Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Lord of Darkness ❯ Expect the Unexpected ( Chapter 10 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Shizuka Kaze 
One mistake, one lapse in judgement, could have a much undesired effect.
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action / Hentai | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.03.2004 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.5K | Visits: 784 | Status: Completed
One mistake, one lapse in judgement, could have a much undesired effect.
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action / Hentai | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.03.2004 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.5K | Visits: 784 | Status: Completed
Lord of Darkness
Chapter Ten
Expect the Unexpected
________________
Tenth part of Lord of Darkness.
For the usual copyright notes, look at Chapter 4.
* thoughts
Change in rating: R. Not quite NC-17 yet, but definitely restricted. This is not something, let's say, a seven year old should read.
________________
Lord of Darkness
Chapter Ten
Expect the Unexpected
________________
Minako sank down onto her chair with a thankful sigh. They had stood guard as the four royal personages had dined, and her legs were seriously suffering under the strain of keeping upright for the last three hours; even the other generals, who were supposedly used to this, looked exhausted. Jadeite was the first to vent his frustration.
"I can't believe they kept us for so long! I regret agreeing to let Serenity visit us. Who'd have thought that she'd keep the monarchs' interest for such a long time that they neglected us?!"
Minako, despite being her tired state, was up in a flash, her sapphire eyes blazing. Nobody insulted her cousin and
got away with it. Her voice was dangerously low.
"Remember, Jadeite, I do not take kindly to someone disrespecting my cousin. Keep a leash on your tongue, or it will end up missing."
Rei's eyes were also angry, though a smirk was playing around her lips.
"His tongue? I was thinking of frying him in a very sensitive area."
The blonde's smirk matched Rei's as she abruptly turned the conservation another direction, her tone light.
"So, Rei, who is your escort to the ball tonight?"
Jadeite spoke before Rei, his comment directly at Minako.
"Excuse me, General Topaz, but I'm sure you know that Rei is going with me, as protocol demands?"
"What protocol?"
"Terran Rule 1743 states that a 'female companionship is expected to perform all duties as the ruling male head demands in respect to his bodily pleasure and mental peace'."
Minako didn't speak as she smiled.
*That was the wrong thing to say, General.*
She thought to herself as Rei's face turned a deep shade of red, from rage or embarrassment she could not tell.
"Actually, I was hoping Sir Chad would."
Minako grinned. Jadeite detested Chad. Period. She never understood why, just that it had to do something with a woman named Delina. Rei couldn't have made a better choice. Jadeite was staring at her in disbelief.
"But - but protocol demands..."
Rei gave him an entirely neutral expression, before going back to inspect her nails in an bored manner.
"I am not your 'female companionship,' General. I am Ruby, General Topaz's second-in-command."
"But you were given to me!"
"I was not. You believed it to be so because Endymion let me live due to your request, but I was never given you the
way Mina-chan was given to General Kunzite."
Minako frowned, her voice dry.
"Gee, thanks for reminding me of the memories I've tried so hard to forget."
"You are welcome, Mina-hime."
Nephrite chose to interrupt them, spooning mashed potato onto his plate.
"Have you guys heard yet? Princess Setsuna has heard that their Majesties are here and wishes to see them. Since she lives pretty close by, she'd send a letter that she'll be arriving in less than three days with her husband, King Demando, and a few personal servants."
Rei glanced up in surprise.
"It is strange. Serenity shows up, and suddenly we've got four more monarchs coming in less than a week."
Nephrite chuckled.
"You've a shrewd way of looking at things, Rei-chan."
Makoto punched him lightly in the arm.
"I'm the only one you're allowed to use the endearment with."
The auburn-haired general bowed his head in submission.
"Yes, my wife."
Minako shrieked.
"Your wife? Your WIFE? I thought you guys were only..."
"A couple? No, we're married."
Minako pouted.
"How come I didn't know that? I thought you guys accepted me!"
"We did, but you didn't need to know everything, right?"
"True, but still."
Lunch ended when the gong sounded, and the girls retreated to their rooms to prepare for the ball.
*************************************
Kunzite watched from the shadows as couples danced. He'd sent a message to their majesties with a sincere apology for not attending since he wasn't feeling well. But it was no illness; the emotion that was resting uncomfortably on his stomach was jealousy. He'd been watching Minako dance with Andrew for the past half hour, and was getting increasingly angry. When she'd first descended the grand staircase, she'd stolen his breath away. Her strapless dress turned from the brightest gold to the lightest pale yellow as the material gracefully descended from an empire waist to her dainty feet, drawing attention to her full chest and narrow waist as well as her long legs. Black pearls had adorned her neck and ears, contrasting beautifully to her pale skin. Her hair had been partly pulled back with a clip where a black rose was settled on, while the rest fell in a lovely waterfall down, covering her bare back. Lust had risen in him, but also fury at other men who were feasting their eyes on what was his.
The rest of the girls had been no less stunning, he realized as he searched for them, but he'd been so entranced by Minako that he'd almost paid no heed to them. (A.N. The girls won't be dressed in traditional colors, since I think doing something different would be fun).
Makoto had worn a tight, purely black dress. It was fastened around her long, slender neck, and moved out in a triangular shape to cover her chest, though both shoulders were bared, and her back was also bare. The dress was short in the front, causing her shimmering legs to seemingly go on for miles, but it trailed heavily in the back; translucent skin against black silk. She had pulled out her auburn-colored hair out of its normal ponytail, and was piled heavily on top of her head, circled with a gentle golden circlet, the only ornament on it a tiny emerald. Tourmaline stones had been her choice for the rest of her jewelry, and she couldn't have chosen better.
Rei was clad in a figure-hugging Violet dress with a sweet-heart neckline and blood-red trimmings on the edges of the neckline and the base of her dress. The sleeves were short, and petal-shaped, one overlapping another (like Saturn's manga uniform sleeves), creating a flowery effect. Her white satin gloves, reaching just below her elbow, gave off a signal that warned 'hands-off'. Two slits along her leg, reaching mid-thigh, added sensuality to a dangerous look, and she knew it well. Violets, just budding, had been bound (by Ami) magically into her dark hair, and she had denied any jewelry, except for two Tanzanite stones in her ears. Kunzite felt a small smile twisting his lips. Had she been an angel of beauty, he was sure she'd been sent from hell.
His gaze shifted to a crown of deep blue hair, color of the most beautiful night-time sky. Ami's dress, though still quite daring, was much less eye-catching than Rei's, but it was just as stunning. The glittering silver dress matched her to
perfection, bringing emphasis on her soft curves and gentle features. Two thin, light, spaghetti-straps held it up before criss-crossing at her back. Like Rei, she also wore white gloves, only longer, and they seemed to compromise how much arm the dress revealed. It clung to her hips, before fanning out, adding a touch of sensuality. The silver color reflected in her eyes, bringing out the striking blueness of it, and Kunzite had a vague impression of ice mountains. Tear-drop amethyst earrings hung at her ear-lobes, and a thin, silver necklace rested lightly on her collar-bone. A single white lily was behind one ear. She was the epitome of a calmness.
Serenity, on the arm of a seemingly-delighted Endymion, was dressed entirely in soft pink. The dress was modest with long sleeves and slim skirted, but clung to her slender body like a second skin, highlighting her round breasts, wide hips, and slim legs. The sleeves tightened at her wrists, before fanning out, accenting her long fingers and delicate hands. Her hair was done up in the royal hair-style of Stalia, and daisies crowned each bun. Her light, refreshing beauty was a prefect comparison to Endymion's dashingly dark looks. Kunzite grinned: the angel and the devil.
His eyes locked on another head on blond hair. Jadeite was standing off to the side, a dark scowl marring his usual good-natured features as he watched Rei flirt shamelessly with Sir Chad who seemed completely taken with the dark-haired beauty's charms. The blonde, for once, wasn't paying attention to the adoring women vying for his attention.
Steel grey flickered to the sky quickly. Judging by the positions of the stars, another fifteen minutes had passed, and Minako was now twirling from the arms of one man to another while Andrew was whispering something into the ear of a pretty brunette. He moved towards her, a blinding rage filling him as his normally cold eyes darkened to a light lavender, on fire with deadly jealousy.
"Oh, Lord Kunzite. I was just searching for you."
A nearby sultry voice literally purred into his ear. He groaned inwardly, turning slowly. Lady Eleonor was beside him, in a dress black lace dress that was cut scandalously low and stopping at mid-thigh. Both hands were wound around his right arm, and she was fluttering her lashes madly at him. He glared at her. Protocol demanded that he may not turn away a lady, but he was in no mood whatsoever to dance with her.
"Excuse me, Lady ..."
She quickly put a hand to his mouth, her voice dropping another octave.
"Please, my Lord. I'm so lonely tonight."
That was obviously a lie, but there was nothing he could do. Grudgingly, he began waltzing to the music, holding himself stiffly and as far away as possible.
***********************************
Minako smiled gently as another young man led her to dance. She was enjoying the attention these soldiers were paying her, and gladly accepted their request for dances. She chattered amiably with him, until a glimpse of silver hair almost shocked the air of her lungs. She froze for a second before the blood rushed back into her limbs as she watched the seductive woman do everything in her power to elicit a response from Kunzite. She felt as if she'd go insane with jealousy, and the feeling surprised her. However, it quickly fled her mind as the woman pushed her ample cleavage against the General. She sent a dazzling smile at the soldier, smiling smugly as he nearly melted.
"It's been a pleasure dancing with you, my Lord, but I am starting to feel slightly dehydrated. Please excuse me for a second."
"Let me accompany you, my Lady."
"Thank you, but it won't be necessary."
She slid her hand out of his and disappeared like a shadow into the crowd, while his wide shoulders stopped him from squeezing through the gaps as she had.
*************************
Minako quickly filled a glass with blood-red punch and strolled leisurely up to Kunzite and his dancing partner. She pretended to bump into the table, and spilled her drink right over Lady Eleonor's right breast and onto her dress. As the lady turned enraged eyes upon her, Minako had already put the glass down and moved into Kunzite's arms. She was a soldier, a general, and the pretty little courtesan was no match for her reflexes.
"Excuse me, Lady. I wasn't watching where I was going."
She called back a second before the silver-haired General pulled her close to him. She smiled up at him.
"Don't I get at least a thank-you for saving you?"
He grinned at her.
"Of course you do, my Lady. You deserve much more than that. I believe I owe you the rest of my dances for tonight. Would that be apt payment?"
She scrunched her nose, painting a pensive look on her lovely face.
"I suppose it would."
A few dances later, she broke the comfortable silence.
"Since I don't have to worry about losing you, would you mind it I took a breath of fresh air?"
"Of course not. It is rather stuffy in here. Why don't I take you for a walk in the gardens?"
She searched his face, a little nervous about leaving the palace alone with him. But his eyes were clear, and if he had any hidden thoughts, he hid it well. She gave a small nod, linking her arm with his.
"Very well, my Lord."
Kunzite smiled, swiftly and stealthily leading her out of the side door.
*******************************************
Minako let a gasp fly from her lips, stuck speechless at the beauty before her. Stretching endlessly before her were hills of soft grass, once in a while disturbed by majestic trees. The night sky covered it, meeting with the hills at the horizon. She'd never thought that the Dark King's palace covered this much space. The moon glowed bright and full, and stars scattered across the velvety darkness like diamonds.
"It's beautiful."
She breathed.
"I know."
Came the soft reply. She could feel his eyes watching her, and knew he wasn't talking about the sky. A slight blush crept up her cheeks, and she lowered her face. She kept her eyes averted, not wanting to see the tender look, and thus missed his movement. The next moment, she found herself flat on her back, and Kunzite on top of her, his mouth clamped over hers possessively, though his arms were rigid by his sides. She struggled, wishing desperately to free herself even as she relaxed
against him. A hand came up cup a breast, and she moaned against his mouth, the final gesture stripping her not only of her dignity, but also her will to fight. His head turned slightly to the side, and continued his attentions on her mouth. Minako gave a muffled squeak as a large thigh forced its way between her slender legs, and the other hand pushed at her chin. She willingly obeyed, too dazed to comprehend what was happening. She was helplessly under his control. She opened her mouth, the motion almost reflexively, as she allowed him to probe into the silky insides of her mouth. She gently touched his tongue with her own, growing bolder with each stroke. Another gasp escaped as a long finger roughly rubbed a nipple through the dress. Unconsciously, she arched her back, begging for more. A slight groan of protest rolled of her lips as he left her mouth to nib lightly at her earlobe, before tugging on it gently with his teeth. Her breath hitched in her throat, and had she been in her right mind, she would have berated him as she felt his lips curve into a smile. A second later he returned to her mouth, before kissing a blazing trail across her slender neck and letting his tongue flick slightly over the fine lines of her collarbone. Minako was in a world of pleasure, her hands grasping at the back of his neck as she titled her head back, her hands gently holding his head at her collarbone, silently encouraging him to feast on her. One of his hands roved down her body, resting on her silken belly, while the other continued teasing her already sensitive nipple. She mindlessly moaned loudly.
Kunzite almost grinned. He had her right where he wanted her. In her state, she had unwittingly told him that she wanted him, badly. Now, she would endure the same torture he had for the past two weeks. He ruthlessly silenced the little voice in the back of his head that reminded him that he would not leave this game unscathed either as his thigh began thrusting and rubbing her in the most secretive part of her delicious body. Her eyes flew open with a screech before fluttering shut again as waves of pleasure flooded her body. She spread her legs wider, her pelvis bounding upward, urging him to go faster and harder. He, however, slowed down, ignoring his rising manhood. Minako whimpered, seeking her release, her breath now coming in short, swift pants. Kunzite growled in his throat, his speed increasing again. He continued this game until she was wet and writhingly beneath him, barely sane, and he knew that one more thrust would sent her over the edge. He forced his breath to slow down as he all too calmly stood up, buttoning his tuxedo jacket to hide his arousal from her. His face was expressionless as her eyes opened, pleading for him, confusion written across her unguarded feature. A soft word floated up to him.
"Please."
He sighed loudly. Part of him wanted to finish what he had started, but he kept himself in iron control. He had acted weak before her, but that was going to change. He would show her that he was the master, she nothing more than an available plaything. He reached out a hand.
"You can stand up now, Minako."
As if in a dream, she slowly put her hand in his and allowed him to haul her to her feet.
"Why?"
The word was still uttered in that same soft, faraway voice.
He chuckled, immensely pleased with her reaction, but avoiding her question.
"You were quite responsive to my kisses, Lady."
Her eyes suddenly sharpened, hatred flashing in them as she understood the hidden meaning that sarcasm carried with itself.
She slowly took a step back, then another.
"Tell anyone who wants a dance with me that I'll be waiting for them in my bedroom."
She hissed, her voice deadly.
"As you wish, my Lady."
She pressed her lips together when that sentence didn't bring her the wanted response.
"Bastard."
She turned and ran, tears streaming down her face, unaware that the silver-haired General had caught sight of them.
Kunzite watched silently after her, unmoving. But where there should have been triumph, he instead had a hollow feeling in his stomach. He had lost much more than just a game.
*************************************************
Minako angrily wiped tears of shame from her face, running blindly through the halls.
*Minaka Aino, you are a fool!*
She mentally berated herself. Men were all the same. They all were deceiving, cold-hearted creatures.
Kunzite. She winced painfully at the mention of the name. It hurt, more than she was willing to admit. She had thought he was different, had thought that maybe with time, he would come to know her, the true her, not the pretty air-head who flirted with everything that could claim male status. But she'd been wrong. He was the same as her ex-fiancé; they were all the same. Her cheeks flamed as she remembered her earlier actions. Well, she was human, she made mistakes. But this was one mistake she was not going to repeat. She swore that to herself, sealing the pact with ice walls building around her heart. She would not make the same mistake twice.
Yet, as soon as she arrived in her room, only hell itself could have prevented her from falling onto her bed and crying until she had no more tears left. The General had broken more than her heart: he'd broken her soul, her spirit. She was forever scarred, and would never heal.
"Mina-chan?"
The voice was timid, soft, so unlike her friend's normal tone.
She sat up slowly, forcing a smile onto her face, but the best she managed was a grimace.
"Hi, Rei-chan."
"Mina-chan, what's wrong?"
Rei climbed onto the bed beside her, gently raising Minako's face to her eye-level. And she gasped. The Princess's deep blue eyes were swollen and blood-shot, lined with steel. They expressed pain, more pain than even that time when Adonis had... She hugged her best friend gently.
"Mina-chan, what happened?"
She promptly gently again.
Minako shook her head, not willing to talk about it.
"Please, Mina-chan, you have to. Or the nightmares will come again."
Minako cringed. The nightmares had started when she'd been young, no one knew the reason why, but every time, they would appear when something terrible had happened to her and she bore that pain alone. They would vary in intensity, according to her emotions, and she was quite sure that even with the ice wall around her, she would wake up screaming again.
"All right, Rei-chan. You give me no choice. Well, it started when..."
*******************************
Rei-chan listened to Minako's explanation without interrupting, and even after she'd finished, Rei still didn't show any signs of life. She stayed still for so long that the blonde finally looked up, and what she saw scared her to no end. There was icy calmness in those violet eyes, and that was no good sign. The last time they had turned that particular shade, Rei had set an entire wing of the palace on fire. She hadn't cared who she'd hurt, as long as she burned that poisonous snake that had taken the life of her mother. It had been years ago, but the memories remained fresh with Minako.
"Rei-chan, please don't do anything rash."
"Don't worry, Mina-chan, I'm not going to do anything rash."
She gave the princess a quick older-sisterly kiss on the forehead, and asked her to go to sleep. Minako reluctantly agreed, but the moment her head touched the pillow, she was fast asleep. Rei resolutely stood up, fury boiling in her. There was no way in hell or heaven that she was going to leave Kunzite unpunished. Even if she could not hurt him, there were a few things she was going to set straight. She reached out with her mind, feeling for a silverly aura. He was in the gardens, not even bothering to tamper down his aura. Well, if he thought he could hurt Minako and get away that easy, he's got another thought coming.
She stepped softly out into the hall-way, but a voice stopped her.
"Lady Rei."
She turned annoyed eyes onto the shadow in the dark. A glint on sun-colored hair caught her gaze.
"General Jadeite. How may I be of service?"
"Lady, may I have a talk with you?"
"I'm not in the mood for talks, General."
"Lady, you do not..."
"Go, before I release my anger on you."
Jadeite took a step back. Whenever she'd been angry at him, she'd been screaming and yelling and throwing random things across the room. But now, there was only calmness around her, and that was all the warning he needed. Now was not a good time to mess with Rei.
"Good night, Lady Rei."
"Good night, General Jadeite."
*************************************
Rei stood ten steps behind Kunzite, watching the General twirling a crismon rose in his hands. He had not turned around since she arrived, but she knew that he had sensed her presence behind him. Finally, with a sigh, he turned around to face her, the rose still between his fingers.
"Lady Rei."
She didn't waste time with words but strode up to him, hitting him as hard as she could across the face.
"You bastard."
She spat at him.
"How dare you do that to Minako?!"
Kunzite didn't react to her words, but a hand slowly raised to his face.
"I guess I deserved that, didn't I?"
"Actually, you deserved much more than that, but since I wasn't the one you hurt, it is not up to me to give you the appropriate punishment."
She spit in his face, and a nearby tree caught on fire.
"Listen, General, and listen well. This is my first and last warning. If I see so much as your shadow on her, you'll suffer the same fate as this tree."
With that, she spun on her heel and left.
*********************************
My, that took forver. Chapter 10 finished, yeah. *Gives a cheer.* This was faster than I thought, but hey, that's a good thing, at least in my book it is. Please, review, review! I feel a writer's block forming.
Chapter Ten
Expect the Unexpected
________________
Tenth part of Lord of Darkness.
For the usual copyright notes, look at Chapter 4.
* thoughts
Change in rating: R. Not quite NC-17 yet, but definitely restricted. This is not something, let's say, a seven year old should read.
________________
Lord of Darkness
Chapter Ten
Expect the Unexpected
________________
Minako sank down onto her chair with a thankful sigh. They had stood guard as the four royal personages had dined, and her legs were seriously suffering under the strain of keeping upright for the last three hours; even the other generals, who were supposedly used to this, looked exhausted. Jadeite was the first to vent his frustration.
"I can't believe they kept us for so long! I regret agreeing to let Serenity visit us. Who'd have thought that she'd keep the monarchs' interest for such a long time that they neglected us?!"
Minako, despite being her tired state, was up in a flash, her sapphire eyes blazing. Nobody insulted her cousin and
got away with it. Her voice was dangerously low.
"Remember, Jadeite, I do not take kindly to someone disrespecting my cousin. Keep a leash on your tongue, or it will end up missing."
Rei's eyes were also angry, though a smirk was playing around her lips.
"His tongue? I was thinking of frying him in a very sensitive area."
The blonde's smirk matched Rei's as she abruptly turned the conservation another direction, her tone light.
"So, Rei, who is your escort to the ball tonight?"
Jadeite spoke before Rei, his comment directly at Minako.
"Excuse me, General Topaz, but I'm sure you know that Rei is going with me, as protocol demands?"
"What protocol?"
"Terran Rule 1743 states that a 'female companionship is expected to perform all duties as the ruling male head demands in respect to his bodily pleasure and mental peace'."
Minako didn't speak as she smiled.
*That was the wrong thing to say, General.*
She thought to herself as Rei's face turned a deep shade of red, from rage or embarrassment she could not tell.
"Actually, I was hoping Sir Chad would."
Minako grinned. Jadeite detested Chad. Period. She never understood why, just that it had to do something with a woman named Delina. Rei couldn't have made a better choice. Jadeite was staring at her in disbelief.
"But - but protocol demands..."
Rei gave him an entirely neutral expression, before going back to inspect her nails in an bored manner.
"I am not your 'female companionship,' General. I am Ruby, General Topaz's second-in-command."
"But you were given to me!"
"I was not. You believed it to be so because Endymion let me live due to your request, but I was never given you the
way Mina-chan was given to General Kunzite."
Minako frowned, her voice dry.
"Gee, thanks for reminding me of the memories I've tried so hard to forget."
"You are welcome, Mina-hime."
Nephrite chose to interrupt them, spooning mashed potato onto his plate.
"Have you guys heard yet? Princess Setsuna has heard that their Majesties are here and wishes to see them. Since she lives pretty close by, she'd send a letter that she'll be arriving in less than three days with her husband, King Demando, and a few personal servants."
Rei glanced up in surprise.
"It is strange. Serenity shows up, and suddenly we've got four more monarchs coming in less than a week."
Nephrite chuckled.
"You've a shrewd way of looking at things, Rei-chan."
Makoto punched him lightly in the arm.
"I'm the only one you're allowed to use the endearment with."
The auburn-haired general bowed his head in submission.
"Yes, my wife."
Minako shrieked.
"Your wife? Your WIFE? I thought you guys were only..."
"A couple? No, we're married."
Minako pouted.
"How come I didn't know that? I thought you guys accepted me!"
"We did, but you didn't need to know everything, right?"
"True, but still."
Lunch ended when the gong sounded, and the girls retreated to their rooms to prepare for the ball.
*************************************
Kunzite watched from the shadows as couples danced. He'd sent a message to their majesties with a sincere apology for not attending since he wasn't feeling well. But it was no illness; the emotion that was resting uncomfortably on his stomach was jealousy. He'd been watching Minako dance with Andrew for the past half hour, and was getting increasingly angry. When she'd first descended the grand staircase, she'd stolen his breath away. Her strapless dress turned from the brightest gold to the lightest pale yellow as the material gracefully descended from an empire waist to her dainty feet, drawing attention to her full chest and narrow waist as well as her long legs. Black pearls had adorned her neck and ears, contrasting beautifully to her pale skin. Her hair had been partly pulled back with a clip where a black rose was settled on, while the rest fell in a lovely waterfall down, covering her bare back. Lust had risen in him, but also fury at other men who were feasting their eyes on what was his.
The rest of the girls had been no less stunning, he realized as he searched for them, but he'd been so entranced by Minako that he'd almost paid no heed to them. (A.N. The girls won't be dressed in traditional colors, since I think doing something different would be fun).
Makoto had worn a tight, purely black dress. It was fastened around her long, slender neck, and moved out in a triangular shape to cover her chest, though both shoulders were bared, and her back was also bare. The dress was short in the front, causing her shimmering legs to seemingly go on for miles, but it trailed heavily in the back; translucent skin against black silk. She had pulled out her auburn-colored hair out of its normal ponytail, and was piled heavily on top of her head, circled with a gentle golden circlet, the only ornament on it a tiny emerald. Tourmaline stones had been her choice for the rest of her jewelry, and she couldn't have chosen better.
Rei was clad in a figure-hugging Violet dress with a sweet-heart neckline and blood-red trimmings on the edges of the neckline and the base of her dress. The sleeves were short, and petal-shaped, one overlapping another (like Saturn's manga uniform sleeves), creating a flowery effect. Her white satin gloves, reaching just below her elbow, gave off a signal that warned 'hands-off'. Two slits along her leg, reaching mid-thigh, added sensuality to a dangerous look, and she knew it well. Violets, just budding, had been bound (by Ami) magically into her dark hair, and she had denied any jewelry, except for two Tanzanite stones in her ears. Kunzite felt a small smile twisting his lips. Had she been an angel of beauty, he was sure she'd been sent from hell.
His gaze shifted to a crown of deep blue hair, color of the most beautiful night-time sky. Ami's dress, though still quite daring, was much less eye-catching than Rei's, but it was just as stunning. The glittering silver dress matched her to
perfection, bringing emphasis on her soft curves and gentle features. Two thin, light, spaghetti-straps held it up before criss-crossing at her back. Like Rei, she also wore white gloves, only longer, and they seemed to compromise how much arm the dress revealed. It clung to her hips, before fanning out, adding a touch of sensuality. The silver color reflected in her eyes, bringing out the striking blueness of it, and Kunzite had a vague impression of ice mountains. Tear-drop amethyst earrings hung at her ear-lobes, and a thin, silver necklace rested lightly on her collar-bone. A single white lily was behind one ear. She was the epitome of a calmness.
Serenity, on the arm of a seemingly-delighted Endymion, was dressed entirely in soft pink. The dress was modest with long sleeves and slim skirted, but clung to her slender body like a second skin, highlighting her round breasts, wide hips, and slim legs. The sleeves tightened at her wrists, before fanning out, accenting her long fingers and delicate hands. Her hair was done up in the royal hair-style of Stalia, and daisies crowned each bun. Her light, refreshing beauty was a prefect comparison to Endymion's dashingly dark looks. Kunzite grinned: the angel and the devil.
His eyes locked on another head on blond hair. Jadeite was standing off to the side, a dark scowl marring his usual good-natured features as he watched Rei flirt shamelessly with Sir Chad who seemed completely taken with the dark-haired beauty's charms. The blonde, for once, wasn't paying attention to the adoring women vying for his attention.
Steel grey flickered to the sky quickly. Judging by the positions of the stars, another fifteen minutes had passed, and Minako was now twirling from the arms of one man to another while Andrew was whispering something into the ear of a pretty brunette. He moved towards her, a blinding rage filling him as his normally cold eyes darkened to a light lavender, on fire with deadly jealousy.
"Oh, Lord Kunzite. I was just searching for you."
A nearby sultry voice literally purred into his ear. He groaned inwardly, turning slowly. Lady Eleonor was beside him, in a dress black lace dress that was cut scandalously low and stopping at mid-thigh. Both hands were wound around his right arm, and she was fluttering her lashes madly at him. He glared at her. Protocol demanded that he may not turn away a lady, but he was in no mood whatsoever to dance with her.
"Excuse me, Lady ..."
She quickly put a hand to his mouth, her voice dropping another octave.
"Please, my Lord. I'm so lonely tonight."
That was obviously a lie, but there was nothing he could do. Grudgingly, he began waltzing to the music, holding himself stiffly and as far away as possible.
***********************************
Minako smiled gently as another young man led her to dance. She was enjoying the attention these soldiers were paying her, and gladly accepted their request for dances. She chattered amiably with him, until a glimpse of silver hair almost shocked the air of her lungs. She froze for a second before the blood rushed back into her limbs as she watched the seductive woman do everything in her power to elicit a response from Kunzite. She felt as if she'd go insane with jealousy, and the feeling surprised her. However, it quickly fled her mind as the woman pushed her ample cleavage against the General. She sent a dazzling smile at the soldier, smiling smugly as he nearly melted.
"It's been a pleasure dancing with you, my Lord, but I am starting to feel slightly dehydrated. Please excuse me for a second."
"Let me accompany you, my Lady."
"Thank you, but it won't be necessary."
She slid her hand out of his and disappeared like a shadow into the crowd, while his wide shoulders stopped him from squeezing through the gaps as she had.
*************************
Minako quickly filled a glass with blood-red punch and strolled leisurely up to Kunzite and his dancing partner. She pretended to bump into the table, and spilled her drink right over Lady Eleonor's right breast and onto her dress. As the lady turned enraged eyes upon her, Minako had already put the glass down and moved into Kunzite's arms. She was a soldier, a general, and the pretty little courtesan was no match for her reflexes.
"Excuse me, Lady. I wasn't watching where I was going."
She called back a second before the silver-haired General pulled her close to him. She smiled up at him.
"Don't I get at least a thank-you for saving you?"
He grinned at her.
"Of course you do, my Lady. You deserve much more than that. I believe I owe you the rest of my dances for tonight. Would that be apt payment?"
She scrunched her nose, painting a pensive look on her lovely face.
"I suppose it would."
A few dances later, she broke the comfortable silence.
"Since I don't have to worry about losing you, would you mind it I took a breath of fresh air?"
"Of course not. It is rather stuffy in here. Why don't I take you for a walk in the gardens?"
She searched his face, a little nervous about leaving the palace alone with him. But his eyes were clear, and if he had any hidden thoughts, he hid it well. She gave a small nod, linking her arm with his.
"Very well, my Lord."
Kunzite smiled, swiftly and stealthily leading her out of the side door.
*******************************************
Minako let a gasp fly from her lips, stuck speechless at the beauty before her. Stretching endlessly before her were hills of soft grass, once in a while disturbed by majestic trees. The night sky covered it, meeting with the hills at the horizon. She'd never thought that the Dark King's palace covered this much space. The moon glowed bright and full, and stars scattered across the velvety darkness like diamonds.
"It's beautiful."
She breathed.
"I know."
Came the soft reply. She could feel his eyes watching her, and knew he wasn't talking about the sky. A slight blush crept up her cheeks, and she lowered her face. She kept her eyes averted, not wanting to see the tender look, and thus missed his movement. The next moment, she found herself flat on her back, and Kunzite on top of her, his mouth clamped over hers possessively, though his arms were rigid by his sides. She struggled, wishing desperately to free herself even as she relaxed
against him. A hand came up cup a breast, and she moaned against his mouth, the final gesture stripping her not only of her dignity, but also her will to fight. His head turned slightly to the side, and continued his attentions on her mouth. Minako gave a muffled squeak as a large thigh forced its way between her slender legs, and the other hand pushed at her chin. She willingly obeyed, too dazed to comprehend what was happening. She was helplessly under his control. She opened her mouth, the motion almost reflexively, as she allowed him to probe into the silky insides of her mouth. She gently touched his tongue with her own, growing bolder with each stroke. Another gasp escaped as a long finger roughly rubbed a nipple through the dress. Unconsciously, she arched her back, begging for more. A slight groan of protest rolled of her lips as he left her mouth to nib lightly at her earlobe, before tugging on it gently with his teeth. Her breath hitched in her throat, and had she been in her right mind, she would have berated him as she felt his lips curve into a smile. A second later he returned to her mouth, before kissing a blazing trail across her slender neck and letting his tongue flick slightly over the fine lines of her collarbone. Minako was in a world of pleasure, her hands grasping at the back of his neck as she titled her head back, her hands gently holding his head at her collarbone, silently encouraging him to feast on her. One of his hands roved down her body, resting on her silken belly, while the other continued teasing her already sensitive nipple. She mindlessly moaned loudly.
Kunzite almost grinned. He had her right where he wanted her. In her state, she had unwittingly told him that she wanted him, badly. Now, she would endure the same torture he had for the past two weeks. He ruthlessly silenced the little voice in the back of his head that reminded him that he would not leave this game unscathed either as his thigh began thrusting and rubbing her in the most secretive part of her delicious body. Her eyes flew open with a screech before fluttering shut again as waves of pleasure flooded her body. She spread her legs wider, her pelvis bounding upward, urging him to go faster and harder. He, however, slowed down, ignoring his rising manhood. Minako whimpered, seeking her release, her breath now coming in short, swift pants. Kunzite growled in his throat, his speed increasing again. He continued this game until she was wet and writhingly beneath him, barely sane, and he knew that one more thrust would sent her over the edge. He forced his breath to slow down as he all too calmly stood up, buttoning his tuxedo jacket to hide his arousal from her. His face was expressionless as her eyes opened, pleading for him, confusion written across her unguarded feature. A soft word floated up to him.
"Please."
He sighed loudly. Part of him wanted to finish what he had started, but he kept himself in iron control. He had acted weak before her, but that was going to change. He would show her that he was the master, she nothing more than an available plaything. He reached out a hand.
"You can stand up now, Minako."
As if in a dream, she slowly put her hand in his and allowed him to haul her to her feet.
"Why?"
The word was still uttered in that same soft, faraway voice.
He chuckled, immensely pleased with her reaction, but avoiding her question.
"You were quite responsive to my kisses, Lady."
Her eyes suddenly sharpened, hatred flashing in them as she understood the hidden meaning that sarcasm carried with itself.
She slowly took a step back, then another.
"Tell anyone who wants a dance with me that I'll be waiting for them in my bedroom."
She hissed, her voice deadly.
"As you wish, my Lady."
She pressed her lips together when that sentence didn't bring her the wanted response.
"Bastard."
She turned and ran, tears streaming down her face, unaware that the silver-haired General had caught sight of them.
Kunzite watched silently after her, unmoving. But where there should have been triumph, he instead had a hollow feeling in his stomach. He had lost much more than just a game.
*************************************************
Minako angrily wiped tears of shame from her face, running blindly through the halls.
*Minaka Aino, you are a fool!*
She mentally berated herself. Men were all the same. They all were deceiving, cold-hearted creatures.
Kunzite. She winced painfully at the mention of the name. It hurt, more than she was willing to admit. She had thought he was different, had thought that maybe with time, he would come to know her, the true her, not the pretty air-head who flirted with everything that could claim male status. But she'd been wrong. He was the same as her ex-fiancé; they were all the same. Her cheeks flamed as she remembered her earlier actions. Well, she was human, she made mistakes. But this was one mistake she was not going to repeat. She swore that to herself, sealing the pact with ice walls building around her heart. She would not make the same mistake twice.
Yet, as soon as she arrived in her room, only hell itself could have prevented her from falling onto her bed and crying until she had no more tears left. The General had broken more than her heart: he'd broken her soul, her spirit. She was forever scarred, and would never heal.
"Mina-chan?"
The voice was timid, soft, so unlike her friend's normal tone.
She sat up slowly, forcing a smile onto her face, but the best she managed was a grimace.
"Hi, Rei-chan."
"Mina-chan, what's wrong?"
Rei climbed onto the bed beside her, gently raising Minako's face to her eye-level. And she gasped. The Princess's deep blue eyes were swollen and blood-shot, lined with steel. They expressed pain, more pain than even that time when Adonis had... She hugged her best friend gently.
"Mina-chan, what happened?"
She promptly gently again.
Minako shook her head, not willing to talk about it.
"Please, Mina-chan, you have to. Or the nightmares will come again."
Minako cringed. The nightmares had started when she'd been young, no one knew the reason why, but every time, they would appear when something terrible had happened to her and she bore that pain alone. They would vary in intensity, according to her emotions, and she was quite sure that even with the ice wall around her, she would wake up screaming again.
"All right, Rei-chan. You give me no choice. Well, it started when..."
*******************************
Rei-chan listened to Minako's explanation without interrupting, and even after she'd finished, Rei still didn't show any signs of life. She stayed still for so long that the blonde finally looked up, and what she saw scared her to no end. There was icy calmness in those violet eyes, and that was no good sign. The last time they had turned that particular shade, Rei had set an entire wing of the palace on fire. She hadn't cared who she'd hurt, as long as she burned that poisonous snake that had taken the life of her mother. It had been years ago, but the memories remained fresh with Minako.
"Rei-chan, please don't do anything rash."
"Don't worry, Mina-chan, I'm not going to do anything rash."
She gave the princess a quick older-sisterly kiss on the forehead, and asked her to go to sleep. Minako reluctantly agreed, but the moment her head touched the pillow, she was fast asleep. Rei resolutely stood up, fury boiling in her. There was no way in hell or heaven that she was going to leave Kunzite unpunished. Even if she could not hurt him, there were a few things she was going to set straight. She reached out with her mind, feeling for a silverly aura. He was in the gardens, not even bothering to tamper down his aura. Well, if he thought he could hurt Minako and get away that easy, he's got another thought coming.
She stepped softly out into the hall-way, but a voice stopped her.
"Lady Rei."
She turned annoyed eyes onto the shadow in the dark. A glint on sun-colored hair caught her gaze.
"General Jadeite. How may I be of service?"
"Lady, may I have a talk with you?"
"I'm not in the mood for talks, General."
"Lady, you do not..."
"Go, before I release my anger on you."
Jadeite took a step back. Whenever she'd been angry at him, she'd been screaming and yelling and throwing random things across the room. But now, there was only calmness around her, and that was all the warning he needed. Now was not a good time to mess with Rei.
"Good night, Lady Rei."
"Good night, General Jadeite."
*************************************
Rei stood ten steps behind Kunzite, watching the General twirling a crismon rose in his hands. He had not turned around since she arrived, but she knew that he had sensed her presence behind him. Finally, with a sigh, he turned around to face her, the rose still between his fingers.
"Lady Rei."
She didn't waste time with words but strode up to him, hitting him as hard as she could across the face.
"You bastard."
She spat at him.
"How dare you do that to Minako?!"
Kunzite didn't react to her words, but a hand slowly raised to his face.
"I guess I deserved that, didn't I?"
"Actually, you deserved much more than that, but since I wasn't the one you hurt, it is not up to me to give you the appropriate punishment."
She spit in his face, and a nearby tree caught on fire.
"Listen, General, and listen well. This is my first and last warning. If I see so much as your shadow on her, you'll suffer the same fate as this tree."
With that, she spun on her heel and left.
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My, that took forver. Chapter 10 finished, yeah. *Gives a cheer.* This was faster than I thought, but hey, that's a good thing, at least in my book it is. Please, review, review! I feel a writer's block forming.