Venus cursed her luck. Yet again, she had a mission in a forest. She had no choice but to handle all the negatives that a forest presented. A creepy bug crawled across her leg, and she grimaced as she batted it away. Stupid bugs! At least this forest wasn't as dense as the others.

Moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Somewhere close by, an owl hooted, its deep sound joining the rustling trees and chirping insects. If it wasn't so dirty and so crawly, it might have been pleasant. Especially considering the company.

She glanced at Kunzite from the corner of her eye. He crouched beside her, his focus entirely on the road winding between the trees. Everything about him drew her in—the curve of his shoulder, the way his cape fluttered around his frame, the soothing timbre of his voice. And his smile.

She couldn't think about that expression without getting a flurry of butterflies in her stomach. It was like her entire being craved the curve of his lips. No, it was ridiculous. Completely absurd. Of everything on the moon, she couldn't love a mortal's smile the most.

The earthy aroma of the forest mixed with the subtle hint of his scent, creating an intoxicating blend that made her head spin. It was a specific type of torture to be this close to him, to be enveloped constantly by his scent, to experience soft touches and charged gazes.

Kunzite, ever vigilant, stare down the road, his focus unwavering. Venus shifted uncomfortably, trying to find a better position among the roots and undergrowth. As she adjusted, her foot slipped on a loose rock. She toppled sideways, right into Kunzite's waiting arms. His reflexes were as sharp as ever, catching her before she hit the ground.

She stared up at him, a flurry of desire bursting into life as she met his gaze. A stray band of moonlight caught his eyes, making them glitter with a mesmerizing intensity. Now she knew that there were countless shades of dazzling blue, all because of his eyes. A hot flair of something deep behind her ribs pulsed erratically.

"Careful," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.

She cursed under her breath and quickly pushed away from him. "I'm fine. Thanks."

Kunzite chuckled softly. "You never have to apologize to me."

Her cheeks burned as she turned back to face the road, trying to ignore the lingering warmth of his touch. Curse the gods. Curse them for creating such a horrible rule. For forcing her into this position. It was a cruel twist of fate that the guardian of love was forbidden to follow her own heart.

"I can't ever fault a beautiful woman for being in my arms." He winked at her, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

She slapped his shoulder, the action more gentle than she intended. "Just keep your eyes on the road."

Venus brushed an ant from her leg and shifted, trying to find a more comfortable position. All these crawly bugs needed to be eliminated. Now. Movement caught her eye, and they both tensed. Soon, a doe and her fawn stepped onto the road. The mother and child eyed everything cautiously before vanishing into the trees on the other side.

"Remind me, did Mercury and Zoisite catch the time of this supply run?" Venus asked.

"No, they only know it's something at night."

"Once we spot them, you'll send the signal?" Venus knew she was asking stupid questions, but somehow the silence between them was killing her.

"Yes, Mars and Jadeite are waiting on the other side. They'll send in the clay puppets. That will be the diversion. Then we'll strike."

"Thankfully, Mercury and Zoisite could infiltrate the Dark Kingdom's camp."

Kunzite nodded, finally turning to look at her. "Yes, they were instrumental in gathering the information about the Dark Kingdom's supply line. If we can intercept it, we can cripple their resources for the upcoming battle."

"How are your brothers doing?"

Venus almost missed the imperceptible clench of his jaw. "They're fine."

She scowled. "Doesn't sound convincing."

"It's been hard to purge the dark energy that injured them, but I think they're okay. Helios hasn't allowed them to return to Elysion yet, which is a troubling sign."

Venus sighed, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the road. "We've been on the defensive for so long. It would be nice to take the fight to them for a change."

Kunzite's hand found hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We will turn the tide. This is just the first step. Remember the strategy meeting? The diversion to draw their forces away, the targeted strikes… it's all coming together. We just need to be patient."

She squeezed his hand back, hoping he was right. "You're right. We'll make them regret ever challenging us."

Venus was still uncomfortable, and now she was getting cold. The atmosphere on the moon was usually perfectly controlled, so Venus never felt anything but perfect. But Earth was a different beast, obviously. Taking a calculated risk, and perhaps a little tired of denying herself, she shifted closer to him.

The warmth radiating from his body seeped into her, making her wish that things were different. Because she could imagine snuggling deep into his arms as they lay watching the Earth rise. They'd stay wrapped in each other all day, eating fruit and drinking sweet moontea.

As if sensing her thoughts, his fingers brushed against her arm, weaving a path of desire down before he gripped her hand. Softly, casually, he twirled his fingers across her knuckles, the touch so light it was almost a whisper.

She stole a glance at him, memorizing every line, committing every plane to memory. Because a small voice was whispering that this could be her last chance. The destruction that Mars foretold was approaching, and none of them would survive.

"Are you cold?" Kunzite asked, his voice a low murmur that sent another shiver through her.

"No," she replied, barely able to keep her voice steady. "Just… thinking."

"About what?" he asked, his fingers now tracing the lines of her palm, sending tingles up her arm.

She hesitated, not sure how much to reveal. "How things could be different."

He turned to look at her, his gaze piercing her. "Different how?"

Venus felt her cheeks heat, and she looked away, pretending to focus on the road. "You know. If we didn't have to follow all these rules. If we could just… be."

Kunzite's hand moved to her hair, gently tucking a strand behind her ear. The simple act made her heart race. "I know," he breathed. "I think about that too."

Venus wanted to change fate. Wanted to harness all of her power to bend destiny to her will. Because she would. Even if it ended her. Just a day with Kunzite would be enough. Abandoning all, she leaned into him. When his arms wrapped around her, she wanted to cry. It was perfect. He was perfect.

Before she could become too lost in him, the distant rumble of wheels reached her ears. Kunzite tensed and she straightened. Minutes later, the supply line came into view. Carts and wagons loaded with goods trudged down the road. Weary horses strained against the load, their clopping hooves echoing in the trees. Two dozen or so dark minions crowded around, looking tired and bored.

"Ready?" he asked, an edge of excitement in his tone.

"Always," she replied, retrieving her sword and gripping it tightly.

This was what they'd been waiting for, a decisive strike against the Dark Kingdom. As the convoy drew closer, Kunzite raised his hand, a flash of silver shooting into the air. Venus tensed; that was the prearranged signal to Mars and Jadeite. They waited for the set amount of time, and exchanging a last glance, surged forward.

Somehow, Venus kept her feet as they jumped down the embankment and burst onto the road. The horses reared, pawing the air in their terror. It was chaos, as the minions scrambled for weapons. The clay puppets didn't appear.

Venus and Kunzite stood, swords raised, waiting.

Nothing happened.

Terror gripped her chest. "Why aren't they here?"

A flash of something blazed behind his eyes. "Something must have happened."

The realization hit them both at the same time. "It's a trap!"

No sooner had the words left her mouth than the dark minions burst from the wagons. Now the two dozen totaled close to a hundred. While Venus loved a challenged, this would be stretching her and Kunzite's capability. With a burst of speed, the minions swarmed them.

"Crescent Beam!" she shouted. Instantly, her sword blazed to life, a brilliant golden light enveloping the metal. It glimmered and sparks burst at random intervals. "Let's do this."

Kunzite nodded, and together they met the wave of darkness. Her sword flashed, spreading drops of golden vengeance in its wake, minion after minion falling under its radiant assault. Kunzite's power flared, sending a cart tumbling over, spilling goods onto the road. The crack of his energy and the crash of the cart punctuated the chaos.

Now the battle raged. Venus and Kunzite moved with lethal precision, meeting the enemies as they surged forward. Kunzite was a whirlwind of destruction, his power cracking the air and his weapon slicing through the enemy ranks with devastating efficiency. The sharp tang of metal and the smell of ozone filled the air as he fought.

Venus was annihilation incarnate, her molten power carving through everything with ease. Her blade danced in the moonlight, each strike a burst of brilliance that left smoldering trails in its wake. The heat of her attacks seared the air, and the ground beneath her feet crackled with residual energy. She moved with a grace that belied the sheer force of her attacks, her every movement a testament to her lethal elegance.

Amidst the clash of steel and the roar of power, the enemy's numbers kept growing. The relentless tide of darkness seemed endless, and despite their efforts, the weight of their sheer numbers bore down on them. Venus tried to deny it, because she didn't want to realize the truth.

They were in danger of being overwhelmed.

Kunzite, his breaths coming in ragged gasps, turned to her. "We need to fall back and regroup. We can't hold them off like this."

Venus wanted to scream! This was their one chance to bring the fight to the enemy. To strike a decisive blow to the Dark Kingdom. This was their chance, and they were losing. No matter what, she had to turn the tide before it was too late.

The moonlight lit upon her, and she felt the pull of her powers, the energy of the Moon urging her to unleash its might. She knew it was a serious gamble. Her guardian planet was Venus, not the moon. To channel such a power that wasn't fully hers to contain was dangerous.

Kunzite parried a blow, another sword nicking his arm. Red blood stained his uniform, dripping down.

She would save him. But Kunzite was too close; she couldn't risk harming him.

"Go!" she shouted, her voice strained. She erected a quick barrier, the shimmering energy thudding against the advancing minions. "I can deal with them with the moon's power, but not with you here. You'll be in danger."

Kunzite stepped closer, his chest heaving. "I won't leave you alone."

"You must! I can't risk harming you. We'll meet up at the secondary point. Go!"

"No!" His voice cracked. "I refuse to leave you!"

The golden gleam of the barrier flickered, the strain of holding it against the onslaught was making her muscles ache and head spin. "I can't hold the barrier any longer. We're both going to die here if you don't leave!"

Their eyes locked, a silent exchange passing between them. The anguish in his eyes was tearing her apart. The fear, the desperation, was almost too much. But this was the only chance they had.

He took a step closer, and everything Kunzite enveloped her. The smell of his sweat mingled with the sharp tang of his blood. The crackling energy of his power and the effervescent sparkle of his aura. All she wanted to do was wrap up in him. Forget the world. Forget everything.

He smiled then, a ghost of the expression she loved so much. "Venus, you'll always be mine."

Then his lips were on hers. There was no concept of time or place. No darkness, no struggle. Just his lips on hers, soft yet fierce, a mix of tenderness and desperation. She clung to him, hoping he would feel all her love and sorrow. She memorized the feel of his lips, the warmth of his touch, the pressure of his arms.

Everything was perfect. Except it tasted like goodbye.

As they parted, his forehead rested against hers, their breaths mingling in the cold night air. "I'll find you," he whispered, his voice a promise and a plea.

She nodded, tears threatening to fall. "Go," she urged, her voice breaking. "I'll be there soon."

With one last lingering kiss, he pulled away, their fingers trailing against each other until the last possible moment. Then he was gone, disappearing into the night, leaving her standing alone, the weight of the world on her shoulders.

"When this sword shines bright, when the Silver Crystal within Queen Serenity responds to the wishes of her heart, its light shall reawaken the great powers of the Moon. Offer up a prayer to the holy Crystal Tower, and bring peace to our kingdom once more."

With a flash of brilliant light, the sword in her hand burst into life. Flicking her wrist, the shimmering golden barrier collapsed in a shimmering cascade of vibrant light. Not a breath later, the dark minions advanced, but she had prepared herself.

"Venus chain strike!" The sword's light extended, forming a chain of radiant energy that lashed out like a whip. It struck the advancing minions with a wild, uncontrollable force. Each impact exploded into a burst of golden light, disintegrating the darkness in a chaotic and unpredictable dance of energy. The light surged and crackled, consuming everything in its path, a reflection of her desperate determination to protect those she loved.

As the last of the minions fell, Venus staggered, the sword slipping from her grasp. Moonlight burst around it and the sword vanished. The immense power she'd unleashed left her drained, her vision blurring and limbs trembling. Unable to support herself, she dropped to a knee, gasping for breath, feeling the toll of the attack in every fiber of her being.

The power's remnants left a testament to the devastation, scorching and smoking the surrounding area. But now nothing would stop her from finding him.

She had no idea how long she walked, but finally she made it to the secondary point. With each passing second that she couldn't see him, her thoughts became more frantic. If he'd been hurt… or… she couldn't even bring herself to think those words.

Then, her gaze settled on a figure leaning against a tree. Relief exploded inside and tears welled up in her eyes. She stumbled over to him, collapsing against him.

"Kunzite!"

He held her tightly, but the blood caught her attention. He was clutching his arm close to his body, blood seeping down his side.

"Don't worry, Starshine. It's nothing."

"But you're bleeding."

His ragged breathing struck her cheek, and all she could do was hold him closer.

"I refuse," she choked out. "I refuse to let you go."

"I'm not going anywhere."

Nothing could pry her from his arms. Not the gods, not the moon, not the Galaxy Cauldron itself. As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, they remained wrapped in each other.