Maps and papers lay spread out before Venus, but her thoughts were miles away, consumed by the worry etched in Princess Serenity's eyes. Her princess was uncharacteristically melancholy and sad. This might have been understandable considering the ordeal she had gone through, but Venus knew it was something else. Something deeper. Did it have to do with the vision Mars experienced?

But she was powerless to help her friend and her kingdom. Venus clenched her fists; she hated feeling powerless. All she wanted to do was swoop in and solve all the problems, but she couldn't. Venus let out a shaky breath, hoping Kunzite wouldn't arrive on time. At least then she'd have a moment to gather her thoughts.

"Get yourself together," she muttered to herself.

Needing a moment or two, she sat back and let her eyes wander. The war room in the Moon Castle saw little use because Queen Serenity's power and the Silver Crystal served as significant deterrents, making it unnecessary most of the time. But like every other room in the castle, history and gravitas permeated it.

The walls bore etchings of legendary battles, depicting epic conflicts between gods and immortals. In the center, an intricate depiction of the Galaxy Cauldron shimmered, its glittering depths sparkling against the pure white of the Moon Kingdom. This timeless source of all good and evil served as a poignant reminder of the eternal struggle they were part of.

The centerpiece was a massive, intricately carved table made of lunar stone, its surface covered with detailed maps and strategic charts of both Earth and the Moon. Maps, worn from countless revisions and consultations, bore the marks of countless hands, each line and annotation a testament to mortal struggles across the ages.

She couldn't let despair consume her thoughts, not when so much was at stake. But the fear lingered, a shadow she couldn't fully dispel. It was easier to focus on the present, to ground herself in the tangible tasks at hand, than to dwell on a prophecy that threatened to paralyze her with dread. Yet every so often, the image would resurface, and she would have to steel herself anew against the creeping sense of impending doom.

"You won't be able to accomplish anything like this." Venus stood and stretched, hoping she might find solace elsewhere.

Venus took a deep breath, the weight of the prophecy pressing down on her chest. Usually, the thick scent of parchment and ink mingling with the faint aroma of incense lingering from a recent ritual provided comfort. But not today.

The urgency of their situation was palpable; every decision, every move they made could mean the difference between survival and annihilation. The Dark Kingdom's forces were relentless, and she knew they wouldn't hesitate to exploit any weakness. Time was slipping away, and the fate of the Moon Kingdom hung by a thread. She a shiver ran down her spine as she realized just how precarious their position truly was.

Now she was desperate for a distraction. Heavy velvet drapes framed the tall, arched windows, which offered a panoramic view of the moonlit landscape beyond. The silvery light of the moon poured in, mingling with the warm glow of the chandeliers, creating a dance of shadows and light on the polished marble floor.

There were too many things at stake, and too many things happening at once. Would they be able to save the moon? How could she help Serenity? What could she do for her princess?

It was her job to protect her, and yet here she was, completely helpless. Frustrated and angry, she punched the wall.

"What's wrong, Starshine?" Kunzite asked, startling her.

Venus cursed his punctuality and tried to gather herself. "Nothing."

"You can't lie to me," he said, coming closer. "You might try, but it's impossible. I know you too well."

Venus swished her hair and made a face. "You've spent hardly any time with me, Kunzite. You don't know me at all."

"You're wrong about that." He reached up and smoothed the worry lines between her eyebrows. "You're scared."

She jerked away, trying to ignore the tingles that remained in the wake of his touch. Turning so abruptly, her hair flared outward and smacked his chest. Ignoring his chuckle, she stepped back to the large central table.

"So you're not going to tell me what's worrying you?"

Deciding to ignore his question, she shuffled some papers and sat down.

"Let me guess." He pulled out a chair beside her. "It has to do with the Moon Princess."

Her head snapped up so fast she nearly lost her seat. "You don't have the right to talk about the Moon Princess."

"Testy, testy. We need to get this little emotional distraction taken care of, or we won't be able to solve the bigger problem."

The papers in her hand offered no answers that she desperately wanted. "I'm worried about her." The words tumbled from her lips before she could stop them. Kunzite had always been easy to talk to, and now that was coming back to bite her.

"Because of what happened on Earth?"

"Not directly. I mean, I know she was hurt badly, but I'm guessing her sadness doesn't stem from that."

"Endymion."

Venus looked up at him. The moonlight cast an alluring silvery glow across his features, making him almost sparkle. His silver hair shimmered like spun starlight, framing his chiseled face perfectly. The light accentuated the powerful lines of his jaw and the bold intensity of his eyes, making him look almost ethereal.

In that moment, he seemed less like a warrior and more like a figure from a dream, a guardian carved from moonlight and shadow. His calm strength and undeniable handsomeness entranced her. Startled, she looked away, hoping he hadn't seen the truth.

Now she understood what the others had been talking about. The Heavenly Kings were too enticing, too perfect. Somehow, they complemented each of them in ways that were almost unnerving. Yet the simple fact remained. They could never be together.

"Yes," her voice was thin. "Because of Prince Endymion. I think she's fallen in love with him. The one man that's forbidden to her."

Kunzite let out a breath. "It's the same for him. He tries to hide it, but I can see it in his eyes. He's almost a different person now, and this rebellion keeps getting worse and worse."

"Can we stop it, Kunzite?"

"I don't know, Starshine. I don't know. But we can try."

Then he smiled, and his face transformed. The stern lines softened and his eyes lit up with a warmth that took her breath away. That smile, so rare and fleeting, was like the first rays of dawn breaking through the darkest night. It was genuine, reaching his eyes and radiating a kindness that seemed out of place on the battlefield but perfectly at home in the moonlight. It completely captivated Venus; that small expression compared to a secret treasure, a glimpse into the man behind the warrior.

When it fell away, she found herself longing to see it again, to be the reason for its appearance, and that thought startled her more than anything else.

Venus shook herself from her reverie, focusing on the task at hand. "We have to be ready, Kunzite. The Dark Kingdom's forces are growing stronger every day. Queen Serenity and the Moon Kingdom are depending on us."

Kunzite's expression turned serious once more. "Agreed. Let's review the latest intelligence reports and update our battle plans. We can't afford any mistakes."

Venus pulled over a stack of reports and a detailed map. Kunzite sifted through the papers, muttering to himself as he traced the lines.

She tapped the map. "These are the new locations that the Dark Kingdom has targeted."

Kunzite leaned closer, and Venus tried to ignore how wonderful he smelled, like a walk in the crisp fall afternoon after a sword fight. "They've only tainted three of the seven, so that's progress. Helios has maintained his hold over the most sacred sites. But the Golden Crystal and Endymion are being affected."

"We need to reinforce these positions," she said, pointing to several spots. "If they break through here, it could be disastrous for the Golden Crystal."

Kunzite nodded, his eyes scanning the maps. She knew his keen strategic mind would be working hard to analyze the situation. "I've already sent scouts to these areas. We should receive their reports soon. In the meantime, we need to prepare for multiple scenarios. The Dark Kingdom is unpredictable."

Venus appreciated his thoroughness and the way his mind worked, always two steps ahead. "We also need to make sure that we protect the moon portals at all times. The moon's safety is paramount."

Kunzite placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We will protect them, Venus. Together, we'll make sure the Moon Kingdom stands strong."

Venus crossed her arms, her frustration palpable. "So, what do you propose? That we sit back and wait for them to strike?"

Kunzite's calm demeanor remained, but his eyes sharpened. "An aggressive approach could lead to unnecessary casualties. We need to be strategic and precise, not reckless."

"We can't afford to be passive!" Venus snapped. "Serenity and the Moon Kingdom need decisive action, not caution."

"Decisive action does not mean rash decisions," Kunzite replied evenly. "We need to consider all possible outcomes and avoid risking innocent lives."

Venus crossed her arms, her frustration palpable. "So, what do you propose? That we sit back and wait for them to strike?"

"No," Kunzite said, his voice firm. "We need to fortify our defenses and gather more intelligence. We strike when we have a clear advantage, not a moment sooner."

Venus took a deep breath, trying to rein in her temper. She knew he had a point, but the urgency she felt for action burned within her. "Fine, let's hear your plan."

Kunzite laid out a series of strategic moves, highlighting the importance of caution and precision. As he spoke, Venus couldn't help but notice the logic in his approach, even if it went against her instinct for immediate action.

Despite their disagreement, Venus and Kunzite blended their differing perspectives into a cohesive plan. She had to control her passionate nature sometimes because it meant proactive measures driving her to protect her people and Serenity at all costs. While Kunzite, with his calm logic, emphasized the need for caution and precision to avoid unnecessary casualties.

Still, it was easy to work with him, to see and appreciate his approach.

Venus leaned over the map, her fingers tracing potential attack routes. "If we strike here and here," she said, pointing to two strategic locations, "we can disrupt their supply lines and force them to retreat."

Kunzite nodded, considering her suggestion. "That could work, but we need to ensure our forces are not overextended. A coordinated attack would be more effective if we lure them into a trap first."

"And how do we do that?" Venus asked, her frustration giving way to curiosity.

"We create a diversion," Kunzite replied. "Make them think we're vulnerable in one area, then hit them hard where they least expect it. It requires precise timing and coordination."

Venus couldn't deny the brilliance of his plan. "Alright," she said, her voice softening. "Let's do it your way. But if it looks like they're getting the upper hand, we switch to an all-out assault."

"Agreed," Kunzite said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Together, we'll make sure the Moon Kingdom stands strong."

He pulled a map closer, pointing to a series of marked locations. "These areas are critical. If we can create the illusion of vulnerability here and here," he said, tracing lines with his finger, "we can funnel their forces into this narrow pass. With their numbers confined, our archers and sorcerers can launch a concentrated assault from the high ground. Meanwhile, our ground troops can encircle them from behind, cutting off any chance of retreat. Your Moon Kingdom will come in then."

Venus leaned in, her eyes scanning the map. "We'll need to time it perfectly. One misstep and we risk being overrun ourselves."

"Agreed," Kunzite replied. "We'll need precise coordination with our scouts and a clear signal to launch the attack. I propose using a series of beacon fires. Once the first fire is lit, it will signal our archers to prepare. The second fire will signal the ground troops to move into position, and the third will commence the assault."

Venus nodded, appreciating the meticulous planning. "It's risky, but it might just be our best shot. Can we trust the mortals of earth?"

Kunzite grinned. "Can we trust the immortals of the moon?"

As if on cue, the door to the war room creaked open, and a servant entered, carrying a tray laden with food and drink. "Your meal, my lord, my lady," the servant said, bowing before placing the tray on a nearby table.

Venus and Kunzite exchanged a glance, the tension of their earlier disagreement easing into a more comfortable silence. Each stolen glance carried unspoken words, making her question everything the gods ever commanded.

"Do you eat food from the moon, Kunzite?" Venus grinned at him.

"Depends on if it has moondust or not. That stuff is brutal," Kunzite said, eyeing a dish.

Venus stood by the table and picked up a mooncake, biting into it. "I didn't realize how hungry I was," she said with a small laugh.

Kunzite poured them both a drink, his movements graceful and precise. "It's easy to lose track of time when we're strategizing." He handed her a goblet. "Sometimes the others have to remind me to eat."

They ate in companionable silence for a few moments; the food providing a welcome respite from their intense planning. Venus stole glances at Kunzite, noticing the way the moonlight played across his features, softening his stern expression.

It was startling to realize how much she was enjoying his company. Mortals from Earth were always rather difficult to deal with. But Kunzite was different. If she didn't know better, he could have passed for a god himself. Wouldn't that be nice? To spend a thousand years with him and without disobeying the rules part.

Suddenly she wanted to know who he was inside, away from all the strategies and battles. "What do you do for fun?" she asked, breaking the silence. "Before the Dark Kingdom, before this?"

He paused, seeming to consider her question. "Calligraphy and bonsai cultivation."

Not surprised, she nodded. "Doesn't surprise me at all. Those hobbies seem to fit you nicely."

She could imagine him bending over a bonsai or ink-filled page.

"You think?"

"Yes, they fit the whole calm and strategic nature. It would have shocked me if you said making spun yarn from yaks."

"Spinning yarn can create a very Zen state."

She threw back her head and laughed. Watching his smile light up with genuine amusement, a warmth spread through her chest. Stars, she wanted to be the reason behind that smile, to see it every day. There was something purely magnetic about that expression. And the thought of witnessing it every day made her chest tighten. What would it be like to wake every morning to his smile?

A shudder ran through her. Yet it was more than just physical attraction; it was a sense of ease and companionship she hadn't expected. She wanted to know more about him, to peel back the layers of the stoic warrior and discover the man beneath. The connection between them felt palpable, like a thread of destiny binding their fates together. It was both thrilling and terrifying, and she couldn't help but wonder where it would lead.

Then his eyes were on her, tracing the edges of her face, and heat began to climb into her cheeks. She wanted to kiss him, to feel those lips on hers, caressing her skin. Ashamed and nervous, she cleared her throat and stood.

"We've delayed long enough. Let's get back to work."

"You're nervous," he stated like it was fact.

"No."

"You are, because of the premonition that Mars had."

Venus wanted to banish that from her mind. The vision Mars had shared with her was haunting—a vivid, terrifying glimpse into a future where the Moon Kingdom was engulfed in darkness and despair. It had shaken her to her core, making her question their every move and decision.

She couldn't let it consume her thoughts, not when so much was at stake. But the fear lingered, a shadow she couldn't fully dispel. It was easier to focus on the present, to ground herself in the tangible tasks at hand, than to dwell on a prophecy that threatened to paralyze her with dread. Yet every so often, the image would resurface, and she would have to steel herself anew against the creeping sense of impending doom.

Mars had changed since then, almost like she was already bidding the Moon Kingdom goodbye. Yet Venus couldn't—she had to fight. Kunzite reached over and grabbed her hand, and all the strength she had seemed to vanish.

Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. She looked up at Kunzite, his presence a steady anchor amidst the chaos. The weight of the premonition, the fear of losing everything, and the overwhelming sense of responsibility all crashed down on her at once. Unable to hold it in any longer, she let the tears flow, silently at first, then with a soft sob that shook her shoulders.

Kunzite pulled her into his arms, his embrace firm yet gentle. He didn't say anything—words weren't necessary. He simply held her, providing the comfort and strength she desperately needed. Venus clung to him, drawing solace from his warmth and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

In that moment, the walls she had built around her emotions crumbled, and she allowed herself to be vulnerable. The connection between them deepened, not just as allies, but as two souls facing an uncertain future together.

The gods be damned. She would take this moment with him. Because perhaps Mars was right, and they were all doomed.