Venus had never understood Princess Serenity's fascination with Earth. Sure, the forest was beautiful, but it lacked the pure, ethereal beauty of the Moon Kingdom. Besides that, the mortal world was always sort of uncomfortable. The air here was thick with the odor of decaying leaves and musty ground, insects crawling over her, tickling and annoying her. It was nothing like the pristine environment of the moon. This place lacked any sort of refined charm.
Brushing yet another ant off her arm, she cursed softly and peered around the thick tree. A branch snagged her threadbare shirt, and she had to resist clobbering it. It was bad enough she was stuck in these ill-fitting peasant clothes, but having to sport rips would drive her mad.
Not even the strongest moonbeams could pierce through the thick tree canopy here. That meant she couldn't escape at a moment's notice and had to draw on her reserves for strength. For now, she was fine, but if Kunzite was any later, she'd have no choice but to leave.
Huffing, she glanced around nervously. She wasn't entirely sure that she'd actually found the right place. All the trees looked the same, and she'd relied on old maps to find the rendezvous location. So it was entirely possible that she was in the wrong place. Pulling at her uncomfortable bun, she scanned the area.
Yeah, Earth wasn't fun.
Just as she'd decided to leave, a rustle in the underbrush sounded through the still forest. Venus tensed, her muscles coiling like springs ready to react. While the forest wasn't silent, that sound was louder than the others—closer, and rather menacing.
The hairs on the back of her neck prickled as she strained to determine if it was friend or foe. The forest, usually filled with the gentle hum of life, seemed to hold its breath. Every leaf rustle, every twig snap amplified in the oppressive silence. The sound of her echoing heartbeat thudded in her ears. She tightened her grip on the hidden dagger in her sleeve, her mind racing through scenarios.
If it was an enemy, she would have to act swiftly and silently. But if it was Kunzite... She forced herself to stay calm, to focus, even as a bead of sweat trickled down her temple. The uncertainty gnawed at her, each passing second stretching her nerves tighter.
Suddenly, a hand clamped over her mouth.
Panic surged through her veins like wildfire. She struggled instinctively, her heart hammering against her ribcage as adrenaline flooded her system. The surrounding forest blurred as she twisted and writhed, desperately trying to free herself.
The rough skin of the hand over her mouth possessed strength and callouses from gripping a weapon. That meant they could kill her at any moment. An icy dread settled in her stomach. She never should have accepted this assignment.
"Shhh, it's me," the voice whispered in her ear.
Kunzite.
Venus wanted to smash his kneecaps in! That little stunt had scared her. When his arm went slack, she turned and shoved him.
"You shouldn't have done that! I could have killed you!"
An infuriatingly sexy smile spread over his lips, and she wanted to both smack and kiss him. Now angry for another reason, she glared even harder, debating tying him to a tree. Before she decided how to punish him, he held up his hands in surrender.
Even in the muted light, Kunzite looked like a god. The faint traces of lingering light made his white hair sparkle like a rare gem. The bits of metal on his uniform flashed brilliantly against the white fabric, making him glow. Venus didn't want to look away but somehow managed to drag her eyes away.
"Sorry. You were staring so intently at the bush, I didn't know how to approach."
Venus huffed and turned. "And here I thought you were so smart, stars! Let's get this over with."
"Wait."
Kunzite tugged gently on her elbow, and she turned to face him. Carefully, like he was approaching a scared animal, he raised his hand. Her first instinct was to pull away. Yet she wanted his touch. Wanted him to run a finger down the curve of her cheek, wanted him to hook a thumb below her chin and pull her into a searing kiss. Heat exploded across her face at the shameful thought.
But instead of fulfilling a hidden desire, he plucked a twig from her hair.
"Oh," she said, blinking and trying to dispel those thoughts. "Let's… let's go."
In her rush to escape him and the fantasies that she shouldn't, she promptly tripped over a root. But instead of crashing to the ground, he caught her in a swift movement. With a steady hand, he helped her stand again.
"Stupid roots," she swore.
He chuckled, a soft sound that sent a jolt of longing through her body. Shaking her head, she swore at herself. This wasn't how she had imagined their assignment going. Before she'd left the moon, she had given herself strict rules on her conduct and thoughts. Yet, it had taken only ten seconds of his presence for her resolve to crumble.
"The cave system isn't too far," Kunzite said.
"Then let's go."
Venus moved through the forest with Kunzite close beside her, their steps carefully coordinated to avoid making noise. Despite the seriousness of their mission, she couldn't ignore the electric tension between them. Every accidental brush of his hand against hers sent sparks shooting through her veins, and she found herself hyper-aware of his presence.
"Careful," he whispered as they ducked under a low-hanging branch.
A shiver ran down her spine as Kunzite's breath brushed her ear. She fought to maintain her focus, but his proximity made it nearly impossible. The scent of him—clean and subtly masculine—mingled with the earthy forest smells, creating a heady mix that made her pulse quicken.
As they navigated a narrow path, Venus caught sight of a thick branch at head height, directly in Kunzite's path. Instinctively, she reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling him back just in time. He stumbled slightly, and she steadied him, her hand lingering on his arm longer than necessary.
"Watch out," she whispered, her voice breathy from the sudden contact.
Kunzite looked down at her, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and something deeper that made her heart flutter. "Thanks," he murmured, his gaze lingering on her face.
They continued through the forest, the tension between them growing with every step. Each time their fingers brushed, it felt like a promise of something more, something forbidden yet irresistible. Frantic thoughts raced through her mind. Thoughts of what it would be like to let go of her restraint, to give in to the magnetic pull she felt towards him.
All the guardians now complained about the attraction they faced with their assigned Heavenly Kings. Then there was the news from Mars to consider. She and Jadeite were fated souls. Did that mean she and Kunzite were, too? She shot him a side glance and hoped it wasn't true.
When they encountered a large fallen log, Kunzite offered his hand, and a rush of warmth cascaded through her chest. "Let me."
She took it, and for a moment, he was the only thing in the world. When her eyes met his, the air seemed to shift, sparking and sizzling with something she didn't want to admit.
The same tension reflected in his eyes, and it took all her willpower to pull her hand away once she was on the other side. "I could do it myself, but since you offered."
"I'm sure you could," he smiled at her. An expression that tempted her to abandon it all.
Venus cursed inwardly at herself for being so easily distracted. This was not the time or place to let her emotions get the better of her. Yet, as they continued their journey through the forest, she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have just one moment of weakness, to let herself feel the full depth of her attraction to Kunzite.
"We're close," he whispered.
Then, before she was ready, the rock wall appeared. The massive formation loomed ahead, its jagged edges casting eerie shadows in the moonlight. The gray stone, marred by deep cracks and crevices, seemed to absorb the light, creating an ominous silhouette against the night sky.
Vines clung to the surface, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze, while patches of moss added a touch of green to the otherwise stark landscape. It was the same place where they had almost lost Serenity, a haunting reminder of the dangers they faced. The dark entrances to the caves yawned open like the mouths of waiting beasts, ready to swallow them whole.
By now, the sun had set, and a waning gibbous moon hung in the sky. Venus soaked up some moonbeams and cast a quick glance at where her guardian planet shone in the sky. While she couldn't feel Venus, she knew it was there, watching over her.
Kunzite reached over and squeezed her hand. "Are you ready?"
"No." She was nervous as hell—not for the mission, but because of how close he was.
Then the rising moonbeams touched his face and the faint lines of light from Venus whispered thoughts of love, making her stomach tighten. He shot another questioning glance at her, and she nodded.
Together, they descended into the black nothing.
The oppressive darkness pressed in around them, and she felt the loss of the moon's light acutely. A chill had settled into her bones and was slowly siphoning power away. Even though it had only been moments, she missed the warmth and reassurance the moon provided. Now, a sticky and black aura clung to the darkness. Tainting everything with its malevolence. But with a deep breath, she steeled herself.
The air grew chilly and damp, carrying the faint scent of earth and stone. Each little sound seemed to be consumed by the darkness, and all that remained was a dark silence. Kunzite stayed close, their shoulders brushing occasionally in the narrow stone passage.
Each touch reminded her that she wasn't alone in this terrible place. A reminder that he would protect her when she couldn't protect herself. His hand remained firmly in hers, guiding her through the twists and turns of the labyrinthine tunnels. The evil aura continued to grow stronger, and she believed that if she were alone, it would have already consumed her.
"I'm here." His voice was nearly nothing as it brushed against her cheek.
Despite the overwhelming darkness, Venus felt a strange sense of security with Kunzite by her side. His steady grip and calm demeanor were a source of strength, even as the shadows threatened to overwhelm them. They moved as one, their silent communication and shared purpose driving them forward through the treacherous underground maze.
Without warning, the tunnel opened into a vast cavern. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like ancient teeth, and the ground dropped away into a dizzying abyss below. An eerie, phosphorescent glow emanated from the moss-covered walls, casting a sickly green light over everything. Darkness pressed in from every side, flowing through the massive patches of shadow and caressing the figures standing about.
Kunzite ushered her to a small rock outcropping that looked out over the area. Now the aura was so strong she could taste it. The metallic burn of polluted love and warping destiny. Kunzite gripped her hand tightly, and she made no move to pull away. She needed him to endure it.
At the far end of the cavern, a natural rock overhang jutted out, forming a crude platform. The black seemed thicker there. It was more than just a natural shadow. It was an embodiment of everything horrible and depraved.
Venus instantly recognized Beryl as she stepped onto the platform. The once shy and reserved priestess now looked nothing like the woman she'd known. Beryl's presence commanded the darkness and oozed a malevolent spirit. Shadows twisted around her, lending an otherworldly quality to her form. Her eyes gleamed with a dark, unholy light as she addressed the crowd gathered before her.
"The White Moon Kingdom is a blight upon this world!" Beryl shouted, her voice echoing through the cavern. "They dominate and control the mortals of earth. They demand obedience and punish without cause. You have all seen the evidence of their control. You experience it every day."
Venus and Kunzite exchanged a quick glance.
Beryl continued, her voice rising with fervor. "The Dark Kingdom offers true freedom, a chance to break the chains of oppression and embrace our power. We must rise against them, destroy their influence, and claim our rightful place in this world. The White Moon offers nothing, refuses to share with the mortals. But the Dark Kingdom offers everything!"
As she spoke, the surrounding shadows seemed to grow darker and more tangible, swirling with a twisted energy. Then, with a sudden and dramatic gesture, Beryl pointed directly at their hiding spot.
"See! Even now, the White Moon Kingdom seeks to silence us!" she bellowed. "They send their spies to infiltrate and destroy, but we will not be cowed. We will fight back and reclaim our destiny!"
Everything stopped as the gathered crowd turned their attention towards them. A rush of voices called out for their destruction. But before anyone moved, a tremendous wave of darkness shot out at a blindly fast speed.
Kunzite reacted first, yanking her upwards. "Run!"
Jumping into motion, she did just that. They dashed through the stone corridors, the roar of the shadows following behind them. Stalking them like the prey they were. She could feel the darkness as it haunted them, flowing like liquid dark. Icy shards of evil grabbed at her, sucking the moon's energy that she'd stored.
With every step, she felt the moon's blessing decrease. It didn't matter how hard she ran, the power of the moon leached out more. Soon her muscles began to weaken. They trembled and threatened to give out, rendering her useless. Kunzite wouldn't be able to escape carrying her. He'd move too slowly.
Then shadow would devour both of them.
She collided with the rough stone walls several times; the impact sending jolts of pain through her already suffering body. Each collision left her breathless and disoriented, sucking even more power. Soon she'd have nothing left.
"We have to keep going!"
"I'm following you," she said between ragged gasps.
The oppressive darkness pressed in on all sides, its cold fingers wrapping around her, trying to drag her back. Her energy waned with every step, her legs feeling like lead as the dark force drained her vitality. Kunzite's grip tightened, as if he could sense her growing weakness. Just when she thought the black would consume her, the cave entrance appeared, a beacon of hope in the suffocating gloom. They burst into the forest, the cool night air hitting her like a refreshing wave. Moonlight filled the small clearing around the entrance, welcoming her with its embrace.
They burst into the forest, the cool night air hitting her like a refreshing wave. Moonlight filled the small clearing around the entrance, welcoming her with its embrace. Venus stumbled, gasping for breath, but Kunzite's steady hand kept her upright.
"We can't stop here!" he urged. Glancing back at the entrance.
But before she could move again, the darkness spilled from the cavern opening. Its threatening claws scraped across the stone and hurtled right toward her. A relentless predator jumping on its helpless prey.
Kunzite dragged her forward, and the dark missed her by just moments. He pulled her onward as she gasped for breath, and they plunged back into the woods, away from the cave and its menacing shadows.
Her vision blurred, her strength waning dangerously low, but she pressed on. Now he was nearly carrying her, as they tripped and stumbled through the undergrowth.
"I can't," she whispered.
"You can. We're almost there." His voice was desperate.
With a snap, her legs gave out, and Kunzite heaved her onto his back, his powerful arms supporting her weight. She clung to him, her breath ragged, her body trembling from the exertion and fear.
She didn't know how long they'd gone when the trees thinned, revealing a beautiful lake in the night. The moon's light reflected off the surface, and stars glittered and danced on the water. There was no trace of evil or darkness here, only the soft crack of stone on stone as the water ebbed and flowed.
Kunzite laid her down on a patch of cool grass, then spread his cape out and eased her onto it. The fabric was softer than she had imagined, and without the restraint necessary to resist, she snuggled into the folds.
It smelled like him, felt like him, and that's exactly what she needed right now.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice tight.
"No," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I will be."
Kunzite kneeled beside her, his presence a comforting anchor in the chaos. "Do you need the moon?"
"No, just let me lie here," she replied, her eyes closing as she soaked in the gentle rays.
Kunzite stayed close, his gaze never leaving her. "I'd never felt such fear when the darkness was coming for you. I couldn't have survived if something bad happened to you."
Those words startled her awake, and she peered up at him. He was lying next to her, his head propped up by his hand, a casual pose that belied the tension in his eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"I've fallen in love with you."
If the previous confession startled her, this one was downright staggering. A smile that rivaled even the most brilliant moonbeams spread across his lips. She stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest, a whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. The surrounding forest seemed to hold its breath, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves in the night breeze.
"I wasn't expecting silence," he whispered. His gaze softened, and he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, igniting a spark that had been smoldering between them for so long. Slowly, he leaned closer, his eyes never leaving hers.
"I don't know if what I'm feeling is love or the influence of my guardian planet." Now more nervous than she'd ever been before.
"I don't care."
Her breath caught, and the world narrowed down to the space between them. Then everything froze as he closed the distance, his lips just a breath away from hers. Warmth radiated from his body, begging her to come closer.
His eyes held a depth of emotion that matched the turmoil in her heart, a mirror to the feelings she had kept buried for so long. With a tenderness she didn't expect, his lips met hers. The kiss was soft at first, a tentative exploration of emotions long denied.
Her hands found his shoulders, clutching at him as if he were her lifeline. Passion flared, turning the kiss urgent and desperate, a forbidden desire that had finally taken root and blossomed. He pressed closer to her, gripping her like the world would end if he let go. If she had her way, this would never end, and they'd stay wrapped up like this forever.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. The moonlight bathed them in its gentle glow, casting a serene light on their faces.
"I love you," she said, hoping her words matched the emotions inside.
Too bad their love was forbidden, a cruel twist of fate that neither could escape.