Title: A Fateful Arrow
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or anything pertaining to the characters.
Author's Notes: Thank you everyone for the reviews and the following. I really appreciate all of your support. I am trying to make a mature story, not just in the sense of rating, but in plot. This chapter I found to be difficult to write because I am trying to get in the head of generals and kings, so it maybe a little off. Nevertheless, I am going to try and update every one to two weeks. Like I said before the story may play different for everyone, but if you have any question, do not hesitate to ask. Thank you and please review!
Chapter 2
It felt hot, the sun having set hours ago, but the battlegrounds left the air sticky and humid. Mid June was upon the war, cascading a ripple effect of heat all around the premises. Steam and sulfur from previous fire explosions, rose into the midnight sky, covering the brightness of the moon and stars with its toxic swirls. Men laid stretched out along the rocky terrain, bloody and scarred, their bodies giving out way before the fighting was over. The grounds were eerily quiet, except for the sound of two swords bashing together.
Clang, Whoosh, Smash.
Sweat trickled down King Endymion's bare chest, riding the ropes of muscles and pooling in his navel as he swung his sword, slamming the heavy metal into his opponent's upraised weapon. Even after a long days battle, he still had the urge to strengthen his sword fighting skills.
Kunzite stumbled backwards falling on his ass, flinging dirt in every direction. Some of it sprinkling on Endymion's freshly polished boots.
"Get up, man," he commanded when his general remained prone.
"Can't," his friend panted.
Endymion frowned. That was the fourth time Kunzite had hit the ground during their training session.
"Damn it all," Kunzite yelled, releasing his inner frustration. The roaring scream brought the Kings attention to his companion.
"Your highness, I do not mean to be disrespectful, but we have been fighting all day, must we train at this very moment." Kunzite looked defeated.
Endymion could not blame his general, his gaze traveling over the ranks of his army. They were exhausted of this ongoing battle, ready to be home with their family and friends. It had been two years since King Endymion declared war against his rival King Diamond. Endymion hated to embark on the journey of death and destruction, but with King Diamond ruling at the throne, war was inevitable. Diamond was a harsh ruler; he tortured his people, starving them into submission. They lay in shackles, as he claims the wealth of the land for himself. The land did house nobles and blue bloods, but they were just as tainted as the King himself. Their wealth only prospered, because Diamond needed a final resource in case his kingdom fell. Now thanks to his rule, his land was in ruins, a land that once thrived, because of Diamond's father. The late King was a grand ruler, treating his people with respect, keeping his land safe from war. He had believed his son would rule in the same way, the poor fool never really knowing what his son's heart truly desired. Now Endymion fights to make all those wronged, right. The burden of killing Diamond rested solely on Endymion's shoulders. The only problem that Endymion faced was no one was able to get close enough to kill the king. Diamond never strayed from his castle, for any reason, possible knowing that one of his enemies would try and assassinate him. He assumed correctly.
"You are right Kunzite," Endymion said, as he reached out his hand to pull his friend up, Kunzite accepting the offer.
"Your highness, I know you are ready for the war to be over, but delicate things do take time." Endymion looked at his general, as his words processed through his mind. Kunzite was taller than the king, and well muscled, with bronze skin and perfectly chiseled features. He was a well advice general, and an even greater friend. They were bonded at birth, Endymion to be King, and Kunzite to be his fateful comrade. The two rarely saw eye to eye in certain situation, but in the end they always found a way to settle an argument. He was the only man Endymion truly trusted.
"You are right, I must have patience, I just pray we will see the end to this brutal war," Endymion said, his words carrying a slight fear in them.
"We will sire, I give you my word," Kunzite said, giving his king a hardy slap on the back.
Suddenly, one of the king's soldiers fumbled his way to Endymion. The man was a watchers, he patrolled the outskirts of the battlefield, making sure no one from Diamonds army trespassed onto their grounds. The soldier was out of breath, and his expression wore only the sight of panic and confusion.
"Your high…ness," the soldier breathed out, hunching over to his knees, so he could give his back and lungs a break from the long distance run.
"Your highness," he repeated again, this time with more urgency, trying to let his lungs adjust to the sudden stopping of his sprinting.
"What is the matter, spit it out man," Endymion waited as he watched the man come back into an upright position.
"Diamond's army is falling back sire, they are retreating from the battlegrounds as we speak," Endymion felt his stomach begin to sink, as his soldier explained the situation.
"Was there any sign of surrendering, were you sure it was his whole army," Kunzite asking the soldier hastily.
"No general, no signs of surrender, and I am positive that his whole army is moving. It seems they are headed back to their kingdom." Kunzite looked at Endymion, dread and wonder gripping the man.
"What could Diamond be thinking, my Lord," Endymion looked onward, not answering the question right away. Turning his back on Kunzite and the soldier, he saw the expansion of his army. He looked out beyond them, seeming lost in himself. The wind breezing past his face, drying his eyes and bringing him back to life. "I do not know general, but whatever he is planning, something evil lurks behind," as he finally answered, still keeping his back turned. He was studying his armies' position.
"What should we do with the army general," Endymion now focused on the only task at hand.
"We cannot keep them here, sire, we do not have an abundance of supplies, but it is upon your decision." Endymion knew his friend spoke the truth. However, it would be a long vogue if his army would have to retreat back, Diamond's soldiers might decide to battle once more. Even with the odds against him, his army needed to replenish themselves. He had no choice; his army must head back to the kingdom.
Endymion turned back to face his soldier. "Tell the men they must be ready and packed, we move out at sunrise on the 'morrow. However, they will have to stay housed in the nearby villages; they must stay close to the castle, in case my orders' are to change."
"Aye, Your Majesty," the soldier bowing, before leaving to tell the rest of the army of the news.
"Kunzite, will you send word of our coming home early. Let the castle know of our plans, and what events have taken place. I wish to be greeted by my other generals, so we may discuss the matters pertaining to King Diamond." The King held strong, but Kunzite could see that he was in turmoil over his decision.
"Yes, King Endymion," Kunzite bowed slightly, walking away towards his tent, to send word immediately.
Endymion slowly inhaled, as his thoughts consumed him. What was Diamond playing at? He needed to find out and soon. Once more the King toke a final glance out into the distance that was his army. His men were already packing up, ready for the anticipated journey home. How he wished he could join them, but something was invading his thoughts.
"Diamond, no matter how long you hide, I will kill you," It was a spoken promise, only meant for him, the wind caring his words to nonexistent ears. One way or another Diamond's blood would run red, no matter the price.
After several grueling days of traveling, King Endymion and his army had finally reached home. There was no news traveling amongst the city of their early arrival, which was how Endymion wanted it to be. However, after entering the gates of the city, the towns' people started to come out of hiding, cheering aloud of the armies return home, and on their false hope of victory. The crowd quickly swelled, as villagers cheered on their king, reaching out to touch him or even the horse that he sat upon. They looked so proud, so innocent, telling his people would prove to be difficult.
"My people," the King held up his hand. The villagers all looked upon him in awe, clapping and celebrating his presence. "Please settle down." The citizens' roars finally silencing; only the faintest of whispers could be heard.
"It saddens me to say this to all of you, but we have come back from war, on false pretenses." The crowd began to stir, his words hitting them hard. "The battle we fought, there is still no victor. Diamond removed his army before we could continue our fight. I greatly apologized, but still I am humbled by your cheering and my army thanks you."
The crowd began to vibrate back to life, but this time with displeasing murmurs.
"Go home, enjoy these days that you have with your men, for we will surly head back to our battlegrounds." With his last words echoing through the ears of his followers, Endymion rode, charging his way to his castle, unfortunately he had more pressing issues to attend too.
Endymion quickly dismounted his horse, handing his stead off to the stable boy. Once inside the castle, he was greeted by his servants. Already they were trying to strip him, and send him on his way to the bath house, but he only wanted to start devising a plan of attacks with his generals.
"Have my men assembled to my table yet," asking the woman in front of him.
She was an elderly woman, the same one that had been with his mother all through her pregnancy. She was also the midwife that helped birth the future king into life. After Endymion's mother passed away, sickness invading into her body, the woman became a substitute in her absence.
"Aye, they are waitin fur ye in yer meeting room, but yer not to ga in until ye had yer bath." She said angrily, pointing her finger in Endymion's face.
"Magdalene!" Irritation hinting at his voice.
"Oh no! Don't ye think about testin ma today boy. Yer goin' eat, and yer definitely goin' ta bathe. I won't be haven ye stinking up ma castle, with yer brute of a smell" she said, cutting him off entirely.
There was nothing Endymion could do at this point, he could not argue with Magdalene, as she pushed him through his room into his grand tub.
After washing off, Endymion grabbed his clothes that were laid out for him across his bed. He quickly dressed, sending word to Magdalene to deliver his food to the meeting room.
Finally, he reached the corridor where his conference room resided, only his elite warriors had permission to enter the room. Opening the door, a heavy burst of tension and chaos casted over the King, as his faithful generals was discussing the happenings of the past few days. All silenced when they noticed their Kings' presence, rising up from their chairs to show their respects.
The room was abnormally tall, the height extending way past the Kings' stature. The walls of the rooms were adorned with hanging banners of the kingdom's emblems, and weapons of medieval times were plastered to the walls, giving the alcove a slight taste of war. Pillars were laid out on each side of the room, each individual one lining up side by side, bringing the eye to the core of the room. The center held a large wooden table with horned chairs tucked underneath, books and scrolls were scattered all around the table, but in the middle harbored a map of King Endymion's kingdom. Small dark ivory statues had been placed along the map, telling a story of where the Kings' boarders laid and where the King's army had attacked. However, Endymion's favorite part of the room was the back wall. Three arches shaped in an upside down 'U' graced itself along the stone. They were constructed from his fathers' imagination. The late King hated how closed in the room had been, so he decided to create the unique windows, giving the chamber some freedom. Endymion could feel the warm breeze on his face, smelling the salty air from the ocean below, sparking wonderful memories of his father.
"Please sit." Endymion gesturing for them to sit back down.
"What is our status as of right now," Endymion asked as he situated himself inside his chair, it was at the head of the table.
Kunzite was the first to speak. "Our army is staying close to base, just as you wished."
Endymion nodded in approval, "Jadeite do you know the status on Diamond's army?"
Jadeite was head of foreign policies for the King, if anyone knew about the lands passing their boarders, it was him.
"Sire, word has spread that his whole fleet is back in their own separate towns, they are not staying close to the castle, as you have ordered for your men to do." Jadeite carried a somber expression on his face, as he told of the situation. He was seated to the left of Endymion.
"Rumors only?" Endymion did not liking hearing reports that were based solely on gossip.
"Aye King, I wanted to wait for your instructions before we continued with our plans." Jadeite said, as he raised his hand to brush out his golden locks that fell into his eye sight. He looked a little pale, dark circles had developed under his blue eyes, obliviously from a lack of sleep.
"Nephrite and Zoisite, how soon do you think the two of you could reach Diamond's fortress?" The King throwing his direction to his two elite men, they were his undercover warriors that only Kunzite, Jadeite, and he knew about. They went where no man dared to go, executing mission that were made directly from the king. They knew of many secrets inside and outside of the castle's walls. "I need to verify that Diamond's men are far away from his castle. Plus, I need the two of you to stay and keep watch over any movements that are made from Diamond's castle." Endymion removed his focus on Nephrite, placing his attention to Zoisite, whom was nodding in approval.
"Zoisite and I will move out tonight." Endymion knew Nephrite would want to start his mission as soon as possible, the night helping him to his advantage.
Zoisite was already standing, ready to get his things in order, so he and Nephrite could begin. "The travel should be less than a day or two. We will set up camp, keeping our ware-about discreet." Now Zoisite was determined, ready to succeed in his mission, failure not being an option. "I will collect as much creditable intel as one can. Nephrite and I will send word to the King, if any important information is found." Zoisite glanced over at Nephrite looking for approval from his partner. Both men did not agree to any terms of their missions, without the other consistent, that was how their operations worked so well.
Nephrite gave an approving nod to Zoisite.
"Good," the King exclaiming, indicating at his confident mood. Looking away from his company, Endymion intertwined his fingers as he looked down at the scripted papers that were scattered amongst the large circular table. "However, we need to keep our line of communication protected. I need the messages to be coded, just in case they find themselves in the wrong hands."
Everyone gave a firm agreement.
"Kunzite will man our arms, making preparation for a new battle; we have to be ready when Diamond decides to return to the battle field."
Kunzite looked at his King with apprehension. "Sire, I do not mean to be disrespectful of your decision, but what if Diamond's army does not move."
Endymion was taken aback by his friends' thoughts. "That would be impossible, this battle must be fought, and it would go against all ethics of war."
"Your Majesty, Diamond does not possess war ethics, so we must prepare for another plan of attack, in case this one fails." Kunzite stood firm, his decision never wavering.
Endymion looked around at his men, unfolding his hands and resting his arms on his chair. His generals' words sank into him; finally he came to an understanding. "Fine, what is your course of action?"
"An assassin," The King shot a glance to Zoisite, trying to read his expression, for his answer had to be false. Zoisite arms were folded out in front of his chest, as he stood strong; he showed no sign of mockery.
"Are you mad? I have yet to even catch a glimpse of Diamond, so I highly doubt an assassin would be able to purse and kill the crazed King." Endymion found himself almost laughing at the deranged thought.
"We are aware of Diamonds' cowardness, but this is no ordinary assassin."
Endymion watched his top general, he was seated to the right of him, he looked uncomfortable in his chair, he was too tall for the back and his hair kept getting tangled into the horns that adorned at the top of the seat.
"The assassin is making a mark, almost becoming a legend. They say the killer lives in the hidden village on the boarders of our kingdom."
Endymion thought back to the location of the village his general spoke about. He knew of hidden village, his father rode there many times. He would always bring back stories of the town, and how the deep dark forest was enchanted. Eventually, the Prince grew up; realizing magic was only for children, and the future king had no time for fairytales. "Yes, I am aware of the village, but how was this person able to dodge the draft of our war?"
"I am not sure; nevertheless, I have intel that this certain village has been invaded countless times. The assassin has been able to kill every intruder except for one." Kunzite said.
"Let me guess, he is your intel," Endymion said mockingly, a smirk forming across his face.
"Aye" Nephrite cutting into the conversation, "He was caught by one of my men, they saw him running out of the woods, screaming for mercy. After capturing him, the man spoke of how all seventeen of his men went down because of one arrow. I thought that was pretty impressive."
Endymion raised his brow, looking skeptical.
"I know the plan is preposterous, but we could use this person's skills to our advantage." Kunzite gave his final voice, waiting for his King's reply.
Endymion inhaled, giving the plan a second thought. He knew his men spoke truth, but could he rely on someone else to do his dirty work. Killing Diamond was not going to be an easy feat; nonetheless, this person could be the key to all of Diamonds undoing.
Endymion moved from his seat, his generals watching his every move, as he walked over to the middle window on the back wall, resting his arm above his head. From this angle, he could see the ocean, as it splashed its watery body against the mountains rocky side. He had once feared this view as a child, never coming close to inspect the height from below. Now he found it memorizing and comforting. No longer was he scared, and no longer was he a child.
"Fine, I will visit this village," as he spoke, facing his generals once more, "and I will put this man to the test."
