"7 days!"
"Please, My lady, I beg thee." Haruka pleaded with all his being.
He explained that once the ritual commenced, it has to be delivered to conclusion. The chosen pair would have to live together in the wilderness for a span of 7 days. It was a test of cooperation, trust and camaraderie -- ideals Uranians hold dearly. No one really knew how the couple was chosen, it was always random. Nonetheless, it was always a great pride to be chosen.
Of course, Haruka left the personal implication of "setsuzoku" on them. It was foolish of him to believe it could lead to something more intimate; Uranian law states unless both parties volitiously recognize the union, it is invalid from the beginning. Regardless, how he felt, this was a matter of duty!
He warned that tragedy and/or famine will struck otherwise. This negative stigma has always been old wives' tale; every modern Uranian knew it. Yet, it holds true in the sense that its extreme demoralization effect on the people would bring forth the unspeakable consequences. None has defied the tradition yet, he is not a fool to risk the materialization of catastrophic event. The combined negative effect of collective depression is unimaginable!
"Will you please re-consider?" Haruka asked anxiously. He paused in anticipation of the reply.
Michiru continued walking, deep in thought. As a Neptunian, she has an inherent telepathic link with her people, denser with her kins. They could tell where is, whether she is in immediate danger or not. She absolutely understood that she is destined to be where is, at this very moment, with this dashing hero. Neptunians have strongly believed that there are no coincidences. She must freely accept the path laid before her; let her feelings be the guide. Indeed, pain is nothing more than the resistance to change.
"In one condition." She softly murmured.
Haruka looked at her with all his attention, full of hope.
After reaching about 2 meters ahead of Haruka, she halted and slowly turned her head. "If you catch me!" She ran as fast as she could, giggling aloud.
Ah, the gods favored her! A second chance on her surreal romantic fantasy -- to be in the middle of no where, alone in the wilderness with the man of the her dreams. An opportunity to briefly live out her dream. Truly, her greatest gift before she formally accepts her duty as Sailor Neptune.
"Hey, wait for me!" After recovering his senses, he ran after her. Sprinting on an average level, he eventually matched her distance, and grabbed her by the abdomen area, fully gripped. He centrifugally spin her round and round, until they both fell down laughing. The birds chirped, and the trees swayed. Mother nature witnessed their budding relationship, and rejoiced with them.
They were now both seated. With leg straight together and flat on the ground, Haruka balanced his weight with both arms straightened behind him. Michiru was on his right. She had her leg stuck on her side, with her left arm supporting her weight. The space in-between her arm and lower extremities were Haruka's thighs.
"You have such beautiful eyes." Michiru remarked in awe. She was staring at his eyes, as he was also with her. They were transfixed on each other's gaze. There was momentarily silence. Haruka felt uncomfortably invaded. He knew she saw and felt a part of his soul. Strangely, it felt natural.
"Ahem." He coughed, broke contact and stood up. "Well, we better get going." He offered his hand, like any gentleman would do, to help Michiru get up.
The journey had not been long when Michiru fainted. Fortunately, Haruka's reflex were quick enough to catch her.
He was supporting her weight. His arms were around her upper torso. With her face on his shoulder, she could be barely heard. "water, water...I need to be..."
With one clean sweep, he carried her in his strong arms. He dashed as fast as he could, searching for bodies of water. She was drained, how long has she been this way? There was no time to lose, he needed to find something soon! At the corner of his eyes, there lay a bright shimmer. There was a lake 20 meters away.
He gently soaked her in the cool water. It didn't matter even if his clothes got wet too as a consequence. The moment the fluid touched Michiru's skin, she was instantly alleviated. He let her go, as she further indulged upon the liquid carress.
"Thank you. I need to be with my element every now and then; it recharges me. It has always been this way." Michiru swam.
"Just like the wind is to me." Haruka whispered in delightful surprise. Thought his people always had an affinity with the wind, his was deeper and more intimate. As a child, he could summon the wind at will anytime, particularly when he was sad. Whenever tears fell from his eyes, the wind would come blowing to him, consoling him. It was been a long time since he last cried, he can no longer remember; he swore he will never shed a single tear ever again. Still, the wind never left him. It has always understood him, been with him in every way, even if he doesn't express anything. It has always been the source of his power and strength. Now, he has met someone who more or less share the same fate as his. Someone who is in a better position to understand him; he was no longer alone.
"The water is great! Join me." She wave her hand, enticing him.
"Perhaps, next time. There's still so much work. Our settlement should be prepared while the sun is up. Enjoy your swim, you need it. See you later." He gradually walked way, swaying his hand goodbye without even turning around, as he kept heading the opposite direction.
Michiru continued to swim joyfully. Unknown to her, Haruka had secretly lurked in one of the tree branches. He was observing her from a distance. She was so beautiful, he could not resist his deep admiration. She was a sea goddess who descended from heaven to indulge in her watery domain. He contently watched in adoration until he realized she was taking her clothes off!
He bashfully looked away. He was so red, he did not understand why. He had definitely experienced more with his encounter with promiscuous women; they have done deliberately bolder moves vis-a-vis, yet it only fed his fancies. It has always been a game for him. Why does his invisible defense begin to crumble all of a sudden? He could not stand it any longer; he decided to perform his task the soonest.
Michiru smirked at the sound of the ruffling of the leaves. She never have sense any threat within the vicinity in the first place! It is only fitting that she blend with her element in full glory. Carefully setting her clothes aside, she returned and surrendered to the embrace of the lake.
Author's note: At this point, both still do not know each other's name. It never occured to them, because they felt it did not matter. A name is superficial compared to the bond they share. They will formally introduce themselves to each other on the next chapter! Perhaps, Michiru will remember Haruka? Or Haruka will know Michiru and his beloved are one and the same?