His watch began outside, sweeping the grounds with care starting in the front and working around through the stables, open fields, orchards, and forests surrounding the immediate area around the palace. Kunzite would then find his way to the cliffside terrace and make his way to the outskirts of the gardens following a similar path each night that allowed him to monitor the gardens and the forests on the outer edge. He'd usually stop by to talk to Endymion before he departed for bed, then sweep the rest of the grounds. Wash, rinse, repeat. Sometimes Kunzite would see just how many passes he could make over the long patrol before the Sun hit the horizon signifying the waking dawn. He was only too glad the colder months were behind them.
Tonight felt strange as he moved along the familiar terrace and down the steps into his white haven of a garden, along the all too familiar and memorized paths that would lead him directly to Endymion's rather private courtyard. He'd pass the old orchard through the trees, the weeping willows that hung over small lakes like little huts offering privacy to those who might seek its solace by the outer gates. The strange aura this evening had him on his guard, hand ready at the hilt of his sword. It was a breathtakingly beautiful night, the Moon full and bright touching everything with light bright enough to rival the day. Even the fireflies that danced around him while he walked seemed almost happy, but it did little to ease his furrowed brow and frowning tense lips.
Kunzite froze immediately when he approached Endymion's private gardens, marked by wrought iron gates twisted with intricate emblems of roses marking Elysian's crest. The Prince had worked tirelessly over these gardens. His had every colored rose imaginable plus some he wasn't sure how the Prince achieved. Tonight was indeed different, the closer he got to the gate the stranger the feeling. Almost calming, but alarming more than anything to someone like him. Kunzite froze immediately, alarms sounding in chills up his spine in hearing a light bell like laugh that was undeniably female from the small courtyard by Endymion's private entrance. It was followed by the all too familiar smooth, calm, and light voice of his Prince who seemed utterly enraptured by whatever conversation was taking place.
Kunzite pressed his back against the wall, moving closer with silent footfalls toward part of the gate that allowed him to see into the garden itself. His pale grey eyes widened, all of his internal organs clenching in a ball at once and he fought the urge to rush in and shield Endymion with sword drawn. He'd expected to see Beryl, though the laugh clearly didn't belong to her, but the last thing he expected to see was beauty. A woman, considerably younger than himself, sat at the edge of his fountain, her long white skirts gathered and her slender arm lazily grazed her fingers through the stable waters.
A few things became painfully clear about these proclaimed Goddesses very quickly. Power rolled off of her in warm tangible waves that caused the tension to melt from his shoulders. It alarmed him, how peaceful and serene he felt just looking at the girl. Her hair was impossibly long, held up in two buns on her head with tails that drifted to the ground in silvery blonde waves, similar to his own hair but there was gold laced within it. Her skin was pale and flawless with an almost filtered like effect, eyes a wide and inhuman cobalt blue that held a silvery sheen in the dim light, but innocent and sweet the way they looked up at Endymion. Her lips were full, concealing perfect white teeth when she smiled brilliantly up at her companion who also seemed to have fallen completely captivated. Kunzite had never seen anything so beautiful in his life- and yet unlike the King suggested, he had no problem looking at her. She was utterly angelic.
Endymion saved one of her pigtails from falling into the water, placing a kiss on the hair before releasing it to her side. A very appealing flush crawled on her pale skin made prominent by the white and gold embellished gown that was almost sheer against the pale Moonlight- the perfection of her soft curves emphasized by this gown that showed too much and far too little. Her wide eyed innocence seemed to capture Endymion with her fascination of every little thing he showed her, and the adoration in her eyes was mutual based on the same emotion in his Prince's midnight gaze. The identity of the girl was extremely obvious by the golden crescent Moon symbol on her forehead that gleamed under the bright light of her home. Her youth suggested the Moon Princess instead of Queen Serenity herself, and for this Kunzite was grateful and yet he knew she shouldn't be there, couldn't be there. He scowled, his hand falling on his sword ready to sweep in and break up this rendezvous, to demand answers from Endymion who knew better than to speak to one of them. That alone was forbidden and punishable by death.
It was God's law- so they were told. Lunar Governments aimed to keep the relationship with the Terran planet amiable only allowing a Elysian Royalty and select diplomats to conduct business with Lunar courts by scheduled meetings. In return for their supposed protection, Earth was just supposed to accept their place and keep to themselves, and the Silver Alliance would leave them alone. Something an adult tells a petulant child- keep your hands to yourself and you won't be harmed. Mostly they did- it was after all easy to forget that they were being watched, that otherworldly beings existed and Kunzite assumed it was the same for them. Out of sight, out of mind.
The Shitennou all suspected the dignitaries of the Silver Alliance were horrified that someone would fall in love resulting in mixed races, or infiltration of Governments resulting in takeover, that their pure and pristine Silver Millenium would be sullied by the insignificant, barbaric and useless people of his beloved, bright and colorful planet. Mostly they were frightened that Endymion would hold that Golden Crystal one day and bring down the Moon. By God's Law of course- they meant their own laws, and Terrans were too stupid to see that. One could argue that they were dumb enough to think Earth's royalty would ever want to take down any planet, let alone the Moon.
His lips were parted to call out to them when he saw a sudden flash of gold off to the right hand side where another gate lead outside of the gardens. It was left hanging open leaving plenty of room for someone to sweep in and attack. Just one more oversight for him to scream at Endymion for later. It was a challenge but he kept one eye on the pair in the gardens that were standing far too close for his liking, and the other ahead of him looking for movements beyond the darkness. Kunzite circled around, pale eyes fierce and ready to strike at the first sign of trouble. Damned if even the shadows weren't playing tricks on him with the swaying of the trees on the gentle evening wind.
He kept his breathing slow and measured, silent and even, using tactics he'd learned in war all too young. He could see the vague shape of someone carefully concealed in shadow just on the outside of the gate, no doubt seeing Endymion in rather forbidden conversation and he wondered if he would kill this person just to prevent the news from spreading. There was after all, little he wouldn't do for the Prince he was convinced made up the other half of his soul. As he drew nearer, Kunzite could tell the form was female, considerably shorter than himself though most people were aside from Nephrite. He tried to swallow down the dry knot that had developed in his throat, circling wider around the person to get closer with care to keep to the shadows.
The clouds shifted, and the vibrant Moonlight beamed down on something brilliantly gold, it was hair a shade he'd only ever seen hanging above his library's fireplace. The knot in his throat grew bigger, the girl tensing as though she knew of his presence though he'd been entirely silent. There was a hum of power, different than the girl he'd just seen in the garden and it made his heart race and blood flow wildly. It intensified when she whipped around with a spike of electric magic as her eyes met his in the dark and he swore they glowed gold. He stood in the shadows, but the Moonlight caught her face and the world seemed to spin around him though they held perfectly still as that gold died down to familiar eyes. Large, burdened blue eyes that held a faint green like the sea. It burned his eyes to look at her.
Her eyes were undeniably blue, more so perhaps than the girl giggling in the garden beside them with unbridled glee. Kunzite noticed it looked like her eyes were glittering, sparkles of gold glinting from her vibrant blue depths that widened upon seeing him. He clenched his jaw tight to keep it from growing slack and falling to the ground at his feet, no one would ever know the challenge he faced to control his every bodily function and posture in this moment. To not fall at her feet and weep. He'd almost rather be at war. War was easier than confronting the girl in front of him.
He realized he wasn't breathing as his head reeled again in this very brief moment that seemed to last eternity, unable to process or think of what to do besides grip the hilt of his sword all the tighter until he was certain the knuckles were white under his already pristine white gloves. For the first time in his life- the great warlord, commander of all of Earth's armies, the legendary Shitennou of the Middle East was completely and utterly disarmed. The sword he gripped like it was the only thing to ground him to this plane of existence rendered useless by his inability to move.
The girl held steady, eyes never leaving his with a stance ready for action and defiance in her face. The shock on her face was evident of course, much less concealed than his own but it was strained and well controlled all at once with a determination like he's never seen before. She looked quite similar to the girl in the garden with Endymion but oh so very different. As noted her hair was a fine and brilliant golden blonde that shimmered like pure silk in the Moonlight. Her skin was fair, only slightly deeper than the other girl's but as she inhaled a sharp breath he noted a very mild golden sheen by the way the light hit her perfectly formed cheekbone. Her glittering eyes were bright as the vibrant tropical waters, almond shaped and framed by thick long lashes, too vibrant to be real and he struggled to hold their stare. Her lips were parted, full like the softest petals of pale pink roses and more perfectly formed than he'd ever seen and Kunzite had kissed his fair share of lips.
She wore a strange and inappropriate uniform donned with a sailors collar and scandalously short orange skirt that fully revealed the longest, most shapely toned legs he'd ever seen. A blue bow, large and concealing covered her chest, but her uniform was low cut and the white leotard underneath was like second skin effectively leaving very little to the imagination. Kunzite had never in his life seen a woman that looked like her. She was toned, that much he could see from her legs and the fine lines of her stomach all too visible against the straining white fabric. Her body curved like his most dangerous fantasy with full and generous breasts and hips to match.
This one had almost a Siren's call, he was drawn to her in the most frightening and thrilling way. The temptation to let her do what she wanted was great and Kunzite found himself slipping into the sensual allure she seemed to permeate without trying. She'd barely moved in fact. Her eyes flickered to his hand, tight on the hilt of his sword by his side and she seemed to tense again as though she was coming to her senses herself. Kunzite spoke before she had the mind to attack him, there would be an end to this lunacy once and for all. He cleared his throat loudly, hopefully to gain the attention of his otherwise occupied Prince.
"Endymion, it appears your guest did not arrive alone." He was angry with himself. He should have never allowed himself to be so caught off guard by this girl whos beauty put the girl in his painting to shame, she seemed to deaden the very gardens they stood in. Making it seem lifeless and pale in comparison to this one singular being. Her eyes were no less haunted, but now widened when he spoke and she stood up straight as though she were surprised he would call her out like this. This was nothing but trouble and danger, if this were to get out it would put the whole planet at risk. He almost spoke out again but Endymion emerged in the doorway, the smaller girl from before shrinking behind him with wide blue eyes on the golden Goddess in front of him. Endymion raised a hand toward him, a common gesture that silenced his words for the moment. It was no less irritating.
"I am very sorry, I didn't mean to keep your Princess so late" Endymion was smiling and gave the other girl an Elysian salute. Kunzite thought he might break a tooth from clenching his jaw so hard. They should kick these girls out now and report this. "I am Endymion as you probably heard, Prince of Elysium. I mean no harm to Serenity, we just had so much to talk about. I've never met any of the Royalty from the Silver Millenium before and we simply lot track of time."
This was when the smaller girl shot forward from behind Endymion's cape to gasp the gloved hands of the other girl and began to plead with her. It was all nonsense and he almost opened his mouth to speak when the Moon Princess regarded the other girl as Venus. He was a fool to think she could have been anyone but the legendary Sailor Venus he'd read about and the name was quick to remind him of Zoisite's reports, how deadly and dangerous this girl could be. How powerful.
"Serenity we are to leave at once before someone notices your absence." His eyes shot to her when she spoke but she was looking at Endymion and this bothered him for some reason. "Your Highness, thank you for keeping her safe. I apologize for the intrusion- it won't happen again." Her voice was light, husky and undeniably feminine all at once and he fell victim to the siren's song all too quickly. It held the grace of a Princess but the command of a warrior that set his blood on fire, and her eyes seemed to hum and pulse with golden magic as she gave the Princess a glare that should have rendered her dead.
He had immediate respect for Venus who like him- was angry. Infuriated even that her liege would be so stupid to break such a law as this. Kunzite was almost saddened that he wouldn't see her again, but grateful because he felt like he might drown in her very presence which was entirely too commanding. He leaned against the wall, if he were being honest it was to hold himself up because he thought he might collapse from trying to look at her for so long.
"Please... it was a pleasure. I enjoyed her company...I'd very much like it if she could return." Kunzite rolled his eyes at Endymion's declaration, his glare remaining ignored for the moment. Venus lightly scoffed, Kunzite was grateful when she shut him down quickly.
The Moon Princess babbled, begging and pleading as Venus grabbed her arm and began to drag her away. He had to place a hand on Endymion's chest to keep him from chasing after them, shaking his head with a hard look when he pleaded with those wanting blue eyes. It was comical really, the way Venus dragged the flailing girl along and he couldn't bear the thought of not saying anything to her. He related to her on so many levels without saying a word.
"It must be hard having a bundle of curiosity for a Princess." He heard his voice before his brain commanded him to say the words. That silver tongue kicking in when he least wanted it to. She stopped then, went almost ridgid. He ignored Endymion who scolded him, peeking back out of his gardens to spectate. Kunzite found himself smirking, chuckling even at Endymion's deadpanned expression and the immediate halt of the two blonde girls who looked like sisters. He couldn't bring himself to look away from Venus, knowing it would probably be the only time he'd ever see her, he needed to memorize as much as he could.
"It must be harder having such an.. accommodating Prince." She bit back with a near flirtatious look in her eye and he tried not to get lost in her sensual and alluring tone. Endymion was flushing to his ears and all Kunzite could do was stare. And suddenly, they were gone.
The golden magic floated on the air like glitter for a few moments after they disappeared, the hum lingering on their skin as Kunzite and Endymion were left enchanted for a few moments after they were gone. Something broke, or awakened inside of him after that. Something unexplainable and it alarmed him beyond measure. There was a tiny little world in that first exchange, one in which his unruly black haired Prince vanished and the tiny Silver Princess from the Moon ceased to exist. It was a teasing exchange but one that spoke of understanding. She had it just about as rough as he did.
When Endymion turned sharply to his General, his face grew amused instantly at the clouded look in his eyes. He'd never seen Kunzite like this and made mental note to use it as blackmail against the feared warlord later. Kunzite's face became a stoic mask again as he turned on his Prince, stepping forward aggressively. Endymion stood his ground, meeting his ice cold gaze, a hard task indeed.
"What the actual hell were you THINKING!?" Kunzite barked. Endymion did not look amused and merely turned to walk back into his garden.
"I didn't invite her if that is what you were asking... I found her over by the woods. She was just curious Kunzite." He sat on the fountain and looked up at him with that arrogance Kunzite always found so frustrating, fuming when he walked back through the gate, shutting it behind him. His fists were white beneath his gloves from clenching, the circulation in his fingers long since gone, and he swore he was about to break some teeth.
"Her curiosity could tear down Elysium. What do you think will happen to the Four Kingdoms under it? And YOU entertaining that curiosity is worst of all. You should have alerted me- we would have summoned the Lunar Guard to collect her!" He could feel his blood pressure rising along with his voice and had to exhale slowly to deflate some of the rage. His breathing was erratic anyway from the lingering tingle across his skin from when they teleported away.
"Some royals are a prisoner to their crown Kunzite. Am I not your Prince? Do you mistrust my judgement so much?" His eyes widened, turning back to Endymion who sat there with an intensity in his gaze that damn near intimidated the much larger, older soldier. "She wants the same for us... the next in line to the Lunar throne and I share the same vision of peace, of unity if you carry magic or not. Serenity could help me bridge that gap Kunzite, and sooner than we ever imagined!" He stood, his features still dark. Anger melted from his face as he looked at Endymion in understanding.
"You love her." He stated simply. The confidence never left Endymion's face as he considered his soldier's words.
"I think it would be very easy for me to say that Kunzite, but we've only just met. I can't deny that our union would be the easiest way to set the wheels in motion. But we shall see what happens the next time we meet." He gave a boyish grin that further infuriated Kunzite.
"She is not to come here again."
"That is not for you to decide."
"I really do not want to earn your mistrust Endymion, but I swore an oath to protect you. I will need to report any further interactions." Kunzite pinched the bridge of his nose between two gloved fingers, clenching his eyes tight.
"My father is passed caring Kunzite. And besides, with steadfast and loyal guards such as you, I will be perfectly safe." He placed a gentle hand on Kunzite's shoulder. "I don't think not seeing her again is a possibility for me." It was love in his eyes, you couldn't convince him otherwise. He'd never been in love himself, but people constantly seemed to try and tutor him on the subject. He'd always had better things to do but if anything he was an excellent listener. Kunzite groaned softly, as though he didn't have enough work to do.
"How many times have you met with her?" His eyes were cold, Kunzite knew how this worked and judging by their flirtatious touches and scathing hot looks it was not the first time Endymion had seen the girl.
"This is her fourth time I believe." Kunzite's head almost exploded, face almost purple with a rage he'd have to take out on the training grounds. Endymion was so calm about it and that alone made it so much more infuriating.
"Do not fall under their spells so quickly Endymion..."
"And that is why I will need to see more of her." The prince gave a wink similar to the one Venus had just given him and disappeared through the door to his quarters. This was bad...
The rest of his shift went painfully slow as he circled the grounds like a buzzard, his head swimming with golden haired goddesses and unruly Princes. By the time the Sun had peaked over the horizon, Kunzite had an idea that could work, but only if the other Generals agreed. The situation was out of his hands strictly based on Endymion's title, and he hated that more than anything. There was a way he could gain control of it as he did everything else that fell out of place. He couldn't very well allow Endymion to be killed because of a pair of big blue eyes, let alone allow the entire planet to burn because if Kunzite believed anything it was that love made you weak, love made you blind.
He burst into Nephrite's room noisily, shaking the snoring man's shoulder gruffly with a set jaw. His brown eyes finally opened in irritation when Kunzite slapped the man, pushing Kunzite's large hand off of him with a groan.
"Library. Now." Is all he said before retreating to wake up Jadeite and Zoisite. Zoi was already awake, dressed and stretching his muscles. Jadeite was sprawled next to one of the maids in various states of undress and Kunzite scared the poor woman half to death when he burst through the door. Jadeite was groggy and aloof, standing from his bed in nothing but a smug grin. Kunzite turned his back and told him to get dressed before he gouged his own eyes out and to report to the library post-haste.
When the four men gathered in their usual spots, coffee had been brought in by one of the maids much to Nephrite's delight as he loaded it with cream and sugar, as did Jadeite. Zoisite had a tea bag hanging from his cup and Kunzite of course drank it black.
"Don't you have to sleep soon?" Jadeite observed as Kunzite took a long sip.
"I'm afraid sleep is the last thing on my mind. We have a situation." He frowned as he sat down heavily in his desk chair. His pale eyes couldn't help but fall on the painting again, the woman's sad eyes taunting him, and he somehow wanted to get rid of the painting now, knowing it did her no justice. Zoisite still sat on the edge of the desk as usual, but as he grew taller he had issue sitting indian style as he had before without taking up most of the surface. He turned to Kunzite, grass green eyes looking in concern.
"What's going on?" Nephrite asked, popping a scone in his mouth, his kind brown eyes concerned despite his usual casual and aloof nature.
"The Moon Princess was here last night." He muttered, never one to beat around the bush or sugar coat anything. "She was in the garden with Endymion." Jadeite promptly spit out his coffee earning a glare from the silver haired General. Zoisite jaw dropped and Nephrite almost choked. That's what you get for shoving a whole scone in your mouth- Kunzite thought almost amused.
"THE Moon Princess... was here?" Zoisite was excited and almost sad he had missed it, always wanting to meet one of the Goddess Blessed women for no reasons outside the scientific realm. Not for the same reason that Jadeite was thinking, or even Nephrite for that matter.
"Endymion is clearly falling for her, it appears she's snuck here before. I can only guess she'll be returning to visit him." Kunzite frowned, "I'm not sure how all four of us missed this, hence why I called you all in here."
"That's a bad thing... right?" Jadeite asked, taking a new sip of his coffee. Kunzite had expected a more nefarious comment from Jadeite, but even his blue eyes were serious and concerned, brows furrowed slightly.
"I need your help." Kunzite admitted, this would be a team effort and there was no way he could do this alone. "If this is to happen, and it will against our better judgement, Endymion has made it very clear to me that as our Prince he will handle this as he pleases. It is up to us to keep this discrete. It cannot get out to ANYONE." He emphasized. The emotions in the room were a mixed bag of fear, curiosity, and excitement. Kunzite was disappointed not to see some form of outrage from the men who seemed all too accepting.
"Not to downplay the situation, but we will get to meet her?" Zoisite asked almost excited, Kunzite could almost see the thousands of questions wanting to simply pour out of him.
"I think so. She had a member of her guard with her also- Venus. I had the pleasure of almost suffering her wrath last night. She was none too happy about the situation either. " Zoisite was either elated or frantic, grabbing a notepad and about five books he tried to bolt from the room leaving his tea to grow cold on the desk.
"Excuse me I have some studying to do!" Kunzite knew the young general had always wanted to speak with these women, learn how to enhance their daily life with their technology, develop their armies with their weaponry and skill. He wasn't at all surprised when Jadeite tripped him on his way out with a stone serious expression, sending books and paper flying. "You're going to pay for that in drills later." Zoisite bit out as he gathered his things again and walked a bit more calmly from the room.
"Empty threats." Jadeite mumbled into his drink amusedly. Kunzite merely rolled his eyes to the ceiling. "So... just how beautiful IS Venus?" Kunzite was greeted with a deviant grin when he peered over his coffee cup at the Eastern King. Kunzite had been Knighted under Aphrodite, placed under the Love Goddess' favor as a Soldier of Purity and Affection, a title hardly fitting to the General's cold personality, and yet they had just finished constructing a new statue of her in his garden. Jadeite had gathered the man had an affinity for Aphrodite based on the painting he was often found gazing at and how the Goddess of Love seemed to always be lingering around his gargoyle of a leader in one way shape or form. Jadeite always had an intuition about him, an almost psychic ability that almost rivaled Beryl in her fortunes.
"I don't know, it was dark." Kunzite bit out nonchalantly as he sipped his coffee, enjoying the smoothe bitterness and trying his best to NOT think of those long legs and flawless skin. He could see how men became enchanted by even just the thought of the Venusian women, but to see THE incarnate of Aphrodite herself was consuming all on its own. Kunzite was resolute to not get distracted by the memory and save it for more private moments he reserved for himself as they were few and far between.
"I'm calling bullshit right there my friend. A few drinks tonight and I'll get you to spill the beans." Jadeite threatened, snagging the scone from Nephrites fingers and pushing it into his own mouth. Nephrite frowned at the back of his shaggy blonde head of hair and reached for another one.
"Putz..." He muttered earning a bark of laughter from Jadeite. "Needless to say we're going to have to be extra careful on night watch from now on. We cannot let these visitors be discovered by any other soul lest it end whatever peace we have going right now. Last thing we need is an uprising against Endymion, and all out war with the Silver Alliance. I'm not one to give up without a fight, but we might as well fall on our own blades were that to happen."
"Well if Endymion is falling for this Moon Princess... and they decide to get married...couldn't that make the people revolt also?" Nephrite raised a brow at Kunzite respectfully and brushed the crumbs from his uniform. "I think we have enough to worry about given the fact that he has magic. Don't you?"
"That is something we must prepare for, thankfully I think that day is rather distant yet so we have a little time. Endymion thinks that Princess Serenity could help bridge the gap between us and the Silver Millenium. Eliminate the tension and place us on even ground. Universal peace." Kunzite frowned and stood to pour himself more coffee. He'd regret it later since he needed to sleep but even so he figured that would escape him with these new developments. "I think it could go both ways and we have to handle this whole situation extremely delicately. He is our Prince so we cannot defy him, but we are also charged with his protection. We will just hold stricter guard and pray it does not escalate." He leaned against the front of his desk, setting his cup down and eyeing Jadeite and Nephrite intensely. Nephrite gulped almost comically and Jadeite raised a brow boredly. "By NO MEANS... are you to interact with her guard more than needed. We are to stay resolute in our mission. It's bad enough the way you two carry on with women." Jadeite and Nephrite exchanged glances.
"I mean it!" He barked loudly, immediately halting the snickering of his men. Kunzite's face was red, that's usually what it took for at least Jadeite to take him seriously. He knew of all of them Jadeite would be the one to slip up if given the chance. He trusted him, for under all that lechery, mischief, and smart assed mouth was a fiercely passionate and loyal man with patience that almost rivaled his own. Jadeite was still younger though, wild and uninhibited as his Prince.
Kunzite sighed with a nod to dismiss the meeting with hopes that he could rely on his brothers as he always had with unwavering trust. He went to take a drink of his coffee, stopping himself when he realized the morning was growing late and he was too sufficiently caffinated to sleep. He regarded the painting, how dull and plain it looked now, how unextraordinary the girl that stared sadly back at him was. The eyes were the closest thing about her and he stared into their painted blue depths. They lacked that magic, that gold glitter that laced them, the command she demanded with them that Kunzite was certain had briefly taken command of his soul. He scoffed to himself, falling weak at once glimpse of her.
He should have been sleeping, but Kunzite reported for drills that morning anyways, relieving Nephrite of taking over. He rode his men so much harder today, his mood darkening beneath the vivid memory of her full lips, the agonizingly tight uniform, those haunted eyes. It became worrisome to the other Shitennou, it had been a long time since they'd seen the warlord rattled and all chalked it up to the Queen's failing health. Jadeite offered to take him out for a drink, nothing too intense but that he should find a woman to work his true frustrations out on.
Kunzite accepted for once, going to his favorite tavern and getting famously drunk. He and Jadeite engaged in conversation on what was truly important to them to stay happy in the life of servitude they lived, meant to be philosophical and falling flat under a boozy haze. They both agreed Endymion was the first thing, their bourbon is exceptional at this tavern so Kunzite offered that as his number two and Jadeite struggled to think of anything better so he agreed. They fumbled with number three, Jadeite had started to break down some, bourbon was not his drink, and get emotional. Spouting something about loneliness and how all these women did nothing to ignite passion in him. Of course as soon as the words left his lips he was swept off by not one but two rather pretty girls.
Kunzite was dragged off by some red haired woman, he was too drunk to remember or even process who it was. Blissfully numb as he would call it. He almost felt sorry, for no matter how the girl tried, she couldn't rouse him enough to make a difference. Her amorous kisses, relentless stroking at him with her hands, and after she tried with her mouth to no avail, Kunzite pushed the fiery woman away. He was certain he was rude about it, tucking himself back in his pants and stumbling from her room at the tavern in a haze he hadn't been in for weeks.
She wasn't blonde enough, her eyes not blue and body too soft and full, not sinfully curved and toned to perfection. Kunzite made his way back to the palace, dark and silent by this hour Endymion would be sitting with his mother, Nephrite on guard, and Jadeite sandwiched between two pretty girls somewhere having the time of his life. Better than sandwiching a girl between he and Nephrite as he's had to on plenty of occasions. Zoisite was working on something important, Kunzite couldn't be bothered in his stupor to care.
Instead he took a cold shower, sobering only slightly. Enough to feel sorry for the red haired girl, and enough to understand what Jadeite was trying to say. It was always the same, it always had been for him. Plenty of women but nothing behind it that made any of it worthwhile. He lay back on his covers, eyeing the painting from his bed and sighing. Every time he closed his eyes he saw her. Muscles tensed under that very odd uniform, ready to strike with an intensity in her eyes that rivaled any feared warlord or general he'd ever faced in battle. She was the very epitome of wrath and it was oh so beautiful and alluring. Even though she'd said a mere sentence directed toward him, the passion and fear for her Princess's well being that had taken over those eyes, the flirtation in her voice when she spoke told him that beauty was a well that ran deep into her soul.
It was a strange thing to be aroused by these thoughts when a warm blooded woman that had stroked him until near pain couldn't bring Kunzite any pleasure. He of course took advantage of this, closing his eyes as he stroked himself to envision her positively sinful body and what it would be like to let her take over his mind, dominate him with her power and strip him of all control until the Sun kissed the horizon to say good morning. What would it be like to let her touch him, kiss him, and educate him on all the pleasure Venusians were well known for. Perhaps he could overpower her small frame, hold her down on his bed and he could show her all the barbarism of the Terran world she so feared until she shouted and succumbed to his want for her. It was a shallow moment of pleasure he wasn't particularly proud of, and even as he came with a fierce intensity on to his stomach, Kunzite found he wasn't sated. Unsatisfied and frustrated is all it did for him.
He denied all women the rest of the week after, settling on nothing but hard liquor and he dared not think about the Venusian. Needless to say his mood did not improve in the slightest which not only concerned the Shitennou but gained the attention of his Prince as well. Kunzite was lounging in the garden with Endymion the next time he saw the Moon Princess. It was a mere two days later when the silver haired buns peeked into the garden by the gate, effectively scaring the shit out of him. He'd felt it, but didn't expect to see her all the same and jumped to his feet with an unsheathed sword. It was the first time Serenity looked at him directly, her eyes wide and laced with a silver fear that had him retracting immediately with a polite bowed apology. Kunzite inwardly kicked himself for backing off so easily, he should have held his sword to her neck and told her to leave- but she was so frightened, like a little rabbit shivering and cold. He had once again been disarmed because nothing he'd ever seen looked more innocent than the girl with the crescent moon on her forehead.
Endymion did nothing but shoot him a cold glare he was certain to hear about later. Kunzite dished an equally icy glare back and sunk down onto a bench, sprawling lazily and unprofessionally. Serenity asked to see horses, and Endymion cut him off with a hand again when he opened his mouth to protest. There were guard out there but Endymion was gracious and lead her away with a guiding hand on her back. In a motion of protest, Kunzite didn't follow. Even if he knew Endymion wouldn't, it would serve him right at this point if he got caught, and Kunzite grabbed an apple from the basket at his feet, pulled his knife and started cutting. He felt her arrival shortly after.
He knew she was just outside the gate, probably peeking in trying to find her wayward Princess and Kunzite honed the churning motions of his insides to annoyance and anger. He knew he shouldn't be mad, she was just doing her job but it was the manner in which she effected him that made him dread her presence so much.
"I know you're over there." He called out, blanching at the icy tone of his own voice. "You can come out." He spent the next thirty seconds trying not to cut his finger off with the knife in his hand and preparing for the sight of her, knowing well the effects it would have long after she was gone. She didn't disappoint him.
He wouldn't look at her, not directly anyways. He could see she wore a different dress, a pale gold that was corseted up the bodice with a delicate gold chain. Kunzite sought to not pay any further attention, and kept cutting his apple.
"Has Serenity come by this evening?" Her voice was light as silk and sharp as his knife at the same time. It both cut and soothed him creating a delicious bit of anxiety.
"They are walking." He replied simply, eating one of the apple slices and savoring the sweet juice of it. Kunzite wondered if her lips were as sweet, frowning deeper because he shouldn't be thinking such things.
"Where is she so that I may bring her home?" He could see the motion, her hands going to her hips, tone biting in annoyance. He simply cut a piece of the apple away, extending it to her without taking his eyes away from the sharp blade of his knife. There was a jolt, like she cut him when her fingers lightly grazed his to take the piece of fruit from him. It was so jarring that his eyes snapped to hers out of reflex more than anything else. He felt the light twitch of his brow when his pale greys clashed with deep oceans of her blues. "Thank you.."
Her voice was a strained whisper, seductive in its softness and he realized again that she wasn't this way on purpose, that it was her very nature to be alluring and oh so inviting. His body began to react to her automatically when she bit into the slice of apple, seeming to enjoy its light sweet taste with an erotic moan he was certain would undo him entirely. Kunzite could only stare at her lips and had to force himself to turn his attention back to the apple or she'd see quite quickly that his frustration was not just limited to the idiotic actions of his Prince and her Princess, but fell just below his belt as well. No matter, she was to blame for it anyway.
"They're by the stables. She wanted to see horses." Kunzite frowned, focusing once more on the knife, he was stronger than this. He exhaled, offering her another piece against his better judgement, handling this the way he handled everything he loathed. He found the more often he did something, the less likely it would affect him. Venus was proving him very wrong. He wasn't even hungry, eating the next slice was all he could do to distract himself and yet he could still feel her eyes burning into him. She smirked then, a gentle tug at her lip and gleam in her eye that suggested mischief and he almost cut his finger at the motion of her hips as she shifted weight on her feet.
"Should you not be guarding your Prince if he is alone with the Princess of the Silver Millenium? Anything could happen." Kunzite raised a brow, his chewing coming to a halt at her words. She wasn't wrong, and he hadn't followed them out of defiance, but it was annoyance that masked his face at being called out for being lax in his duty. He wasn't technically on guard duty that night, but he still should have followed them.
"You shouldn't be here." He bit, staring her down with newfound rage. Kunzite refused to relent from his hardened and icy gaze, no matter how his eyes burned he could not allow himself to fall so weak. Goddess or not. Venus was as defiant as he was, staring back in a commanding frustration. He was impressed, not many were able to stand so firmly beneath his glare. Kunzite tried to tell himself it wasn't alluring, that silent challenge she posed him with every breath. Reminding himself that she was a brutal warrior. Those stories of her wrath.
"I am here so that I can collect my Princess and be gone from here." She challenged, shifting on her feet. "I can't very well go wandering your castle grounds freely now can I General?" Her hands seemed to tighten on her hips, eyes narrowed just slightly and Kunzite held her gaze for who knows how long before her beauty began to burn them and he was either going to do something stupid, or say something cruel. He shifted his eyes back to the remaining fourth of his apple and continued to peel in silence. Kunzite noticed her eyes widen at his obvious dismissal of her and walked over to the fountain, sitting with a frustrated sigh on the edge.
He could only gaze at the smooth curtain of gold hair that fell down her back, thankfully concealing much of her form. It was held halfway back and tied neatly with a thick red ribbon that only enhanced the golden shade of her blonde hair. It felt surreal to have her there, her power rolling off of her until he barely noticed it anymore. Like his body grew used to it. She was too far to touch and yet so close and for this he was grateful while he finished the apple in his hand. He didn't want the rest of it but it otherwise distracted him. Enough time had passed, and it was already late in the night. The silent tension between them was awkward and Kunzite needed to reel in his moron of a Prince. He stood slowly, concealing the knife safely and took a few steps toward her with bated breath, but well out of arm's reach.
"It's getting late. I'll escort you." Kunzite offered, exhaling the breath he held slowly when she turned to look up at him. She gave a silent nod, and stood, following him through the gate she came in from and into the trees. He walked ahead, not waiting for her on purpose, that mixture of irritation and anger was not playing nicely with him. Hard to ignore her however, Kunzite felt his heart leap in his chest when her arm brushed his in her haste to catch up, appearing by his side like a spot of sunlight in the middle of the night. She didn't notice, but he peered down at her, watching her wide eyes more concerned at every sight and sound. His planet was foreign to her, he couldn't imagine how the fireflies enchanted her or the shuffling sound of deer nearby frightened her. He almost smiled, it humanized her in a way that allowed him to forget how powerful she was as though she was just a regular girl in a way. Kunzite's grey eyes drifted over her face, a reminder that regular girls were nowhere near this beautiful, her wide blue eyes were the cause for the reassurance of his voice. "No one will see us this way."
Knowing his guard and their routes better than anyone, he wrote them after all, Kunzite took her the long way toward the large stables. They came to a clearing, he knew there shouldn't be guards out this way but he held his hand up to pause her a moment, stepping out into the open field first to be sure before he gestured for her to follow. Venus became almost childlike. Her wide eyes darted over the fields, the blackened skyline of the towns and she even walked backward to observe the towering Palace against the diamond lit sky. Things he so often took for granted became beautiful to him again in her fascination and he too became distracted by the stars reflecting in the nearby lake.
While she didn't acknowledge him at all, he snuck glances at her when he could, marveled that she was still more beautiful than everything else around him. Even the stars seemed to pale and bend to her in defiance of her brilliance, and she even defied the darkness around them with her he could admit one thing, it would be that she was absolutely the most gorgeous thing he'd ever seen.
She was so frenzied, looking at everything and marveling at the beauty of each detail of the nature and Kingdom around her down to horsefly that had landed on her arm.
"General...what is this?" She paused, whispering with fascination that caught him off guard, so all he could offer was a non-committal hum. Another thing he found he'd forgotten was that she had no idea what was potentially harmful or not on his planet. Kunzite turned to try and carefully help her remove it but as soon as she moved to touch it the thing bit her. He laughed when she squealed adorably, Kunzite simply couldn't help it. She flailed a hand at the horrendous thing with what he guessed was a curse in a language unknown to him. Probably her native tongue because those things hurt like hell when they bite.
Kunzite sighed, taking a few wary steps back toward her. She was too busy examining the bite, her lips tensed with a mixture of pain and confusion at the raised welt forming. Carefully, he touched her. His gloved fingers lifted her arm slowly, grey eyes fixed on her face a moment to gauge her reaction as his face lowered to make sure that it was just a horsefly that bit her, and that she wouldn't have any allergic reactions.
"A horsefly." He confirmed, wishing he hadn't put his gloves back on along the way so that he could feel her skin that was so warm through the fabric. Strange thoughts aside, regardless of what others said about him, Kunzite was a gentleman. "Are you alright?"
"Um... I think so." Venus blinked as though his voice brought her back from some unknown place. "It hurts..I don't think I like that creature." She muttered, pulling her arm free and holding a hand over the bump. Kunzite watched intensely, thinking she might heal herself from the offensive red bump but nothing happened. He frowned, and for reasons entirely unselfish he removed his left glove. She stared at the offered hand, shrinking back even as though she thought he might harm her.
"Let me see it." He stared hard at her a moment, rolling his eyes when she made no move and she pulled her arm away when he reached for it. He took another step, taking his gloved hand and gently took her forearm again with a frustrated sigh. "I'm trying to help. In case you were wondering."
He placed his bare left hand over her arm, her skin like hot velvet beneath his calloused hand that wrapped around her easily. His grey eyes closed, focusing on a faint pink light he knew he'd find at the center of his chest, trying to force the power to his singular hand in effort to heal the bug bite so no one saw the angry red bump when she returned to the Moon. She couldn't leave with any evidence of their world, even if he outed himself as a magic wielder. As the power reached his hand and he began to sweat from the effort it took heat spread to his fingers and into his palm, a telling sign that it was working. Embarrassing that it took so much effort over such a minor thing but his duty as a gentleman and guardian of his planet obligated him to make sure nothing was overlooked. He held his hand over her arm a little longer after he knew it was healed, he was breathless and suddenly exhausted when he finally allowed himself to remove his hand from her now unscathed skin.
"You..."
"I healed you." Kunzite frowned again, replacing his glove and wiping the sweat from his brow and his pale eyes met her astonished blue ones, her lips parted in surprise. He had never felt skin as soft as hers, a thought that only frustrated him even more. "It's nothing."
"But-"
"I said it's nothing." He bit sourly, turning his back with an unintended sweep of his cape he walked away. Kunzite berated himself silently, taking on a brisk walk toward the stables to get this girl off his planet so he could further try and convince Endymion that these beings should not be on Terran soil. Gods Zara would be having a field day with his frustrations. He even lifted his gaze skyward as if to dare her to say 'I told you so.' Kunzite never thought he'd be glad to see the stables of all places, pausing with a deep exhale, waiting for her shuffling feet to grow quiet behind him.
"I would ask that you keep what happened to yourself." Truthfully he wanted to find a way to demand her silence in exchange for the kindness that he made it so no one knew she'd been bitten by an insect native to Earth.
"Are you more fearful of your people or what my Queen might do if she found a Terran had magic?" He rolled his eyes, a head of the Alliance guard he expected her to be a bit more cautious.
"You could have done it yourself you know." Kunzite glanced back at her over his shoulder, continuing toward the darkened stable.
"Magic doesn't work that way. Why should I keep it a secret? I don't know you and I owe you nothing." Her tone was dripping with annoyance, that defiance she held from back at the gardens seeming to return to her. Perhaps they weren't all powerful after all.
"Suit yourself, but I think we both know what would happen should someone find out that I not only have magic, but used it on you of all people. You shouldn't be here, remember?"
The stables were empty beside the obvious many horses, and Kunzite frowned, stopping before they even reached the gates. He didn't need to go any further because they were empty, a very specific black stallion missing from his stall. He raked a gloved hand down his face, groaning loudly with murderous thoughts clouding his mind. All he wanted to do was get these girls home, so the one behind him could stop tormenting him with her presence. So he could begin to deal with torment that would no doubt come in the aftermath of her departure.
"There." Venus tugged at the sleeve of his jacket, she stood close to him, his eyes snapping down at her briefly and following the smooth expanse of her arm, out over the field where her slender finger guided him. Kunzite growled, damned near seeing red at the intimate scene Endymion and Serenity made. Just off in the distance in the middle of an open field, like a perfect idiot, Endymion was mounted on his great black stallion with a girl in a white dress and silver hair, which was stark against the Prince's black armor and cape, cradled in his arms like a bride. He groaned loudly in frustration, storming off toward them with a flip of his cape resolved to break this up and end this once and for all. Anyone could have seen them, this carelessness had gone too far and Kunzite swore his hair was turning whiter with each visit from the Moon Goddess and the Golden Guardian behind him. He was halfway there, walking fast with Venus trailing in struggle to keep up behind him when the Prince kissed her long and deep, and he began to see red.
"ENDYMION!" Kunzite barked, Venus flinched at his side with the sharp tone. "It's time for the Princess to return home." He bit through clenched teeth, staring up from the ground at the annoyed look on the Prince's face. It seemed Endymion wanted to have a stare off contest with him too because they stared at each other with icy glares while Venus helped Serenity shuffle down from the horse. The way Venus jumped, wide eyed when the horse nudged her affectionately was a moment he couldn't allow himself to enjoy, especially when she pet it's muzzle and gave a brilliant smile that was certain to stay with him for the rest of his life. It was as though the Sun had finally broken free of the clouds in the darkness of their midnight. He couldn't even enjoy it. Serenity and Endymion took the split second of his distraction to say goodnight, but Venus teleported them home before they had much time.
Kunzite didn't stay angry with Endymion for long. He grew more morose as time went on and the Queen's health only worsened, the poor Prince becoming occupied with arrangements of the saddest since they were all told it would be anytime. So this time, when another two days passed and Serenity showed up, Kunzite remained silent but polite. Endymion gathered the girl in his arms like only she could save him from his sadness, maybe she could. They were speaking in hushed tones, the Prince bent to rest his forehead on hers and they gazed into each others eyes in a way that made even Kunzite's cold heart flutter. He slipped into the neighboring garden to give them more privacy, following at a distance to ensure their safety but give them some space. He frowned, still not agreeing of this arrangement but to him it was perfectly clear it was too late.
Kunzite followed along stone pathways, tracing their movements along the castle gardens until they were close to his own gardens of white, standing by the weeping willow nearby and well concealed. It was a romantic spot, he'd taken women there before, swam in the small lake beneath it on hot summer nights. He tried not to mind what he could only assume was Endymion's confession of love, the way her face turned pink and she threw herself into his arms and kissed him with no hesitation. He sighed, wishing he had a flask with him so he could at least lower his inhibitions enough that their kisses grown heated didn't make his stomach churn.
Kunzite peeked when he heard a faint shriek, ready to rush in if needed but the Princess had lost her footing near the lake and fell in. Of course Endymion went in after her, both of them laughing a little too loud for the late hour. There were guards posted not terribly far from their location. He rolled his eyes when things got a little more heated between the two royals, they couldn't keep their hands off each other it seemed and while it was horribly romantic, it was also extremely dangerous.
Of course Serenity was undeniably gorgeous, far more than any Earthen woman and almost rivaled her guardian though where Serenity was innocent and pure, Venus was sensual and powerful with a rawness about her that burned him. Kunzite could almost see Endymion crumble as he pulled the young Moon Goddess from the water like some nymph out to give both him and his Prince a heart attack with her radiance. His resolve would probably be rather thin too the way her white gown became completely translucent from the water and Kunzite turned away. Serenity's beauty was not his to cherish in that form, and he didn't need another one of these Goddesses haunting his mind when he should be thinking of peace treaties, and his dying Queen.
Kunzite almost chuckled, watching as Venus walked right by him from his well camouflaged spot beneath a tree blooming white flowers. He was once more left breathless at the sight of her, Moon Goddesses long forgotten with the arrival of the Venusian in her strange and short uniform. He followed her silently, standing off to the side while she watched the two waterlogged lovers in their passionate state with a flushed expression that was wistful and angry all at once. Her delicate gloved fingers rest gently at the deep V of her uniform at her chest, brows furrowed and breath deep through slightly parted lips. It would have probably been erotic had she not looked so distraught. The same torment he was feeling, they shouldn't have been there.
"It's rude to watch." Kunzite spoke softly, though it didn't fail to frighten her based on how she jumped like a child caught red handed. "You walked right passed me you know." He pointed out, trying to not appear too amused by her flushed cheeks.
"Well it's ruder to sneak up on people!" Venus bit in an angered whisper. "Why do you let this happen? And don't you dare look at her!" Kunzite smirked, trying not to take the command as flattery since it was merely an attempt to protect her Princess from prying eyes. He was almost ashamed of the vanity that came from thinking she might have held jealousy in her tone that he might look at another woman.
"Why do you let your Princess come here if you don't want my Prince to give her such affections? I think you of all people knew that it might come to this." Kunzite grinned, as her lips parted like she wanted to say something, lovely face stricken with the inability to respond. "Let them be for now, he won't do anything she doesn't want him to." Kunzite turned then, walking back into the garden to stay better hidden, and he really didn't want to watch in case this did escalate. He was only vaguely aware that she followed him lazily walking back to the safety of the blossoming tree, gazing up at the Moon above with the lightest of frowns on his lips.
"We should not be allowing this to continue." He looked over toward the stone entrance to the garden where she stood and his breathing halted, her commanding voice raising the hairs on his arms. The Moonlight washed over her as though trying to bathe her in silver when she shone a more brilliant gold made all the more potent by the dim blue cast of the Moon's light. Her stance was one of power, legs slightly spread and fists lightly clenched at her side, chin held high so he could take in every inch of her beauty. He frowned then, raising a brow as he did often because this image of her would inevitably haunt him in the coming days.
"No. We shouldn't. Her invitation was extended by the Prince himself, I'm not one to disobey his word." It was true, and as Kunzite said it there was an angry flicker of gold in her eye though the way her brows furrowed told him she understood.
"So we are just going to allow what is strictly forbidden by Alliance law to transpire? Where is your reason in it General? You could be killed for even speaking to me..." Venus stepped toward him, her eyes softened a bit, almost exhausted in manner and he saw the tired and sad eyes of the girl in his painting. "We shouldn't be here.."
"It is not my Alliance, and we both know why we allow it. Are you not Venus, the Goddess of Love herself?" Kunzite stood tall, stepping toward her finding it easier the more he saw her to hold her eyes. "Your Princess has not been unwelcome, but if you wish to drag her home now feel free. I enjoy this about as much as you do."
Enjoy it, it was the most blissful misery he'd ever experienced. Kunzite didn't want these Goddesses here on Earth, he wanted order and just laws. He also wanted to drown in her. He wanted to know her outside of these little spats where they verbally sparred over what they knew was wrong but they stood together in helplessness to stop it. Kunzite tried to keep his lips from betraying the ice in his eyes with a smile and she seemed to sense this because her own lips turned and she smiled at him softly. His heart beat painfully against his ribcage and he watched her hair sway with her hips as she walked back toward the willow.
Footsteps shuffled in the grass not too far off, a sound Kunzite had trained his ears to listen for in combat. They were men's footsteps for certain- far too heavy to be Venus or even his Prince. He moved quickly, closing the gap between himself and Venus in few long strides. Kunzite was able to grab her forearm, yanking her back into his garden in hopes he wouldn't injure her, but there would be far more pressing matters should they be caught. He rolled her against his chest tightly, gripping his hand over her mouth to keep her from speaking and leaned down to her ear to shush her. His dark brown cape enveloped both of them, his back turning to conceal any sliver of gold that might peek out from her hair so they blended in with the tree they stood under.
It only lasted a few moments, a few all too short moments that allowed Kunzite to learn a few things about Venus while he held her intimately against his chest. That scent he'd caught of oranges and honeysuckle came from her, not some standard flower in their gardens. It was the single most delicious thing he'd ever smelled, completely intoxicating. Second, she fit like a glove against him, it would have been nothing for him to rest his chin on top of her head, or to lift that chin and kiss her. Had he not been so concentrated on listening for the guard that called out for the intruder he would have paid closer mind to the way her hands rest on his chest, or the soft press of her own chest against his. Kunzite's grey eyes drifted down briefly, noting the different tones of gold laced throughout her hair and he cursed his gloves that he couldn't feel it against her back. Lastly, even through his gloves her power hummed and vibrated into his skin making the world seem to tilt and blur around him.
Kunzite held his breath when her forehead dropped to rest on his chest, the fringe around her eyes tickling at his bare skin through the open buttons of his uniform. He felt her shiver and assumed it was in fear for Serenity. His thumb automatically stroked her arm, hopefully in comfort to her though his own worry drifted toward Endymion and prayed his idiot Prince remained well hidden himself or made it to safety before they were discovered. He exhaled as the guard's footsteps faded with distance and released the Goddess in his arms slowly with a hard look to stay put and finger pressed to his lips to keep her silent.
He walked away slowly, silently, and he wanted to be angry. Kunzite wanted to shatter his fist on the next stone wall until it crumbled to his will. More men would be coming soon to inspect this portion of the gardens more thoroughly. He would no doubt be summoned and alerted, and all Kunzite could think was how the lunacy of it all must end. None of this should be happening. He should be more concerned with his dying Queen than the security of his gardens, forbidden trysts, and devastatingly beautiful women with blonde hair and sultry blue eyes.
"It's probably best that you leave. More guard will be here shortly." He crossed his arms and let the anger boil in his stomach, walking passed her when he re-entered the gardens. How could Endymion do this to them? If they had just been sent away in the first place...
"Thank you General, I know you didn't have to do that." To be clear it wasn't her smile that angered him. Her smile only further solidified that Venusian power was potent regardless if she was trying to charm him or not. Her smile was damning to him, and he longed to pull her back into his arms but Kunzite would never dare to do that.
It was easier for him to believe she was bewitching him than to accept that he understood her better with each question or challenge she posed him about why this continued. That she was far more concerned for Serenity and the sanctity of their work than anything. The way she always came to this world so forbidden to her without fear spoke volumes to Kunzite. She'd die for that Princess as quickly as he'd die for Endymion. She was strong no doubt, devoted and determined if not dangerous, Kunzite couldn't help but admire her for more than her blinding beauty. There was something within her that was just as brilliant, an impossible road to travel- and Kunzite felt infuriated.
"We both know how bad that could have been for us both." For once he meant his tone to be biting, frigid and unwelcoming. He didn't want to see her again, he knew if he did he might fall beneath her spell and never recover. It was easy enough to fall prey to her beauty and now that he was beginning to see glimpses of more, there was simply no way this could go on any longer. Kunzite Longed to speak with Zara since his Prince was such a love sick fool he wouldn't believe a lick of advice given.
He admired Venus of course, the way she held her head high and gave him the curt nod of a fellow Commander as she brushed by him to collect her Princess. He followed directly behind her just in case more guard came, anxious to carry on with his life. Anxious to begin purging himself of the memory of her face, the freckles he noticed on the bridge of her nose, those green flecks in her eyes and full lips that looked like soft pink rose petals. That intoxicating scent of her perfume, and the feel of her in his arms, that consuming buzz of her power against his flesh. Goodbye was best before he could allow himself to feel more than vain admiration and comradery with the Venusian.
He could sense the goodbye without her even looking at him. Kunzite felt it somehow in the way she scolded her Princess, grasping her arm in that manner she had the first time he saw her like a rattled mother bringing order to a child. Endymion and Serenity were both unphased otherwise of course, but something in Venus' words told him he might not see her again. Good. One of them needed to end this and if his Prince wouldn't allow him, perhaps Venus could.
Endymion seemed to sense it too when he turned around to look at him after the hum of their power faded on the breeze in that flash of golden magic. His eyes fell heavy and Kunzite stared coldly back at the Prince with the weathered heart. He felt sorrow for Endymion and hoped that his own love for the ebony haired man would be enough, even when his eyes were so hard and frigid as he bore a glare into the Prince's hopeless blues.
"This ends now."