Ok, it took forever but here is chapter 3...dedications:
To Ms. Cutie Cassi, I refuse to make another chapter unless ur in the dedication. Lol. After all, you inspired me to write.
To Ruth: for reopening your site.
Mercury drank her glass of water slowly, pondering on how she could leave without the guard noticing. She didn't have time to sit around, for she had to rescue the princess. She looked around the room, hoping to locate Venus; however, she was unsuccessful due to such a large crowd. Her attention was taken, suddenly, by a loud crashing sound. Apparently, someone had dropped some china; perhaps the person had been drinking too many spirits. Nevertheless, this was her chance, and she decided she didn't have the time nor the luxury to not take it. Mercury gently put her glass down, and grabbed her high heels. She stood up, only to be greeted by the kind, yet annoying guard.
'Ma'am, how are you feeling?' he asked.
'I am much better now. Thank you so much for everything.' Mercury said as she lowered her head in appreciation.
'Oh...it was nothing, ma'am.'
Mercury smiled and walked off slowly. She moved through the crowds toward the east part of the ballroom. She looked over to the two, large double doors and her expression showed complete shock. There she was, Venus, surrounded by men. Mercury simply could not believe how carefree Venus was, as well as guy crazy. Mercury looked over and decided to ignore what she just saw, as she walked toward to single door on the right side. She gently grabbed the knob, and turned it.
As she walked through and closed the door, the sounds of the ball had become silent. She was now in a long, dark hallway. Mercury slowly walked into the hallway. As she did this, she began to believe that searching the whole palace would be next to impossible. The reason being that this hall alone had around twenty-five doors on each side. Mercury stood, in the middle of the hallway, in thought, trying to think of more efficient way of searching such a large place. Suddenly, her thoughts became distracted.
'To think, people from the Moon are here?' The voice said.
She turned quickly to greet her guest, a man all in white. She did not understand how he was able to catch her off guard, and surprise her so; being that the hall was completely silent. On top of that, he knew that she was from the moon.
'What are you doing here?' he asked harshly.
Mercury put her arms out in fighting stance as a bright, penetrating, white light arose from her body; blinding the man. When the light had disappeared, Mercury had transformed back into her senshi uniform.
'Soldier of Water and Wisdom, Sailor Mercury! In the name of Mercury, I shall punish you!' she called out.
The man in white stood there, with a facial expression showing condescendence. It was as if a master has just noticed his pupil's mistake, but refuses to tell them about it. Mercury, quickly, thrusted her arms forward, placing them in front of her body.
'Mercury Aqua Mist!' she called out as a beam of water rushed toward her enemy.
However, the man disappeared. Mercury looked shock. How could he have disappeared? She did not care, and she was glad that he was gone so that she could get back to finding the princess. However, she felt certain uneasiness. It couldn't have been that easy. Suddenly, she realized that he was still there. She turned around, sure enough to see the man in white behind her. He raised his index and middle fingers and thrusted his arm toward Mercury. Green beams of energy ran from his fingertips into Mercury's eyes and she fell to her knees. Her eyes became thoughtless, as she stared aimlessly upward. The man in white smiled, acknowledging his victory.
'Why are you here...Mercury?' He asked.
Her head rose to face him. Her eyes were in a trance-like state and her arms were limp.
'Here...to rescue...'
At that moment, her eyes became full of life. After a moment of confusion, she jumped back onto her feet. She spun around, kicking the man in his stomach and throwing him back. He was completely bedazzled.
'How did you break my spell?' he asked her.
Mercury gave him no response. The man put his hand onto his stomach, the dull pain rushing through his abdomen. He knew now that this girl was more gifted then he originally thought, for one without great training could not overcome his mind control.
'Who are you looking for?' he asked.
She gave him a cold stare, probing his facial expressions and body movements, hoping to predict any surprise attacks. However, he showed none, and it appeared as if he did not wish to fight.
'My name is Zoicite, one of the Shitennou. I do not wish to harm you.'
As Mercury read into him, her attitude began to change from hostile to cordial. His eyes were honest and sincere, and she felt oddly comfortable around this man. Perhaps he could help her, and maybe better, he knew where the princess was. She walked to him and began to explain everything to Zoicite; her princess, her desire to see the Earth, her disappearance, and that she was there to find her and bring her back to the moon.
'I see. I believe I've seen his girl. She has a crescent moon on her forehead?' he said.
'Yes! That's her!' Mercury said, as her eyes filled with excitement and happiness.
'She was with my master. I must tell Kunzite that your appearance here is not a threat.'
'Kunzite?' she asked.
'He is also one of the Shitennou, and the only one besides me whom knows about your presence here. '
Zoicite grabbed Mercury's hand, and started guiding her through the hallway.
'Come with me. I have a plan.' Zoicite announced.
Mercury's heart began to race. From this close a distance, Zoicite was a very attractive man. His hand was warm and gentle. She felt completely safe being with him.
'Such a strange feeling.' She thought as she began to blush.
Venus sipped her glass slowly, enjoying every second of its wonderful taste. She was completely surrounded by men, all admiring and lusting over her. However, Venus acted elegantly, and enjoyed being the main attraction of the ball. She continued to drink, and looked into the crowd. However, her expression changed. She saw her, the princess, in the crowd. In the midst of her shock, she let go of her glass and it shattered into a thousand pieces. The men that surrounded her all volunteered to clean the mess, but Venus left her seat and began to pursue the princess. She moved through the masses, doing her absolute best to keep the princess in her sights. As she moved through, a man turned and they crashed into each other. Venus fell back and hit the floor.
'How embarrassing.' She thought.
Kunzite looked down to see who had crashed into him. He saw a young girl, with beautiful, flowing blond girl. Her face was flushed, and looked lost as she stared up at him. Kunzite put his hand out to the girl, in order to help her back onto her feet.
'Are you alright?' he asked her.
She took his hand, and got back up. Kunzite, waiting for a response, found her to be surprisingly silent. He realized he didn't have time for this, so he decided to end this quickly.
'I'm terribly sorry.' He said as he began to walk away.
'I won't forgive you!' she called out.
Kunzite turned around with a sense of surprise and annoyance in his voice, 'What?'
She reached out and grabbed his hand, throwing her arm around his shoulder, 'I won't forgive you unless you dance with me.'
'This is the last thing I need.' He thought.
He looked to the master to see that he was, once again, dancing with that girl. Then, it hit him. He could dance with his girl, and keep an eye on the master. That way, he will not look suspicious to anyone around him.
He smiled to himself and took her hand. He put his arm around her waist and pressed her close to him. Luckily for him, a slow song was playing, so this would allow him to keep watch on the master easily. As he kept watch, he glanced over to see Jadeite and Nephrite laughing loudly and eating like pigs. They were completely oblivious to the current situation; the master's life in danger and interlopers from the moon. Kunzite looked back at his master; observing him smile in a way that he has never seen before. Upon reading into his master's expressions, he became distracted as he felt the young lady's head resting on his collarbone.
Venus leaned her head softly onto the man's collarbone. She closed her eyes, and became filled with excitement and happiness. The person she was with now was her definition of her 'ideal' man; tall, dark, handsome, strong, kind, charming, and gentle. However, she noticed, beneath his stature that showed incredible strength, he possessed such sad eyes. After seeing this, she wanted to know everything about him, and perhaps one day, she would be able to.
Zoicite walked quickly through the hallway, holding Mercury's hand firmly, yet kindly. He knew that if she got lost, she would probably never be able to find her way. Mercury held onto him as well, however, she kept herself a few steps back. He seemed sincere, but she wasn't going to take any chances. At the end of the hall, Zoicite turned left and walked toward the single door on the left side. He reached out and opened it, revealing the drawing room. He, immediately, walked toward the piano and sat onto the bench.
Mercury stared at Zoicite in disbelief and confusion. Why would he play the piano? Curious by his actions, Mercury confronted him immediately.
'I thought we were going to meet with this 'Kunzite' person?' she asked.
'We are, give me a moment.'
Mercury became slightly frustrated by his statement. She began to think that Zoicite did not take her mission seriously at all. She turned toward the double doors and began to walk toward them. Zoicite looked up and dashed in front of her, intercepting her at the door. He stared at her, looking deep into her eyes and allowed her to see his sincere, yet firm, expression.
'Please trust me.' He begged.
Mercury nodded in approval, and Zoicite moved his arm out; guiding her back toward the piano. She stood next to it, and admired its beautiful black, polished design and its ivy keys. Zoicite sat down on the piano bench and placed his fingers on the keys, closing his eyes. He began to play a soft, slow tune. The music was so calm and relaxing to Mercury's ears; almost allowing her to forget where she was. She closed her eyes, allowing her to become engrossed in the music. Suddenly, Zoicite's voice entered into her mind.
'Mercury?' she heard.
Surprised, she opened her eyes. Zoicite turned his head and faced Mercury as he played the piano. Though his lips didn't move, he spoke to her once again.
'Can you hear me?'
How did you do that? She asked.
Once again, he spoke without moving his lips, 'Think it, and do not speak it.'
She nodded and closed her eyes. 'Like this?' she said to herself.
'Exactly!' Zoicite said.
'The piano helps my mind focus, thus, my powers can be amplified. Now, I shall contact Kunzite.' Zoicite explained.
Kunzite watched, from afar, his master dancing with the young girl. Kunzite was fortunate that this girl asked him to dance because Endymion had noticed Kunzite a few times before. Endymion was not concerned by Kunzite's presence, for he was dancing with a charming, young lady. He danced slowly with the girl, as he felt her head press into his collarbone. Kunzite found her to be very charming, however, a bit forward. By the end of the song, he, at least, had to know her name.
At that moment, Kunzite felt some strange aura pierce his mind. He had felt this once before, it was Zoicite, hoping to communicate by using his telepathy. He had to be careful, as to not let his partner notice his new preoccupation. He lets his mind clear, allowing Zoicite to enter easily. Then, he heard his voice.
'Kunzite, can you hear me?' Zoicite asked.
'Yes, did you find anyone?'
'I have. Her name is Mercury, and she states that her presence is not hostile.' Zoicite explained.
'Mercury, is it?' Kunzite asked.
'Yes, my name is Mercury.' Mercury announced.
'Then tell me, why are you here?'
'Our princess left the Moon Kingdom and came here. All we want is to find her and bring her back.'
'We? There are more here?
'Yes, one other. Her name is Venus.'
'Hmmm, Mercury, I want you to concentrate hard on what Venus looks like. I will then be able to transmit a mental image of her to Kunzite.'
'Alright.' Mercury said as she began to think about the physical descriptions of Venus.
An image of this girl flashed before Kunzite's eyes quickly. His eyes opened wide, as he was able to make an immediate connection. It was this girl, the girl he was dancing with this entire time. How fortunate he felt that it could have been this easy. He smiled fondly as he began to speak to Zoicite once again.
'I found her. Meet me in the ballroom.'
Zoicite's mental powers seemed to have disappeared after he said that, for the sound of his piano had faded from Kunzite's mind. He looked at Venus, smiling at her. How could he tell her that he knew who she was? He looked over to the master and saw that he and the princess were exiting the palace. He had no time to figure how to tell her, he just had to.
'Venus.'
Venus looked at Kunzite, with fear and shock in her eyes. She couldn't understand. How did he know it was her? Regardless, she had to act. She let go of Kunzite and stepped back. She was not willing to fight him in such a crowded area, but she also could not let her guard down. Kunzite put his hands up and walked to her slowly.
'I will not harm you. I'll help you find your princess and you will be able to leave here' Kunzite explained.
Venus, curiously, stared at him. It's true that if he wanted to capture or even kill her, he could have done it long ago. Through the sound of the crowd and music, Venus heard Mercury calling out to her. Mercury was moving through the crowds quickly, accompanied by a man dressed all in white. They broke through the crowds and met up with Kunzite and Venus.
'Good Job, Kunzite.' Zoicite announced.
'No time for appreciation, the master and the princess exited the palace.' Kunzite explained.
'Alright, let's go.' Zoicite ordered as they ran to the exit.
Endymion and Serenity walked through the palace garden, hand to hand. He looked at the young girl in admiration of her beauty and poise. She looked around the dark garden, enjoying the plant life as if it was completely new to her. Endymion stopped walking, and the princess stopped as well. They stared into each other's eyes deeply, both becoming lost in each other. Finally, he spoke.
'How did you get here from the Moon Kingdom?' Endymion asked.
Serenity, curiously, looked at him, 'How did you know I was from the moon?'
He looked to her and held back a laugh. He slowly put his hand up and began to tap on his forehead, 'Your crescent marking.'
Serenity began to laugh. She had completely forgotten about her crescent moon marking. She felt foolish and embarrassed for not noticing, and but she continued to laugh and Endymion smiled with her.
'Master!!!' Zoicite called out.
Endymion turned to see Zoicite and Kunzite, accompanied by two young ladies, running toward him. What could this be about? They looked as if the world was ending.
'What's the meaning of all this? Endymion questioned.
'Master, she is the princess of the moon.' Zoicite explained.
'Yes, I know.' Endymion responded.
Mercury and Venus ran toward Serenity and they both grabbed an arm.
'Come, Princess, we have to get back before anyone notices.' Mercury said.
Serenity looked disappointed, knowing that such a wonderful night had to be ended abruptly. However, she smiled to herself because she knew that this wasn't the last time that she would see Endymion.
'Alright, let us go. Endymion, thank you for a wonderful evening.' Serenity said.
'Of course.' Endymion said.
Serenity and the senshi closed their eyes, and a white glow surrounded their bodies. The light was so strong, that Endymion and the others had to cover their eyes. When the light disappeared, the three had disappeared. Zoicite looked to the master and he put his hand on his shoulder.
'I am glad you're alright, Master. We didn't know what to make of all of this.'
'Surely I can take of myself. You should trust me more.' Endymion announced mockingly and with a smile.
Endymion walked back into the palace, leaving his two generals behind. They looked at each other, relieved that it was all over. However, they both felt uneasy. They felt that people of the moon weren't gone for good.