Chapter Four

Several days later, Ami walked alongside Nephrite on a hill overlooking a winding river. Nephrite looked over at Ami who was staring at the magnificent view. "You know, this kingdom reminds me of the Earth. It's similar, but not exact."

Ami smiled at him. "It must be fun living on Earth," she reasoned.

"You'd probably get bored with it if you lived there your entire life. I find ways to amuse myself, though."

Ami flicked jet black bangs out of her eyes. "I would hope so." she commented slyly.

They continued to walk, when it happened: Ami's foot hit an uneven part of the ground and tripped. "Eek!" she squealed.

Nephrite held out his strong arms and quickly caught her.

"Sorry," Ami mumbled, grasping his shoulders for support.

"It's fine. Are you all right?" Nephrite asked, looking down into her flushed face, his heart pounding.

"Yes. I'm just embarrassed." she said.

Why is my heart racing? I just caught her! Good grief! Nephrite thought. "D-don't be," he replied.

Ami stared into Nephrite's light blue eyes, mesmerized. "Nephrite?" she asked.

Nephrite gently pushed her out of his arms. "Sorry." he muttered, looking away nervously. I can't do this, I can't let myself. he told himself. I-I don't understand. C-curse her! She's making me act really strange! What happened to my stubborn side? Why am I so trusting all of a sudden?! First I meet her, then I bring her flowers, then I hold her in my arms! And-and I actually liked it! Nephrite suddenly regretted pushing her away, afraid he hurt her feelings. I-I must like her, he decided.

Ami looked at the river, afraid she was going to cry. He's angry. He's angry and he doesn't like me, she thought sadly, Why would he? She gasped when she felt someone's hand on her shoulder. She slowly looked behind her, and saw Nephrite standing there.

"Would you like to see it?" he asked quietly.

She gave him a confused look. "See what?"

"The Earth." he responded. "I'd-I'd like to show it to you. Would you like me to?"

Ami smiled softly, her tears suddenly evaporating. "Yes, I would like that very much."

So they discussed their plans. Nephrite explained that he couldn't bring her the next day, because he had many things to do. In other words, Shitennou duties. He promised to come for her the day after that, and show her his home. Ami said that sounded wonderful.

---

That evening, Ami sat on a small sofa in her bedchamber, staring at the stars through her window. She was mesmerized by the blue and green orb that sat amidst them, and couldn't help thinking of when she would see it. A soft knocking on the door alerted her. "Come in," Ami said, still captivated.

Princess Makoto entered the blue bedroom and walked up to her friend. "Hello, Ami. I just came in for a chat. Serenity is in a meeting, and Rei and Minako are discussing pointers for a new training session." she delicately sat on the opposite side of the couch.

Ami tore her eyes from the heavens to look at Makoto. "Mako, do you ever wonder about, well... other worlds?"

Makoto's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Other worlds? Do you mean...?" she gestured to the Earth.

Ami nodded.

"No. Earthlings are nothing but trouble. Minako is forever reminding us of that. Although, she's been a bit quieter about that recently. I wonder if she's okay."

Ami sighed, then returned her attention to the stars.

---

Nephrite strode past many doorways, going up to Endymion's private study, needing to meet the Prince. As he neared Zoicite's piano room, he heard music being played furiously. When he peered inside, he saw Zoicite slam his fists down on the keys in fury, and watched as he crumpled a piece of rainbow colored parchment and tossed it into a waste basket. "It-must-be-right!" Nephrite heard him curse under his breath, taking hold of his quill once more.

Nephrite shook his head in amusement, then continued to his destination. He's lost it, he thought laughingly.

---

The day after next, Nephrite and Ami materialized in a field a little ways off from the Earth Palace, his hands covering her eyes.

"May I open my eyes?" she asked.

Nephrite smiled. "Yes." he uncovered her eyes. Ami stared in awe at the gorgeous palace before her, glowing in the looming darkness of nightfall.

"It's breathtaking," she whispered, unable to take her eyes off of it.

Nephrite gently took her hand. "I'll show you around." he quietly led her to the palace.

Checking first to make sure that the halls were free of the other Shitennou, he showed her everything there was to love about the large palace of the Earth. Once Nephrite had shown Ami the palace, he led her back to the first floor, where they bumped into one of the cooks, who had just come from the kitchens.

Oh, good evening, Sir," the cook said, bowing deeply. He gave an inquiring look at Ami.

Nephrite looked between Ami and the cook. "This is my friend, Ami, visiting from very far away. I'm giving her a tour of the palace. Now, if you will excuse us."

"Certainly, Sir!" the cook replied, bowing to Ami respectively.

As Ami and Nephrite came down the steps, Ami whispered, "That was brilliant!"

Nephrite smiled mischievously. "Thank you. I think it worked. Good thing I didn't run into one of the other generals. That would take a lot more explaining."

They strolled through the lovely courtyard. Nephrite soon became aware of a piano playing in the distance. He rolled his eyes. Stupid piano, he thought.

Ami noticed the playing too. "What is it?" she asked Nephrite.

"Zoicite. One of my fellow Shitennou. He's one who we don't want to find out about you." he shook his head sadly. "He seems to despise Lunarians, but, actually, he hasn't made any comments about them recently. As a matter of fact, he's been shut up in his piano room most of the time for the past several days. More than usual, that is."

"He plays beautifully," Ami commented, walking in tune to the slow music, swaying back and forth. "It's almost like a waltz." she paused. "You do know what a waltz is, don't you?"

"Of course I do!" Nephrite cried indignantly. Knowing how to dance was one of the many duties of being a Shitennou. He gave a light bow. "May I?" he asked, extending a gloved hand and smirking. He'd show her.

Ami held back a giggle as she curtsied and took his offered hand. She placed a hand on his shoulder as he placed a hand on her waist. He slowly guided her around the courtyard to the tune of the softly playing piano. "See?" he whispered, "I know how to dance."

Ami smiled softly. "Yes, you do. You dance very well." The music slowed even more, and Ami rested her head on his shoulder.

Nephrite inhaled her sweet scent and felt himself blush. She smells nice, he thought. The full moon shimmered down upon the dancing couple.

Ami slowly lifted her head to look at it. "I can see my home."

Nephrite put his hand to her soft cheek. Ami looked away from the moon to him. He slowly lowered his head and their lips touched. Ami's heart raced. He really likes me! What am I thinking? We come from separate worlds! But as she kissed the fiery young general, she decided that didn't matter.

After several moments, Nephrite pulled away, but didn't let go of Ami. What did you do?! You kissed her! A voice yelled in his mind. I hope I didn't upset her. "I-I'm sorry if I offended you." he stammered, deliberately not looking at her.

"You didn't!" Ami said desperately. "I-I like you." Ami flinched at what she just said.

Nephrite, however, smiled. Ami took this as a good sign, and leaned her head on his shoulder again. Nephrite absent-mindedly brushed her silky hair with his hand, thinking about her words. She likes me! I've never felt this way before. It's strange, my cold heart is melting. Mush! I'm turning into mush! Oh, well. His smile grew bigger. She's worth it.