An Encounter Shinozaki stood at the dock watching the old ship rise into the night sky. He wondered at why his princess did not wish to replace the heap of a vessel. There were much more modern and grand designs she could obtain. The ship had withstood countless enemies, from the monsters in the abyss of space to time itself. Though, when he thought on it some more, he found that the answer should be quite obvious to begin with. She was not one for travel, staying within the perimeter of the planet and her territory. So the commission of a new ship would not really be necessary. Also, there were her own excuses for favoring the old ship over any other. She had told him one day, when he had brought the subject up, that if it was good enough for her father then it was good enough for her as well. She then argued that the ship was in fine shape, and that it would last a thousand more years if need be. Why fix something that isn't broken to begin with? The subject was inevitably closed that day. 'I suppose it does not matter that the ship is just a bunch of wood and sails. It is her power that will take them to the Moon,' he thought. He was right. The heart of the ship was really her. The power of Makoto's crystal was what moved the huge ship and protected the crew. When the ship left the atmosphere, it would form one of its own under the princess's will. From that point on it would be a smooth, fast voyage to the Moon. To the event she dreaded. He really did hope she found some enjoyment in the events that awaited her at the Palace of the Moon. He knew that if it were himself, he would very much like to spend a month there. The palace was a gorgeous place. 'Shingo will absolutely love it I bet.' He found himself smiling. Shingo was probably the closest thing Makoto had to family. Shinozaki had found him in the East Jovian plains, half starved and barely breathing. Makoto herself had nursed him back to health. She also found him a job to do, so that he had a place to stay, and insisted on paying him for his services. She favored the young boy in her own way. Though she tried to remain impersonal with everyone she came in contact with, around Shingo he could see small slips here and there. She praised him with a smile on occasion, or put him to less menial tasks when she was in the garden. She even found a few reasons to raise his earnings. Shinozaki saw how protective she was of the boy. Makoto probably did not have a clue as to what she was doing when she took him with her. In fact Shinozaki was so pleased to hear that the boy was to go with her that he offered to take care of the roses in his absence. The princess agreed, but told him of a few others she was entrusting with the task as well. Shingo was just as surprised that she was taking him with her. Shinozaki couldn't think of a better person to watch her back at the palace. Shingo's small, innocent presence might serve to lighten her mood a bit in the gala that awaited her. Though in some subjects Makoto herself might be more innocent than even she realized. He knew his princess was strong and clever, but there were certain things he still worried about. She'd had no parental figure for a long time. Basically raising herself, she chose the subjects that were important for her to learn. That meant anything not dealing with swordplay, warfare, or tactics were tossed unceremoniously to the side to await the day they might be needed. In his mind, that pile contained what many people would consider life itself. There are events that never take place on a battle field. Things that are not taught in a practice yard, donning armor and weaponry. Things that one cannot feel in the heat of battle, but are just as rushed and passionate. These could very well be the things that break Makoto or make her even powerful than she already is. If she were to embrace what awaits her, she might become whole. If she turns it all away, it could be the end of her. 'Please Jove, do not let her innocense be her downfall...or a source of embarrassment to her,' Shinozaki laughed lightly to himself. He sounded like a big brother, hoping his little sister wasn't going to be picked on during study lessons. He knew he himself was protective of Makoto, and he always would be. "Good luck Milady and be sure to come back in one piece," he said to the small speck in the night sky. Turning he walked back towards the castle. Passing Nephrite on the way, Shinozaki noted the dark look he gave the retreating ship. He knew the princess was right about Nephrite, he would have to keep a close watch on the other captain. 'But for now, I should see to those roses...' Shingo couldn't sleep. He shifted uncomfortably on his makeshift cot in steerage. The small room was peaceful, with the silence being broken only by an occasional turning of the rudder every now and then. Shingo watched as the navigator glanced at his compass and then over a chart that was laid on the small table before him. The man picked up a quill and put a few marks on the map while running a hand over his haggard face. Putting the quill down, he sighed. The candle was burning dimly in the corner of the room. His relief would be coming soon, and that meant he'd finally be able to get some much needed rest. Everyone else seemed so tired already to Shingo. He really should be taking advantage of this rest period. However, he just couldn't calm down. He was so excited to actually be going to the Palace of the Moon. For someone of his low position this was quite a treat. One that others of his class would most likely never receive. And he had Makoto to thank for it. When she told him that he was to accompany her on her journey to the Moon, he couldn't believe his luck. Why did she bring him? Surely there were more worthy candidates for such a trip. After getting over the initial shock of her announcement he had carried out all of her orders in preparation and made sure to give extra special care to the garden before they departed. He really hoped that Shinozaki knew what he was doing when he offered to take care of the garden. Makoto, thankfully, left a few able people to tend to it in case the man was unable to accomplish the task. Rolling over again, Shingo gave up. Throwing the sheets off of his body, he left his cot and headed for the door. As he was leaving the navigator stopped him and requested that he deliver a message to the princess. "Tell her that we've passed the orbit of Mars. At the rate we're going now, we'll be arriving on time in about two days." Shingo nodded to the man in conformation of his message and left. Most of the crew had been ordered to rest by the princess, but there could still be one or two on duty elsewhere. Shingo climbed the ladder that led to the deck. He lifted the hatch and threw it back, climbing up. The chilled air made him shiver slightly as he replaced the hatch quietly. Looking around he noticed there was no one else on deck. Well, he knew the princess was up here somewhere. She preferred being up top than anywhere else in the ship for some reason. Her quarters were unused for most of the journey. Shingo started for the quarter deck pausing only to notice a dark shape moving around at the bow of the ship, 'Must be the watch,' he guessed, moving aft. Ascending the steps he found Makoto sprawled on her back with one arm resting over her eyes, the other situated behind her head like a pillow. He hesitated at the top step for a moment, debating on whether he should bother her or not. His debate ended when she lifted the her arm and silently motioned for him to come. When he obeyed the gesture she returned her arm to its original place over her eyes. Coming close next to her, he sat down cross-legged. "I have a message from the navigator Milady. He says that we've passed the orbit of Mars and that we'll be arriving at the Palace on time. That'll be in about two days." Shingo pulled a few threads from the frayed cuff of his shirt as he spoke. "Feh...yeah, we don't wanna be late now, do we?" Makoto mumbled from beneath her arm. Shingo twirled the frayed ends between his fingers. "Will it be a bad thing if we are?" he asked. "Most likely. I don't think they'd be too happy if I showed up after the ball. Think I did it on purpose or something. Understandable I guess. Considering I've already thought of it," she smirked. Shingo flicked a small string across the deck. Regarding Makoto he asked, "Milady, why are you lying out here, instead of in your quarters?" Makoto sighed in exasperation, "Keeping watch of course." She said this like it was the most obvious thing in the universe. All the while her arm continued to rest over her eyes. Shingo merely nodded. Then remembering she couldn't see him he replied with a small, "Oh...," Still a bit confused. "Then wh–" "It's good that we'll be there soon though Shingo. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave." Makoto rolled onto her stomach so that she was now face down on the deck, cushioning her forehead with her arms. Shingo decided to ignored her aloofness. "What is the Palace like Milady?" Shingo had heard a little from Shinozaki about the Palace, but not much beyond that. Her answer was a little disappointing. "Don't really remember much about it. I know its big, but I was really little when we visited it. Everything was big back then." "Oh...and the people? What are they like?" "No idea," came the muffled reply, "I was kinda shy at the time, so I didn't meet anyone." Shingo was a bit surprised by this, "Well, have you ever met the other princesses?" "Nope." "Really?" Shingo couldn't believe it. "Really...," she answered. "But don't worry, we'll be meeting them at the ball. Then have an entire month to become acquainted." Her voice was sarcastic. "We?!" Shingo squeaked. "I'm to meet them as well?" Makoto moved her head sideways so that she could see Shingo. "Of course. Why wouldn't you? I mean if you don't wanna...I see no reason in making you. I should be the only one who has to suffer through this month." Shingo didn't know whether to jump for joy or go find a nice place to hide until it was all over. Imagine that. Shingo, a servant boy, was going to meet the royalty of the Moon Kingdom. He found himself wondering how they were going to treat him as he pulled more threads from his pant leg. What if he wasn't liked? Were they going to look down on him because he was a servant? He bowed his head. Of course they would, they were royalty. Shingo's thoughts were interrupted as a hand rested over his own, stilling his nervous fidgeting. "Would you stop that already? We can't have a boy in threadbare clothes representing the House of Jupiter." She removed her hand. "Guess I'll have an extra set of clothes prepared for you along with your formal attire when we get to the Palace." Shingo rested his hands in his lap. "Thank you Milady." He sat for a few seconds, thinking on her words, then it hit him. "Formal?! What do you mean formal attire?!" He practically shouted. He was beginning to panic. "Now what's wrong with you? I wasn't going to mention it until we got there, but yes, you'll be attending the ball with the rest of us Shingo. I don't see why you can't." "B-but, I'll be the only servant boy there!" "It's not going to be that bad, there should be some other boys there to...I think. Honestly, no one will even notice anyway." What was she saying?! Of course they'd notice. He was going to be the only small, Jovian, servant boy at a ball full of warriors and royalty. Shingo was about to request of her to forget the formal attire and let him stay in his room during the ball. However, he stopped when she put a hand on his shoulder. He lifted his head to find her sitting up in front of him. "You have absolutely nothing to worry about Shingo. As long as you stick with me no one will bother you, and if they do it'll be the last anyone sees of them anyway." She took her hand from his shoulder and made a fist. "I'll protect you and the others no matter what. Nobody messes with my people." Her face was a cold mask of calm. Shingo bowed his head and started to wonder exactly how far she would go to protect them. He knew how strong Makoto was, but he didn't wish any hurt on her in his place. At the same time, though, he was very relieved to hear her words. They took away any doubt he'd had before, and left him feeling safe. It made his heart swell to think that Makoto held him as one of her own people, and that he would be treated as and equal. Smiling, Shingo thanked his princess and raised his head to tell her that he'd be fine. What he saw, however, made him freeze in mid thought. Makoto's piercing gaze was directed at something over his right shoulder. Towards the direction in which he had entered the quarter deck. She already had a small dagger in one hand and her other seemed to be forming a gesture that was directed at him. As his brain quickly sorted all of these pieces into place, he finally got his senses together enough to follow the motion of her hand. Which was quite obviously telling him to move his ass out of the way, and fast. Shingo obliged by lunging to the left just as Makoto was diving over his rapidly moving form. He hit the wooden deck hard and rolled several times, knocking into the railing. Scrambling, he made his way to the cover of some nearby wooden boxes. As soon as he was behind them, Shingo spun to observe the scene that lay before him. Makoto was charging a shape that slowly emerged onto the quarter deck. As it came into view Shingo ducked further behind the crate in fear, feeling extremely defenseless. "Ch–Chimera," he whispered. His voice cracked as he gripped the crate tightly. The beast roared, barreling violently towards Shingo's protector as a bright flash of light flooded the ship. The thunder roared back....
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