A Charade Two sets of soft footsteps were the only sounds in the now deserted corridor of the Palace of the Moon. Shingo walked swiftly by the side of a female Jovian warrior They were just returning from their assigned task The soft light from small arched windows illuminated there path in the dark hall. Every other living soul was at the ball celebrating. It had taken a little less than a candle mark to deliver all the gifts to each princess's chamber. They were supposed to be delivered while the princesses were at the ball so that they might open them afterwards when they returned to their rooms. The night had swiftly bore down upon them. All of the crew, having donned their attire for the ball, left quite awhile ago. He, the princess, and the lady warrior he walked with were going to be terribly late and he knew it. The princess had helped them unload all the gifts and dispose of the Chimera. When they'd arrived, Makoto went to explain to the palace guard the circumstances of their late arrival and the crate they carried aboard. She ordered the rest of the crew off to the ball with a message and apology to be delivered to the queen and princess. She would apologize personally later. The immediate concern was getting rid of their unexpected extra cargo, which had been done without question. Many of the guests were on their way to the ball at that time, which confirmed their suspicions as to how late they really were. Some of them had stopped to stare at the antique of a ship that now occupied the harbor. Many tried to catch a glimpse of the rustic crew and their princess, though they had already departed to ready themselves for the ball. The palace guard took care of any loose ends, telling her she should take her leave, for they knew she needed to be at the ball. Shingo was halted in front of a pair of large white double doors. The doors bore the sign of Jupiter engraved into their center. The lady warrior stepped forward and knocked twice on the thick wood. A muffled reply was all they got, at least to Shingo's ears. The woman beside him must have understood, for she pushed the door open and entered ahead of him. Padding in behind her, he took in the surroundings. It was clear for whom it was intended to accommodate. Almost everything in the room had Jupiter's royal colors on it. It was one of the most amazing rooms he had ever seen. His eyes were wide as he noted the large bed, with emerald green sheets that matched the carpeted floor and even the curtains. The ceiling was a huge dome, much like the one back home in the garden had been, except it that it was closed and made totally of glass and iron. The windows that lined the far wall stretched from the ceiling to the floor. From what he could tell through the partially closed curtains, they looked like they led onto a balcony of some sort . The walls were adorned with tapestries and various ornaments that reflected that of Jovian styles. Two in particular caught his eye and he leaned forward a bit trying to get a better look. There were two swords mounted on the far right wall that might serve more as decoration than anything. They were of different sizes, with one being larger and more plain, while the other was smaller and a bit more ornamented. Someone spoke, pulling his attention away from the swords. "This has got to be one of the most useful books I've read lately," Makoto walked into the large room, carrying an extremely thick book in her left hand and something small and shiny in her right. She'd come from a door that must lead to a wash room. "Though I don't read much to begin with, so that shouldn't be a real surprise." She walked purposefully toward a round table set in the corner. On the table were many gifts from the other princesses. Many opened gifts he noted. "Highness," the woman beside him smiled, "you weren't supposed to open those yet." "Whose to know if I open them now or later? Besides, one of them has proved very useful to me." Sitting the book on the table, she pulled the sleeve of her shirt up revealing a long gash in her arm. One that was now held together by rather uneven stitches. "It's a book of medicine. Tells ya about lots of cures to different illnesses. Also had quite a bit about treating open wounds and preventing infection. Useful stuff." "Um, princess, don't tell me you–" "Did it myself," Makoto finished for her, holding up the needle with her right hand. She then pulled a cloth from her back pocket and began to wrap it around the injury. Shingo looked at her in disbelief. He'd forgotten that the Chimera had managed to wound Makoto during their fight. She'd said nothing about it afterwards, so he figured it must be nothing. After seeing the injury, however, he knew she should probably see a healer soon after the ball. "And don't start with me Boarder. I'll see a healer after the ball," Makoto said, then used her teeth to tie the cloth in a knot, securing it on her arm. Shingo smiled, as her words echoed his thoughts. The lady warrior, Boarder, laughed lightly and walked over to the princess. She stopped at the table and looked down at the much praised book. "Medical Treatment for Various Maladies and Mishaps," she read aloud. "So, who's this one from?" Makoto picked up a small blue card and handed it to Boarder. "The princess of Mercury is it? She has quite a long name now doesn't she?" the woman noted, reading the full name at the beginning of the card silently to herself. "Oh, seems you won't have to use it though. She's added an abbreviation she prefers to be addressed by. Ami is short enough, a bit of a strange name." Putting the card down, she scanned over the other presents. "What's this?" she picked up a small yellow bag. "No idea," Makoto answered, taking the bag in her own hands, "But I don't intend to find out until I ask the Princess of Venus." Opening the bag, she let Boarder look inside. "It's some sorta powdery gold ash or something." She tied the bag again. "Weird," the other woman replied. "Maybe it's a medical herb of some kind? These people must think you get yourself banged up a lot," she laughed. "Well, this other one definitely isn't for healing purposes. It's pretty nice. Though I've never had a knack for archery." Makoto held up a long wooden war bow. It was a very fine weapon, dyed green with carvings of oak leaves running up and down its length. She had yet to string it, but knew that it would not disappoint. "I'll have to start practicing I guess," she set it back on the table. "And that was from the war goddess?" Boarder asked. "Ha!" Makoto barked. "I'd bet my right eye that she's never been in a real battle, let alone a war. Probably soft, like the rest of them." Boarder frowned for a moment. "Strength isn't everything Highness, they may posses some very useful skills." "I wonder if you're right. However, they've been kept under a secure guard for so long. None of them have even been able to fight, and beside that, nothing massive enough has ever gotten through the outer defenses to provide much of a challenge. I see to that as well." "Not everything is solved in battle Highness..." Makoto turned to say something back, but Shingo stopped her. "Milady! Why are you not dressed for the ball yet?" Both women turned to the boy. In their debate, they'd forgotten he was there. Boarder looked back to Makoto, noticing that she still wore her loose shirt and rough pants. She and the boy were already dressed for the ball; they had done so before delivering the gifts. Boarder's face took on a slightly panicked look. "How can you not be dressed! You're going to be ridiculously late if you don't hurry." She started making a shooing motion with her hands, directing Makoto to the other side of the room. Makoto made her own shooing motion towards Boarder, and sped off to the wash room. "Alright already! My clothes are in here, and I've got em all laid out so I can just throw em on. We're already late. Being a little later won't matter now anyway." Boarder rolled her eyes and waved her hand in the air in front of her in an exasperated motion. "That's not the point! You don't just throw clothes on for a ball. It takes time to prepare yourself to look decent. Put a little thought into it and you'll look great." She, herself, was wearing a long shimmering green dress that showed her perfect figure nicely. Boarder was one of the most beautiful women in the princess's army, and one of the best warriors. She knew this, and liked to show it off as much as she could. And it wasn't every day that she was able to attend such a formal event. She knew the princess hated these kinds of things, but she should still look her best. Boarder could only wonder how the princess was going to react when she informed her that it was to be a masquerade as well. A few moments later, Makoto emerged from the wash room. "Alright then, I await your inspection. It's been a really long time since I've worn anything like this." Shingo and Boarder turned to appraise their princess. When they saw her they were slightly shocked. Makoto wore a long dark green jacket lined in black, with a white vest underneath. They fit her tall lithe figure perfectly, from her white pants to the tall black leather boots she wore. Her cape was thrown over her left shoulder and the top few buttons of her shirt were left undone. She, in all honesty, looked like the royalty she was. There was only one problem in Boarder's opinion. "Your highness," she gulped slightly, "were you intending on taking on the appearance of a...er..handsome...male?" "Huh?" "Well, you see, when you put on the mask no one will see your face and well..." "Mask? What mask? Why would I wear a mask?" "See that's the thing. I heard just a short while ago that the ball was recently changed to a masquerade ball. It was the Princess's wish that it be done." Makoto just stood there looking at her like she'd grown another head. Moving to sit in a chair by the table she asked, "And where am I supposed to get a mask? I wasn't prepared for this at all." Her eyes lit up for a moment. "Hey, since I don't have one, why should I go? Nobody told me about it, so it's not my fault." Boarder shook her head, and Shingo stepped around her, handing Makoto two masks. "Sorry, they already thought of that one. Seems like you're going weather you like it or not." "Damn." Makoto took the masks from Shingo. One was a black, half face mask trimmed in green with the symbol of Jupiter on the forehead. It was covered in a thin layer of metal with delicate gold etchings of oak leaves scattered across its surface. It would hide most of her features, all but her mouth. The other was a small, dark green mask of a more plain design that would cover only her eyes. It also bore the sign of Jupiter, but much smaller. If she picked that one, she'd do better to not even bother wearing one at all. It's not like anyone would recognize her anyway. She thought on this, then, suddenly, an idea hit her. She could get through this thing with little trouble at all. Boarder had said that she'd look like a man if no one could see her face. She set the green mask down and put the black one on, fastening it securely so it wouldn't fall off. Getting up from her seat, she went to a full length mirror that stood against the wall near the wash room. When she peered into it, she hardly recognized herself. Grinning, Makoto looked over at Boarder and Shingo. "Boarder, you look like royalty tonight." Boarder blushed in response and looked at the floor. "Kind of like...a princess. You could pass for one any day I bet." Boarder jerked her head up to meet Makoto's eyes. "Highness, I am not going to pose as you tonight," she said with firm resolve. Makoto was unfazed by her response "Oh come on. No one is gonna know till afterward anyway. I don't know any of these people, and I don't want them flocking around me. It's not like we'd be breaking any rules. Hell, this might turn out to be kinda fun. I know how much you love the attention, and you don't even have to pretend, just leave it to their imagination. They'll just assume that you're me." Boarder looked at the floor, unsure of how to respond. Sure, she did like attention and it seemed like an innocent enough plan. What was she to question her princess anyway. Makoto could very well order her to do it if she so chose. Boarder sighed and answered, "I wouldn't plan on being ignored though, Highness. You might just get more attention than you bargained for." Makoto was pulling her hair back at the nape of her neck and tying it with a green ribbon. "Oh, I'll just blend into the crowd...maybe find a wall to lean on, or a cushion or something. I'm not obligated to mingle. You'll be doing enough of that for the both of us." Makoto then smiled over at Shingo, "And you can do what you want. Don't worry about anything, Shingo. Stick by me if you like. You might even wanna check out the food. I know I will." Shingo smiled back in reply. Makoto pulled at her open collar. "This thing is hot, let's hurry up and get to the ball so we can get back., I'm not feeling so great tonight." Boarder looked at her, worried. "Are you alright? Do you need something?" "Na, I'm fine, I'm fine. Just a little warm is all." Makoto started for the door, stopping long enough to remove the large sword, that Shingo had been examining earlier, from the wall. Strapping it to her side, she was on her way. "Well, come on or it'll be over by the time we get there. Not that it'd be a bad thing..." It was a long stroll down the corridors to the grand hall where the ball was being held. As they approached the noise grew louder. There were sounds of laughter, music, and the steady banter between guests. When they reached the entry way Makoto peered in and was surprised by how large the room was. It was at least three times bigger than her own grand hall back at the Castle of Jupiter. There were hundreds of guests everywhere. Some were dancing or lounging, and others were clustered in groups conversing in many different languages. The variety of people attending the event was also amazing. Their clothing colors varied depending on the planet they were representing. Looking around, Makoto could only spot a few hints of green here and there. Her people were pretty well spread out among the guests. She felt someone poke her in the side and heard a throat being cleared. Turning, she saw an impatient Boarder motioning for her to go in. Looking once more into the crowded room, she stepped aside and extended her arm, indicating to the other woman that she should go ahead. "Ladies first after all..." Boarder rolled her eyes and walked ahead of them as they entered the massive room. Walking a little to the right, Makoto scanned the crowd, noticing all the differences she was seeing in the people there. They all had a myriad of hair colors and heights that differed greatly from Jovians. Many of them had turned to see who the newcomers were and conversation broke out anew among the groups that were nearer to them. Makoto spotted the raised dias on the far side of the room and pointed it out to Boarder, who nodded. Going to the queen and apologizing was her first priority, so they headed for the throne. Upon reaching it, Makoto stood next to Boarder in front of the queen and both of them bowed in unison. Makoto doubted that Queen Serenity would remember what she looked like, even if she weren't wearing a mask, but she wasn't going to take the chance in letting her charade fail by making it obvious who she was. So she did everything equally as Boarder did. When they apologized, she made sure to be as vague as possible, as did Boarder. The beautiful woman sitting upon the throne and smiling, notified them that the apology was not necessary at the moment and she would accept further details later. For now she wanted them to relax and enjoy themselves. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' "I do hope you will derive some pleasure from the celebration this night. It has been a long time since so many Jovians have attended a ball at the Palace." The Queen looked out over the crowd as she addressed them. "And it has been a very long time, Princess Makoto, since you have graced our hall." Getting no direct response from either of them, she smiled. "Well, I have kept you long enough. Please, go have fun and get to know some of the other guests." She watched them take there leave, noticing the sword hanging from the hip of the taller of the two. Her smile grew bigger as she thought back to a ball that took place many years ago. Back to another tall rogue who had the same bearing and height. One who would have tried the same sort of trick his daughter was now. "I can already tell...she is very much like her father." "Excuse me my Queen? Did you say something?" a voice, close by, startled her. The voice belonged to that of Prince Endymion of Earth. He had a questioning look on his face. "Oh nothing, I was just talking to myself," she answered. "Well, my Queen, there is no need for that. As you can see, there are plenty of people to talk to." He laughed lightly waving a hand towards the crowd. "One in particular that I am looking for at the moment." He scratched the back of his head. "Has my daughter gotten herself lost in the crowd again? You should really tie a string to her or something Endymion." "Well, I'm don't think there is a need for such extremes. You see I already have a string tied to her, as it is to me." He looked out over the crowd. "One that tugs on my heart day after day. It will always lead me back to her." "I do hope so, Endymion. You are such a romantic and you spoil her so. But I could think of none better to love my daughter." Still scanning the crowd for the younger Serenity, he finally spotted her. "Ha! There she is...over by the food. Why didn't I think to look there first?" The Queen shook her head and laughed. Endymion bowed slightly toward her and fairly leapt from the dias in his haste to catch the princess. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Taking the sign of dismissal, the two dispersed. Makoto's mind was not at ease as she left the dias. She still wondered if the Queen realized which one she was. The woman hadn't exactly spoken to one of them directly. It was more like she looked off into the distance as she talked. Like she either wasn't sure whom to speak to or she didn't really mind either way. Sighing heavily, she wanted to find a place to sit down. Spotting some invitingly soft cushions near a pillar, she made her way towards them, telling Boarder to mingle or whatever it was she did at these things. On the way over to them, she noticed that there were a lot of people staring at her, and it was beginning to make her feel uneasy. She hastened her steps past a group of lounging women who seemed to be arguing about something while stealing glances at her now and then. When she was past them she slowed her steps and looked back over her shoulder at the group. A woman with long blond hair was arguing with a raven haired woman who seemed to be ignoring her. The other girl was ignoring both of them.. Her delicate face was framed by feathery blue hair, and she was following someone with her gaze. 'Blue?' Makoto raised one eyebrow, intrigued, 'That's...unique. I wonder if it's naturally that color. Amazing.' She had completely stopped now as she stared at the group. Her mind was contemplating whether she should go over to them so that she could get a closer look at the girl's hair. Just then the dark haired one was finally acknowledging the blond's existence and said something to her. The blonde turned on her cushion to look over in Makoto's direction. She smiled largely and winked, then turned back to the other girl to say something. Meanwhile the girl she addressed looked over the blonde's shoulder at Makoto and made a strange expression and then shook her head at the blond. The girl then smiled and pointed at Makoto, even as she felt herself being physically pulled backwards. Whoever had grabbed her, spun her around very quickly, pulling her towards the dancers. 'What the hell?' Makoto thought as she was almost dragged along by an aqua haired woman. "Hey!" she said, angry. They stopped, suddenly, in the middle of the dancing couples. "What's the idea? I was going to sit down and you just grab me! You got any idea who I– " She stopped herself, realizing she was about to give her identity away already. The aqua haired woman turned to her, smiling. Even with the mask, anyone could tell she was an enchantingly beautiful woman. As her perfect lips were opening to speak, Makoto was trying to flee from the floor. The smile disappeared as the woman grabbed her arm again. This time she got Makoto's wounded one, and holding in a hiss of pain, Makoto conceded to the shorter woman. "Hey yourself." she laughed at Makoto. "You must be one of the most handsome and imposing figures here, and you're trying to get through by lounging on a bunch of cushions? Come on, that would be a waste now, wouldn't it?" she arched an eyebrow seductively as she looked over Makoto's shoulder. Makoto tried to turn and see what the woman was looking at, but she was pulled closer. "Now if you'll be so kind as to lead." They began dancing and having a rather one sided conversation as well. They danced this way for a while. Many other potential partners were becoming impatient with the woman for monopolizing the striking Jovian. They all wanted to have a turn with such an exquisite dancer. The woman was talking again after a short time of silence between them. "I didn't know that Jovians were such good dancers." Makoto looked down at her. "Not all of us are really...my mother taught me to dance. She was most likely the best dancer in the universe." "So, you really can talk." she smiled. "I also didn't realize Jovian's were so tall. I know another who is a little taller than you," she tightened her eyebrows in a frown. "Though she's not a Jovian, and not nearly as...reserved." her jaw tensed a little. Makoto just continued to lead the dance, uncaring. The woman looked over Makoto's shoulder again. As the music they were dancing to came to an end, the woman released her. Makoto brought a hand up to pull on her open collar. She was feeling over heated again and a bit dizzy for some reason. "Who is it that you keep looking for?" Makoto asked, letting her eyes drift over the faces of the other dancers. The woman tensed slightly and, noticing Makoto's signs of discomfort, took her arm again and led her towards one of the open archways on the side of the hall. It led out onto a long balcony that stretched the length of the entire hall. "It's cooler out here." she stated, moving to the railing. Makoto followed her, curiously. "You're right, it is." There were other people out here, so it was not completely secluded. But it offered slight privacy from the hectic room they had come from. Leaning against the railing, Makoto let her head roll back and breathed in the night air. "I must admit that I'm using you." the woman laughed lightly. "You've helped me out before you know?" Makoto looked at the her in confusion. "Huh?" "I'm surprised you don't remember. As you don't receive many visitors in your castle, do you?" Makoto looked closely at the woman, taking in her long aqua hair and porcelain like skin. She did look slightly fragile in some ways, but there was something mysterious about her. Then she finally met her eyes and knew who it was. "You!" The woman laughed. "Yep. It's me. Took you long enough didn't it." "The wayward artist. Michiru was your name wasn't it? I thought I was rid of you..." Michiru answered her with much sarcasm. "You actually remembered my name. I'm so flattered." Her voice returned to normal as she continued. "Yes, you were glad for me to be gone weren't you. I did complete the sculpture by the way. It turned out as perfect as the model." Makoto let out a small 'Hmph' noise. "I just couldn't help it, Makoto. It's too easy to get you flustered. And you did help me out that time, weather you like it or not. That little hiatus on Ganymede probably saved me from making one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Now I've just been trying to keep it all in line. And I'm having a grand time at that to. You should really find something to keep you in line." "I keep everything in line just fine thank you. That's what I do. What are you doing here anyway? I let you stay at my castle for the purpose of your inspiration or whatever. You got to do your sculpture. You're not here for inspiration are you?" "No, I've got all that I can handle now." she smiled and looked to her right. "And now, as I said, you are going to help me again." As Makoto was turning, yet again, to try and catch a glimpse of whoever it was Michiru was looking at, the other woman was coming towards her. Just as she managed to see a tall figure striding quickly in there direction, she was pulled down to the other woman. When the pair of warm lips touched hers she was, to say the least, very confused. Michiru kissed her softly, not deepening the contact any futher. Makoto didn't know what to do, so she just stood there over her, letting Michiru take control of her own lips. She was frozen and didn't know how to react...no one had ever done this to her before. Makoto was just starting to panic when someone roughly pulled her from the other woman's grasp. She was spun around to face a very angry looking young man, with sandy hair and piercing eyes. "And what do you think you're doing?" he questioned in a flat and deadly voice. "I think I'm wishing I was back home and away from you looney people." she answered equally angered. The man let go of his hold on her and spoke again, "I don't know who you are, but I doubt any of this is your problem at the moment," he glanced at Michiru, who was smiling triumphantly. "I would like you to leave us for a bit. There's something I need to clear up." He pushed a book into Makoto's hands and gave her a nudge toward the archway. Makoto, being too dizzy and confused to argue, went on her way. As she walked she looked down at the book she was holding, 'Why would anyone be reading a book at a ball?' she wondered, once again entering the crowded room, only to be barraged by perspective dance partners. Sighing, she accepted the inevitable, regretting her disguise. 'I can understand exactly why someone would be reading a book, and I'd have to say...they're a genius.'
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