Title- A Battle Won

December Challenge- The Shitennou
Theme Three: Sword

He leaned against the fine beige pillar casually, while his precision eyes watched her every move. She had brought him here to her castle floating amongst the stars under the pretense of more innocent plans, but Kunzite knew better of his Venusian host. Her plans were always more than what they seemed. Her movements across the personal training yard were so graceful, like her whole body was made of water; her arms quick and moving streams flowing to her mighty forging legs.

They glistened in the dying light, her muscles pulsing and stretching as she made her turns and dives. Her small tunic dress left only a few things to be imagined, and he knew she would offer up the excuse of it offering her freer mobility. He smirked beside himself, and continued to watch her dance. Kunzite knew she had some skill with the blade, but he never knew the extent of her talent. The sword moved as if an extension of her arm, as if there were no difference between the lines in the metal and the flowing veins beneath her skin. She was spellbinding, and had captured him with her magic long ago.

Silently he approached her from behind, stooping down to grab one of the fine Venusian metal swords standing in the holder. She seemed unaware of his closing proximity, and like a pouncing white tiger he bared his teeth in a wicked smile. He came so close to his prey, but in the end became the hunted. She whirled on him at the last moment, and he found the razor sharp end of her sword coming dangerously close to piercing the skin of his exposed neck. Her eyes were wild blue seas as sweat beaded down her forehead and disappeared into the space between her breast. He lowered his sword and placed his other hand in the air, admitting he had been caught.

"You aren't as skilled as you think you are, my lord general," she said as she dropped the sword, a persistent twinkle of mischief in her eye. "At least, in this field."

"Is that a challenge, Lady Venus?"

"Only if you wish it so. Do you feel up to it? I don't believe you've taken your afternoon nap yet sir," she toyed, flipping the sword in her hands expertly.

"I wouldn't need to take naps if someone let me sleep at night."

"You weren't complaining last night," she shrugged indifferently. "Although I do believe I did hear you say stop a few time-"

"Are you going to talk all day, or get to task at hand?" he interfered and took up a ready stance before her. She acquiesced silently, placing the blade to her face. He could see his reflection between her sparkling eyes, and caught the smirk at the corners of her wet lips that he knew were so soft to the touch. He mentally berated himself, and pushed his consciousness to the task at hand. From the moment he had met the senshi of Venus, Kunzite had been mesmerized by her presence. He allowed few to get close to his inner self, and even fewer had ever bothered to try.

She had destroyed his tarnished views of the world with a quiet look and a soft kiss, and for months he could think of nothing but her. He kept it secret for as long as he could, and even now would not freely admit his adoration. Kunzite was a prideful man, and had a hard time falling for even love. He hated to lose, and even their tête-à-tête's full of innuendos were something he hated to concede, but the princess of Venus seemed to have a mind set on getting the best of him. She had more skill in the area, but Kunzite was always a fast learner. Now Kunzite's thoughts circled around revenge, and with a smirk he charged at his golden lover. There was a side of him he rarely showed, and perhaps it was time to let it shine.

The clashing of their swords echoed throughout the whole courtyard. They dashed around each other, striking and twirling in a deathly dance of skill and strength. He marveled at her grace, countering her attacks knowing any lesser soldier would be a hapless victim against such movement. But he was not. He came after her with force, and he could tell she was shocked at his challenge. He was a calm man, and a passionate outburst was enough to make even his lover surprised. Purposefully he came close to her skin, lashing out at her shoulders and waist. She soon reached her equilibrium again, and met his sword with poise once more. The twinkle in her eyes suddenly sparkled brighter, and Kunzite realized she was about to do something most likely irrational to catch him off guard. However, he was very unprepared for what she would do next.

She let go of her sword, but it did not clatter to the ground. As if gravity had no effect in this strange castle the sword remained where she had left it, suspending by some magical source. With a silent command the sword launched itself at him, attacking like a loyal dog. It almost ran him through, Kunzite was so surprised, but he managed to bring his sword up just in time. It continued to attack him with the skill of its absent master, and for a moment she stood with a sly smile on her face as Kunzite fought with his senses and bodiless foe. Without warning she ran towards him, and all Kunzite could do was watch as she jumped and flipped over his head, unable to defend himself against whatever she had planned while he still battled her sword. When she landed she swept her leg beneath him, and Kunzite watched as his world was flipped upside down.

He landed with a loud grunt and in the process lost his grip on his sword. But it wasn't long before he saw it again. Before he knew it both his and her swords were crossed across his neck with an invisible hand holding each in a steady grip. Her laughter twinkled in his ears, and soon her face came into his view. She could barely hold back her laughter, staring at him with eyes full of mischievous mirth.

"I do believe you've been defeated, my lord."

"How...?"

"I have the power to manipulate metal. What is Cupid without a sharp arrow?"

"I see. What else are you hiding from me?" For a moment her eyes lost their shine, and he felt his heart drop in his chest.

"There's much you don't know about me," she said, but in an instant later her smile returned. The swords left his neck, and he sighed in relief of the pressure. He watched as she sent them back to their holder, and silently they became still pieces of steel once more. "I do believe the rumors were untrue. Clearly I am a greater master of the sword than you."

"A sword is not a master's greatest weapon. It is his wit." Kunzite smiled, remembering his revenge. She noted the change in his posture, and stared at him confused but alert to possible retaliation.

"What?" It was then that Kunzite watched his handiwork unravel itself. The stitches of her tunic, where he had aimed his sword carefully, quickly became undone at her shoulders and the belt around her waist. Like leaves caught in an autumn storm, the princess of Venus' dress came toppling down to her ankles, and surprised she screamed in alarm. He sprung up and placed his foot behind her quivering legs, tripping her as she reeled back in her shock. He caught her before she crashed to the cold stone, and gently lowered both of them to the ground as easily as he could.

He could feel her heart beating wildly as his hand was placed upon her bare back, and he watched her breath rise her glistening chest quickly. But he only chuckled --much to her chagrin-- completely impressed with his dubious plan. Finally, she was the one speechless, and he had to pull on all his training as a gentleman to not let his gentle laughs turn into uncontrollable barks.

"I have disarmed you my lady."

"You've done more than that!" she exclaimed, attempting to cover her current state. Kunzite's quick hand snatched hers however, and held it down beside her head. He lowered his head to hers, capturing her sky blue eyes with his clear crystal gaze. "Why...I never thought you would do something like that!"

"There's much you don't know about me either, Princess. Do you admit defeat?" he whispered against her mouth, sending shivers down her spine.

"Never," she swore, but he knew they both realized the truth. Tonight the victory would go to the fair haired general, and he had done it with a sword and a smile. He smirked, before crushing his lips upon hers, claiming his deserved prize. He would never let her forget this.

Kunzite is always a serious dude, he needs to lighten up. And having a relationship with this crazy one would probably do just that. And everyone likes to have little battles and payback in their relationships, right? Hoped you liked!