By : Angel of Venus_l3
CHAPTER FOUR
Quatre peered out the hotel window with a wistful sigh. Tiny pinpricks of astral light decorated the midsummer night, joining the moon in its effort to illuminate the sky. The silver rays of moonlight shone against the ocean which prompted the sky to seemingly stretch out infinitely. He could hear the angry roars of the waves against the window pane, so violent and strong as they effortlessly followed their usual pattern, slapping wildly against the sand before rejoining the immense ocean. Quatre's gaze immediately fixed at the stars. He couldn't help noting how many they were, dancing in their forever changing patterns in the sky, prompting him to be fascinated by such wonderful creation. His fascination towards the beautiful night had distracted him from his troubled mind, offering him peace and tranquility. He couldn't remember ever seeing so many of them on Earth or the colonies. Even though he had been to space numerous times, he was always amazed by how immense the universe was and the magnificent events that occurred mysteriously in space such as the birth of the stars, comets, shooting stars and meteor showers.
He tried to remember the last time he was in space, trying to recall back the last time he had witnessed such fascinating events but he was suddenly jolted with other 'reminders'. Memories of the wars that he had sealed in his mind slowly began to unfold, emitting a soft cry from him as he felt the bitter pain clutching him once more. He felt a sudden rush of pain overflowing in his heart but only briefly, as he reminisced back the outcome of his actions, the friendship he had made with the pilots and the brotherly bonds that came out of it. If it weren't for them, he wouldn't have gone through as far as he had now and he had learnt a lot based on the experiences he had gained in the previous years.
The wars had scarred them deeply in various ways, physically and mentally and the lives of the innocents they had took by force were always a reminder of the guilt but their efforts weren't in vain as they achieved what they had wanted, not to mention the unexpected acquaintances they had made and lessons they had learnt along the way. They had attained peace, something that they had always dreamt of and fought for years, sacrificing their childhood and almost their lives as well but it was definitely worth the effort. Now he was determined to help with the upbringing of a new environment in order to protect the peace and his friends were doing the same as well but in their own different way.
Abrupt noises mixed with happy laughter jerked him from his previous thoughts, prompting him to peer down below. He squinted his eyes, suddenly realizing the presence of a large crowd gathering at the far end of the beach and the bright glow that emitted from it. He could make out ornaments and lanterns were hung everywhere as decoration to brighten the place but even without them, Quatre could tell that the place would be radiant anyway. The docks were surrounded with old-fashioned stalls, contrasting to the modern technologies that the Venusian had acquired over the recent developments. He had heard that the people of this planet had a strong sense of their heritage and they were determined to keep their ancestors' legacies and customs alive so he figured this gathering of some sort was part of the traditional festivals that they occasionally held.
Somewhere between the numerous crowds, he noticed several Venusian dancing among themselves. The similarity of their dances were unfamiliar to him, though he didn't mind participating in the event himself. Some of the young children joined in the dance in their own small group, laughing joyously with the elders. Quatre couldn't help but smile at the scene. He had never get the chance to experience the Venusian culture since he always had a busy schedule ahead of him. But now since he was 'free', he wouldn't want to miss this chance.
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"Wow, even the malls wasn't this crowded during sale," Alya muttered as they pushed themselves through the crowd. Andrite couldn't agree more on that.
Dressed in old fashioned clothing instead of their formal uniforms, the two half Venusian looked more like teenagers than the high ranked generals that they were. To participate in the festival, all Venusian, half or pure, were required to dress in clothes that their old ancestors used to wear during their time. Although this custom doesn't applied on tourists or visitors, most of them rather followed this particular tradition so that they could enjoy the festival to its full extent. Practically all the ladies were dressed in long gowns and men in old fashioned tuxes, garments or robes.
Andrite had been taking care not to reveal any unnecessary identification or conversation that would mutedly declare the sign of his general rank to the public. He doesn't mind acting like one, though but the princess obviously would not appreciate his sense of 'duty' when they were suppose to be having fun like he promised.
Andrite tried to restrain himself from constantly stealing glances at Minako, silently admiring her beauty and inhaling the sweet smell of jasmine that trailed her figure. Even without applying any cosmetics, she looked mesmerizing and would easily put any beauty pageant to shame. No surprise there since she was, after all, the reincarnation of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. The half shouldered, long, silky white gown hugged her body nicely and her blonde hair was tied in a bun, allowing tendrils of her hair to fall loosely at the sides. Even in a different style of clothing, she still held the characteristics of a princess. The warm smile that graced her features and her generous presence appeared to light up the whole area. It seemed so obvious that he wasn't the only person who thought so. Andrite noted how many of those young men eyeing the princess from afar but he cast them a brief glare, clearly indicated for them to stay away.
Despite the fact that he had been by her side for more than five hours straight, Andrite hardly spoke to her more than ten words today. She had been eerily quiet with him since hours ago, fulfilling her duties obediently without any complaints, talking only when asked or necessary. He didn't mind the silence or the obedience but he was a little hurt, knowing well that the princess was still sore over their previous talk. He didn't even dare to talk to her, afraid that it might resulted into another fight since he had the tendency to anger the young girl even though he meant well. But it doesn't matter anyway, there was no way he would change his mind, even if her sadness tortured him.
Minako had never been to a festival before and her first experience here was enjoyable. They had missed the parade due to her dinner date with Neptunian Prince Andrew but the games and performances there had made up for the delay. She didn't expect to see so many events on one occasion but it only added more to her excitement. To her, the light snacks that were sold there were better than the rich delicacies at the palace and the games were better and more fun than horseback riding, her weekly trainings or attending coronation balls. The friendliness of her own people surprised her when she was instantly greeted by them. She was even brave enough to strike up conversations with strangers. Though her actions clearly disturbed Andrite, Alya had supported her by joining in as well, making new acquaintances that mutedly persuaded the stall workers to give her more discounts on the items that were sold. Not wanting to ruin their fun, Andrite had decided to let that go and remained silent, smiling once in awhile to mask his disapproval.
Minako stopped abruptly at a nearby stall, examining the glittering trinkets that had caught her eye. She picked up a necklace that held a gold heart shaped pendant attached to it with a Venus sign engraved in the middle of the heart. Alya came up behind her and inspected the other jewelries, selecting several that would go well with her. Andrite noticed the princess's admiration towards the necklace and slowly approached her.
Before Andrite could say anything, Minako instantly cut him, narrowing her eyes coldly, "Yes, I know I have jewels worth of thousands at home but most of them hardly mean anything to me, in case you didn't know." That was the most that she had ever talked to him today and it pained him a little at the obvious resentment. He bit back his tongue from retaliating against her for it would only make it worst. He had wanted to tell her that the pendant was beautiful and he meant it genuinely but kept it to himself, figuring she might refused to accept his sincerity.
Minako noticed the brief hurt expression on Andrite's face from the corner of her eye and knew she had gone a little too far. She was about to apologize to him when the lady selling the trinkets suddenly interrupted her thoughts. "The pendant is lovely, isn't it?" she murmured, smiling warmly. Minako smiled back in reply and the lady continued, "Rumors had it that this necklace is actually a gift to a princess from her Venusian suitor. According to legend, this necklace is able to make the wearer fell in love with the person who give it away."
Minako had never believed in those stories before, obviously she was well taught by the generals and advisors to differentiate between true legends and mere nonsense. Andrite hadn't make a single remark against it. Most of the sellers here had applied the same method on their business, using fake 'legendary' artifacts or stories to attract customers into purchasing their items. Some of them were real, though it was hard to tell which. "If you want, we can carve words on it…" "No, that's okay," Minako replied politely, placing the necklace back where she found it. Even though he remained impassive, she knew Andrite wouldn't approve her purchasing unnecessary items here.
A sudden slow, soft melody began to play. The music was painfully slow and wasn't the usual romantic type that she used to dance to. She recognized the music but wasn't quite sure where she had heard it before. Noticing that several Venusian had quickly hurried to where the music might had began, she automatically followed them, curious as to what the music was played for. Leaving her generals behind and pushing her way through the crowd, she finally reached a wide field where her people had gathered around it. Upon seeing the dancers moving slowly according to the music instantly reminded her of another part of the tradition, one that she couldn't help the blushes from staining her cheeks.
Quatre was well aware that all Venusian were required to wear old garments in order to participate in the festival and not wanting to look like an outsider, he decided to wear a simple white button-up shirt and black pants, nothing too fancy or too simple. The clothing he chose doesn't exactly made him seemed like a Venusian but at least he blend in easily with his already blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
He was truly amazed by how they had reconstructed the whole area to make it seemed like they were in the past. With the old fashioned stalls, games, clothing, ornaments and so-called legendary tales that trailed their business patterns, he could not doubt the Venusian were the riches in preserving their customs and traditions. He found them generous as well to strangers like himself, offering him a tour around the festival or a brief explanation about this particular event. The dances that he had seen earlier from the window had long ended, much to his disappointment but according to one of the Venusian, there would be more dances later on.
After a long while of strolling from one stall to another, he heard a faint music began to play in the distant. The music was too slow to dance to and unlike the ones that he had heard on Earth before. Curious, he trotted to the direction where the melody might had began and reached a large field where he noticed most of the people had gathered around it.
He had manage to push himself to the front of the crowd, eager to witness whatever event that was held. It seemed to be some sort of a dance performance. In the middle of the field where people gathered around it, were the obvious performers since the clothes they wore seemed to stand out the most. The dancers, which consisted of females, seemed to be in a trance. With half opened eyes and a seductive smile, they began to move rapturously in a slow manner, wrapping their see-through shawl behind their back briefly before unwrapping them again and tossing it on the ground. Aside from their beauty, the dance itself seemed to have a power of its own to draw the crowd. Quatre had never experience anything like this, not understanding the prospect of such event. He felt a little dizzy as he watched the girls danced, their bodies swaying to the rhythm swiftly. Their movements were slow and random at first but now they began to maintain their pace with one another, casting teasing glances at the crowd briefly, as though inviting the crowd to join them.
Quatre felt a little uneasy about the way the girls kept giving him the seductive smiles and teasing glances. He blushed when one of them winked at him, blowing him a kiss several times. She paused briefly to pull a rose from her hair and tossed it at him. Caught off guard by the sudden seduction, the rose hit him on the chest but he managed to grasp it before it fell. He was too numbed to respond to her, if it was even necessary as he watched with dazed eyes at the girls. They danced rapturously, capturing his gaze with the steady movements of their bodies. One of them slowly stopped several feet away from him, her long, slender hands reaching out in a manner of pleading. Quatre was taken aback by her and quickly shook his head politely as the realization hit him. He felt his cheeks grew warmer and he was trying furiously to stop blushing. What would the people think if they caught the well-mannered boy in this…somewhat erotic dance? The girl pouted lightly upon his hesitation before turning to another man and pulling him away from the crowd. Unlike Quatre, the man seemed eager to participate. He was immediately surrounded by the other girls as they began to sway around him, sliding their hands around him as they moved.
Snapping out of his trance, Quatre staggered back and turned to leave, afraid that the pinkish color of his cheeks would consume his entire face if he continued to witness this event any longer. Pushing his way out and trying to avoid the gazes of the crowds, he did not notice a young maiden walking in his direction until he bumped into her. The girl cried out in surprise and when Quatre finally looked up to apologize, his mouth hung open in surprise upon the beauty in front of him.
She was indeed a pure Venusian, Quatre could not doubt that as he studied her but he was instantly captured by her sapphire eyes that sparkled under the nightly sky. They were so deep, so innocent-like, so pure and he found himself lost in those pool of limpid blue. Her skin was flawless and seemed too delicate to touch, emitting its own radiant glow under the darken sky. Her sunshine hair was piled on her head, tendrils of the golden waterfall fell at the sides and Quatre had to resist the urge to feel how soft it was. He couldn't help wondering how does she looked like with her hair down, she must be even more beautiful than anyone could imagine.
The girl seemed to be staring at him, too, caught in the moment as he was but she was the first to recover as she reluctantly lift her eyebrow and gave him a small smile. Suddenly realizing he had been staring at her for quite a while, he quickly stuttered, "Oh…I-I'm really sorry, miss…I didn't mean to stare…I mean, bump into you like that…Sorry, forgive me….Uh, a-are you okay? D-did I hurt you?"
Minako blinked at him, pausing to digest the apology but upon hearing him stuttering as though he had committed a terrible crime, she couldn't help but giggled. His face, she had noticed earlier, were already red from what she figured the previous performance and now if it was possible, he was beyond flushed. Minako was used to this kind of reaction from her suitors and most royalties but despite her giggles and calmness dealing with the situation, there was something about his eyes that mesmerized her for an instant, something that prompted her heart to quicken its pace briefly when their gazes were locked.
"Are you always this articulate?" she inquired, enjoying the effect her melodic voice had on him. Quatre chuckled nervously, raking his hair. Minako suddenly noticed he was clutching a rose and an instant realization hit her. "I see you had successfully acquired their invitation," she exclaimed, letting out a hearty laugh. He raised his eyebrows in puzzle. "Excuse me?"
"The rose," she stated, pointing at the flower. "You were invited to dance, weren't you? I can see why you're all red." Quatre blushed even redder. He couldn't understand why he had been blushing so much in front of this maiden, he had never felt so intimidated by anyone before. Her face seemed to lit up when she smiled and the warm smile that graced her features was making his heart pounding faster than before. "Um, yeah, I guess…" Quatre murmured, smiling back shyly at her. "What kind of dance is that? The girls are very…" "Tempting?" she suggested, teasing him. Quatre chuckled lightly before continuing, "You could say that." Minako suddenly felt a little cautious. Was she actually flirting with this stranger? she wondered. She had never been so friendly towards guys before, except with Andrite but that was a different case.
"You're not from Venus?" she inquired when she had digested his question. Quatre shook his head. "No, Earth," he answered. "I'm just visiting here for a couple of days. So, what is this dance actually about? I have read about your planet's customs but I don't think I have gain any information on this." Licking her lips, Minako began to explain, trying hard not blush herself, "The dance that you had participate in is well known as 'The Courtesan's Dance of Seduction'. It's an old custom of ours where the girls pick their partners to…fulfill their desires…you understand. Since it is the birth of a new Venus star, tonight is believed to hold the most power over love and lovers normally perform this tradition privately." She motioned briefly with her hand towards the flower he held. "As you may know, the rose is a common symbol of love in Venus. The dancers play their roles as courtesans and used this token to lure the chosen ones to dance with them. And maybe later, to their bed as well. However, this event is nothing more than a mere performance to display our heritage to others so don't be too intrigued by that prospect," Minako finished with a teasing wink at him.
Quatre nodded in acknowledgement, blushing slightly at that statement. "I see," he uttered, glancing at the rose in his hand and wondered if it was possible for him to dispose the blooming flower without having this maiden thinking it as an insult. "But I did not participate in the dance, I'm not…used to so much attention especially from lovely maidens." "I suppose not," Minako commented, giggling slightly. "Seeing as how you can easily blush with simple comments or acts. Nevertheless, I am impress for not many people is able to resist. Especially the non-Venusian kinds…."
A sudden fast paced song began to play, erupting a new round of applause by the audiences. Some of them began to dance, grabbing the nearest partner and started to waltz around the field. Minako and Quatre were quite startled by the abrupt commotion but it immediately died down as most of the audiences participated in the waltz. The music was well played, a mix of classical and pop which were a famous combination in this modern time in Venus. The swaying dancers had created a beautiful swirl of colors around the field, their dresses and long garments rustled on the ground. The displayed merriment and exciting atmosphere amazed Quatre for he had never seen such joyous occasion. Practically everyone was smiling and laughing, changing partners briefly at each certain pace and making new acquaintances.
Swallowing hard and summoning his courage, he turned towards the maiden he had been talking to. Minako was gazing at the dancers, smiling and admiring the event. He wondered if she was seeing anyone, because it seemed almost impossible for someone as beautiful as her to not have an escort to the festival. However since she was alone at this very moment, he decided to take his chance. And it certainly wouldn't hurt to make a new friend.
"Um, would you like to dance, my lady?" Quatre asked politely as he held the rose to her as a token of the proposal. Minako tore her gaze from the dancers to Quatre, a look of surprise graced her features. From his unexpected offer, Minako was deeply flattered by his gentle request. Somehow the thought of him asking her to dance made her heart pounded faster than its regular beat. His genuine expression was so innocent that she couldn't resist. Drawn to his probing sky blue eyes, she took the blooming rose and gave him her other hand in acceptance and smiled warmly. "I'd love to..."
Taking her hand, he slowly led her to the field and they began to waltz along with the other dancers. She gently placed the rose behind her ear, blending in perfectly with her attire. Minako could feel the heat of his body close to her and she had to restrain herself from letting out a sigh and resting her head on his shoulder. That would be very improper considering how they had just met. With his hand grasping hers and his other hand slid protectively around her waist, she felt so secure and warm in his touch. She couldn't understand why she was enjoying this man's company so much. He was a stranger, they had just met, barely knew each other's names and before she realized it, she had grown fond of his presence. When she was closed enough to him, she realized that his hair wasn't really blonde but platinum. Ironically as it was, she had never seen a hair like that before.
Quatre smiled shyly when their eyes locked. He noticed she seemed to be studying him and that thought made him blush a little, silently hoping his appearance matched up to her standards even though she didn't seem like the type that cared much about first impressions. He suddenly felt the urge to get to know her, her personality, her background, every single details that involved her presence. The long trip to Venus seemed worthwhile after all…