Much love to: Izzy, Aphrodite, Tenshi, Fire's Dew, BenRG, Rosealeenna,
guardianmercury, Kaiya, Sailor Earth, and a couple anonymous reviewers. I
just wanted to say, that I was absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of
feedback I've been getting. I mean, WOW!! Thank you so much!! I feel so
happy that people are actually reading my stories, and liking them.
Disclaimer: I own nothing! Everything belongs to Takeuchi Naoko, creator of BSSM, and any other companies with the rights to it.
Chapter Summary: The girls are brought before Queen Serenity. They are trying to get used to their new lives, and Lita makes a new friend.
Chapter 2-Beltane
Rei woke up feeling extremely cramped and bad-tempered. Jadeite, however, looked as though he had slept like a baby. He smiled cheerfully at the irate young woman.
"Sleep well?" He inquired. "Oh, well, good slumber or not, we're moving you to the ladies-in-waiting wing, right now. If you'd unfold yourself, we can be on our way." Rei scowled, and willed her tense body to unfold. As soon as she had worked all her knots out, she and Jadeite left. He took her to the wing, and stayed to talk to some lady with aqua hair.
"Miss Akili, we're going to the ladies-in-waiting quarters now." Ami sat up and blinked the sleep away. One sleeve of her borrowed nightgown slipped off her shoulder, revealing a curve that definitely wasn't supposed to be shown in polite company. Zoicite blushed and looked at the ground. Ami quickly got up.
"Thank you General. If you don't mind, I'd like to at least get some clean clothes before we set off."
"Of course, Ms. Akili. Michelle had your dress laundered and repaired last night. If you'd like, you may bathe and dress before we leave. I'll just leave you to that." Zoicite said, bowing and leaving the room. Ami bathed and dressed. Zoicite came in, and they left.
"Lita, wake up! I'm taking you to our quarters!" Lita rolled over and sat up.
"Morning Hotaru. Where are we going?"
"To your new home. Take a bath and get dressed so we can go." Lita did as ordered, and she and Hotaru made their way to the wing especially for the ladies-in-waiting to the queen.
"Miss Burdette, if you'd come out of the bath, we can be on our way." Kunzite said impatiently.
"Hold on, General. My hair just takes a while to untangle." Mina opened the door. "I'm ready to go, General Kunzite. Lead the way."
"Very well, Miss Burdette. If you'd be so kind as to follow me?" Mina and Kunzite left.
At the ladies' wing of the palace, there was a lot of screaming as the four girls had a happy reunion. The three Generals that were present left, and Hotaru was introduced to Lita's family.
"You guys, this is Lady Hotaru Than. She's really nice and a friend of mine." Lita said, pushing Hotaru into the circle. She curtseyed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"You too, Lady Hotaru." Ami replied politely. "I'm Ami Akili."
"I'm Mina Burdette. It's nice to meet you, Lady Hotaru."
"I'm Rei Keahi. Lita must really like you to introduce you to us so soon, Lady Hotaru."
"Call me Hotaru. If Queen Serenity likes you, then you'll be made ladies-in-waiting too."
"You mean just like that? We're not royalty or anything like that." Ami said.
"Queen Serenity is a good judge of character. If she likes you, she'll convince the king to give you a title. For now, though, we're going to take your measurements for some new clothes. Mildred!"
A mousy looking redhead walked in. "Yes, Lady Hotaru?"
"Could you help me take their measurements for dresses?"
"Yes, Lady." Mildred disappeared and came back with two measuring tools to take the girls' measurements. It was over soon, and Mildred disappeared.
"Now..."
"Lady Hotaru?"
"Yes, Mildred?"
"You forgot to write down the color and style for each dress." Hotaru smacked her forehead. Mildred handed her the paper.
"Well, Lita, what kind of dresses would you and your sisters prefer?" Hotaru asked, giving her the paper.
"Something simple. I think that dark blue for Ami would be nice; the dress should have a high scoop-neck and long sleeves. Slim- skirted would be suitable. For Rei, something red, with a heart neckline and short sleeves; oh yes, and a full skirt. For Mina, a cheerful shade of orange would be nice; yes, with a v-neck and short sleeves with lace at the ends, figure hugging."
"And for yourself, Lady?" Mildred asked.
"Dark green, with a square neck and long sleeves, full skirt." Lita replied promptly. Mildred bowed and left.
"How did you know what they wanted so fast?" Hotaru asked.
"I used to make all of our clothes. Rei and I ran a modest seamstress shop." Lita replied.
"Modest nothing! You couldn't find better cloth or cuts anywhere else!" Mina said proudly.
"Really? Then maybe you'd like to see where they design clothes." Hotaru suggested. "Are there any particular hobbies that you're fond of?"
"Do you have a library?" Ami asked softly.
"Of course! I'll take you there myself, as soon as I find out what everyone else prefers to do."
"What about a kitchen?" Lita inquired eagerly.
"Yes, we have an extremely large kitchen. Do you like to cook?"
"I love it!"
"I'm a Shinto priestess." Rei said.
"Well, we have a temple. General Kunzite is a Shinto priest-in- training. Let's head over there and we'll drop the others off on the way." All the girls left the wing and began walking. "Mina, you haven't told me what you'd like to do."
"Are there any gardens?" Mina inquired.
"Yes, and they're really pretty. Oh, Ami, here's the library!" Hotaru said, opening the door for her. Ami went in and looked around in amazement. There were floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and every one of them was crammed with books. She didn't even utter a 'goodbye'.
"She's thrilled." Lita said.
"Here's the kitchen, Lita." Lita walked in and began searching around. "Mina, the gardens are just through that door." Mina smiled at Hotaru and split away from the group. Hotaru led Rei down a spiral staircase and stopped at a large oaken door. "This is where the Sacred Fire is kept. I'll leave you to it." Hotaru said respectfully. Rei thanked her and entered the room. She kneeled in front of the Sacred Fire and began her chant.
Mina was enjoying the gardens, when a twig cracked behind her. She whirled around. A young woman of about eighteen was standing behind her. She was probably the most beautiful person Mina had ever seen. Her hair was long and silver blonde, and her eyes were sapphire blue. She wore a simple short-sleeved dress, and although it was white, it shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow.
"Hello. I don't believe I've met you. What's your name?" The mysterious girl asked.
"I just got here from Nabol. My name's Mina Burdette. What's yours?"
"Serenity, but you can call me Sere."
Mina looked shocked. "You're the Queen!" Mina performed a belated curtsey.
"Don't do that please. Every time I try to make friends, they get scared of me because I'm queen." Serenity said, her pretty face going sad. Mina smiled at her, and held out a hand to shake.
"I'll be your friend, Sere, and my sisters will too." Serenity grinned and shook Mina's hand. The two girls wandered around the garden, laughing and talking like old friends.
Ami was in the library, walking around the corridors, trying to find the fiction section. She was so into looking that she didn't notice the other person in the library until they came face-to- face. Ami jumped.
"I do apologize, Lady Ami; I didn't mean to startle you." Zoicite said, in his quiet voice.
"It's quite alright, General. Do you come here often?"
"Yes I do. Have you had trouble finding anything?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I was looking for a book on creatures of myth. I seem to be stuck in the horror novels."
Zoicite smiled shyly. "The myths and legends are at the top level. I'll take you there." Zoicite led Ami up two ladders, to the top level of shelves. He looked around, and plucked a book off the shelf. "I think you will find this most useful." As he handed her the book, their hands brushed. Ami blushed and hurriedly took the book. "This one is my personal favorite. I hope you like it." He said, blushing just as equally.
"I'm sure I will, General Zoicite. Thank you." Ami climbed down the ladder, and walked over to the sitting area. Zoicite looked after her in confusion, and then grabbed a book from the shelf and hurried after her. He settled into the chair across from her, and they began to read silently. Ami began unconsciously rubbing her arms in cold. Zoicite knelt in front of the fireplace, and soon had a merrily crackling fire in the hearth. They continued to read, but snuck looks at each other every now and then.
Lita was in the otherwise empty kitchen, exploring. She located the dry things, the liquids and spices, and decided to make a cake. She had just begun to stir the batter, when a hand dipped into the bowl. Without thinking, she smacked the hand with her wooden spoon, and heard a slightly familiar voice. "Was that even necessary, Ms. Sylvan?"
Without turning around, she replied, "It is if someone is trying to eat all your cake before you make it. If you would be so kind as to wait until AFTER the cake is baked, I'd be more than happy to give you a piece." She turned around then, only to be confronted with none other than...General Jadeite. (AN: Thought I was going to say Nephrite, didn't you? *Giggles*)
Jadeite put on a puppy-dog face. "I'm sorry, Ms. Sylvan. You see, I was sooo hungry, and it looked sooo good, I just couldn't help myself. My sincerest apologies to you, my lady." He said courteously, bowing and kissing Lita's flour-covered hand. He sneezed.
"Bless you. If you're really that hungry, I can fix us something while we wait for the cake to bake." Lita said, giggling.
Jadeite made another bow, this one overly dramatic. "Many thanks, my good lady. 'Twould more than suffice to have even the smallest morsel prepared by thine own fair hands."
Lita rolled her eyes. "That's enough of that, or I'll hit you with a rolling pin." Jadeite nodded and sat down at the island in the middle of the kitchen. "What would you like? There's some cold roast chicken in the icebox, and some fresh-baked rosemary bread in the breadbox. Chicken sandwiches, maybe?"
"Sounds great! Let me help." Jadeite said, getting the chicken and bread. "You sit down, and I'll fix the food. Would you like mustard?"
"Please." Lita responded as she sat down. Within minutes, Jadeite had whipped up a pair of roast chicken sandwiches. He held up a pitcher of grape juice. "Wine, milady?"
"Yes, please." Lita replied, giggling. Jadeite poured the juice into two crystal goblets, and put a ruby rose in the third. He sat down next to Lita, and placed the rose and the food in front of them. He raised his glass in a salute.
"I propose a toast." Lita raised an eyebrow. "To cake." Jadeite said solemnly.
Lita raised her glass. "To cake." They clinked glasses, and sipped. Jadeite smacked his lips appreciatively.
"Aah. That was an excellent year for juice."
Lita would have giggled, but her mouth was full. She chewed and swallowed. "I must say, General Jadeite, these sandwiches are wonderful! What did you put in them?"
"It's not what I did, it's the bread. Our cooks make the finest bread you'll ever taste. How do you like it here?"
"It's nice, but it's not home. We can't ever go back, but I miss it so."
"Pardon my asking, but why can't you go back?"
"They think we're witches. That's how we came to be your, ahem, gifts in the first place. Our coming here was not by choice, I assure you."
"I realize that. It is sad how people treat others sometimes isn't it?" Jadeite replied thoughtfully.
"Yes it is, but you can't go around righting every wrong. Some things happen, and you're powerless to stop them."
"Like death." Jadeite said.
"Yes, like death. It really isn't fair, but it happens." Lita replied sadly. Jadeite patted her hand sympathetically. Amara walked in and took a mouthful of Jadeite's sandwich.
"Hey, you're one of those sisters that were brought here as presents, aren't you?" She asked. Lita nodded. "Well, I hope someone told you that you're too pretty to be a present, especially for him and his friends." She continued, ruffling Jadeite's hair affectionately. She left just as suddenly as she came, leaving an openmouthed Lita in her wake.
Jadeite grinned. "My twin has that affect on most people."
Lita sniffed the air delicately. "My cake is done!" She exclaimed, taking it out of the oven. "We'll let it cool while we clean up." She said. She and Jadeite began picking up stuff. Lita leaned over to pick something up, and Jadeite threw some flour on her head. "You little..." Lita retaliated by throwing some flour at him. Soon, a full blown flour fight was underway. Someone came in the door and cleared their throat loudly. Lita and Jadeite looked up guiltily at Kunzite.
"Kunz, hey! Wanna join in?" Jadeite asked innocently. Lita couldn't help but sneeze, and she and Jadeite began laughing all over again. Kunzite rolled his eyes.
"I was hungry, but the sight of you two has completely put me off food for the time being. I'll come back later, when the kitchen and the two of you are clean." Kunzite spun on his heel, leaving Lita and Jadeite gasping for breath. They began to pick up the kitchen, and soon had it returned to its former spotlessness.
Rei had been meditating for an hour when a vision came to her. She saw herself and her sisters, all in the arms of four men. She could only see the backs of the four men, and the faces of her sisters. The vision left as quickly as it came, leaving Rei confused and thoughtful. She came out of her trance slowly, and when she recovered, made her way back to the wing. She met up with her sisters on the way, and they collapsed on their beds to talk. Rei decided against telling her family about the vision, in case it wasn't true. At around six, Serenity came in.
"Would you like to eat with me tonight?" She asked shyly. Mina nodded for them all, and Serenity clapped her hands thrice. Four servants came forward, bearing beautiful dresses for the girls to wear. All of them were the same basic cut, slim skirted, with square necks, but they were different colors; gold for Mina, shimmery red for Rei, sparkling dark blue for Ami, and glittering hunter green for Lita. The four girls dressed and followed the queen to the dining room, where Endymion, Amara, Michelle and the four Generals were getting ready to eat. Serenity took her place at the head of the table, next to her husband, and motioned for the girls to take seats across from the Generals.
"Endymion, you promised." Serenity whispered to her husband. He stood.
"Mina Burdette, Lita Sylvan, Ami Akili, and Rei Keahi, come forth." The four sisters stood and walked up to the King. He took out his sword and tapped each girl once on the head. "You are now the Ladies Mina, Lita, Ami, and Rei. You must serve your monarchs faithfully. Do you accept?"
"Yes, your majesty." They chorused.
"Very well then. You may be seated." The newly appointed court Ladies sat, and the dinner began. For the most part, the dinner was pleasant, with the exception of General Kunzite having trouble keeping his eyes off Lady Mina, who looked resplendent in her beautiful golden gown. What he didn't know was that she was admiring how well he filled out his uniform. Rei openly glared at Jadeite the whole time, while he and Lita talked; Lita and Nephrite ignored each other completely. Zoicite and Ami were having a long talk about the magical realms. At around eight, Serenity stood and clapped her hands together once.
"Its bedtime everyone. Beltane is tomorrow as you well know. It wouldn't do for everyone to sleep late on such an important day." Everyone got up from the table and bowed to the king and queen. Serenity beckoned for Mina and the others to stay. "You need dresses for Beltane, and none will be ready. I will take you to where the already-made dresses are in the morning, and you may pick out as many as you like." The girls nodded and left. They fell asleep almost immediately. The next morning, Serenity came by early to fetch them.
"Queen Serenity, what exactly is Beltane?" Mina asked.
"Oh, it's the most wonderful holiday! It's got a lot of feasting and dancing, and things like that. You'll love it, I promise! Now come, we must find dresses." Serenity and the girls left, chattering excitedly. Amara shook her head fondly.
Serenity led the girls to a large room, filled with dresses. She placed Ami and Mina in one section, Rei in another, and Lita in yet another. Lita was looking through the clothes critically, when someone coughed. Lita spun around to find a beautiful woman. She was tall, and had piercing garnet eyes, with long dark green hair. She moved past Lita and plucked a green dress off the hanger.
"I think this one will suit you. The color matches your eyes." She said softly.
Lita smiled in thanks and looked the dress over. It was slim- skirted, and had a long slit up the middle, for petticoats to show. The skirt fell straight down from the empire waist, which had a ribbon around it of palest pink. The strange woman picked out petticoats of the same pink as the ribbon.
"These should complement the dress nicely. You'll look wonderful for Beltane." The woman plucked another dress off the hanger and handed it to her. "This is for everyday. If you'll look in the pocket, there's a kerchief to tie around your head to keep your hair out of your way." The dress was dark green, and sleeveless. A long-sleeved white shirt went under it.
"Thank you. I'm Lita Sylvan. What's your name?"
"I'm Princess Trista. If you'll excuse me, I must return to my work." Trista swept away as quickly as she had appeared.
Ami was looking through her size. She already had a dress for Beltane, and was looking for another. Rei popped out of nowhere and grabbed the dress.
"You've found an everyday dress already? I'm still looking for one and another for Beltane."
"That is my Beltane dress." Ami said indignantly. Rei held the dress up. It was simple, slightly full skirted, high-necked, and long-sleeved. Rei scanned the racks, and pulled out an icy blue dress. It was cut almost indecently low, and had see-through ¾ length sleeves, with trailing cuffs. The skirt was full, and had slits in the sides for the white underskirt to peek through.
"That's perfect for the Beltane ball!" Serenity said. She plucked a dark blue everyday dress off the racks. "This one is perfect for everyday." She took Rei and Ami's arms. "Come; let us find something for Rei." Serenity led Ami and Rei over to Rei's size and promptly grabbed a dress. It had a figure-hugging skirt with a slit up the side that stopped at the thigh, and a low cut sweetheart neckline. The color was flame red at the top, and then faded to flame orange at the bottom.
Rei gasped. "It's beautiful! Can I really wear it for the ball?" She asked.
Serenity giggled. "Of course you can!" She grabbed a dark red everyday dress off the shelf. "Here you go!" Lita and Mina showed up at that moment, Mina holding a silk dress that changed colors in the light. First it was orange, then yellow, then gold. It was long sleeved, with trailing cuffs, a low scoop neck and a full skirt. The skirt was held up at the bottom at intervals with hearts, revealing white petticoats underneath. She was also holding a yellow everyday dress, like Lita's.
"We're all ready! For now, we can put on some peasant dresses and sneak into town." Serenity said, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Amara will come with us as protection. All we need to do is get dressed. Come on!" Serenity led them back up to the ladies' wing, where a man was waiting for them. Ami shrieked in surprise, and the man gave a surprisingly familiar chuckle.
"Sere, hurry up! You don't want to miss the festivities do you?"
"Lady Amara?" Rei asked incredulously. Amara made a bow.
"At your service, Reiana."
"But my name's not Reiana." She replied, puzzled.
"It is for now. You'll each have different names when we go into town. Mina is Minako, Ami is Amilian, and Lita is Litana." Serenity said as she changed into a dull brown peasant dress. The others followed suit.
"What about you?" Lita asked as she tied on her kerchief. "We certainly can't call you Serenity, and Amara, Amara."
"I'm Serena, and Amara's Tony." Amara handed her queen a blonde wig, much like Mina's natural hair color. Serenity tied her real hair up and put the wig on. She glanced around the room at her friends. Gone were the palace ladies. In their places were a few utterly normal peasant women. She gave herself a glance in the mirror, and they left.
The town was bustling with happy revelers. Serenity and the others made it through without so much as second glances, exactly how they wanted it. They dropped by a candy shop, and picked up some sweets to eat while they watched the parades. Everyone around them had on masks, and Serenity clapped a hand to her cheek. "Oh, no! I forgot the masks!" She and her friends bustled into a nearby store and were back outside shortly, wearing celebratory masks. Serenity's was decorated with the white feathers of a dove, and the rest of the mask sparkled with different colors. It only covered her eyes. Mina had on a golden mask, decorated with short peacock feathers, which covered her eyes and her forehead. Ami had on a face mask, plain white, with a glittering blue jewel in the center of the forehead, and blue lips. Rei had on a red half-face mask (AN: like the Phantom of the Opera), bright red, with a dark red feather in the center of the forehead that stuck up into the air a good six inches. Lita had on a dark green mask that just covered her eyes. The brown- gold hawk feathers were around all the edges of the mask, so that her whole face was covered, and she parted the feathers for her lips and nose. Amara wore an eye mask (AN: like Tuxedo Kamen), that was the palest blue.
They watched the parades in silence, when Rei nudged Serenity. "Uh, Serena, there are some men watching us." She whispered. Serenity turned her head casually, and observed the men observing them.
"Tony, let's go and watch the parade from someplace else." Serenity said indifferently, with a jerk of her head towards their admirers. Amara nodded, and the girls casually made their way down the street. Mina glanced back over her shoulder. She walked up to Amara.
"Tony, they're following us." She said quietly. Amara looked over her shoulder and placed the queen in front of her.
"There's an alley we can hide in over there." She led the girls down the alley, where they waited for the six masked men to pass by. They came walking by, but instead of walking past the alleyway, they turned into it and began walking to the girls. One of them separated Lita from the others. Bending down, he brushed Lita's lips with a kiss, and went to join the others. Lita touched her lips in astonishment.
Serenity looked up into the faces of the men and laughed. She reached up and pulled off the mask of the leader. "Endy-chan, what are you doing here?" The men pulled off their masks, revealing Jadeite, Kunzite, Nephrite, Zoicite and Michelle. Amara grinned and took her wife into her arms.
"Michi, what in the world possessed you to dress up like a man?"
"I wanted to get out and have some fun, so when Zoi invited me, I decided to take a page out of your book." She said proudly.
Lita was absolutely speechless. Jadeite came over to her side, partly to hide from the death looks Rei was giving him. "Are you having fun?"
"I am." She replied, trying to push the kiss to the back of her mind. Zoicite and Ami were talking about books, when Jadeite walked over.
"Lady Ami, if you would excuse Zoi and me?" Ami nodded, and Jadeite dragged his friend over to an unoccupied corner. "Zoi, what are you waiting for? Ask her if she wants you to escort her to the dance!"
Zoicite blushed. "What if she says no?"
"Then ask her to at least reserve a dance for you. For the love of *Berenice, just go ask her!"
Zoicite swallowed and walked back over to Ami. "Lady Ami, I was wondering if you...you..."
Ami was beginning to blush. "Yes, General?"
"I was wondering if I could have the pleasure of escorting you to the Beltane ball."
Ami's small blush turned into a full on lobster blush. She began toying with her skirt. "I'd like that very much, I think."
Zoicite grinned broadly. "Really?"
Ami's reply was a small nod. Lita was watching them, and she snagged Jadeite by his collar when he walked by. "What was that all about?"
"He just asked her if he could escort her to the Beltane ball."
Lita 'aww'ed. "Did she say yes?"
"Sure did, Lady Lita. Speaking of escorts, do you want me to escort you? I'll chase away all the unattractive guys for you." Jadeite said.
Lita laughed and nodded. "But on one condition."
Jadeite put a mock-lovesick expression on his face. "To escort the most beautiful lady in the palace, milady, name your price! My life would be a small price to pay, just to escort you."
"Stop calling me Lady! The name's Lita!" She said, playfully pushing him.
"Okay, Lita, but you have to call me Jadeite or Jed."
Lita stuck out her hand. "Agreed." They shook on it.
Serenity got everyone's attention. "We have to leave if we're going to get ready for the Beltane ball. Come on!" The girls and Amara left in one group, the boys and Michelle another. Everyone got to the palace, and the extreme part of any ball began. The ball was to begin at eight, and by the time they arrived back at the palace, it was five. It took Mina, Lita and Rei two hours to dress, and it only took Ami thirty minutes. By the time six o clock rolled around, Ami was ready and curled up in a chair reading the book Zoicite had recommended. Mina was fussing with Rei's hair, Rei was fussing in Lita's hair, and Lita was fussing with Mina's hair. Mina ended up with spiral curls pulled up elegantly, and her bangs drawn back from her face to reveal a small jewel she stuck in the center of her forehead. Lita left her hair down, and wore a silver circlet that she borrowed from Hotaru to tame her hair. Rei's hair was pulled back into a sleek bun, and fastened on the sides with a pair of clips that the queen lent her. Ami wore a white lily on one side of her hair.
"You look nice." Hotaru commented as she entered the room. She, Michelle, Amara, and Trista shared a room, while Mina, Lita, Ami and Rei shared another.
"Thanks Hotaru, so do you and everyone else!" Lita exclaimed. Hotaru was wearing a splendid purple silk dress, complemented at the neckline and short sleeves by black lace. Her hair was worn up, with a black ribbon holding it in place. Michelle smoothed the front of her aqua blue dress. Her hair was spiral curled and down. Amara got her way about wearing men's clothing, and looked handsome in a pair of soft black breeches and a matching tunic, with a white silk shirt underneath. Her hair shone like spun gold.
"Zoicite is waiting for you, Ami." Michelle said, with a hint of teasing in her voice.
"Oh yeah, Lita, Jadeite told me to tell you that he's waiting." Amara said. "If you don't mind my commenting, Nephrite was looking pretty disappointed when he found out Jed was escorting you."
"What do I care what that...that...that jerk thinks?" Lita replied. She and Ami left. Zoicite and Jadeite were waiting for them, looking absolutely gorgeous in uniforms of soft gray. Zoicite's was trimmed in ice blue, and Jadeite's was trimmed in red. Both men bowed, when they saw the young women emerge from their quarters. Zoicite looked completely awestruck, and so did Ami. Rei and Mina were being escorted by two knights that Serenity had set them up with, Chad and Andrew. Chad and Andrew arrived just as Ami, Lita, Jadeite, and Zoicite left. Mina was being escorted by Andrew, and Rei, Chad.
"Lady Ami, you look wonderful." Zoicite said timidly.
Ami's smile made the sunrise seem dull. "Thank you, General. You look quite nice yourself."
"I swear, if Zoicite doesn't at least kiss her on the cheek before the night is over, I'll do it for him!" Jadeite murmured to Lita. She lightly tapped his shoulder with her fan.
"You had better...oh!" They had just entered the ballroom. Lita looked around in wonder. The room had been decorated in silver, representing Serenity, and gold, representing Endymion. Lita and the others stood at the top of the grand staircase, waiting to be announced. The herald tapped his staff three times on the floor.
"Preeeesenting...General Jadeite and Lady Lita of Nabol!" Nephrite turned just in time. Lita looked stunning. His friend and date, Naru of Assyria, tapped him playfully.
"For the love of the Gods, why don't you just approach her like a gentleman?" She whispered.
"I can't."
"And why ever not?"
"She hates me."
"Melvin thought the same thing about me, and look what happened." Melvin was her fiancée, a diplomat currently on a mission in Jermnca.
"But that was different."
"How?"
"I don't know; it just was." Nephrite said, not taking his eyes off Lita for a second. He watched as Jadeite politely pulled Lita's chair out from under the table for her, and she sat gracefully down.
"Preeeesenting, General Zoicite and Lady Ami of Nabol!" Ami floated down, very aware of the eyes on her. She and Zoicite made it down the staircase, bowed to their monarchs, and took their seats at their table.
"Preeeesenting, Sir Andrew and Lady Mina of Nabol!" Kunzite, who had been holding a polite conversation with a visiting dignitary, was knocked speechless momentarily. Mina's dress switched from gold to orange in the light and her some of her hair framed her face gently. He swallowed his emotions and turned back to his conversation.
"Preeeesenting, Sir Chad, and Lady Rei of Nabol!" Jadeite watched in amazement as Rei walked down, every inch a noble. Lita rolled her eyes and began thinking about Nephrite's kiss, and how soft it was. She gave her head a little shake. {Snap out of it girl! It's not like it was that good of a kiss anyway. It was just awful! Who am I kidding; it was the best kiss I've ever gotten! I should go drink myself into oblivion.}
"Preeeesenting, Lady Michelle and Lady Amara!" Michelle winked at Ami before bowing to the monarchs and taking her seat.
"Preeeesenting, Lady Hotaru and Baron Wiessman!" Wiessman, a tall man with green hair, looking smugly pleased. Hotaru, however, looked upset. She harbored a secret dislike for the cold-hearted, egotistical man, who in turn, had been pestering her as of late for her hand in marriage.
"And preeeesenting, Princess Trista and Lord Demando! Trista looked magnificent in a full skirted gown of dark red, with black underskirts peeking through the see through layer of the skirt. Her hair was pulled into a half bun, the rest flowing down her back in tresses of evergreen. Demando was a major lord, and the only one Endymion trusted enough to escort Trista. She had a slight crush on him, and he her. Demando was quite striking, with silvery white hair, and eyes of the most crystalline blue. He led Trista before the king and queen, bowed to them, and helped the princess to her seat.
Endymion stood. "Let the ball begin!" The band started up a lively song, and couples flooded the dance floor. Jadeite offered Lita his hand and they went out to the dance floor.
"You're a good dancer Lita; who taught you?"
"My aunt and uncle. You're not bad yourself."
Jadeite leaned in closer, until his mouth was by Lita's ear. "Nephrite is staring at you."
Lita put her mouth by his ear. "What do you say we give him something to stare at?" Jadeite grinned and began sweeping her around the dance floor extravagantly. They ended up going outside, with their hands around each other's waist. Immediately after they got outside, Lita began laughing. "That was sooo funny! Did you see the look on his face?"
Jadeite was leaning against the wall in an effort to stay upright. "Lita, you aren't right. But the look on his face was hilarious."
"I hope he learns his lesson, the jerk." Lita continued.
"Neph isn't really a jerk." Jadeite defended.
"Jed, he kissed me for absolutely no good reason."
"Actually, he had a reason, but I'm not supposed to say what." Lita turned and looked at him, both completely serious.
"Tell me! I promise I won't say anything!"
"Swear by your god, or goddess?"
Lita held up her right hand. "I, Lita Maria Sylvan, swear by the great goddess *Tryphaena that I will not breathe a word of this to anyone."
"He has a crush on you. That's why he pretended he was going to kill you, so Endymion would let him take you."
"But he just met me! How could he even think about liking me?"
"I don't know if you know, but Neph has a special affiliation with stars. They tell him things that most humans would never know. He knew your name and face well before you even came here."
"Did he now? Well, he might've had a chance, if he wasn't such a jerk."
"Give him another chance. I'll talk to him."
Lita folded her arms rebelliously. "Why should I?"
Jadeite put on his saddest, most adorable puppy face. "Because I'm your friend, and you like me so much, you'd be willing to."
Lita laughed. "Oh, Jed, I don't know. I don't trust him, at all."
"Why, because he's one of the king's most trusted generals? Or do you dislike him because you were stolen from your home?"
"It's none of those; if it were, we wouldn't be friends. I just don't trust him." Lita leaned out over the balcony, looking up at the sky.
"Well, even if you don't want to, could you talk to Lady Rei for me?"
"Why? Do you like her?" Lita's voice became light and teasing.
"What's not to like? She's beautiful, fiery, and she doesn't want me. She's perfect."
"Well...it's kinda hard to talk her into doing something she doesn't want to do." Jadeite looked so downcast that Lita just had to laugh. "I'll talk to her, I promise. But in the meantime, act cool towards her. Don't let her know you like her, and above all, DON'T FLIRT. Stay calm, collected and uninterested, at all times. She won't be able to stand it."
"Thanks Lita! What do you say we go back in?" Lita took the proffered arm, and they went back inside to join in the festivities. Nephrite came up to them and bowed formally to Lita.
"Lady Lita, may I have this dance?" Lita looked uncertainly at Jadeite, who nodded encouragingly.
Lita curtsied. "You may." Nephrite led Lita out to the dance floor, where a slow and romantic song started up.
Mina was watching her date, Sir Andrew, flirt with a lovely young woman by the name of Rita. He had been staring at the girl ever since they walked in, and finally decided to talk to her, upon the urging of Mina. Someone tapped her shoulder.
"Lady Mina, may I have this dance?" Kunzite asked seriously.
Mina curtsied. "You may." She replied just as gravely. Kunzite took her arm and led her out to the dance floor. They took their place beside Nephrite and Lita, the former looking nervous, the latter looking hesitant. Mina gave her 'sister' an encouraging look, and she and Kunzite began to dance. Mina and Kunzite whirled around the dance floor. Mina tore her glance away from Kunzite's handsome face just in time to see Baron Wiessman drag Hotaru onto a balcony. She gasped. "We have to go help her!" She dragged Kunzite away from the dance floor, quite a feat in such a slender woman. She led him to the balcony, where the Baron was proceeding to tear the dress from Hotaru. Mina rushed up and hit him squarely in the eye. Before she could hit him again, he had punched her against the wall. Kunzite leapt forward, but before he could do anything, a red whirlwind rushed up against the Baron and proceeded to almost beat the life out of him.
Hotaru, forgetting about herself, rushed over to Mina, who suffered a black eye. A wave of Hotaru's hand fixed that. Hotaru swayed, and the whirlwind that had been attacking the Baron came to her aid. "Lady Hotaru, are you alright?"
Hotaru looked up into the face of a handsome redhead. "I'm fine, thank you. Is Mina okay?"
Kunzite looked up from where he was attending Mina. "Lady Mina is just fine, Lady Hotaru. Did he hurt you in any way?"
Hotaru looked down at herself. Her dress had been torn from one shoulder, and her skirts ripped, but other than that, she was fine. "No, General, I'm fine."
Hotaru's rescuer set her down gently and went over to the Baron. He picked him up by his hair and dragged him over to Kunzite. "General Kunzite, I believe that General Nephrite might want to talk to the Baron."
Wiessman paled. Nephrite's temper was famed throughout the land, as was his fierce protectiveness of her adopted sister. Kunzite rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I don't think our king would like Nephrite to deal with him just yet. Lord Rubeus, please go tell the king about our little problem." The redhead smiled wolfishly and left. He was back soon, king in tow.
"As you can see, His Majesty decided to deal with this personally." Kunzite threw the man in front of Endymion, who tipped his chin up with his sword.
"Baron Wiessman, you are herby revoked of your title, and I think that Nephrite will like to talk to you." Endymion snapped, and two soldiers came forward. They dragged the former baron away. "We'll wait until after the ball to tell Nephrite, agreed?" Everyone present nodded. Endymion turned and left.
"Hotaru, are you sure you're okay?" Mina prodded.
"Thanks to you, Kunzite, and Lord Rubeus, I'm fine." Hotaru said. She drew in a great shuddering gasp and tried to straighten her skirts. She looked down at her dress and smiled shakily. "My dress, however, is a different story."
"You look beautiful, Lady Hotaru." Rubeus said. His face matched his hair. Hotaru smiled at him, causing his face to redden another shade deeper.
"Thank you, Lord Rubeus. However, I can't go back in there looking like this. Mina, could you fetch a servant and tell them to get my black gown?" Mina nodded and left. She was back shortly.
"Mildred went to get it." A romantic song drifted out on the warm air. Rubeus bowed to Hotaru.
"Milady, may I have this dance?"
Hotaru smiled and nodded. Rubeus took her hand, and they swept around the balcony. Mina looked on in amusement until Kunzite tapped her shoulder. He bowed and offered her a hand. She smiled and took it. The two couples danced around the balcony, until Mildred came back with Hotaru's dress. Kunzite and Rubeus went inside while Hotaru changed. She walked inside, her head held high. Rubeus' jaw dropped. The dress she had been wearing was nothing compared to the one she had on now. The dress was off the shoulders, and full skirted. A white ribbon tied around the waist, and a lot of bosom was showing. She had taken the ribbon from her hair, and used it as a choker. She caught sight of Rubeus staring at her and smiled shyly. "I know it's a little showy, but I hope I don't look too bad."
Rubeus managed a grin. "Lady Hotaru, you are the most beautiful woman here. May I have another dance?" Hotaru blushed, and the two swept off for the dance floor. Mina watched and smiled, oblivious to the stares Kunzite was giving her.
Rei let loose a barely audible sigh. Her escort, Sir Chad, was handsome enough, but was he ever boring! All he seemed to be able to talk about was his training. She let loose another sigh, this one not so quiet. Chad glanced at her as if he had heard, but said nothing. The dance ended, and Rei excused herself, saying she had to powder her nose. She went out onto a balcony for some fresh air, since Chad's mere presence was becoming an annoyance. Someone coughed, and Rei whirled around. She sniffed. "General Jadeite." She turned back around, and Jadeite chuckled softly. He moved past her and leaned on the railing.
"Lady Rei." He said no more to her. Rei put up with the unbearable silence for a while, until she just couldn't stand it any more.
"It's a nice night, is it not, General?"
"That it is, Lady Rei." Jadeite replied, with none of his usual flirtatiousness. Rei was puzzled, but didn't press the issue.
"The stars here are different from the ones back home." She said, half to herself, half out loud. Jadeite smiled slightly.
"I believe that General Nephrite would be more than happy to point out the stars and constellations to you." Jadeite bowed. "If you'll excuse me." He left, leaving Rei puzzled. She pondered it over as she watched the stars.
"Excuse me; may I cut in?" Jadeite tapped Zoicite on the shoulder. He didn't exactly want to cut in on the cute couple, but he had some business to take care of. Zoicite bowed, and kissed Ami's cheek, and Ami took Jadeite's hand. They began to dance.
"Lady Ami, it seems my colleague is quite charmed with you."
Ami blushed. "I'm not sure about that, but he is a wonderful person."
"Yes, he is. Just the other day, he said to me, 'Jed, I would love to get to know Lady Ami a bit more.' I do believe he's starting to develop a crush on you." Jadeite continued.
Ami blushed even more. "A crush on me? Surely you must be mistaken. Rei and Mina are much prettier than I am." She had no clue why she was confiding in this man. Something about his demeanor reminded her of Rei at her nicest.
"Lady Mina and Lady Rei are quite attractive, yes, but you have your own special something, that really attracts my friend." The dance ended, and Jadeite insisted on escorting Ami back to her table. Just before they approached, he stopped and squeezed her hand.
"Lady Ami, promise me that you won't hurt Zoi. He really does like you."
Ami looked down at the ground. "I wouldn't dream of hurting him, General." Jadeite nodded, and they sat down at the table and watched Lita and Zoicite whirl around the dance floor.
"Lady Ami, one last thing."
"Yes, General Jadeite?"
"Call me Jed."
"Call me Ami."
Jadeite grinned and stuck out his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ami."
Ami shook his hand. "Likewise, I'm sure Jed." Zoicite and Lita came over, breathless and laughing from the spirited dance they had just completed. Zoicite and Jadeite excused themselves, and Ami and Lita were left alone. Soon, Mina and Rei came over. Mina filled them in on Hotaru's problem.
"I would love to get my hands on that jerk before General Nephrite does." Lita growled, clenching her fists.
"So Ami, is Zoicite a good dancer?" Rei asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, wonderful. I noticed you left your escort. Why?"
"He was boring! Mina, I thought I saw you and General Kunzite dancing earlier. Were you?"
"Yes. He didn't smile, not once!" Mina said in amazement.
"Well, try to get him to. You know, it's funny, but even though it's our second day here, I don't want to leave." Lita said slowly.
"You're right, there's too much excitement for us to leave now. That and it didn't turn out like any of us expected. We should stay, at least for a while." Mina said. Her sisters nodded agreement.
"I couldn't leave Hotaru, Sere, Michelle, Amara, or Jadeite now." Lita said.
"That settles it. We'll stay." Mina said decisively. Unbeknownst to them, each woman was being watched by a different person, each thinking different thought.
Kunzite thought about this funny feeling he was getting in his chest. It was like a giant bubble, and it got bigger every time he looked at Mina.
Nephrite thought about the stars, and what they had told them about Lita. He mentally swore that he would find out just why the stars had chosen her as his soul mate.
Zoicite was thinking about Ami, and how lovely she was. He made a mental note to try one of the things Jadeite and Nephrite had recommended. He just hoped she wouldn't slap him by the end of the day, like other women had done his friends.
Jadeite was silently congratulating himself on successfully carrying out Lita's ingenious plan. He would try a different approach tomorrow, one he was sure Rei wouldn't be able to resist.
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*Wipes forehead* Twenty-four pages long! I hope everyone is happy with this new chapter, even though it was a little different than what I promised in the last chapter. Triflin' I know, but hopefully this chapter made up for my triflin'-ness. Thanks, and if I get maybe ten or more reviews, I'll post the next chapter. I would really like everyone's take on all this. Love, peace, and chicken grease!
Isis Aurora Tomoe
Disclaimer: I own nothing! Everything belongs to Takeuchi Naoko, creator of BSSM, and any other companies with the rights to it.
Chapter Summary: The girls are brought before Queen Serenity. They are trying to get used to their new lives, and Lita makes a new friend.
Chapter 2-Beltane
Rei woke up feeling extremely cramped and bad-tempered. Jadeite, however, looked as though he had slept like a baby. He smiled cheerfully at the irate young woman.
"Sleep well?" He inquired. "Oh, well, good slumber or not, we're moving you to the ladies-in-waiting wing, right now. If you'd unfold yourself, we can be on our way." Rei scowled, and willed her tense body to unfold. As soon as she had worked all her knots out, she and Jadeite left. He took her to the wing, and stayed to talk to some lady with aqua hair.
"Miss Akili, we're going to the ladies-in-waiting quarters now." Ami sat up and blinked the sleep away. One sleeve of her borrowed nightgown slipped off her shoulder, revealing a curve that definitely wasn't supposed to be shown in polite company. Zoicite blushed and looked at the ground. Ami quickly got up.
"Thank you General. If you don't mind, I'd like to at least get some clean clothes before we set off."
"Of course, Ms. Akili. Michelle had your dress laundered and repaired last night. If you'd like, you may bathe and dress before we leave. I'll just leave you to that." Zoicite said, bowing and leaving the room. Ami bathed and dressed. Zoicite came in, and they left.
"Lita, wake up! I'm taking you to our quarters!" Lita rolled over and sat up.
"Morning Hotaru. Where are we going?"
"To your new home. Take a bath and get dressed so we can go." Lita did as ordered, and she and Hotaru made their way to the wing especially for the ladies-in-waiting to the queen.
"Miss Burdette, if you'd come out of the bath, we can be on our way." Kunzite said impatiently.
"Hold on, General. My hair just takes a while to untangle." Mina opened the door. "I'm ready to go, General Kunzite. Lead the way."
"Very well, Miss Burdette. If you'd be so kind as to follow me?" Mina and Kunzite left.
At the ladies' wing of the palace, there was a lot of screaming as the four girls had a happy reunion. The three Generals that were present left, and Hotaru was introduced to Lita's family.
"You guys, this is Lady Hotaru Than. She's really nice and a friend of mine." Lita said, pushing Hotaru into the circle. She curtseyed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"You too, Lady Hotaru." Ami replied politely. "I'm Ami Akili."
"I'm Mina Burdette. It's nice to meet you, Lady Hotaru."
"I'm Rei Keahi. Lita must really like you to introduce you to us so soon, Lady Hotaru."
"Call me Hotaru. If Queen Serenity likes you, then you'll be made ladies-in-waiting too."
"You mean just like that? We're not royalty or anything like that." Ami said.
"Queen Serenity is a good judge of character. If she likes you, she'll convince the king to give you a title. For now, though, we're going to take your measurements for some new clothes. Mildred!"
A mousy looking redhead walked in. "Yes, Lady Hotaru?"
"Could you help me take their measurements for dresses?"
"Yes, Lady." Mildred disappeared and came back with two measuring tools to take the girls' measurements. It was over soon, and Mildred disappeared.
"Now..."
"Lady Hotaru?"
"Yes, Mildred?"
"You forgot to write down the color and style for each dress." Hotaru smacked her forehead. Mildred handed her the paper.
"Well, Lita, what kind of dresses would you and your sisters prefer?" Hotaru asked, giving her the paper.
"Something simple. I think that dark blue for Ami would be nice; the dress should have a high scoop-neck and long sleeves. Slim- skirted would be suitable. For Rei, something red, with a heart neckline and short sleeves; oh yes, and a full skirt. For Mina, a cheerful shade of orange would be nice; yes, with a v-neck and short sleeves with lace at the ends, figure hugging."
"And for yourself, Lady?" Mildred asked.
"Dark green, with a square neck and long sleeves, full skirt." Lita replied promptly. Mildred bowed and left.
"How did you know what they wanted so fast?" Hotaru asked.
"I used to make all of our clothes. Rei and I ran a modest seamstress shop." Lita replied.
"Modest nothing! You couldn't find better cloth or cuts anywhere else!" Mina said proudly.
"Really? Then maybe you'd like to see where they design clothes." Hotaru suggested. "Are there any particular hobbies that you're fond of?"
"Do you have a library?" Ami asked softly.
"Of course! I'll take you there myself, as soon as I find out what everyone else prefers to do."
"What about a kitchen?" Lita inquired eagerly.
"Yes, we have an extremely large kitchen. Do you like to cook?"
"I love it!"
"I'm a Shinto priestess." Rei said.
"Well, we have a temple. General Kunzite is a Shinto priest-in- training. Let's head over there and we'll drop the others off on the way." All the girls left the wing and began walking. "Mina, you haven't told me what you'd like to do."
"Are there any gardens?" Mina inquired.
"Yes, and they're really pretty. Oh, Ami, here's the library!" Hotaru said, opening the door for her. Ami went in and looked around in amazement. There were floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and every one of them was crammed with books. She didn't even utter a 'goodbye'.
"She's thrilled." Lita said.
"Here's the kitchen, Lita." Lita walked in and began searching around. "Mina, the gardens are just through that door." Mina smiled at Hotaru and split away from the group. Hotaru led Rei down a spiral staircase and stopped at a large oaken door. "This is where the Sacred Fire is kept. I'll leave you to it." Hotaru said respectfully. Rei thanked her and entered the room. She kneeled in front of the Sacred Fire and began her chant.
Mina was enjoying the gardens, when a twig cracked behind her. She whirled around. A young woman of about eighteen was standing behind her. She was probably the most beautiful person Mina had ever seen. Her hair was long and silver blonde, and her eyes were sapphire blue. She wore a simple short-sleeved dress, and although it was white, it shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow.
"Hello. I don't believe I've met you. What's your name?" The mysterious girl asked.
"I just got here from Nabol. My name's Mina Burdette. What's yours?"
"Serenity, but you can call me Sere."
Mina looked shocked. "You're the Queen!" Mina performed a belated curtsey.
"Don't do that please. Every time I try to make friends, they get scared of me because I'm queen." Serenity said, her pretty face going sad. Mina smiled at her, and held out a hand to shake.
"I'll be your friend, Sere, and my sisters will too." Serenity grinned and shook Mina's hand. The two girls wandered around the garden, laughing and talking like old friends.
Ami was in the library, walking around the corridors, trying to find the fiction section. She was so into looking that she didn't notice the other person in the library until they came face-to- face. Ami jumped.
"I do apologize, Lady Ami; I didn't mean to startle you." Zoicite said, in his quiet voice.
"It's quite alright, General. Do you come here often?"
"Yes I do. Have you had trouble finding anything?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I was looking for a book on creatures of myth. I seem to be stuck in the horror novels."
Zoicite smiled shyly. "The myths and legends are at the top level. I'll take you there." Zoicite led Ami up two ladders, to the top level of shelves. He looked around, and plucked a book off the shelf. "I think you will find this most useful." As he handed her the book, their hands brushed. Ami blushed and hurriedly took the book. "This one is my personal favorite. I hope you like it." He said, blushing just as equally.
"I'm sure I will, General Zoicite. Thank you." Ami climbed down the ladder, and walked over to the sitting area. Zoicite looked after her in confusion, and then grabbed a book from the shelf and hurried after her. He settled into the chair across from her, and they began to read silently. Ami began unconsciously rubbing her arms in cold. Zoicite knelt in front of the fireplace, and soon had a merrily crackling fire in the hearth. They continued to read, but snuck looks at each other every now and then.
Lita was in the otherwise empty kitchen, exploring. She located the dry things, the liquids and spices, and decided to make a cake. She had just begun to stir the batter, when a hand dipped into the bowl. Without thinking, she smacked the hand with her wooden spoon, and heard a slightly familiar voice. "Was that even necessary, Ms. Sylvan?"
Without turning around, she replied, "It is if someone is trying to eat all your cake before you make it. If you would be so kind as to wait until AFTER the cake is baked, I'd be more than happy to give you a piece." She turned around then, only to be confronted with none other than...General Jadeite. (AN: Thought I was going to say Nephrite, didn't you? *Giggles*)
Jadeite put on a puppy-dog face. "I'm sorry, Ms. Sylvan. You see, I was sooo hungry, and it looked sooo good, I just couldn't help myself. My sincerest apologies to you, my lady." He said courteously, bowing and kissing Lita's flour-covered hand. He sneezed.
"Bless you. If you're really that hungry, I can fix us something while we wait for the cake to bake." Lita said, giggling.
Jadeite made another bow, this one overly dramatic. "Many thanks, my good lady. 'Twould more than suffice to have even the smallest morsel prepared by thine own fair hands."
Lita rolled her eyes. "That's enough of that, or I'll hit you with a rolling pin." Jadeite nodded and sat down at the island in the middle of the kitchen. "What would you like? There's some cold roast chicken in the icebox, and some fresh-baked rosemary bread in the breadbox. Chicken sandwiches, maybe?"
"Sounds great! Let me help." Jadeite said, getting the chicken and bread. "You sit down, and I'll fix the food. Would you like mustard?"
"Please." Lita responded as she sat down. Within minutes, Jadeite had whipped up a pair of roast chicken sandwiches. He held up a pitcher of grape juice. "Wine, milady?"
"Yes, please." Lita replied, giggling. Jadeite poured the juice into two crystal goblets, and put a ruby rose in the third. He sat down next to Lita, and placed the rose and the food in front of them. He raised his glass in a salute.
"I propose a toast." Lita raised an eyebrow. "To cake." Jadeite said solemnly.
Lita raised her glass. "To cake." They clinked glasses, and sipped. Jadeite smacked his lips appreciatively.
"Aah. That was an excellent year for juice."
Lita would have giggled, but her mouth was full. She chewed and swallowed. "I must say, General Jadeite, these sandwiches are wonderful! What did you put in them?"
"It's not what I did, it's the bread. Our cooks make the finest bread you'll ever taste. How do you like it here?"
"It's nice, but it's not home. We can't ever go back, but I miss it so."
"Pardon my asking, but why can't you go back?"
"They think we're witches. That's how we came to be your, ahem, gifts in the first place. Our coming here was not by choice, I assure you."
"I realize that. It is sad how people treat others sometimes isn't it?" Jadeite replied thoughtfully.
"Yes it is, but you can't go around righting every wrong. Some things happen, and you're powerless to stop them."
"Like death." Jadeite said.
"Yes, like death. It really isn't fair, but it happens." Lita replied sadly. Jadeite patted her hand sympathetically. Amara walked in and took a mouthful of Jadeite's sandwich.
"Hey, you're one of those sisters that were brought here as presents, aren't you?" She asked. Lita nodded. "Well, I hope someone told you that you're too pretty to be a present, especially for him and his friends." She continued, ruffling Jadeite's hair affectionately. She left just as suddenly as she came, leaving an openmouthed Lita in her wake.
Jadeite grinned. "My twin has that affect on most people."
Lita sniffed the air delicately. "My cake is done!" She exclaimed, taking it out of the oven. "We'll let it cool while we clean up." She said. She and Jadeite began picking up stuff. Lita leaned over to pick something up, and Jadeite threw some flour on her head. "You little..." Lita retaliated by throwing some flour at him. Soon, a full blown flour fight was underway. Someone came in the door and cleared their throat loudly. Lita and Jadeite looked up guiltily at Kunzite.
"Kunz, hey! Wanna join in?" Jadeite asked innocently. Lita couldn't help but sneeze, and she and Jadeite began laughing all over again. Kunzite rolled his eyes.
"I was hungry, but the sight of you two has completely put me off food for the time being. I'll come back later, when the kitchen and the two of you are clean." Kunzite spun on his heel, leaving Lita and Jadeite gasping for breath. They began to pick up the kitchen, and soon had it returned to its former spotlessness.
Rei had been meditating for an hour when a vision came to her. She saw herself and her sisters, all in the arms of four men. She could only see the backs of the four men, and the faces of her sisters. The vision left as quickly as it came, leaving Rei confused and thoughtful. She came out of her trance slowly, and when she recovered, made her way back to the wing. She met up with her sisters on the way, and they collapsed on their beds to talk. Rei decided against telling her family about the vision, in case it wasn't true. At around six, Serenity came in.
"Would you like to eat with me tonight?" She asked shyly. Mina nodded for them all, and Serenity clapped her hands thrice. Four servants came forward, bearing beautiful dresses for the girls to wear. All of them were the same basic cut, slim skirted, with square necks, but they were different colors; gold for Mina, shimmery red for Rei, sparkling dark blue for Ami, and glittering hunter green for Lita. The four girls dressed and followed the queen to the dining room, where Endymion, Amara, Michelle and the four Generals were getting ready to eat. Serenity took her place at the head of the table, next to her husband, and motioned for the girls to take seats across from the Generals.
"Endymion, you promised." Serenity whispered to her husband. He stood.
"Mina Burdette, Lita Sylvan, Ami Akili, and Rei Keahi, come forth." The four sisters stood and walked up to the King. He took out his sword and tapped each girl once on the head. "You are now the Ladies Mina, Lita, Ami, and Rei. You must serve your monarchs faithfully. Do you accept?"
"Yes, your majesty." They chorused.
"Very well then. You may be seated." The newly appointed court Ladies sat, and the dinner began. For the most part, the dinner was pleasant, with the exception of General Kunzite having trouble keeping his eyes off Lady Mina, who looked resplendent in her beautiful golden gown. What he didn't know was that she was admiring how well he filled out his uniform. Rei openly glared at Jadeite the whole time, while he and Lita talked; Lita and Nephrite ignored each other completely. Zoicite and Ami were having a long talk about the magical realms. At around eight, Serenity stood and clapped her hands together once.
"Its bedtime everyone. Beltane is tomorrow as you well know. It wouldn't do for everyone to sleep late on such an important day." Everyone got up from the table and bowed to the king and queen. Serenity beckoned for Mina and the others to stay. "You need dresses for Beltane, and none will be ready. I will take you to where the already-made dresses are in the morning, and you may pick out as many as you like." The girls nodded and left. They fell asleep almost immediately. The next morning, Serenity came by early to fetch them.
"Queen Serenity, what exactly is Beltane?" Mina asked.
"Oh, it's the most wonderful holiday! It's got a lot of feasting and dancing, and things like that. You'll love it, I promise! Now come, we must find dresses." Serenity and the girls left, chattering excitedly. Amara shook her head fondly.
Serenity led the girls to a large room, filled with dresses. She placed Ami and Mina in one section, Rei in another, and Lita in yet another. Lita was looking through the clothes critically, when someone coughed. Lita spun around to find a beautiful woman. She was tall, and had piercing garnet eyes, with long dark green hair. She moved past Lita and plucked a green dress off the hanger.
"I think this one will suit you. The color matches your eyes." She said softly.
Lita smiled in thanks and looked the dress over. It was slim- skirted, and had a long slit up the middle, for petticoats to show. The skirt fell straight down from the empire waist, which had a ribbon around it of palest pink. The strange woman picked out petticoats of the same pink as the ribbon.
"These should complement the dress nicely. You'll look wonderful for Beltane." The woman plucked another dress off the hanger and handed it to her. "This is for everyday. If you'll look in the pocket, there's a kerchief to tie around your head to keep your hair out of your way." The dress was dark green, and sleeveless. A long-sleeved white shirt went under it.
"Thank you. I'm Lita Sylvan. What's your name?"
"I'm Princess Trista. If you'll excuse me, I must return to my work." Trista swept away as quickly as she had appeared.
Ami was looking through her size. She already had a dress for Beltane, and was looking for another. Rei popped out of nowhere and grabbed the dress.
"You've found an everyday dress already? I'm still looking for one and another for Beltane."
"That is my Beltane dress." Ami said indignantly. Rei held the dress up. It was simple, slightly full skirted, high-necked, and long-sleeved. Rei scanned the racks, and pulled out an icy blue dress. It was cut almost indecently low, and had see-through ¾ length sleeves, with trailing cuffs. The skirt was full, and had slits in the sides for the white underskirt to peek through.
"That's perfect for the Beltane ball!" Serenity said. She plucked a dark blue everyday dress off the racks. "This one is perfect for everyday." She took Rei and Ami's arms. "Come; let us find something for Rei." Serenity led Ami and Rei over to Rei's size and promptly grabbed a dress. It had a figure-hugging skirt with a slit up the side that stopped at the thigh, and a low cut sweetheart neckline. The color was flame red at the top, and then faded to flame orange at the bottom.
Rei gasped. "It's beautiful! Can I really wear it for the ball?" She asked.
Serenity giggled. "Of course you can!" She grabbed a dark red everyday dress off the shelf. "Here you go!" Lita and Mina showed up at that moment, Mina holding a silk dress that changed colors in the light. First it was orange, then yellow, then gold. It was long sleeved, with trailing cuffs, a low scoop neck and a full skirt. The skirt was held up at the bottom at intervals with hearts, revealing white petticoats underneath. She was also holding a yellow everyday dress, like Lita's.
"We're all ready! For now, we can put on some peasant dresses and sneak into town." Serenity said, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Amara will come with us as protection. All we need to do is get dressed. Come on!" Serenity led them back up to the ladies' wing, where a man was waiting for them. Ami shrieked in surprise, and the man gave a surprisingly familiar chuckle.
"Sere, hurry up! You don't want to miss the festivities do you?"
"Lady Amara?" Rei asked incredulously. Amara made a bow.
"At your service, Reiana."
"But my name's not Reiana." She replied, puzzled.
"It is for now. You'll each have different names when we go into town. Mina is Minako, Ami is Amilian, and Lita is Litana." Serenity said as she changed into a dull brown peasant dress. The others followed suit.
"What about you?" Lita asked as she tied on her kerchief. "We certainly can't call you Serenity, and Amara, Amara."
"I'm Serena, and Amara's Tony." Amara handed her queen a blonde wig, much like Mina's natural hair color. Serenity tied her real hair up and put the wig on. She glanced around the room at her friends. Gone were the palace ladies. In their places were a few utterly normal peasant women. She gave herself a glance in the mirror, and they left.
The town was bustling with happy revelers. Serenity and the others made it through without so much as second glances, exactly how they wanted it. They dropped by a candy shop, and picked up some sweets to eat while they watched the parades. Everyone around them had on masks, and Serenity clapped a hand to her cheek. "Oh, no! I forgot the masks!" She and her friends bustled into a nearby store and were back outside shortly, wearing celebratory masks. Serenity's was decorated with the white feathers of a dove, and the rest of the mask sparkled with different colors. It only covered her eyes. Mina had on a golden mask, decorated with short peacock feathers, which covered her eyes and her forehead. Ami had on a face mask, plain white, with a glittering blue jewel in the center of the forehead, and blue lips. Rei had on a red half-face mask (AN: like the Phantom of the Opera), bright red, with a dark red feather in the center of the forehead that stuck up into the air a good six inches. Lita had on a dark green mask that just covered her eyes. The brown- gold hawk feathers were around all the edges of the mask, so that her whole face was covered, and she parted the feathers for her lips and nose. Amara wore an eye mask (AN: like Tuxedo Kamen), that was the palest blue.
They watched the parades in silence, when Rei nudged Serenity. "Uh, Serena, there are some men watching us." She whispered. Serenity turned her head casually, and observed the men observing them.
"Tony, let's go and watch the parade from someplace else." Serenity said indifferently, with a jerk of her head towards their admirers. Amara nodded, and the girls casually made their way down the street. Mina glanced back over her shoulder. She walked up to Amara.
"Tony, they're following us." She said quietly. Amara looked over her shoulder and placed the queen in front of her.
"There's an alley we can hide in over there." She led the girls down the alley, where they waited for the six masked men to pass by. They came walking by, but instead of walking past the alleyway, they turned into it and began walking to the girls. One of them separated Lita from the others. Bending down, he brushed Lita's lips with a kiss, and went to join the others. Lita touched her lips in astonishment.
Serenity looked up into the faces of the men and laughed. She reached up and pulled off the mask of the leader. "Endy-chan, what are you doing here?" The men pulled off their masks, revealing Jadeite, Kunzite, Nephrite, Zoicite and Michelle. Amara grinned and took her wife into her arms.
"Michi, what in the world possessed you to dress up like a man?"
"I wanted to get out and have some fun, so when Zoi invited me, I decided to take a page out of your book." She said proudly.
Lita was absolutely speechless. Jadeite came over to her side, partly to hide from the death looks Rei was giving him. "Are you having fun?"
"I am." She replied, trying to push the kiss to the back of her mind. Zoicite and Ami were talking about books, when Jadeite walked over.
"Lady Ami, if you would excuse Zoi and me?" Ami nodded, and Jadeite dragged his friend over to an unoccupied corner. "Zoi, what are you waiting for? Ask her if she wants you to escort her to the dance!"
Zoicite blushed. "What if she says no?"
"Then ask her to at least reserve a dance for you. For the love of *Berenice, just go ask her!"
Zoicite swallowed and walked back over to Ami. "Lady Ami, I was wondering if you...you..."
Ami was beginning to blush. "Yes, General?"
"I was wondering if I could have the pleasure of escorting you to the Beltane ball."
Ami's small blush turned into a full on lobster blush. She began toying with her skirt. "I'd like that very much, I think."
Zoicite grinned broadly. "Really?"
Ami's reply was a small nod. Lita was watching them, and she snagged Jadeite by his collar when he walked by. "What was that all about?"
"He just asked her if he could escort her to the Beltane ball."
Lita 'aww'ed. "Did she say yes?"
"Sure did, Lady Lita. Speaking of escorts, do you want me to escort you? I'll chase away all the unattractive guys for you." Jadeite said.
Lita laughed and nodded. "But on one condition."
Jadeite put a mock-lovesick expression on his face. "To escort the most beautiful lady in the palace, milady, name your price! My life would be a small price to pay, just to escort you."
"Stop calling me Lady! The name's Lita!" She said, playfully pushing him.
"Okay, Lita, but you have to call me Jadeite or Jed."
Lita stuck out her hand. "Agreed." They shook on it.
Serenity got everyone's attention. "We have to leave if we're going to get ready for the Beltane ball. Come on!" The girls and Amara left in one group, the boys and Michelle another. Everyone got to the palace, and the extreme part of any ball began. The ball was to begin at eight, and by the time they arrived back at the palace, it was five. It took Mina, Lita and Rei two hours to dress, and it only took Ami thirty minutes. By the time six o clock rolled around, Ami was ready and curled up in a chair reading the book Zoicite had recommended. Mina was fussing with Rei's hair, Rei was fussing in Lita's hair, and Lita was fussing with Mina's hair. Mina ended up with spiral curls pulled up elegantly, and her bangs drawn back from her face to reveal a small jewel she stuck in the center of her forehead. Lita left her hair down, and wore a silver circlet that she borrowed from Hotaru to tame her hair. Rei's hair was pulled back into a sleek bun, and fastened on the sides with a pair of clips that the queen lent her. Ami wore a white lily on one side of her hair.
"You look nice." Hotaru commented as she entered the room. She, Michelle, Amara, and Trista shared a room, while Mina, Lita, Ami and Rei shared another.
"Thanks Hotaru, so do you and everyone else!" Lita exclaimed. Hotaru was wearing a splendid purple silk dress, complemented at the neckline and short sleeves by black lace. Her hair was worn up, with a black ribbon holding it in place. Michelle smoothed the front of her aqua blue dress. Her hair was spiral curled and down. Amara got her way about wearing men's clothing, and looked handsome in a pair of soft black breeches and a matching tunic, with a white silk shirt underneath. Her hair shone like spun gold.
"Zoicite is waiting for you, Ami." Michelle said, with a hint of teasing in her voice.
"Oh yeah, Lita, Jadeite told me to tell you that he's waiting." Amara said. "If you don't mind my commenting, Nephrite was looking pretty disappointed when he found out Jed was escorting you."
"What do I care what that...that...that jerk thinks?" Lita replied. She and Ami left. Zoicite and Jadeite were waiting for them, looking absolutely gorgeous in uniforms of soft gray. Zoicite's was trimmed in ice blue, and Jadeite's was trimmed in red. Both men bowed, when they saw the young women emerge from their quarters. Zoicite looked completely awestruck, and so did Ami. Rei and Mina were being escorted by two knights that Serenity had set them up with, Chad and Andrew. Chad and Andrew arrived just as Ami, Lita, Jadeite, and Zoicite left. Mina was being escorted by Andrew, and Rei, Chad.
"Lady Ami, you look wonderful." Zoicite said timidly.
Ami's smile made the sunrise seem dull. "Thank you, General. You look quite nice yourself."
"I swear, if Zoicite doesn't at least kiss her on the cheek before the night is over, I'll do it for him!" Jadeite murmured to Lita. She lightly tapped his shoulder with her fan.
"You had better...oh!" They had just entered the ballroom. Lita looked around in wonder. The room had been decorated in silver, representing Serenity, and gold, representing Endymion. Lita and the others stood at the top of the grand staircase, waiting to be announced. The herald tapped his staff three times on the floor.
"Preeeesenting...General Jadeite and Lady Lita of Nabol!" Nephrite turned just in time. Lita looked stunning. His friend and date, Naru of Assyria, tapped him playfully.
"For the love of the Gods, why don't you just approach her like a gentleman?" She whispered.
"I can't."
"And why ever not?"
"She hates me."
"Melvin thought the same thing about me, and look what happened." Melvin was her fiancée, a diplomat currently on a mission in Jermnca.
"But that was different."
"How?"
"I don't know; it just was." Nephrite said, not taking his eyes off Lita for a second. He watched as Jadeite politely pulled Lita's chair out from under the table for her, and she sat gracefully down.
"Preeeesenting, General Zoicite and Lady Ami of Nabol!" Ami floated down, very aware of the eyes on her. She and Zoicite made it down the staircase, bowed to their monarchs, and took their seats at their table.
"Preeeesenting, Sir Andrew and Lady Mina of Nabol!" Kunzite, who had been holding a polite conversation with a visiting dignitary, was knocked speechless momentarily. Mina's dress switched from gold to orange in the light and her some of her hair framed her face gently. He swallowed his emotions and turned back to his conversation.
"Preeeesenting, Sir Chad, and Lady Rei of Nabol!" Jadeite watched in amazement as Rei walked down, every inch a noble. Lita rolled her eyes and began thinking about Nephrite's kiss, and how soft it was. She gave her head a little shake. {Snap out of it girl! It's not like it was that good of a kiss anyway. It was just awful! Who am I kidding; it was the best kiss I've ever gotten! I should go drink myself into oblivion.}
"Preeeesenting, Lady Michelle and Lady Amara!" Michelle winked at Ami before bowing to the monarchs and taking her seat.
"Preeeesenting, Lady Hotaru and Baron Wiessman!" Wiessman, a tall man with green hair, looking smugly pleased. Hotaru, however, looked upset. She harbored a secret dislike for the cold-hearted, egotistical man, who in turn, had been pestering her as of late for her hand in marriage.
"And preeeesenting, Princess Trista and Lord Demando! Trista looked magnificent in a full skirted gown of dark red, with black underskirts peeking through the see through layer of the skirt. Her hair was pulled into a half bun, the rest flowing down her back in tresses of evergreen. Demando was a major lord, and the only one Endymion trusted enough to escort Trista. She had a slight crush on him, and he her. Demando was quite striking, with silvery white hair, and eyes of the most crystalline blue. He led Trista before the king and queen, bowed to them, and helped the princess to her seat.
Endymion stood. "Let the ball begin!" The band started up a lively song, and couples flooded the dance floor. Jadeite offered Lita his hand and they went out to the dance floor.
"You're a good dancer Lita; who taught you?"
"My aunt and uncle. You're not bad yourself."
Jadeite leaned in closer, until his mouth was by Lita's ear. "Nephrite is staring at you."
Lita put her mouth by his ear. "What do you say we give him something to stare at?" Jadeite grinned and began sweeping her around the dance floor extravagantly. They ended up going outside, with their hands around each other's waist. Immediately after they got outside, Lita began laughing. "That was sooo funny! Did you see the look on his face?"
Jadeite was leaning against the wall in an effort to stay upright. "Lita, you aren't right. But the look on his face was hilarious."
"I hope he learns his lesson, the jerk." Lita continued.
"Neph isn't really a jerk." Jadeite defended.
"Jed, he kissed me for absolutely no good reason."
"Actually, he had a reason, but I'm not supposed to say what." Lita turned and looked at him, both completely serious.
"Tell me! I promise I won't say anything!"
"Swear by your god, or goddess?"
Lita held up her right hand. "I, Lita Maria Sylvan, swear by the great goddess *Tryphaena that I will not breathe a word of this to anyone."
"He has a crush on you. That's why he pretended he was going to kill you, so Endymion would let him take you."
"But he just met me! How could he even think about liking me?"
"I don't know if you know, but Neph has a special affiliation with stars. They tell him things that most humans would never know. He knew your name and face well before you even came here."
"Did he now? Well, he might've had a chance, if he wasn't such a jerk."
"Give him another chance. I'll talk to him."
Lita folded her arms rebelliously. "Why should I?"
Jadeite put on his saddest, most adorable puppy face. "Because I'm your friend, and you like me so much, you'd be willing to."
Lita laughed. "Oh, Jed, I don't know. I don't trust him, at all."
"Why, because he's one of the king's most trusted generals? Or do you dislike him because you were stolen from your home?"
"It's none of those; if it were, we wouldn't be friends. I just don't trust him." Lita leaned out over the balcony, looking up at the sky.
"Well, even if you don't want to, could you talk to Lady Rei for me?"
"Why? Do you like her?" Lita's voice became light and teasing.
"What's not to like? She's beautiful, fiery, and she doesn't want me. She's perfect."
"Well...it's kinda hard to talk her into doing something she doesn't want to do." Jadeite looked so downcast that Lita just had to laugh. "I'll talk to her, I promise. But in the meantime, act cool towards her. Don't let her know you like her, and above all, DON'T FLIRT. Stay calm, collected and uninterested, at all times. She won't be able to stand it."
"Thanks Lita! What do you say we go back in?" Lita took the proffered arm, and they went back inside to join in the festivities. Nephrite came up to them and bowed formally to Lita.
"Lady Lita, may I have this dance?" Lita looked uncertainly at Jadeite, who nodded encouragingly.
Lita curtsied. "You may." Nephrite led Lita out to the dance floor, where a slow and romantic song started up.
Mina was watching her date, Sir Andrew, flirt with a lovely young woman by the name of Rita. He had been staring at the girl ever since they walked in, and finally decided to talk to her, upon the urging of Mina. Someone tapped her shoulder.
"Lady Mina, may I have this dance?" Kunzite asked seriously.
Mina curtsied. "You may." She replied just as gravely. Kunzite took her arm and led her out to the dance floor. They took their place beside Nephrite and Lita, the former looking nervous, the latter looking hesitant. Mina gave her 'sister' an encouraging look, and she and Kunzite began to dance. Mina and Kunzite whirled around the dance floor. Mina tore her glance away from Kunzite's handsome face just in time to see Baron Wiessman drag Hotaru onto a balcony. She gasped. "We have to go help her!" She dragged Kunzite away from the dance floor, quite a feat in such a slender woman. She led him to the balcony, where the Baron was proceeding to tear the dress from Hotaru. Mina rushed up and hit him squarely in the eye. Before she could hit him again, he had punched her against the wall. Kunzite leapt forward, but before he could do anything, a red whirlwind rushed up against the Baron and proceeded to almost beat the life out of him.
Hotaru, forgetting about herself, rushed over to Mina, who suffered a black eye. A wave of Hotaru's hand fixed that. Hotaru swayed, and the whirlwind that had been attacking the Baron came to her aid. "Lady Hotaru, are you alright?"
Hotaru looked up into the face of a handsome redhead. "I'm fine, thank you. Is Mina okay?"
Kunzite looked up from where he was attending Mina. "Lady Mina is just fine, Lady Hotaru. Did he hurt you in any way?"
Hotaru looked down at herself. Her dress had been torn from one shoulder, and her skirts ripped, but other than that, she was fine. "No, General, I'm fine."
Hotaru's rescuer set her down gently and went over to the Baron. He picked him up by his hair and dragged him over to Kunzite. "General Kunzite, I believe that General Nephrite might want to talk to the Baron."
Wiessman paled. Nephrite's temper was famed throughout the land, as was his fierce protectiveness of her adopted sister. Kunzite rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I don't think our king would like Nephrite to deal with him just yet. Lord Rubeus, please go tell the king about our little problem." The redhead smiled wolfishly and left. He was back soon, king in tow.
"As you can see, His Majesty decided to deal with this personally." Kunzite threw the man in front of Endymion, who tipped his chin up with his sword.
"Baron Wiessman, you are herby revoked of your title, and I think that Nephrite will like to talk to you." Endymion snapped, and two soldiers came forward. They dragged the former baron away. "We'll wait until after the ball to tell Nephrite, agreed?" Everyone present nodded. Endymion turned and left.
"Hotaru, are you sure you're okay?" Mina prodded.
"Thanks to you, Kunzite, and Lord Rubeus, I'm fine." Hotaru said. She drew in a great shuddering gasp and tried to straighten her skirts. She looked down at her dress and smiled shakily. "My dress, however, is a different story."
"You look beautiful, Lady Hotaru." Rubeus said. His face matched his hair. Hotaru smiled at him, causing his face to redden another shade deeper.
"Thank you, Lord Rubeus. However, I can't go back in there looking like this. Mina, could you fetch a servant and tell them to get my black gown?" Mina nodded and left. She was back shortly.
"Mildred went to get it." A romantic song drifted out on the warm air. Rubeus bowed to Hotaru.
"Milady, may I have this dance?"
Hotaru smiled and nodded. Rubeus took her hand, and they swept around the balcony. Mina looked on in amusement until Kunzite tapped her shoulder. He bowed and offered her a hand. She smiled and took it. The two couples danced around the balcony, until Mildred came back with Hotaru's dress. Kunzite and Rubeus went inside while Hotaru changed. She walked inside, her head held high. Rubeus' jaw dropped. The dress she had been wearing was nothing compared to the one she had on now. The dress was off the shoulders, and full skirted. A white ribbon tied around the waist, and a lot of bosom was showing. She had taken the ribbon from her hair, and used it as a choker. She caught sight of Rubeus staring at her and smiled shyly. "I know it's a little showy, but I hope I don't look too bad."
Rubeus managed a grin. "Lady Hotaru, you are the most beautiful woman here. May I have another dance?" Hotaru blushed, and the two swept off for the dance floor. Mina watched and smiled, oblivious to the stares Kunzite was giving her.
Rei let loose a barely audible sigh. Her escort, Sir Chad, was handsome enough, but was he ever boring! All he seemed to be able to talk about was his training. She let loose another sigh, this one not so quiet. Chad glanced at her as if he had heard, but said nothing. The dance ended, and Rei excused herself, saying she had to powder her nose. She went out onto a balcony for some fresh air, since Chad's mere presence was becoming an annoyance. Someone coughed, and Rei whirled around. She sniffed. "General Jadeite." She turned back around, and Jadeite chuckled softly. He moved past her and leaned on the railing.
"Lady Rei." He said no more to her. Rei put up with the unbearable silence for a while, until she just couldn't stand it any more.
"It's a nice night, is it not, General?"
"That it is, Lady Rei." Jadeite replied, with none of his usual flirtatiousness. Rei was puzzled, but didn't press the issue.
"The stars here are different from the ones back home." She said, half to herself, half out loud. Jadeite smiled slightly.
"I believe that General Nephrite would be more than happy to point out the stars and constellations to you." Jadeite bowed. "If you'll excuse me." He left, leaving Rei puzzled. She pondered it over as she watched the stars.
"Excuse me; may I cut in?" Jadeite tapped Zoicite on the shoulder. He didn't exactly want to cut in on the cute couple, but he had some business to take care of. Zoicite bowed, and kissed Ami's cheek, and Ami took Jadeite's hand. They began to dance.
"Lady Ami, it seems my colleague is quite charmed with you."
Ami blushed. "I'm not sure about that, but he is a wonderful person."
"Yes, he is. Just the other day, he said to me, 'Jed, I would love to get to know Lady Ami a bit more.' I do believe he's starting to develop a crush on you." Jadeite continued.
Ami blushed even more. "A crush on me? Surely you must be mistaken. Rei and Mina are much prettier than I am." She had no clue why she was confiding in this man. Something about his demeanor reminded her of Rei at her nicest.
"Lady Mina and Lady Rei are quite attractive, yes, but you have your own special something, that really attracts my friend." The dance ended, and Jadeite insisted on escorting Ami back to her table. Just before they approached, he stopped and squeezed her hand.
"Lady Ami, promise me that you won't hurt Zoi. He really does like you."
Ami looked down at the ground. "I wouldn't dream of hurting him, General." Jadeite nodded, and they sat down at the table and watched Lita and Zoicite whirl around the dance floor.
"Lady Ami, one last thing."
"Yes, General Jadeite?"
"Call me Jed."
"Call me Ami."
Jadeite grinned and stuck out his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ami."
Ami shook his hand. "Likewise, I'm sure Jed." Zoicite and Lita came over, breathless and laughing from the spirited dance they had just completed. Zoicite and Jadeite excused themselves, and Ami and Lita were left alone. Soon, Mina and Rei came over. Mina filled them in on Hotaru's problem.
"I would love to get my hands on that jerk before General Nephrite does." Lita growled, clenching her fists.
"So Ami, is Zoicite a good dancer?" Rei asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, wonderful. I noticed you left your escort. Why?"
"He was boring! Mina, I thought I saw you and General Kunzite dancing earlier. Were you?"
"Yes. He didn't smile, not once!" Mina said in amazement.
"Well, try to get him to. You know, it's funny, but even though it's our second day here, I don't want to leave." Lita said slowly.
"You're right, there's too much excitement for us to leave now. That and it didn't turn out like any of us expected. We should stay, at least for a while." Mina said. Her sisters nodded agreement.
"I couldn't leave Hotaru, Sere, Michelle, Amara, or Jadeite now." Lita said.
"That settles it. We'll stay." Mina said decisively. Unbeknownst to them, each woman was being watched by a different person, each thinking different thought.
Kunzite thought about this funny feeling he was getting in his chest. It was like a giant bubble, and it got bigger every time he looked at Mina.
Nephrite thought about the stars, and what they had told them about Lita. He mentally swore that he would find out just why the stars had chosen her as his soul mate.
Zoicite was thinking about Ami, and how lovely she was. He made a mental note to try one of the things Jadeite and Nephrite had recommended. He just hoped she wouldn't slap him by the end of the day, like other women had done his friends.
Jadeite was silently congratulating himself on successfully carrying out Lita's ingenious plan. He would try a different approach tomorrow, one he was sure Rei wouldn't be able to resist.
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*Wipes forehead* Twenty-four pages long! I hope everyone is happy with this new chapter, even though it was a little different than what I promised in the last chapter. Triflin' I know, but hopefully this chapter made up for my triflin'-ness. Thanks, and if I get maybe ten or more reviews, I'll post the next chapter. I would really like everyone's take on all this. Love, peace, and chicken grease!
Isis Aurora Tomoe