had not eaten breakfast or lunch. 'Are you always this stupid or were you just born dumb?' she asked bringing the food towards him.
'It is not good for you to starve yourself.' She chided, 'For whatever reason. Now eat up.'
Jadeite looked at her suspiciously, 'but what if you had poisoned it?'
Raye sighed. 'I would not poison your breakfast lunch and dinner! Like I said, we wouldn't starve a General of Earth ..... even if he deserved it.'
'You try some first.' He suggested pleased with his idea.
Raye shook her head but complied. Jadeite watched as she ate a spoonful, and another, and another. She just didn't stop.
'Hey! That's supposed to be for me!' he cried snatching the bowl from her hands and began gobbling it down as if it would disappear.
Raye smirked. This guy was so amusing, she thought as he glanced at her furtively as if suspecting that she was plotting. I am going to miss pulling pranks on him, she thought.
@~@~@~@
The silence had been going on for a while now. Lita squirmed. She had no idea what to say.
Nephrite ate in silence. It is uncomfortable between us, he thought. Ever since she arrived we have barely talked to one another.
'You can leave now,' he said indifferently, 'I like to spend this evening alone to pack. I am sure you have things to do too.'
Lita almost breathed a sigh of relief. Almost. She had also felt rather discontented.
'Sure,' she said with a smile, 'I will see you tomorrow.' And with that she left.
Outside Lita felt ..... she couldn't name what she felt. But it was not a nice feeling. For some reason she did not know how to act around the General. I might as well go do what he said, she thought, and went to her room to pack.
Nephrite glanced at the closed door. He had read the stars and they had told him that the Princesses were going to have a major effect on his and his friends' lives.
He finished eating and got up. There was an emergency meeting in the Prince's room tonight to discuss matters regarding the Princesses. Nephrite felt uneasy, things were on the move. Somehow his life will be changed.
@~@~@~@~@
'Darien! Geez take forever why don't you' Jadeite said exasperatedly.
Darien glanced around, Nephrite was by the window gazing at the stars. Malachite was sitting in the corner brooding as usual, Zoicite was reading a book and Jadeite was pacing the room madly. They had all been waiting for him.
'What took you so long anyway?' demanded Jadeite.
'I was conversing with lovely company.' Said Darien. 'Ah, about that I have thought of a great prank to pull!' said Jadeite enthusiastically.
'Yes, about that,' said Darien, 'I don't know if we should do that anymore.'
Jadeite gaped at him. 'Look at yourself!' he cried, 'Do you not want revenge?'
The effects of the transformation had worn off a little and by midnight should be completely gone. Darien's legs had unmerged and he could walk freely.
'What do you think Zoicite?' asked Darien.
'I agree with you,' said Zoicite, 'I don't know if a prank is such a good idea anymore.'
Jadeite turned. 'Big nose! Sticky beak! You look like a chicken!' He proceeded to squawk and make chicken noises whilst flapping his arms.
Darien ignored this but Zoicite had turned red from anger. 'And you Nephrite?'
Nephrite gave the stars one more glance before turning. If there were trouble ahead, they might as well have some fun now, he reasoned with himself, this of course had nothing to do with swollen lips or mice. 'I agree with Jadeite.' He admitted and Jadeite gave a little victory dance that did not look much different from his chicken act.
'Malachite?'
'Prank.' He said without hesitation, he had his honor to defend.
Jadeite whooped. 'Three against two! Prank it is!'
'But-' Zoicite protested thinking of Ami and the way she smiled when she won.
'We have our reputation to uphold.'
'We cannot be defeated by little girls.'
'We have to show them we can fight back!'
Darien nodded, it was agreed then. 'And your magnificent plan?' he asked Jadeite.
'Oh, nothing new,' he admitted slightly red, 'The old make them crazy about you then ignore them ploy.'
The others nodded. This was a ploy most often used in the past. They would sweep a girl off her feet, shower her with chocolates and flowers than pretend to not know her come a week or two.
'That is subtle,' said Malachite, 'But we owe them three times.'
'Yes,' said Nephrite in all seriousness, (pranks are serious!) 'We will start off small and end with that.'
The others agreed and plotted deep into the night.
@~@~@~@
The next day .....
The palace was all in a bustle preparing for the departure of their princesses. (Queen Serenity is not going) In all the activities, the Princesses were nowhere to be found. The five men searched high and low but could not find them.
'There is one place we have not looked.' Stated Zoicite and he pointed his head at the Sabre enclosure. For since the last attack none of the men had gone back in there for fear of the wrath of five Princesses. That and being mauled.
They glanced at each other. 'Hey, you can only live once, I kind of want to see them again.' Said Jadeite boldly and the Princes crept in as before.
The five men peeked over the rock. Zoicite had been right as usual and the five Princesses were in the clearing with their Sabres.
Jadeite glanced at Raye. When she was with her Sabre Garnet, she was totally different. She smiled and laughed with not a care in the world. At the moment she was determinedly attacking Garnet with a stick. Garnet was pouncing and batting it with his paws. When he knocked the stick aside and leapt on her, Jadeite almost shouted a warning. Then he realized that Garnet was licking Raye's face. He glanced at the other men and hoped that they did not see his expression.
Nephrite was staring at Lita. She did not seem to have trouble speaking now as she talked and crooned and fought with her Emerald. Lita was laughing at Raye when her Sabre jumped and gave her the same treatment. Mina burst out laughing at the both of them struggling to get up.
Malachite could not keep his eyes off her. She seemed able to always laugh and smile, to everyone no matter what the circumstances. Mina was stroking Pearl's ears and smiling sweetly. Malachite felt a moment of insane jealousy. That was meant to be me, he thought and remembered Mina stroking his ears in such a manner.
Zoicite was looking at Ami. She was playing her little bamboo flute and Sapphire looked to be in pure bliss as she purred heavily, leaning into Ami's legs. Must ask for her to play for me someday thought Zoicite. Just for me, he added selfishly then wondered where that thought came from.
Darien gazed at Serena. She was such a bright little thing, she could charm anyone she met, he thought. Serena looked like she was trying to teach Crystal to dance, stepping around the Sabre in fast rhythmic motions. The Sabre seemed to be following in a strange odd way.
'Let us not have what happened before,' whispered Darien. The others agreed.
'Princesses,' called Darien as he and his men stepped up from behind the rock. Instantly all play was forgotten. Hackles raised, teeth bared, the five Sabres stood in front of the girls.
Serena peered around her Sabre. 'Endy?' she asked.
The four men gave their Prince a look to which he shrugged. 'Endy?' mimicked Jadeite.
Darien ignored him 'We've come to make peace with your Sabres.' He called.
'I don't want that brute near my Pearl!' hissed Mina to Serena.
'Me neither!' agreed Raye.
Lita did not comment and Ami blushed. 'I would not mind.' She muttered.
Serena decided. 'This is for the peace of the kingdom.' She whispered to them. She beckoned the men over.
The girls sighed. An order was an order no matter how carefully phrased. The Sabres stepped down.
Serena reached over and took Darien's hand. She placed it on Crystal's nose. 'Crystal, this is Prince Endymion of Earth.' She said.
Darien gazed into Crystal's eyes, refusing to show fear. Crystal lifted her nose and opened her mouth. She reached out with her tongue and softly touched it to Darien's hand. She closed her mouth as if tasting him. Darien did not draw back. After what seemed like forever, Crystal purred. She went over and wrapped around Serena. She gazed at Darien with her head tilted, as if to say, Serena is mine, do you disagree?
'She has welcomed you!' said Serena smiling, 'That means its ok for the others too!'
Ami did the same thing with Zoicite and Sapphire sniffed Zoicite before purring her assent.
Raye glared at Jadeite. 'You lay a hand on him and you die!' she snapped. Sensing his mistress's mood, Garnet took up battle stance again. 'Raye!' hissed Serena.
Raye sighed. She walked over and patted Jadeite on the nose. 'Err... what are you doing?' he asked bewildered. 'I am welcoming you,' she explained. Garnet saw this and pounced on Jadeite. He at least had the sense to not struggle. 'Help,' he squeaked when to his surprise, Garnet began licking his face. Raye laughed.
Emerald had glanced at his mistress, and Lita had nodded. Emerald began to prowl around Nephrite before deciding that he was no danger. He gave Nephrite's hand a lick before returning to his mistress. Nephrite was slightly disappointed. It seemed like Emerald and also his mistress barely tolerated him.
Mina and Malachite had been gazing at one another. As if in challenge. Pearl however, had her mistress's forgiving nature and upon seeing the other Sabres greeting these men had decided she would too. Malachite glanced in surprise as the Sabre began purring and head butting him. He reached and strokes its ears like he had seen Mina do. Pearl purred all the more louder. Mina looked affronted.
'I am trying to teach Crystal to dance.' Said Serena and she began showing Darien the dance that she and Crystal had together. She invited him to join.
Ami began to play her flute again and Zoicite stroked Sapphire as they both listened.
Mina, Lita and Raye however had decided to ignore the Generals and just play with their Sabres. The Generals were slightly uncomfortable but this was rectified for at one point, the Sabres had pounced on them and a wrestling/tickling match ensued. The Sabres had not forgotten their battle earlier and were exacting revenge.
The Princes and princesses spent a grand afternoon carefree and away from all troubles of court. They all laughed and smiled (even Malachite) and wrestled and fought. All titles and royalty were forgotten as they all remembered how it was like to be children again.
@~@~@~@
Chapter done! Thx again to reviewers. Much appreciated. I am trying to develop the romance side more after all that is what I rated it . though there is still some pranks to be played!
Next stop, Earth! Plz R&R! ^-^! Ja ne!
Your reviews made me so happy! 12! Never I have gotten so many! My other stories kinda sucked and I didn't finish them but I promise I won't do that with this. I was dancing in my chair and my brother (I have three too!) was giving me weird looks. Unfortunately my net has been cut off so I am not able to update as often as I wish, I ask you to please be patient and I will try my hardest. ^-^!
Enough with that, on with the story .
Chapter Seven
Same day, late in the afternoon,
Lita walked into the training room to see Raye beating the life out of a sandbag tied to the ceiling. Mina was next to her doing the same thing to another one however on the sandbag someone had hastily pinned a rather deformed stick figure of a General with silver eyes and .... kitty ears?
Lita saw Serena sitting in a corner with a dreamy look in her eyes. She was so spaced out that she had not even noticed Lita. Ami was curled up in a corner reading a book on chess; occasionally she would stop and stare into the distance. Lita frowned, am I imagining things or is she slightly pink?
Raye and Mina stopped for a breather. Raye turned and noticed the stick figure. 'That's a great idea but I don't need a visual, I can see him in my head.' Mina replied, 'I can see him in my head too but it makes me so much more ..... satisfied to see his face.'
'That bad huh?'
'It was the worst! I cannot believe I have to go back there for lunch.'
'It could not have been much worse than mine' Raye's face went red. 'He totally humiliated me!'
'The porridge thing didn't work out?' asked Lita of everyone. Ami went red. 'I .... didn't follow through.' She murmured.
'What?' shouted Raye turning to confront Ami.
'I mean,' she hastily altered, 'He saw through my plan. Yeah, that's what happened.' Raye immediately calmed down. 'He saw through mine too.' Ami breathed a sigh of relief.
'My plan half worked,' offered Mina, 'But it also backfired right into my face. Literally.' 'Yeah,' agreed Lita, 'Mine went something like that too.'
Four girls turned as one and looked at Serena. She was still gazing off into space with that dreamy look and silly half smile.
'Sez?' asked Mina, 'Serena? Are you feeling alright?'
'Hmm?' she asked snapping back to herself. 'Oh, hello Lita! We have been waiting for you.'
The four exchanged glances. 'Serena,' asked Raye slowly, 'did you follow through with the plan?'
Serena blinked. 'oh I have been meaning to talk to you. Mission: Operation chase off unwanted silly Earthlings, has not worked. I want to call it off.'
The others took a step back. This is the same girl who only a few hours ago had convinced them all to take messed-up porridge to un-suspecting princes with such passion and power that they could not refuse her.
'May I ask why?' asked Ami logically.
'Endy and I- I mean Prince Endymion and I have had a talk and he understands everything. He had not wished to do this either. He was dragged into it like I was.' She explained.
'No more pranks?' asked Raye softly, 'No more tricks?'
'No more pranks or tricks,' echoed Serena firmly.
Raye looked disappointed. 'I was having fun.' She mumbled. Mina agreed.
'We have to get them back for what they did!' she argued.
'But we already have!' protested Ami. The others glanced at her in confusion.
'We have tricked and humiliated the Princes twice now and some of it was painful, not to mention the porridge incident, I can tell that not all the Princes escaped from that.' She explained.
Serena vigorously nodded. 'I feel that we have exacted our revenge.'
'But they have done things since then!' argued Raye but when asked all she did was turn red and refuse to speak of it.
'Serena,' asked Lita suspiciously, 'what do you think of Prince Endymion now?'
Serena blushed. 'He is rather nice when you get to know him.' She mumbled. 'I cannot believe this!' squealed Mina. 'She has fallen in love with the enemy!'
'I have not!' objected Serena. 'I just said he was nice as in a friend sort of way.'
Mina gave the others a knowing wink. 'I am the goddess of luur-ve you know,' she whispered loudly. The others couldn't help it. They giggled, Serena's face was so funny!
'It doesn't matter anyway,' huffed Serena, 'We have to go to Earth tomorrow evening so I suggest you pack or do whatever you hyenas do in your free time.'
She left the room, mimicking the Queen's grand exit but not quite right, much to their amusement.
@~@~@~@~@
Lunch had passed with no trouble as the Queen had left the palace on important business and the girls had pleaded with the servants until they had promised to serve lunch to the Princes. The servants knew the Queen's orders but who could resist five puppy-dog faces? The staff loved their Princesses and had found the whole affair rather amusing but had steadfastly refused to serve dinner as well.
That evening ......
Serena and Ami had not minded serving dinner; in fact they rather enjoyed it. They dined with the Princes and had talked animatedly throughout the evening.
Serena and Darien gazed at each other across the table. Both were slightly pink.
When Serena started to feel slightly flustered at the silence she asked, 'We are leaving tomorrow for Earth. Tell me of your planet.'
'Earth,' said Darien smiling, 'Is a beautiful planet with many trees and vast amounts of water. It's a place filled with vibrant color and most native animals are not dangerous at all.'
Serena could hear the pride and passion in his voice when he spoke of Earth. Clearly he missed his home.
'More beautiful than the Moon?' she enquired without offence.
'The Moon is beautiful in all its radiant glory,' he explained, 'But the Earth has a beauty of its own. I wish to show you the Royal Rose Gardens.' He confessed
'What is in there?' asked Serena subconsciously pleased that he thought of her.
'When the Moon is full and the roses are in full bloom, it is an enchanting place to be.' He described, thrilled that she wished to see it.
'I do wish to see it,' enthused Serena. They both smiled.
@~@~@~@
In a room not far away ...
'Checkmate,' Ami said with a satisfied smile, Zoicite's jaw dropped opened. He was just beaten by a girl ...... from the Moon.
'Good match,' offered Ami when Zoicite was apparently speechless.
'I will get my revenge,' said Zoicite to Ami with a smile, 'Another round?'
'Certainly.' And with that they continued.
@~@~@~@
Things were not going so well in other parts of the palace.
General Malachite was eating dinner in his room alone. He had trouble using the utensils with his paws and had resorted to lapping food from the dish on the table.
Malachite sighed and glanced at the door.
He remembered to earlier that evening ... 'I have bought you your dinner.' Said Mina with her usual smile.
Malachite had expected her to stay and annoy him further but she had placed the dish down and left the room without another word.
Somehow it had left him feeling rather disappointed. And now he was alone and for once felt lonely.
He began to lap again when he heard a knock on the door. He looked up as Mina entered.
'I forgot to bring you your dessert,' she explained before giggling.
Malachite just sat there, he rarely had words to say so he said nothing.
Mina put the dessert down and bustled up to Malachite. She whipped out a handkerchief and wiped his chin. 'I didn't forget to bring you a spoon did I?' she asked worriedly peering into his face.
Malachite looked away. Being near her sometimes made him feel funny, it wasn't that he hadn't been with a female before but Princess Mina was different. He couldn't stand to be near her but he didn't like being away from her either.
'You didn't forget,' he said brusquely, 'It was easier that way.' He showed her his paws.
Understanding dawned and Mina had the grace to blush. 'Well if it is my fault than I will rectify it.' She picked up the spoon and without hesitation held it up to his mouth.
Malachite blinked. She was offering to feed him? He blushed much to Mina's amusement. 'The Great General Malachite will not be spoon fed like a child.' He said 'It would be an embarrassment and a shame.'
'I see,' said Mina still holding the spoon, 'And lapping from his dish like a little kitty cat isn't?'
'Well,' he blushed, 'No one was watching.' He mumbled.
'And no one is now,' she said logically and without further ado shoved the spoon in his mouth.
Malachite was flabbergasted until he realized she was right and began eating. 'Are you still angry with me?' he asked between mouthfuls looking at her.
'I was,' admitted Mina, 'But seeing you with food all over your face made me forget.'
'It was not ALL over my face!' he huffed.
'Actually it was and you looked like you tried to drown in the stuff.'
'And whose fault was that?'
'And who hurt my little Pearl?'
'That beast is not hurt and you should stop mothering it. It is meant to be a wild hunting carnivorous beast not your little tame kitty cat.'
Mina threw the spoon back into the bowl causing food to fly everywhere.
'You have no idea how we treat our beasts and you have never seen Pearl hunt. Kitty cat she is not! I would not judge things I am ignorant of if I were you!' she hissed.
She turned and left the room but not before saying, 'I am not sorry one bit for the pranks I pulled. I hope you found them painful and humiliating!'
Malachite glanced at the empty door, he had to open his mouth didn't he, well, if the girl can't take good advice than that's her problem, he thought angrily.
@~@~@~@
Raye was surprised when she served dinner to Jadeite. He was rolling in bed clutching his stomach and making groaning noises.
'Err..... are you alright?' she had asked but he did not hear her.
She approached closer but stepped back when he abruptly sat up.
'Oh it's you,' he said softly, 'well, you can leave now. Shoo shoo.' He waved his hands as if bothered by a pesky fly.
Raye ground her teeth. 'I will not be treated as a serving girl!' she huffed. Then noticing that he was clutching his stomach again asked, 'Are you really all right? It would not do to have you fall ill.'
Jadeite grinned where he was curled up into a ball, 'Are you worried about me?' he teased. Raye didn't bat an eyelid. 'Yes,' she said simply, and when he beamed at her she added, 'The Moon's honor is on the line. People will think we poisoned you. Not that we didn't try.'
Jadeite jumped up. 'I knew it! You were trying to poison me! That's why I didn't eat lunch!' he crowed satisfied.
Raye blinked. This guy was stupider than she thought. He had not eaten breakfast or lunch. 'Are you always this stupid or were you just born dumb?' she asked bringing the food towards him.
'It is not good for you to starve yourself.' She chided, 'For whatever reason. Now eat up.'
Jadeite looked at her suspiciously, 'but what if you had poisoned it?'
Raye sighed. 'I would not poison your breakfast lunch and dinner! Like I said, we wouldn't starve a General of Earth ..... even if he deserved it.'
'You try some first.' He suggested pleased with his idea.
Raye shook her head but complied. Jadeite watched as she ate a spoonful, and another, and another. She just didn't stop.
'Hey! That's supposed to be for me!' he cried snatching the bowl from her hands and began gobbling it down as if it would disappear.
Raye smirked. This guy was so amusing, she thought as he glanced at her furtively as if suspecting that she was plotting. I am going to miss pulling pranks on him, she thought.
@~@~@~@
The silence had been going on for a while now. Lita squirmed. She had no idea what to say.
Nephrite ate in silence. It is uncomfortable between us, he thought. Ever since she arrived we have barely talked to one another.
'You can leave now,' he said indifferently, 'I like to spend this evening alone to pack. I am sure you have things to do too.'
Lita almost breathed a sigh of relief. Almost. She had also felt rather discontented.
'Sure,' she said with a smile, 'I will see you tomorrow.' And with that she left.
Outside Lita felt ..... she couldn't name what she felt. But it was not a nice feeling. For some reason she did not know how to act around the General. I might as well go do what he said, she thought, and went to her room to pack.
Nephrite glanced at the closed door. He had read the stars and they had told him that the Princesses were going to have a major effect on his and his friends' lives.
He finished eating and got up. There was an emergency meeting in the Prince's room tonight to discuss matters regarding the Princesses. Nephrite felt uneasy, things were on the move. Somehow his life will be changed.
@~@~@~@~@
'Darien! Geez take forever why don't you' Jadeite said exasperatedly.
Darien glanced around, Nephrite was by the window gazing at the stars. Malachite was sitting in the corner brooding as usual, Zoicite was reading a book and Jadeite was pacing the room madly. They had all been waiting for him.
'What took you so long anyway?' demanded Jadeite.
'I was conversing with lovely company.' Said Darien. 'Ah, about that I have thought of a great prank to pull!' said Jadeite enthusiastically.
'Yes, about that,' said Darien, 'I don't know if we should do that anymore.'
Jadeite gaped at him. 'Look at yourself!' he cried, 'Do you not want revenge?'
The effects of the transformation had worn off a little and by midnight should be completely gone. Darien's legs had unmerged and he could walk freely.
'What do you think Zoicite?' asked Darien.
'I agree with you,' said Zoicite, 'I don't know if a prank is such a good idea anymore.'
Jadeite turned. 'Big nose! Sticky beak! You look like a chicken!' He proceeded to squawk and make chicken noises whilst flapping his arms.
Darien ignored this but Zoicite had turned red from anger. 'And you Nephrite?'
Nephrite gave the stars one more glance before turning. If there were trouble ahead, they might as well have some fun now, he reasoned with himself, this of course had nothing to do with swollen lips or mice. 'I agree with Jadeite.' He admitted and Jadeite gave a little victory dance that did not look much different from his chicken act.
'Malachite?'
'Prank.' He said without hesitation, he had his honor to defend.
Jadeite whooped. 'Three against two! Prank it is!'
'But-' Zoicite protested thinking of Ami and the way she smiled when she won.
'We have our reputation to uphold.'
'We cannot be defeated by little girls.'
'We have to show them we can fight back!'
Darien nodded, it was agreed then. 'And your magnificent plan?' he asked Jadeite.
'Oh, nothing new,' he admitted slightly red, 'The old make them crazy about you then ignore them ploy.'
The others nodded. This was a ploy most often used in the past. They would sweep a girl off her feet, shower her with chocolates and flowers than pretend to not know her come a week or two.
'That is subtle,' said Malachite, 'But we owe them three times.'
'Yes,' said Nephrite in all seriousness, (pranks are serious!) 'We will start off small and end with that.'
The others agreed and plotted deep into the night.
@~@~@~@
The next day .....
The palace was all in a bustle preparing for the departure of their princesses. (Queen Serenity is not going) In all the activities, the Princesses were nowhere to be found. The five men searched high and low but could not find them.
'There is one place we have not looked.' Stated Zoicite and he pointed his head at the Sabre enclosure. For since the last attack none of the men had gone back in there for fear of the wrath of five Princesses. That and being mauled.
They glanced at each other. 'Hey, you can only live once, I kind of want to see them again.' Said Jadeite boldly and the Princes crept in as before.
The five men peeked over the rock. Zoicite had been right as usual and the five Princesses were in the clearing with their Sabres.
Jadeite glanced at Raye. When she was with her Sabre Garnet, she was totally different. She smiled and laughed with not a care in the world. At the moment she was determinedly attacking Garnet with a stick. Garnet was pouncing and batting it with his paws. When he knocked the stick aside and leapt on her, Jadeite almost shouted a warning. Then he realized that Garnet was licking Raye's face. He glanced at the other men and hoped that they did not see his expression.
Nephrite was staring at Lita. She did not seem to have trouble speaking now as she talked and crooned and fought with her Emerald. Lita was laughing at Raye when her Sabre jumped and gave her the same treatment. Mina burst out laughing at the both of them struggling to get up.
Malachite could not keep his eyes off her. She seemed able to always laugh and smile, to everyone no matter what the circumstances. Mina was stroking Pearl's ears and smiling sweetly. Malachite felt a moment of insane jealousy. That was meant to be me, he thought and remembered Mina stroking his ears in such a manner.
Zoicite was looking at Ami. She was playing her little bamboo flute and Sapphire looked to be in pure bliss as she purred heavily, leaning into Ami's legs. Must ask for her to play for me someday thought Zoicite. Just for me, he added selfishly then wondered where that thought came from.
Darien gazed at Serena. She was such a bright little thing, she could charm anyone she met, he thought. Serena looked like she was trying to teach Crystal to dance, stepping around the Sabre in fast rhythmic motions. The Sabre seemed to be following in a strange odd way.
'Let us not have what happened before,' whispered Darien. The others agreed.
'Princesses,' called Darien as he and his men stepped up from behind the rock. Instantly all play was forgotten. Hackles raised, teeth bared, the five Sabres stood in front of the girls.
Serena peered around her Sabre. 'Endy?' she asked.
The four men gave their Prince a look to which he shrugged. 'Endy?' mimicked Jadeite.
Darien ignored him 'We've come to make peace with your Sabres.' He called.
'I don't want that brute near my Pearl!' hissed Mina to Serena.
'Me neither!' agreed Raye.
Lita did not comment and Ami blushed. 'I would not mind.' She muttered.
Serena decided. 'This is for the peace of the kingdom.' She whispered to them. She beckoned the men over.
The girls sighed. An order was an order no matter how carefully phrased. The Sabres stepped down.
Serena reached over and took Darien's hand. She placed it on Crystal's nose. 'Crystal, this is Prince Endymion of Earth.' She said.
Darien gazed into Crystal's eyes, refusing to show fear. Crystal lifted her nose and opened her mouth. She reached out with her tongue and softly touched it to Darien's hand. She closed her mouth as if tasting him. Darien did not draw back. After what seemed like forever, Crystal purred. She went over and wrapped around Serena. She gazed at Darien with her head tilted, as if to say, Serena is mine, do you disagree?
'She has welcomed you!' said Serena smiling, 'That means its ok for the others too!'
Ami did the same thing with Zoicite and Sapphire sniffed Zoicite before purring her assent.
Raye glared at Jadeite. 'You lay a hand on him and you die!' she snapped. Sensing his mistress's mood, Garnet took up battle stance again. 'Raye!' hissed Serena.
Raye sighed. She walked over and patted Jadeite on the nose. 'Err... what are you doing?' he asked bewildered. 'I am welcoming you,' she explained. Garnet saw this and pounced on Jadeite. He at least had the sense to not struggle. 'Help,' he squeaked when to his surprise, Garnet began licking his face. Raye laughed.
Emerald had glanced at his mistress, and Lita had nodded. Emerald began to prowl around Nephrite before deciding that he was no danger. He gave Nephrite's hand a lick before returning to his mistress. Nephrite was slightly disappointed. It seemed like Emerald and also his mistress barely tolerated him.
Mina and Malachite had been gazing at one another. As if in challenge. Pearl however, had her mistress's forgiving nature and upon seeing the other Sabres greeting these men had decided she would too. Malachite glanced in surprise as the Sabre began purring and head butting him. He reached and strokes its ears like he had seen Mina do. Pearl purred all the more louder. Mina looked affronted.
'I am trying to teach Crystal to dance.' Said Serena and she began showing Darien the dance that she and Crystal had together. She invited him to join.
Ami began to play her flute again and Zoicite stroked Sapphire as they both listened.
Mina, Lita and Raye however had decided to ignore the Generals and just play with their Sabres. The Generals were slightly uncomfortable but this was rectified for at one point, the Sabres had pounced on them and a wrestling/tickling match ensued. The Sabres had not forgotten their battle earlier and were exacting revenge.
The Princes and princesses spent a grand afternoon carefree and away from all troubles of court. They all laughed and smiled (even Malachite) and wrestled and fought. All titles and royalty were forgotten as they all remembered how it was like to be children again.
@~@~@~@
Chapter done! Thx again to reviewers. Much appreciated. I am trying to develop the romance side more after all that is what I rated it . though there is still some pranks to be played!
Next stop, Earth! Plz R&R! ^-^! Ja ne!