Michiru was shocked. She opened her eyes, rounder and bigger than before. Her entire system froze. Alas, her knight in shining armor was a deadly mercenary! It explains the rude manners, odd clothing and collection of metallic weaponry!
Fully recuperated, Michiru is perfectly capable of defending herself if the situation called for it. Albeit no direct training in martial arts, her background in calisthetics and caligraphy can be easily transmuted to combat prowness.
The hooded enigma slowly returned to his seated position. For a split second, deep sad green eyes sparkled against the ardent flame before fading again in the darkness. He then chortled like a mischevious kid who decieved a guillible old lady.
"Relax, I was only kidding. What you ask is of no consequence; my chivalry demands no compensation. Tomorrow, leave this God forsaken place, depart toward your home in the safe arms of your kins. Everything will be nothing more than a distant memory, a surreal dream meant to be forgotten. Rest for a long day awaits you."
Michiru was ambivalent. Never has a man ever denied her charms before! She felt challenged yet grateful at the same time. Neptunians always have followed the instinct of their emotions, but Neptunians too have great reverence for (eros) love, the epitome of the romantic people they are. She knew she should fear him yet she continued to feel suprisingly at ease with him.
"Have no fear, I will never malign my lady's integrity. Your temporal unconsciousness was a golden opportunity to satisfy earthly craving yet I remained steadfast. I shall defend your virtue until morning arrives."
"At least take this." Michiru removed her heirloom bracelet. When she was a child, her grandmother once told her it would lead her toward her true love. Michiru shook her head as she remembered the foolish thought. As the new Sailor Neptune, the possibility of love was nil. It was nothing more than a figment of a dream she once had. Somehow, it felt right to give it to him; not only would this signify her acceptance of her vocation as a sailor senshi, but a momento to a man she wished she had met earlier. If the circumstance was different, this would have been hopelessly romantic --to be in the middle of no where, alone in the wilderness with the man of the her dreams. Either way, the heirloom would provide a hefty sum of money for his continuing journey; many more lives could be touched by his kindness and courage.
The hunter lowered his head, sighed deeply and smiled. "My lady, haven't you been listening? I cannot accept..."
"I am not bribing you; this would bring you luck as it always had with me", she explained.
"You mean, like the way you got lost and almost slayed?" he sarcastically responded.
"well, I am still alive now, am I not? And it's all thanks to you!" Calm and grateful was her tone.
Touched by her words, he was silent. He was still hesistant whether to accept such precious gift or not.
"Please!" Michiru grabbed his hand. She delicately put the bracelet on his palm, clasping her palm toward his as well. Her other hand touched the back of his, entrapping his hand both on hers.
Suddenly, she had a precognition. It was too bright to see everything, but it felt safe and tranquil. She heard the happy shrieks of two children. There was a playground, two children playing in a swing. A blonde boy with teal eyes was pushing a girl on the swing. "Higher and higher," the latter demanded.
Michiru was brought back to reality when he pulled his hand. A faint thank you was his reply, as he turned his back on her. It was evident he felt intruded, and was withdrawing.
"If you may please, take some rest. I have to prepare for my journey tomorrow." He reasoned as he busied himself with the packing of his tools.
She turned her back against him as well, and laid down to sleep. Her thoughts were still on the faint memory. Behind those sad eyes lay a happy childhood. What could have happened to him to be in so much sorrow? She was truly intrigued by his shroud of mystery. Who was he?
So many bizarre things have happened today. There's so much familiarity and ambivalence at the same time. Without realizing, she fell into a trance and was transported into the serene world of dreams.
Michiru was awoken by the chirping of the birds. She was in a different mileu. She was out of the woods and could clearly view the route toward civilization. She got up and gleefully went her way.
From an atop a hill, golden hair swayed freely against the gentle breeze. The wind toyed with his cape as well. As the figure of the princess faded, his gaze shifted to the the bracelet she bestowed him.
"It is better this way..."
Within a flash, he disappeared.