Total Eclipse- Minako's Story
Part 13
"Dreams can make me mad
I can't leave my dream
I can't stop myself
Don't know what I am
What lies are truth?
What truths are lies?"
-Art of Life X-Japan
*~*~*~*~*It didn't take me much longer to get over my sickness. But I still took it easy for a while afterwards, so I didn't get run down again. We delighted in our new little live playthings. Rei was constantly trying to steal Artemis away from me, but whenever she got too far, he'd cry pitifully and she'd be forced to give him back. He followed me wherever I went. Eventually it got to the point where I had to lock him in my room when I went to training, and he was always angry with me afterwards. Especially after Makoto almost stepped on him once.
Luna was a darling little thing. Complete with fiery red eyes and a sleek black coat, she was always intimidating my poor Artemis. He was meek and was the more normal of the two, with his pure as snow what fur and clear green eyes. He reminded me of Kunzite and even Adonis. It was slightly disturbing. But I loved him anyway. He had a cute way of curling up beside me when he slept, and he'd crawl underneath my arm when he was scared of something. It was incredibly cute.
Days passed into months, and soon enough it was time again for Usagi's birthday. The four of us girls were incredibly close, but we always seemed to leave Usagi out of things. Sometimes, I'd notice her watching us training, but I knew I couldn't let her join us, it wasn't her responsibility. We just trained on preparing for the worst we didn't know was coming.
Finally the night of Usagi's party was upon us. The girls and I had been planning a surprise for her for months. We were going to give her Endymion. She didn't think he could make the gala, because he had other business to attend to. But the big surprise was he was planning on proposing to her. As excited as we were we kept our mouths shut and avoided saying anything much to her, lest we should slip and give it away. Thinking back, on it, I think that she might have been hurt by our cold attitude towards her, but it was well worth it.
We had set up a secret base outside by the forest. Rei and I had set up lanterns in the trees and set up tables for the lot of us. It was our special party just for her. My big surprise came as I was up in a tree trying to tie a garland around a branch. Artemis had followed me up and was in a branch higher up. Rei called across the way.
"It looks a little low." We raised the garland up and retired it.
"Good now?" I asked her.
"Yep," Came the response. I nodded again, and then climbed down out of the tree. I thought that Artemis had climbed down with me, but when I hit the bottom, I realized he wasn't there.
"Artemis!" I called. "Are you still up there?" Ami and Makoto walked over and looked up in the tree to see if they could find him. I was expecting him to meow at me, but he didn't. "Artemis?" I asked again. A branch shook.
"I'm stuck!" I looked over to the other tree, thinking it was Rei. Rei was walking towards us. I looked confused towards Makoto and Ami. They had the same expression.
"Did you say that?" I asked Rei, when she came. She shook her head.
"I didn't say anything."
"I'm still stuck!" The voice said again.
"It can't be," Ami breathed. I shook my head, and followed the bouncing branch with my eyes. He was definitely still up there. I sighed and started to climb the tree. I got to the branch where he was. It was pretty unstable beneath me.
"Artemis," I called softly. He turned around and looked at me. "Come here." He walked over, cautiously. I picked him up, set him on my shoulder, then climbed down the tree. I got to the ground and the girls looked at me.
"I was stuck," Artemis said. Makoto nearly fainted.
"He can talk!" Ami exclaimed. I blinked. My kitten was speaking my language. Something seemed wrong with that.
"Well…he doesn't feel/ alien," Rei said. The decorations were all set up. The forest looked as magical as we hoped it would. It was time to get going.
"What?" Artemis asked innocently. Ami picked him up and held him, stroking his head. She smiled to herself, lost in thought.
"That is weird!" Makoto finally found her voice.
"What?" Artemis asked more persistently now. Ami shook her head. The cat sounded like a little boy. But for just beginning to speak, he had quite the vocabulary and comprehension of the language. And he was only a few months old. Artemis was still small and curious, but he still didn't like to be too far from me. What was it that enabled him to speak to us? He was just a normal cat, wasn't he? Ami held him to eye level.
"You, sir, are a very special cat," she said. She held him close again. We started on the way to the palace.
"Okay," he replied.
"I wonder if Luna can talk," I mused. We were inside by the time Usagi came charging toward us.
"am-EEE!" she screeched. She held Luna away from her at arm's length. The poor kitten bounced as Usagi ran. "This-" she pointed to Luna. "It can talk!"
"Usa! Never shake a kitten!" Rei reprimanded her.
"Ow…" Luna muttered. She looked like she could have cried if cats could cry. Luna was slightly bigger than Artemis. Her sleek black coat shone in the lights of the palace.
"Give her to me." I took Luna from Usagi and stroked her, trying to calm her down. "Artemis can talk too," I said finally.
"NO WAY!" Usagi jumped back and stared at us. "Is this what you guys have been hiding from me?" she asked. Ami shook her head. Artemis was falling asleep in her arms. Rei held her head.
"Gods, Usagi," she said quietly. "Quiet down." Makoto looked at the group.
"Why don't we go ask the queen?" she asked. We all nodded and headed on our merry way to see Selene. Makoto burst into the throne room, ignoring the fact that Selene was in council. The rest of us hung back. Selene looked at Makoto, startled.
"Is something wrong?" she asked. We could hear the worry in her voice. Makoto crossed her arms and leaned back.
"Only the fact that our cats are talking!" Selene visibly calmed down and even smiled a bit.
"Oh! You had me worried, Makoto." Makoto shook her head. Selene looked behind Makoto to see us. "Well, come in girls," she said. She waved us in and we all walked in one by one. The council looked at us annoyed. We interrupted something important. Selene took Luna from my arms and set her down on the table in front of her. Luna yawned and stretched then sat down again. Selene bent close to her and said something inaudible to us.
"Hello, sirs, my name is Luna," she said politely. "I'm pleased to meet you." One of the council members looked at her, then to Usagi.
"Hey, the cat's got better manners than Serenity!" he said. The others nodded in agreement. I chuckled quietly. Usagi looked like she was being pushed to her limit. Artemis yawned again.
"Can we go home now? I'm tired," he said. Ami grinned and stroked his head again. I think she was amazed by the cats, but still she accepted it quicker than we did.
"I say, Selene," rejoined another councilman, "What is the ability that lets them speak?" Selene smiled to herself for a moment.
"The same as yours. They learned it," she said, finally. "They're just very special animals." She stroked Luna's head. One of the council members cleared his throat and Selene handed Luna to Makoto. "Alright girls, go back to whatever you were doing." We left, making sure to close the door. We were about to go to our separate rooms when Usagi walked in front of us and stopped.
"We need to talk," her voice took on an almost authoritative tone. She wasn't very demanding back then. Rei moved to the front of the group.
"Why?" she asked. Usagi actually balled her fists up and stood her ground. She usually turned tail against Rei.
"It's my birthday today and not a one of you has said a word to me about it!" I thought that she was maturing suddenly. "And that's only the beginning," she continued, "for months now you've been leaving me out of everything! I won't stand for it anymore!" I saw the tears forming in her eyes. "What is it? Why do you shun me so?" Luna meowed from in Makoto's arms and struggled to get down. Mako let her go. I was too stunned by her outburst to respond.
"We don't shun you, Usagi." Makoto said gently. "That's a harsh word to use." Usagi looked at her there was something unrecognizable in her eyes.
"Still," she replied through clenched teeth. "I demand that you guys treat me better or I will excuse you all and not keep in contact!" Now I realized she was just throwing a fit. Usagi turned and stormed down the hall. Makoto went to go after her, but stopped. Usagi was not about to be consoled just yet. She looked at us, worriedly.
"We better watch our step today," she said. I yawned. Artemis followed suit. He yawned a lot.
"I need a nap. Let's rest up girls. She'll forgive us tonight." We all split up to our rooms. I dozed in my room until I knew I had to get ready. I left Artemis curled up on my bed to take a bath. I was pink and clean by the time I got out. I dried my hair and started to put it up in curlers. I went into my closet and researched it's depths. I was looking for the perfect dress for the night. I found a gauzy, incredibly pale pink dress with off the shoulder sleeves and a fitted bodice. The skirt was full and billowy. I pulled my hair back gently with a pair of rose colored crystal barrettes. My hair fell around me in a cascade of gentle curls. I put on a little make up, then went to check to see if everything was in position. When I opened my door, I nearly shut it again out of sheer surprise. Usagi was standing at the door looking a complete mess.
"Minako," she said quietly. Then she threw herself at me and latched on around my neck. She'd been crying for a while I could tell. "I said some horrible things today! I'm sorry," she cried. "I didn't mean any of it, but I'm just so frustrated! I feel so left out!" I inched us over and gave the warning signal on Rei's door. Luckily we had a back up plan. Usagi was too busy crying to notice.
"Hey, hey, It's okay." I said gently. I pulled her off me. "Why don't we go in my room and talk this out, okay?" She nodded and went into my room and sat on my bed. I closed the door gently behind me. I sat next to her and put my arm around her shoulders. "What are you so upset over, we know you didn't mean it, hun." She sniffled and I handed her a tissue.
"I thought that you guys didn't want to be around me anymore because I'm annoying, and I'm too clingy…" She continued for a bit with various other things. I dissuaded her at every turn, just to reassure her. Finally she calmed down, then she took notice of what I was wearing. "What are you so dressed up for?" she asked.
"The gala, silly." I lied. The gala wasn't until the next night, but I figured I could confuse her enough to believe it in the state she was in. She paused to think for a second then nodded.
"I should go get ready, then," she mumbled. I stood up.
"I'll go with you!" I exclaimed. "I can help you dress." She nodded and we went to her room. I spotted Rei in the hall and she gave me an affirmative signal that everything was set up. I wasn't supposed to be the one to take Usagi out, but I was now. Or at least I was setting her up. When we got to her room she changed and fixed her hair and pretty much did everything by herself while I prattled on about various topics to distract her. Luna was curled up in her bed next to Usagi's own. Rei charged into the room, just after Usagi had finished getting ready.
"Serenity! You have to come see this!" Usagi looked startled at the use of her formal name by Rei. She looked between the two of us.
"What is it, Rei?" I figured her explanation would be interesting.
"A phoenix landed in the forest!" she exclaimed. I blinked. A phoenix? What? But it was enough for Usagi to jump up and follow Rei. If there ever was anything paranormal, Usagi jumped at the chance to see it. I followed, acting as if I was excited to see it, as well. We ran the entire way out to our spot. Usagi stopped short when we got to the spot.
"What the-" she got out before the group jumped up and shouted surprise. "Oh my!" She breathed. "You guys!" She jumped up once, and Mamoru walked up to her and took her hand. I slipped behind them, as did Rei and walked over to the group. Then Mamoru balked.
"Usako, love, um…" he stammered for a moment. Then he looked behind to us nervously. I prayed he'd have the guts to go through with it.
"What is it?" she asked as if she honestly did not know what was going on. Mamoru hesitated for a moment longer. I never took my eyes off him, hoping I could will him to go through with it. Finally, he stood up. My heart sank for a moment. But, he pulled her off to the side, where he wasn't in front of us. I heard Usagi say something, but couldn't tell what it was. Makoto bustled about behind us and set up the table with fresh food. Nephrite was helping her, and he kept bumping into her on purpose. I hadn't really watched for the other boys, anticipation had taken hold of me. Kunzite even walked up behind me and set his hand on my shoulder. I scarcely breathed.
Mamoru turned around. He was grinning like a mischievous little boy. He was holding Usagi's hand and she looked slightly flushed. I knew instantly that it worked and broke a grin myself. It would be wonderful for these two to be together, I just knew it. It didn't matter that she was young. They were meant for each other. I relaxed then. My part was done. I turned to Kunzite and my smile brightened. Makoto announced that it was time for dinner, and we didn't have much time, so we all sat down.
The meal went smoothly. It was peaceful and pleasant. Makoto had chose to serve a light pasta salad and some sort of chicken dish. We had wine, and water. There was fresh, flaky bread and for dessert, Makoto had whipped up strawberry shortcake with fresh whipped cream. It was a delightful meal. Our conversation was pleasant and engaging, we discussed theories and studies, it was fun. I noticed that Usagi and Mamoru kept sneaking each other secret glances all night. I never found out exactly what he said to her, despite the gossip Usagi was. Then Usagi said she was tired, so she and Mamoru walked back to the castle. He was only "escorting" her. The rest of us cleaned up then split up. Rei, Jedite, Makoto and Nephrite were going to play a game, while Ami and Zoisite were heading to the library so she could show him her latest "acquisition." Kunzite and I stayed outside. We walked to the garden and found a nice tree to site under. We were silent for a while and I began to let my mind wander to what Kunzite would say to me when he asked me to marry him. The wind aided in my reverie.
"You look radiant tonight," he murmured. It was enough to snap me out of my daydream. I had been leaning my head against his shoulder studying the stars through the branches of the trees. I turned to look up at him.
"It's nothing more than usual," I said though it wasn't completely true.
"Not so," he replied. He knew it wasn't true, either. "But I don't care." Kunzite shot me a quick glance. He took my hand and rubbed the back of it with his thumb. He seemed nervous for some reason. Maybe it was just the fresh spring air and the Earth shine. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
"I've been well for a while, darling, why?" I replied.
"Well, I've just been concerned. You always seem to get in trouble over something." He grinned down at me. I stuck my tongue out and nestled my head against his chest. I could hear his heat beat and the sound of his deep breathing was soothing. He gently ran a hand through my hair. Even his touch was enough to seal my thoughts on only him. I had taken my shoes off and they lay next to me in the soft grass. The bark of the tree was rough, but we didn't mind. It was peaceful.
I returned to planing our secret wedding. He brushed the hand he was running through my hair against my face and then swooped down to kiss me, catching me by surprise. His kiss was soft and full of longing. I let myself relax in his arms, and I think he felt it. My grip on his back tightened when I began to turn my mind off of morality. Then Kunzite broke the kiss. He looked sad for some reason. I knew something was wrong now.
"What's the matter?" I asked. His jaw clenched and he dropped his hand to around my waist. He looked away for a moment. My eyes never left his face. I was concerned. His eyes had that cold, distant look that I'd been trying to erase since he'd gone to earth. I wondered what had happened. Finally, he looked me in the eyes again and began the story.
"There's talk of a betrothal between myself and Nerissel Gerhin." The statement was very blunt. I was shocked. The very thought of my Kunzite betrothed made my blood boil. "My father disowned Adonis when he turned an offer like this down before. I'm not sure I can afford that, Mia." I sat bolt upright.
"You speak as if there's an option!" I felt my dream world crash down around me, in a rush of broken images. "Kunzite, there is no option. You don't love her and you never will. Gods, you don't even know the girl!" I knew him, and I knew that if he'd held out this long just for me, he'd always hold out for me. He sighed. I didn't feel guilty yet about my accusations. I didn't know he was tearing himself apart with the situation. I was not as sensitive to it as I could have been. It was just set in my head that nothing would change between us again, unless for the better.
"Oh yes, and I'll be able to support you when it comes time, when I have no money from my father, am I correct?" I looked at him sternly.
"Why should you have to support me?" I asked coolly.
"Because, Minako, you've already been exiled!" The conversation was getting heated. "You have no money, and you're living off the charity of the Lunarians. I can assure you that your father isn't going to leave you anything. As it is he's refused to name an heir. He's practically been thrown over, and Selene has him so restrained…" He trailed off as he watched my face fall. I turned my gaze from him out across the gardens. I was searching for answers in my mind, anything to prevent this. The silence now wasn't comfortable-- it was tense.
"How could you live with yourself if you went through with it?" I asked quietly. "You'd never be happy."
"It's not set in stone yet." His eyes were like steel. I could practically feel the stress built up in him. I wanted to punch the tree. There was a dull ache inside of me just hearing the news. I watched him for a moment, not saying anything. I calmed my self as much as I could and then tried to help him calm down.
"Love, nothing is set in stone." I said quietly. I set my hands on either side of his face and searched his eyes. Then I realized what I was doing to him. I put my head down. "I'm sorry." I said quietly. "I shouldn't be so upset, I guess." He shook his head. I looked back up.
"You have every right to be upset." Kunzite clasped a hand around one of mine and held it to his lips. I heard him take a deep breath. He closed his eyes for a moment, and I moved closer. "There's no way you'd let me get away easy, and I knew it," he whispered. I wanted to cry. I stood up and pulled him up as well, instead. He looked at me questioningly. I reached up and held him tightly around the shoulders, then I stepped back. Rationality fled my mind.
"You can't be betrothed if you're already engaged, can you?" I looked at him with pleading eyes. My grip on his hands tightened.
"You're talking crazy, Mia." My confusion and distraught grew. "It won't make a difference," he insisted. His voice was deadly quiet. I was about to continue, when a ball hit Kunzite on the head. He reached up and held his head then turned a murderous glare towards where the ball came from. Jedite was trotting over, not noticing the tense situation. I picked up the ball and held it out for Jedite, hoping he'd take it and go. But he didn't.
When Jedite got to us he took the ball and smiled at Kunzite, either ignoring the glare or simply not noticing it. He tossed it back and forth in his hands a few times and then tilted his head. "Wanna play, Kunz?" he asked. Kunzite shook his head and crossed his arms.
"Not really, Jedite, we're in the middle of a conversation," Kunzite replied.
"Talking about something big?" Jedite asked, good naturedly. I motioned for him to get out of there, but he wouldn't.
"Not really, Jed."
"Then you should be able to-" Jedite persisted before he was interrupted. Kunzite snapped and shoved Jedite. He stumbled backwards a few steps, then regained his balance.
"Get back to your game," Kunzite half growled. I could tell he really didn't want to hurt Jedite and was restraining his frustration. Jedite blinked in surprise and turned back, not wanting further the scuffle. His silence in the retreat was unusual. I watched after him as he returned to them. Rei shot me a concerned look, before turning back to the game. The girls were all mussed up. It must have been a really physical game. Kunzite moved and I turned my attention back to him. He rubbed his hand on his forehead and looked at me. I can't describe his expression. It was too pained for words. I swallowed.
"Kunzite, you can't do this to me," I said finally. I couldn't lay off, and I knew I should stop. He groaned and turned around.
"It's always about you, isn't it?" he yelled when he turned back around. "How can you be so self absorbed?" he questioned.
"No!" I cried back at him. "It's not all about me, it's about you too!"
"How so?"
"If you don't marry me you'll never marry, Kunzite. And I can be jealous and ensure it."
"So you're threatening me?"
"Yes! Well…no." I looked down and draped one had over my waist. "I'm just telling you the truth you don't want to believe." He sighed.
"I can't take much more of this, Minako," he said.
"Would you rather be poor and blissful or would you rather be rich and miserable?" I asked, my voice shaking. Kunzite stared at me for a moment, then he shook his head and started walking away. "Wait!" I cried and ran after him. I grabbed his arm, and he tried to pull it away, but I wouldn't let go. He raised his hand to brush me off, and I was terrified he was about to hit me. "Stop it, Kunzite!" My voice rang across the expanse around us. It seemed like everything stopped at my command. I let go, shaking.
"Calm down, damnit!" he hissed. I couldn't move. "I have think for a while. Just leave me alone, alright?" He shot me another pained look and started walking for the cliffs. The group watched us part, I could sense their gaze on my back. After a moment I turned and went to my room to think myself. I went up to my special room and cuddled up with a pillow in my lap and started to cry. I didn't know I left the door part way open and Artemis nosed his way through the door and followed me up. When I was wrapped up in my own self-pity, he set his cold nose against my arm and made me jump. I turned to look at him.
"Why do you cry when you're pretty?" he asked in that childish voice. I picked him up and set him in my lap on the pillow. I petted his head and looked across the empty land in front of me.
"I don't think you'd understand, hun," I said quietly. I sighed, then I jumped when I heard footsteps on the stairs. Artemis tensed, with my reaction. I turned to see Kunzite leaning his head on his arms on the top stair.
"You alright?" he asked. I sniffled, then turned and nodded. He stepped up next to me and looked at the cat. I didn't look back at him.
"How'd you find me?"
"The door was open," he replied. I gave a quick nod. He sat down next to me and Artemis growled.
"Stop it!" I said, and tapped his forehead. He looked up at me surprised.
"But he doesn't make you happy!" Artemis replied. Kunzite raised an eyebrow and looked at me. I looked at him long enough to see the expression.
"Talking kitten, who's possessive over you. Great, I've got competition, and you're miffed over…" He trailed off. My eyes started to water. If anyone had competition, it was me. I knew Nerssil when I was a child. I thought that if anyone could turn Kunzite's heart it was her. "Look, love…" he started. Artemis was grumpily pacified. I tried to choke down a sob. I was being childish. Kunzite struggled. I remained silent in my stubborn state. He sighed. The he took my hand and waited until I looked at him. The look in his eyes was earnest and pleading. "I'd rather be poor," he said quietly. He laughed a little. Then he repeated himself. I smiled through my tears.
"I'd rather be poor too," I said back. Then he kissed me gently while Artemis spazed out behind us.
*~*~Notes from Zellie*~*~Well, what an interesting turn, huh? Mwee…I love Artemis. What'll happen next? I'm not sure. Welcome, Lena. Thanks for being my beta. Oh, yeah. More senseless plugging. Go read Tears of the Moon by stargirl. Even though it's an Usagi/Mamoru story, it's one of the best I've ever read for any SM fan fiction, and I'm obviously not much of an U/M fan. So that says something right there. Go, read! 'Till the next of one of my endeavors! Questions, Comments? -->Lil_Venus@hotmail.com.