Remember to Live

Guard Your Heart

There were three days until the Queen's royal ball. Queen Serenity – the spitting image of love, mercy and truth; the Senshi served a great and worthy master. They had all been hard at work getting everything ready. The ballroom looked gorgeous; decorated with flowers, candles and lights, and a massive, beautiful chandelier hung in the center.

Princess Serenity entered the room. "Good morning, Venus. I am leaving now to see Endymion. Would you like to come with me?"

"Thank you for the offer, Princess, but I think I'll stay here and finish setting up."

"Finish setting up what? We finished last night."

"Yes, but... I figured we could use some more roses in the mix, especially on the south side of the room. That side feels a bit empty."

"Well, um... all right. If that is what you wish to do."

"It is. Tell the prince hello for me."

"Will do."

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The Senshi had to patrol the Moon Kingdom daily, each taking their own shifts. There was never any kind of danger or threat, but the Queen still required it to be on the safe side. While Venus was on her shift that afternoon, she regretted not going with Serenity to Earth. She would have loved to see Kunzite.

But why am I so afraid? Why couldn't I even tell Serenity about him...?

The truth was that she was afraid. Afraid of being heartbroken like she had been in the past. Though, there was something different about Kunzite. Something just felt... right. But that only worried her more. He seemed to be this great, amazing man with a beautiful heart, but what if he turned out to not be that way beneath the surface? She didn't want to lose the image of him that she currently had.

But all the same, she couldn't seem to stay away. Seeing him, even for a moment, brightened her day beyond words.

"Good afternoon, Venus," her fellow blue-haired Guardian said as she walked by, snapping her out of her trance.

"Oh? Hello Mercury."

"Are you feeling all right? I couldn't help but notice your blush." She smiled sweetly.

Rationalizing everything within a matter of seconds, she figured that she might as well tell someone. Mercury seemed to be a trustworthy person for that, as she was the quiet one of the group and would likely not go and repeat anything.

"Actually Mercury, can I tell you something, just between the two of us?"

"Of course. Is everything OK?"

"Yes, no need to worry. I was just... thinking about Kunzite."

"Endymion's head general?"

"Yes, he's the one. I have to be honest... I truly believe that I'm falling for him... but I feel that I shouldn't. Surely you remember what happened in the past..."

"Hon, you should not let the past control you like this. Another man's crimes against you should not prevent you from giving someone else a chance. Kunzite is a good man."

"I know he is. I guess I just worry that he won't be who he appears to be once I become vulnerable. Or, what if I lose him? I don't know... what if he... changes?"

"You are reminding me of some things that I've been reading. 'Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.' [1] 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.' [2] I would advise you to give it a chance with Kunzite, but ONLY if you truly feel that it is right. And, 'above all, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.'" [3]