*Disclaimer*
I hate to break it to ya'. . . but I don't own Sailor Moon. Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha and Toei Animation do have those rights. No suing the Cosmic One, for she is simply an admirer. And a very impoverished one at that. Sad, I know (*sniff* *_*) but somehow. . . I will survive!
AN: Thanks to those who reviewed this fic! I'm glad to know that you like what's going on so far. This is a rather long story, though I'll try to keep it from bogging down. It's got a lot of editing to live through as well, since it was written so long ago. Oh, and expect the chapters to be pretty long. . . I combined two or three into each to keep us all from becoming gray trying to get through em'! Anyway, enough of me mouthing. Hope you enjoy Chapter 2!!!
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Clairvoyance, eternalcelestial, & Lara 1786. . . comin' at ya'!!!!
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Fire and Ice
Chapter 2: Dread Encounter and Bad News a Plenty
~~~~~~~
Swords clanged all around the courtyard, voices shouting orders and muffled curses, leaving no peace to be had by anyone in the vicinity. All the action was brought to an abrupt halt, however, as a somewhat tired and irritated voice rose above the rest of the ruckus.
"That's enough for now," Endymion called, wiping his blade on a pant leg of his black uniform. Morning, noon and night found them sparring, preparing for the battles that were surely on their beastly ways to meet the army of the Terrans full force. Though the young prince knew of the importance of such activities, the man was bloody tired, and in no mood to make any excuses as to why he was shunning practice this evening.
"But we've only just begun," Jadeite complained, twirling his blade in one hand.
Not that the fiery blond general was a slave to his training. Far from it, in fact. However, as they could all admit, there were only so many times that they could all feign running one another through in one evening before they were in turn nearly collapsing in boredom due to it.
"Just begun. . . every day we draw breath we do this. I've had quite enough, myself. Gentlemen. . . let us find another amusement for the evening, shall we," Nephrite suggested, sheathing his sword in one fluent motion as the others gathered around him.
"And what do you suggest, wise man? If you have yet to take notice, there isn't much to engage in despite this," Zoisite pointed out, nodding in the direction of his own blade.
"Now. . . there is always the delight of finding feminine company for the evening," Jadeite suggested, causing Endymion to sigh mightily in direct response, shaking his head in disgust.
He was growing quite tired of the harlots of the Earth court, who hid behind titles and extravagant garb in order to throw shadow over their pronounced lack of personality and wit. Although the idea of having his bed and body warmed did appeal to him, he was simply too uninterested with them all to even attempt such a thing. The man had thrown enough raging women out of his chambers on their backsides lately to show just that.
As the men argued amongst themselves on how to waste the evening hours, Endymion's mind kept wandering to the battle that was being waged between his kingdom and the rebels from the so called Black Moon clan. The leader of the ruthless band of bandits. . . Diamond, he was called. . . had pulled some massive trickery on them as of late and the prince was no fool.
It was evident that he had yet to unleash his master plan. No, that they had yet to see. Random raids, a few casualties and a mighty pain and the ass was all they had come to face as of yet, though something lingered upon Endymion's mind. A man so hungry for control and glory would no doubt have insidious visions dancing through his mind.
The hard part was finding the shady bastard. Every time they thought they had him trapped, he'd vanish right from under their noses. Endymion felt that he wasn't quite human to keep escaping them so easily.
And so the prince had grown ridiculously determined to bring a swift end to him, and to restore peace to the kingdom of Earth its people before the madness escalated to new heights. But for now, he was merely attempting to forget about the chaos reining across the lands. He was too tired to bother with it at the time. After all, even royals deserved a bit of respite.
While the group of sweating, somewhat cranky men continued to squabble over how the night should be spent, Endymion suddenly felt a strange sensation shoot through him, like the presence of someone unknown. A fire surged through his body, fading away as quickly as it had struck him. Kunzite, head commander of the band of rogues, noticed the change in his prince, a hard line drawn across his face as he questioned the sudden look of puzzlement displayed by his charge.
"What's the matter, Endymion?" he asked, catching the attention of the others as he awaited a response.
"You look a bit green," he added, clapping his friend on the back so hard that he nearly launched into a coughing fit where he stood.
"No, it's nothing," he replied flatly, clearing his hair from his eyes. The others went back to ignoring him, though a dull ache still lingered within his chest. What on Earth had just occurred?
Two ocean blue eyes continued to scan the outlying tree line beyond the palace grounds, searching for any sign of oncoming peril. But there was none to be found, and soon Endymion too had abandoned his wondering. There was still an entire night to squander, after all.
~~~~~~~
Serenity awoke to find herself in a crumpled heap upon the ground, her head pounding madly as if under attack by a thousand angry mallets. The sun was high in the sky and she wondered how long she'd been sprawled there on the ground like a pile of soiled linens.
The young maiden was definitely not where she had intended to be and it worried her to no end. She wondered just what had gone wrong during her teleport to cause her to end up in such a dreadful mess as this, as her eyes took in her surroundings.
To add to her unrest, the Earth castle was nowhere in sight. All she could see were shrubs and trees and brush, the seemingly endless expanse of foliage all about her. Serenity highly doubted that such a massive structure could be overlooked. Where the hells was she?
As the princess attempted to sit up, her head swam and she was back down on the ground in record time, head held between her hands as she attempted to steady herself a bit. Her eyes, it seemed, were refusing to stop their spinning, and a horrid fit of nausea was quickly threatening to overtake her.
She remembered the wisdom her guardians had shared with her about the gravitational pull on Earth, knowing it to be the reason for her sudden misery. It was much stronger here than on the moon and her body was trying with grand determination to reject it, leaving her feeling more sickly than she could ever remember being in her young life.
After a moment she tried again, fighting back the urge to wretch with determination. She had to keep some kind of composure, being lost in the middle of the forest like an idiot as she was.
Vomiting all over herself would do nothing to improve her situation, she resolved, and she attempted to remind herself of that as she slowly regained control of her faculties. She sat for a moment, her hand over her mouth as she swallowed hard. Panic hadn't yet set in, though it lingered, primed to take over.
The question struck her of just how long it would be before anyone even noticed her curious absence. Surely one of the girls would find her room to be vacant after noticing she'd not dashed downstairs to the breakfast hall.
"Damn," she muttered harshly, cursing the ill luck that had descended upon her. Had she known this would be the outcome of her solo journey, she'd have stayed curled beneath her warm down comforter, surrounded by the soft scent of rose incense and bathed in the comfort she was no stranger to.
But no. . . the princess now found herself hopelessly lost on a foreign planet and completely alone. No one had a bloody clue as to where she'd vanished off to, and in fact, she had no idea herself.
Another realization struck her, causing her to frown in disgust. The climate here was cooler than on the moon, prompting her to wrap her cloak about herself more tightly to combat the vicious chill. She could see her breath before her, dancing in the air as she pulled her hood up over her head to capture all the warmth that she could manage.
From the far end of the trees that surrounded her, she was suddenly assaulted by the sound of horse's hooves beating against the ground. Fear rose in her rapidly, for she had nowhere to run, even if she could manage to force herself to her feet. Serenity tried again to rise and in turn failed once again, cursing herself for attempting such an idiotic thing as teleporting to this beastly planet alone.
Serenity had no other choice but to keep her position, holding her breath as a figure on a massive white steed rode out from the tall fir trees, and the mere sight of him was enough to send shivers racing down her spine. The startled princess felt her body grow cold under his scrutiny as the strange man looked down upon her, riding ever closer all the while.
This man was young, merely a few years older than herself, she guessed, sliding backwards slowly as to keep a bit of distance between them. She noted that his hair was the color of freshly fallen snow, despite his obvious youth, and he wore the uniform of a soldier. Judging from all the decorations upon it, she came to the conclusion that he was of a high rank among whatever band he was a part of.
He slowed his horse to a walk before stopping a few feet from her, Serenity unable to do naught but stare at him the entire while. As he dismounted she met his piercing gaze head on, fear rising in her as she realized that she was unable to look away.
His eyes, dancing with dark violet flames, trapped her completely, leaving her much akin to a frightened dear being perused by a pack of hungry hounds. Whoever this man was, she felt sure that he could not be of the Earth kingdom. A voice in her head demanded that she flee, but she could not. Gravity and fear were against her at the moment, leaving her totally trapped.
"Well, well. I find you at last," the man said smoothly, bending down towards her as he spoke. Serenity reeled backward, but he caught her by the wrists, his grip so tight that she cried out in pain.
"Unhand me this instant!" she demanded loudly, her voice shaking with fear as she struggled to free herself from his death like grip. His fingers were like ice, chilling her very bones as she violently jerked away from him, but to no avail.
"Who are you?" she demanded, still struggling to break free from him as a wicked smirk played across his features.
"My, my. Curious aren't you? That you shall discover soon enough, princess," he told her, hauling her up from the ground so quickly that her head was sent to spinning once again. She felt her knees buckling, and before she could right herself she fell against him, wishing that she'd instead hit the dirt.
"How do you know me?" she asked shakily, her stomach churning as he half carried, half drug her along behind him. Her skin felt as though it would fall directly from her bones.
Whoever this man was. . . oh, but he would pay dearly for treating her so. But she was weak. So weak from her journey. Too weak to put up a fight.
"I have my ways, I assure you. Now come along. I've many plans for you," he said, only sickening her further with his cruelly spoken words.
"I will not go anywhere with you! I told you to let me go! When my mother discovers what you. . ." she started, just to be cut off by the man's too controlled voice.
"Your mother. . . you know, princess, I have always been unable to see the problem between the kingdoms of the Moon and Earth. Both assume that their power is limitless, that it has no bounds at all. I see as much reflected through your words. Do you actually believe that threatening me with your mother's throne will cause me to release you? You are perhaps more naïve than even I had hoped," he noted coldly, causing angry tears to spring to the corners of her crystal blue eyes.
How dare he? How DARE this egotistical bastard speak of her mother and her kingdom in such a way? Angered to madness by the man's arrogance, the young woman suddenly found new resolve. If he were so determined to kidnap her from wherever the hells she'd ended up, he would have to fight for it.
"Now do stop your ranting on come along. I'm growing impatient with this game," he said more sternly, his eyes burning with a cold fire that threatened to chill her very soul. Serenity crossed her arms over her chest, preparing for the struggle to come.
"I won't," she said firmly, digging her heals into the ground as a frown touched his rather fair face. The man sighed mightily, wondering why nothing could ever go without incident.
"Very well. Have it your own way. . . as usual," he added, capturing the panicking girl and tossing her over his shoulder, while she kicked and screamed at the top of her very healthy lungs.
"Put me down! You have no idea what it is you're doing! If you release me now, there will be no consequence!" she told him, but soon it was obvious that he had totally ignored her. He laid her across his saddle before mounting himself, becoming quickly irritated as she continued to struggle. One hand dove into his saddle bag, returning quickly baring a cloth and an amber bottle of some concoction.
In mid scream, Serenity felt the cloth cover her nose and mouth. In a moment, her eyes drooped and soon after she was out cold, her body lying limp in front of him. He hoisted her into a sitting position, one arm wrapped about her waist to hold her steady as he dug his heels into the horse's flanks, starting them off back through the trees.
Diamond smiled to himself, pulling his cargo against his chest more closely. A pity, he thought, to have to treat her in such a way so quickly. But, he would have compliance, and it mattered not to him the way in which it was achieved. With a devilish smirk, he wondered how the kingdoms of the Moon and Earth would react to this. Perhaps at last they would realize that they too would be brought to their knees by their weaknesses.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Following an entire day of reflection, Raye's guilt had finally gotten the best of her. After nightfall had completely descended, she set off to find Serenity, to apologize for the way she'd behaved earlier in the day. As the raven haired woman approached the princesses' chamber, she paused to knock at the door.
"Serenity? It's Raye. I need to speak with you," she tried, awaiting a response. When there was no answer she knocked again, this time a bit more loudly.
"Serenity?" she called again, thinking it strange that there was yet to be an answer. The guardian of fire wondered if her charge was purposefully ignoring her or if she was merely asleep.
Being more than a tad impatient, she decided to go in and see for herself exactly what was keeping the princess so uncharacteristically quiet. After all, Raye knew that she would never get to sleep without talking to her friend first. It would haunt her the entire night until things had been amended. As she entered the room she noticed how quiet it was and it worried her. She didn't feel any presence at all in the room.
"Serenity, are you awake?" she asked harshly, stepping further into the pitch blackness. No answer. She pointed her finger towards a candle on the bedside table next to her and a flame appeared on the wick, shedding a warm glow over the room.
She gasped as she realized that the bed was empty, the covers not even the least bit disturbed by a recent occupant. Serenity was nowhere to be seen. Panic rose in her heart, as the realization struck her suddenly. Serenity had a tendency to run off occasionally, to find a bit of time alone, but this felt different. Her third sight reached out, searching for the aura of her princess. Yet none could be found.
Never had she been unable to sense her if she was near, and the fear rose quickly. She couldn't have. She wouldn't have. . . gods be damned, she had! With a shake of her head, Raye attempted not to grit her teeth as she blew out the candle and went to find the others to break the news.
~~~~~~~~~
"What?" Lita nearly shouted, jerking her head up with a snap.
"She's not there. I don't know where she is," Raye told the other senshi, "but I have a feeling."
"We need to look for her," Mina said, starting to leave the room, before her arm was caught by the senshi of water.
"Wait," Amy prompted, a horrid look upon her face. She too knew what had become of their princess. Denial in this situation would solve nothing, after all.
"What if she went by herself. . . to prove a point," Amy asked, releasing Mina as she tapped her foot nervously.
"I cannot feel her near," Raye all but whispered, head bowed as Lita straightened herself, preparing to react to the situation.
"Oh, gods. She wouldn't. . . yes she would. Damn it!" Lita shouted, stamping her foot angrily. What was that girl thinking? Had she not realized how fragile things were on Earth? Even with all of them accompanying her, the queen had been skeptical. And now she was there alone? In the middle of civil unrest?
"Why didn't we see this coming?" Mina wondered, anger rising in her voice as she began to pace. Being the leader of the band of guardians to the princess, she knew that the responsibility had been hers. She shouldn't have allowed Serenity to flee. That girl was the most bull headed of anyone alive and she knew that the entire situation wouldn't end until something drastic had occurred. But she never thought it would be THIS drastic.
"It's my doing," Raye said, clenching her teeth in frustration.
"I should've left well enough alone."
"Now's not the time for that," Mina said, trying to remain calm. The queen was going to throw an unholy fit. If anything happened to Serenity, none of them would be able to forgive themselves. Fighting for composure, she quickly laid out the plan of action for the others.
"We have to tell the Queen. Amy, Lita. . . you two go and look for her in the gardens, just to be sure. That's our last hope. Raye, come with me. We have to tell her," she resolved, pinching the bridge of her nose. One day, she was simply going to strangle the breath out of Serenity.
"Alright. We'll meet you in the throne room in a bit," Amy told them. The four went about their duties with heavy hearts, knowing that a massive task had been laid before them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
When their search ended with no discovery of Serenity, Amy and Lita made their way back to the throne room, where the queen paced restlessly while the remaining senshi looked on with sullen faces.
"Nothing," Lita announced sourly, emerald eyes clouded.
"By Selene. Girls. . . I believe we all know where my daughter has managed to run off to, do we not?" the queen asked. They all nodded, the emotion in the air hanging so thick that it was nearly enough to choke them all.
"Though I know not what possessed her to depart alone," she continued, her silvery eyes flashing with more emotions than could be easily counted. Raye flushed a bit and Lita put an arm around her shoulders, attempting to comfort her.
"Do not fret. All shall be well," she whispered and the fire senshi nodded, though still unable to believe her words.
"The four of you must go at once to retrieve her. I shall send word to the king and queen of Earth immediately. She may very well be at their castle safe and sound," she said hopefully, though her voice betrayed her true feelings easily.
"Amy dear. . . prepare the transports, please. You must all be prepared to leave as soon as I speak with Agatha and Titus," she told them, hands wringing despite her efforts to appear in control of the situation.
"Yes, majesty," they all agreed in unison. The queen then turned and disappearing into the communications room to make contact with the royals of Earth. Along the way, even though her worries for her little girl overshadowed all other thoughts, she could not help but to smile. Leave it to Serenity. No one else save her dear daughter was capable of causing such a grand scale riot as this.
The queen sighed, sliding into the chair before the large crystal screen used to communicate between kingdoms of the galaxy. Though their kingdoms had been doomed to be at odds since their formations, Agatha and the elder Serenity had still managed to remain friends over the years. Serenity sighed mightily. The queen of the Terrans would understand her plight. She herself was mother to but one child, one that she revered above all others. As a mother, she would identify with the problem she was now facing.
Her conversation with Agatha was a bit terse but very emotional, Serenity's voice nearly breaking as she attempted to convey the situation.
"She's vanished?" Agatha asked, concern in her voice. If the young princess of the Moon was harmed while on Earth, there would be trouble. That much she knew, though her dear friend Serenity was a benevolent ruler. She realized that all she wanted was her daughter's safe return. She herself would have reacted in the same fashion should such a thing have befallen her son.
"I regret that we have not seen her here. . . though I shall indeed assist you," Agatha informed her. The poor woman's eyes were full of such worry. Agatha's heart bled for her, and she became determined to help ease her.
"Fear not, my dear. I shall send my son and his generals to seek her out. They are the best at what they do and you will find none braver. Endymion will not fail," she assured her. Agatha's smiling face on the monitor gave Serenity hope. She recognized the sympathy radiating from the familiar sapphire eyes and her heart was momentarily at ease.
"Thank you, Agatha. I regret that we have placed such a burden upon your Endymion. I fear that my daughter is too bold for her own good. Please tell him to be careful. . . and do thank him on my behalf. Her guardians will be there as soon as possible," she told the raven haired woman, who nodded in response.
"Very well. I shall inform my son immediately. Trust in him, Serenity. From one mother to another. . . your child shall be safe. Peace be with you, until we speak again," she said softly.
"And you, my friend. Thank you," Serenity whispered, before then the monitor went blank. Tears fell silently down the Queen's cheeks, seeming to scorch her skin as they trickled along her skin. She indeed had faith in the prince of Earth and his abilities, but still she could not quell her doubts. Though she was on their planet, possibilities were limitless as to where.
"Oh Serenity. What have you done?" she whispered, closing her eyes to combat her tears.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The gods must despise us all," Mina moaned, slamming her fist down painfully upon the table before her. Only moments earlier, Amy had delivered the news that the teleportation pods were down due to an unknown force blocking the coordinate readings, leaving them unable to do anything at all. . . save wait for any news, which none of them could tolerate at the time.
"Damn it all!" Lita shouted, feeling the urge to hurl lightning at anything that dared to cross her. Though Serenity could be a tad rash, even she had to understand how dangerous a thing she had attempted. How frightened she must be, Lita thought, alone in such a strange new place.
"Why the hells did she think to do this? Doesn't she realize that her crystal is too unpredictable to control by herself? She wasn't ready to attempt teleporting alone!" she growled in frustration, still entertaining the idea of blasting a hole in the wall opposite where she stood.
"Calm down, Lita. We can still track her crystal, I believe," Amy told the others, peaking their interest. She typed furiously at the keyboard before her, attempting to get a lock on the princess.
Just then, the haggard queen entered, eyes tinted red from tears and a look of melancholy upon her face.
"Agatha has agreed to send her son and his generals to retrieve her. Amy, what news, my child?" she wondered, seeing the frustration on all their faces.
"My queen, the pods are down. Something is interfering with the signals, though I know not what. But I'm trying to put a trace on the Silver Crystal. When we find it, then we will be able to deliver the coordinates to Endymion and his men. However, we cannot get to Earth ourselves until the signal returns," she explained, frustration evident in her words.
"Very well. Keep working on it, Amy. Thank you all. . . I appreciate you to no end," she said genuinely, only seeming to upset them further.
'Why should you?' Mina wondered silently. 'We've failed.'
"I'll be in the throne room if any news comes," she told them, exiting in a whirlwind of snow white skirts.
"Have faith. . . we shall find her soon," Amy said confidently, returning her gaze to the monitor in front of her.
"I do hope you're right about that," Mina added, vacant eyes locked upon the screen in front of her comrade.
~~~~~~~~
Serenity awoke some time later, groggy and disoriented. She found herself alone in a large tent, lying amongst a massive pile of pillows upon the floor. Her cloak had been removed, a large blanket covering her in it's place. The maiden's vision doubled for a moment before she shook her head, trying to clear her sight. How did she end up in this strange place? And more importantly, where was she?
The princess sat up carefully, having no wish to fall backward and hit her head upon anything behind her. A concussion would do nothing to help matters, after all.
She found the air around her to be arctic, but her body was quite warm underneath the blankets that had been spread over her. Still she shivered, in remembrance of the eyes of ice that had practically torn her apart earlier.
That man. He had done this. . . brought her to this foreign place against her will. So now, where was the demon? She shivered at the mere thought of him, of those cold eyes that held no emotion. That gaze had paralyzed her and she could feel the fear of him growing deep within. He wasn't an ordinary man, that much she could sense.
A strange power dwelled within him, though she could not decipher the nature of it. All she knew is that she had desperate need to remove herself from his company as soon as possible. Though she had no idea what the plans he'd spoken of were, Serenity was determined not to stay in his presence long enough to find out.
Before she could even get to her feet, the tent flap parted and Diamond entered, his tall figure towering above her. She shrank away from him, trying to make herself disappear from his view entirely.
"I see you're awake. You made quite a fuss earlier, princess. How do fare?" he asked, kneeling before her and looking into her face. She wrapped the blankets more tightly about herself and he chuckled at her ridiculous modesty.
"So lovely a being as you, Serenity, has no need to hide herself from the world. Especially from me," he sighed, reaching out to touch her cheek. She turned her head, his hand halting in mid air and a frown touching his lips.
"Well, now. So, you won't be friendly with me?" he questioned, his dead eyes staring her through. She felt as though he could see everything. . . her every thought and apprehension.
"Who are you? Why have you brought me to this place?" she managed, still keeping a somewhat comfortable distance between them. Still, it wasn't far enough for her liking. Even then she could feel his icy breath upon her cheek, causing her skin to crawl.
"So curious you are. My name is Diamond, and that is all you have need to know. But princess. . . you shall learn to be gracious towards me. That I will see to," he informed her smoothly, his words like daggers to her heart.
Her eyes glared at him defiantly, and a most intense desire to break her where she sat assaulted him. This insolence was just the thing that had led to the current situation on Earth.
Royalty. They thought themselves to be so untouchable. But this girl. . . only heir to the kingdom of the Moon and renowned treasure of the galaxy. She would not be so fortunate. She would experience first hand what it felt like to be degraded. . . as he and his people had been their entire lives.
He leaned in further still, his hand taking rough hold of her chin as he forced her eyes to gaze up into his face. A small smile spread across his lips at the sight of those enormous eyes, wide with fear and uncertainty. So beautiful. So pure and innocent. The sight both disgusted and greatly pleased him, and the girl shuddered visibly as he licked his parched lips thoughtfully.
"Manners we shall work on, girl. Be assured of that. But for now, I advise you to find rest while you are still able. I feel as though you may need all the strength you can call upon later on," he said wickedly, his grip painful as she attempted to hold back the tears springing rapidly forth from her eyes. His impossibly cold gaze frightened her witless. She'd seen that same hunger in men's eyes before, their intentions more than obvious at they stared upon her like a piece of tender flesh.
"I have matters to attend to, but I shall return to you later. Until then. . . do behave yourself, princess," he advised, releasing her harshly as he rose again to his feet. He was gone as abruptly as he'd come, and she was left shaking and alone once more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Endymion and his generals made their way rather loudly down the long main corridor of Terran castle, their moods suddenly changed drastically as his mother, the queen, came out to meet them in the main hall. The look upon her face was grave indeed, and Endymion knew that something egregious had occurred. With a hand habitually upon his sword's hilt, he strode forward, eager to discover what news she brought forth.
"Mother?" he called, his pace quickening, armor clanging loudly as he nearly raced across the stone floor to her.
"Endymion, I bring tidings of woe," she began, her hands clasped firmly together before her. He and his generals grew silent, all awaiting whatever it was she would articulate.
"Serenity, Queen of the Moon Kingdom has contacted me. It seems that her daughter has disappeared and she believes her to be here on our planet. Plans had been made for her to arrive with her guardians tomorrow to practice her diplomatic skills, but for some reason, Princess Serenity chose to leave alone. Her teleport was disrupted and she never made it to our grounds. To make matters worse, her senshi cannot teleport here due to blocked signals, and they are unable to immediately remedy the problem. And so, I have placed a heavy burden upon you all," she said, looking at each in turn.
Kunzite stood stiffly, his mouth a tight line across his face as his jaw clenched tightly. Leave it to a moon brat to cause this much trouble.
"Anything at all, mother, we shall do. Tell me. . . what duty has been assigned to us?" Endymion asked, dread growing in the pit of his stomach as the moments ticked by.
"I have assured the queen that the five of you shall find her daughter and guarantee her safety until her guardians are able to arrive themselves. She is alone out there somewhere Endymion, in a place in which she has never set foot before. You yourself know that many wrongs could happen upon her, and you are also aware of what will happen if harm should come to her while she is here, are you not?" his mother asked.
The young man nodded solemnly. Earth and Moon relations were fragile as it was, and having the only heir to the throne of the Moon kingdom meet her death while under their jurisdiction would mean another war, whether Queen Serenity wished it or no.
The princess was rumored to be much loved by the court of the Moon, and he was sure that she was of utmost importance to them all. And, as badly as the fact irritated him, the inhabitants of her home planet regarded his people as barbarians and would jump at the chance to declare war upon them should it come along. He was brought from his thoughts as his mother again spoke, her voice terribly controlled under the circumstances.
"Her guardians have located her whereabouts by tracking the crystal that lay within her. They have those coordinates and I now have a map of the area in which you will find her," she told them, handing the said map to her son. He took it from her, and studying it for a moment before his eyes narrowed considerably, a frown touching his lips. Though the man was an expert in the area of combat, and had never turned from battle, this was sheer, unbridled lunacy.
"Mother, are you aware of what this shows?" he questioned flatly, holding it out in front of him as if it were a snake intent on striking him. She only nodded, hoping that her faith in her only son would not be tainted.
"What is it?" Zoisite asked curiously, stepping forward to lay eyes upon the accursed map as well.
"Diamond's camp in the north wood," came the curt reply, and the sharp intake of breath sounded soon afterward.
"Gods," Jadeite mumbled, beginning to fidget where he stood. Of all the places she could have ended up, the girl had to land herself in the middle of their greatest enemy's strong hold?
"My son, I know how difficult this shall be. This is our enemy, and the princess is in his grasp. We have a very delicate situation in our hands, though I've nothing but confidence in all of you. The fact remains in stone that if harm comes to her, we may no longer be friendly with the Moon," she stated gravely, her wise eyes pleading for understanding.
Endymion nodded, knowing that there was no way out of the situation in the least. Though he was about to risk his neck for someone he didn't even know, his mother was right as always. It was indeed necessary to maintain what little harmony existed between their two kingdoms.
If not, the lands would be so ravaged by war that no one would make it through unscathed. So it was, with peace hanging by a thread, that Endymion conceded, perhaps sealing his own fate without being remotely aware of the fact.
"Fine. . . we shall leave immediately," he told her, turning to his generals. The looks upon their faces were not joyful, though he knew they would go for the good of the kingdom. Agatha hugged her only son gently, a warm smile gracing her lovely face.
"Queen Serenity has sent her apologies to you. She deeply regrets that her daughter has caused such trouble. But you do realize that she is her only child, and I understand how much she loves her. When you acquire her. . . please protect her, my son. She is all alone, Endymion," Agatha reminded him, hoping that his father's brutish temper would not show during this mission.
"Do not fret, mother. She will be well. I will see to it personally," he promised, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead. She smiled gratefully, her hand running softly down his cheek.
"That I know well, Endymion. I trust in nothing more."
With that he and his generals retired to their quarters, packing for the short journey ahead. It would take no more than a few days to reach the small camp that lay at the foot of the mountains to the north. Even so, he was most assuredly not looking forward to the event.
Endymion knew that no more than 100 men were stationed there. Whether Diamond himself was present or not he could not say. All that mattered was finding the princess and keeping her in one piece, for the very sake of peace. What an atrocious mess.
Why on the azure Earth could she not simply have stayed in the safety of her palace, lavished in the ridiculous luxury that she was certain to know? Surely she had some needlepoint to attend to, or some servants to berate. . . or whatever else the likes of spoiled, irritating young princesses engaged in during the course of their days.
He wondered then, as he shoved random items into his pack, if she realized how much trouble she had really caused. What Diamond wanted with her remained unknown, but he realized that whatever the reason, it could be nothing constructive. Endymion set about the task of gathering his battle armor, cursing the moon princess for being so damned naïve.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Serenity had gained enough courage to peek out the tent flap, though the sight before her immediately prompted her to regret her maneuver.
Two guards stood just outside the only entrance, both staring at her as if she were the main course of some grand banquet. She stumbled quickly back into the safety of the tent, her mind wild with thoughts of being ripped apart by their bare hands.
How would she ever manage to get out of this gods forsaken encampment? As it were, things were looking pretty hopeless. Obviously, the man known as Diamond had no intentions of allowing her to escape.
Serenity wondered if anyone had even realized her absence. The girl felt horrid about what she had done, wishing that she hadn't been possessed to prove herself to Raye the day before. If only she hadn't been so bloody stubborn! All this was happening just because she had to prove a point. . . one that had fizzled to nothingness after all. Now, she found herself even wishing that she were back home, submerged in a fierce verbal war with the fire senshi.
The princess loathed herself for acting like such a foolish child. To be grown, she'd done a grandly juvenile thing indeed. How was she to save herself now?
Using the crystal lying dormant within her body would only cause her to collapse just after she used it, leaving her totally defenseless. And she wasn't even sure that it would work. The damn thing was so unpredictable that it was impossible to know the outcome of it's use at any given time.
Feeling useless and totally frustrated, she sat curled up into herself, feeling wet tears flowing down her cheeks. They seemed to turn to ice as they hit the cold air around her, falling like diamonds to the blankets wrapped around her shaking form.
With nothing else to be done and hopelessness overtaking her, she stretchec herself out beneath the only warmth available, drifting into a deep and troubled sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~
Endymion mounted his enormous black stallion, looking down at his mother, who had come to see them off. His father was away on business on Pluto, the transmissions so scrambled that they had yet to be able to reach him to inform him of the recent developments that had surfaced.
The man knew that his father would lose his wits if he were present. He'd most likely assume his kingly position, pacing about the floor while bellowing about how ridiculous people of the Moon truly were. He had never actually approved of the friendship between his wife and Queen Serenity, but of anyone alive, his mother alone could manage to put an end to his rants. The woman's patience never ceased to amaze him.
"Do be cautious, my dear," his mother advised, squeezing his hand lovingly.
"As always. Tell Queen Serenity and the guardians not to fret. Serenity shall be kept safe," he vowed, his eyes full of a strong determination that she easily recognized. The same lingered in his father's gaze, having been passed from one to the next.
"I know she will. I shall tell them," she promised, stepping back as her son nudged the flanks of his horse, starting the small party off to convene with the reinforcements that were stationed nearby. The raven haired woman watched in silence as they rode on, the generals bowing their heads in turn as they passed her by. She nodded in return, waving as they disappeared out of sight, the forest seeming to consume them in it's emerald embrace.
"Gods be with you all. . . and you, dear princess," she said softly, turning to make her way back to the somewhat abandoned castle. Now, she found herself without both husband and son, an odd feeling indeed. She silently prayed that the princess was safe, and that her son would be able to make good his promise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Does anyone know anything about this princess?" Zoisite asked, trying to start a decent conversation. The ride through the trees was boring enough as it was, much less if it was made in utter silence.
"I have heard that she's the most sought after woman this side of the galaxy," Jadeite chimed in, leaning toward the blond man to his left with a twinkle dancing in his hazel eyes. Endymion's ears perked at the mention of the princess, though he pretended not to be interested in the least as to what they had to say.
"Yes, I hear she's a lovely thing indeed," the saucy general continued, clicking his tongue in a most exaggerated manner.
"Jadeite, does anything save the thought of ravaging women ever dance through your insignificant mind?" Nephrite asked with a roll of his eyes.
"Well, now. . . I believe that YOU are the one who first mentioned her to me, aren't you?" he retorted and the auburn haired Nephrite appeared more than a tad irritated by the truthful comment.
"I myself have never seen her, but I can tell you that I am looking quite forward to it. I'm rather anxious to discover if she is indeed as wonderful as the rumors claim," Jadeite proclaimed, seeming quite happy with the thought.
"Jed, I suggest that when we do find the princess, you leave her be. All we need is a war to begin after you take it upon yourself to maul her," Endymion cut in wryly, causing the blond general chuckle a bit.
"Fine, then, you kill joy. I'll be content with the sight of her, and that alone. . . alright?" he asked with a laugh. Zoisite shook his head. No wonder his comrade could never keep a woman.
"I hear that she's turned down every suitor to come before her," Nephrite added, continuing the small talk.
"Why on Earth would she do that?" Zoisite wondered, becoming interested himself. Kunzite spoke up for the first time then, his feelings for the conversation being made quite evident.
"Perhaps because she is nothing but a spoiled moon brat that enjoys toying with anyone dense enough to fawn over her?" he guessed, his voice flat and laced with no hint of amusement. He greatly disliked those of the moon kingdom, as most Terrans did. It was widely known that they saw the people of Earth as peasants, unfit to associate with inhabitants of the Moon.
In his opinion, this was nothing but an overwhelming annoyance. In reality, the man would be content to allow Diamond have her, but he had his orders. And they would indeed be followed.
"Kunzite, you cannot tell me that you aren't the least bit curious about her! Perhaps you are worried that she would reject you as well!" Jadeite pointed out, roaring with laughter at his own comment.
"Unlike you Jadeite, I prefer women to bratish girls," he shot back, shutting Jadeite up, if only momentarily.
"Could you all be quiet for a while? You're giving me a blasted headache!" Zoisite piped in, setting all four generals into a bout of loud squabbling.
Endymion, however, ignored their mouthing, his mind rapidly filling with odd thoughts.
So she was that popular, was she? He himself wondered if she was really as wonderful as his generals had proclaimed. Curiosity took him over, even as he tried to convince himself of the lunacy of such thoughts. Perhaps he'd just have to discover the truth for himself. . .
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Queen Serenity sat silently in the communications room, her neck stiff from staring at the monitor before her. Her last conversation with Agatha had been hours ago, and she had informed her that Endymion and his generals had set off in search of her beloved daughter.
Agatha had also disclosed that along the way, they would stop to join a unit of their army in order to lay siege to Diamond's encampment. Serenity was worried to no end, having been made aware of the man's dastardly habits and trickery. And her daughter, it seemed, was in his company at that very moment.
It would be a surprise attack, she'd said, and they hoped to snag Serenity out from under his very nose. Agatha had also delivered Endymion's message to her, and she gave her thanks to the gods above that such men had agreed to rescue her daughter.
Meanwhile, the senshi were a terrible mess, especially Raye, who was usually the stone faced of the four. It was more than obvious that she blamed herself totally for the mess Serenity had landed herself in, though the queen had attempted comforting her, assuring her and the others that all would be well.
"Serenity is in very capable hands, my dear. Everything shall turn out for the good. Do not fret so," she advised gently, gathering all four distraught girls together in a hug. They too were like daughters to her, and she felt the pain as it flowed trough them.
"My dear senshi. . . she will return to us soon," she whispered, hoping against hope that her words were true.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serenity's dreams were filled with horrific images, leaving her moaning softly in her sleep. She saw her dear friends running to her, calling her name. But before they could reach her, they disappeared, vanishing without a trace and leaving her alone once more. She screamed for them to return, to save her from the madness she'd fallen into, but they were nowhere to be found. The princess awoke with a start, eyes growing wide as she met something decidedly worse than her nightmares.
Diamond lay beside her, his body pressed close to hers under the blankets, arms wound possessively about her waist as he slept. She was absolutely mortified, fearing that he had taken her while she'd been indisposed. However, she was soon relieved to find herself fully clothed under the blanket they shared, though still disgusted that the man would have nerve enough to be so forward.
He knew who she was though he seemed to be unfazed by her idle threats. Realizing that she could not move without waking him, she was forced to remain still, despite the repulsion of being so close to him.
His breathing was steady as she felt his chest rise against her with each breath he took. This was most definitely not where she wanted to be. Serenity could sense just how dangerous this man was and she wished to be as far away from him as possible. Suddenly, her breath caught as he stirred, causing her to freeze and hope to the gods that he would remain in the grip of his dreams.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Endymion made a valiant attempt at sleep, but soon found it to be useless. The princess had his mind working in overdrive, and he had yet to even lay eyes upon the girl. He wondered why she'd felt the urge to come alone to his planet. Was she too foolish to realize how dangerous a journey it was?
They were in the middle of a war, after all. Kunzite was convinced that she was nothing but a spoiled little tease who liked to stir things up, though the prince didn't exactly agree. She had to be brave to attempt to make the journey alone. He turned to his other side, a smirk appearing upon his face. He was going to thoroughly enjoy stealing Serenity away from that bastard Diamond. That alone would be worth the entire hassle. He turned over once more, his thoughts finally fading to allow him a bit of sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diamond's eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the dim lantern light bathing the tent in it's glow. After a moment, he leaned over the sleeping girl beside him, tracing the delicate curve of her cheek with one hand while admiring her beauty for a time.
She slept like the dead, it seemed, making not a sound as her small form lay curled beneath layer after layer of blankets next to him. She was more than he had imagined. . . a beauty so blinding that it nearly pained him to behold her.
How wondrous it would be, he thought, to possess such a creature as she. And soon he would do just that. She would soon understand what it meant to be subservient, to bow only to him as he so wished. Damn royalty and their airs, always trampling the weak underfoot.
But now, the tables had turned, and he found himself rather enjoying being in control. He smiled slightly, before kissing her softly on the cheek. Soon enough she would know. . . know the pain that had haunted him his entire life.
Somehow, she forced herself to remain still as his lips touched her cheek, though she wished desperately to bolt blinding from the tent without looking back. She decided to play dead for as long as possible, until he'd left her once again. The princess heard him sigh mightily before rising to his feet, and soon after he had vacated the tent. Serenity felt the nausea sweeping over her again, her head swimming and her vision beginning to blur. Darkness soon reigned as she passed out upon the floor of the tent like a sac of dirty laundry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next couple of days passed fairly quickly, though boredom continued to reign for the majority of the ride, until at last Endymion and his generals came upon a campsite laid out in a rather large clearing amongst the trees. This unit of Earth's army would accompany them in the retrieval of the princess. Even Endymion wasn't so bold as to attempt the rescue with a mere four men to back him.
As they approached, the head officer saluted while walking to meet them.
"Good day, your majesty," he greeted, standing stone stiff, hands by his sides as he awaited the address of his captain.
"And to you, Drake. What is the status of you men?" Endymion wondered, shifting slightly in his saddle. He positively loathed riding for days on end. His backside and legs were quite tender at the time, causing the man to long for a hot bath and solid ground beneath his feet.
"We are two hundred strong and well rested, highness. We but await your orders," came the reply, his face nearly expressionless and his slate gray eyes stern.
"Very good. We shall take our leave now. Time is not ours to waste," Endymion pointed out, thinking that the sooner this sporadic siege was over and done with, the sooner he would be able ship that brat of a princess home to hide beneath her mother's skirts .
"Yes sir," Drake said, turning with a raised arm and setting the troops in motion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the third day she'd spent in Diamond's camp, Serenity's hunger was beginning to overpower her. If the man had gumption enough to kidnap her and lie beside her while she slept, could he not at least feed her? At very least, he'd left a canteen sitting on the edge of the pile of pillows and sheets that had served as her bed for the past few days.
Still, she felt weaker with each moment that passed, and each time Diamond was near, she could manage nothing but to feign sleep, for fear of having to face him once again. The fear of him had grown by fathoms, leaving her nearly in tears each time she found herself in his embrace.
Each night she'd actually been conscious, he had come to her, slipping in next to her, his arms going about her as if he had every right in the world to do so. It was all she could do to force herself to remain still while in his arms, the horror of her situation spreading quickly through her.
Tired of lying like a rag doll upon the floor, Serenity got to her feet, allowing her blanket to fall to the ground. The lightheaded princess walked around a bit, feeling almost steady for the first time since she'd left her home. Looking around the tent, she noticed piles of armor and clothing here and there, wondering what he could have planned and how she was to fit into it.
Her thoughts were interrupted by footfalls behind her, and she felt her heart sink directly to her feet. Whirling around, she found herself face to face with the snowy haired man once more. Her shivering was unbridled as his cold violet eyes glowed in the lantern's light, his gaze traveling from her head to her toes and back again. A smirk graced his lips, and he took a step forward, only to have her retreat the same distance backward.
"So you're finally awake. How is it you fare this day, lady Serenity?" he wondered, taking yet another step towards her. She drew back until she felt her back pressing against the tent canvas behind her, leaving no escape from the man who was rapidly progressing towards her.
"Stay back," she muttered, trying desperately to disguise the fear in her voice.
"Poor princess. You're trembling. Why do you tremble?" he asked smoothly, reaching out a hand to caress her cheek. She turned away, her eyes filling with tears. His smile only broadened, as he took note of the grand scale discomfort he was causing her. Oh, but this would be amusing.
"Do not do this. Please. . . let me go. I wish only to return to my home. I mean you now ill will," she pleaded, raising her palms up in front of herself in a small act of defense.
"I would like to believe that. However, those eyes of yours show your lies. Besides, there is something I want, you see," he continued, sliding an arm around her waist in order to draw her small form against him. Her body froze, hands pushing against his chest in desperation as her eyes pleaded with him to release her.
"Please, don't. . . you know not what you do," she tried, heart sinking as she realized that there was no possibility of escaping him.
"You know. . . I always get what I want," he told her, his breath beating like an icy breeze against her cheek. Before she could react, his lips had claimed hers, like absolute ice against her mouth. She attempted to scream, to fight, but her struggles were all in vain. The man was too strong, his arms bound tightly around her with enough force to cause her pain.
In a moment she found herself pinned beneath his body, her hands still attempting to push him away as his own snaked across her clothed body. His lips broke from hers, trailing along her neck, as a heart stopping scream shot forth from her.
"No! Get off of me! Stop! Please, Diamond. . . please," she cried, tears flowing steadily down her cheeks as she writhed under him, trying to force him away. Her breath vanished as his hands turned brutal, forcefully slamming her against the tent floor for compliance. He loathed disobedience, after all. Soon enough, she would learn. Begging would do nothing in her favor.
Her voice cried out in panic, pain not registering as the sound of her dress ripping under his hands reached her. Gods, not this. He was going to take her where she lay, struggling to free herself from her own unintended fate.
One hand broke free, her fingernails raking deeply across his cheek as he growled in pain, his own hand drawing back in retaliation.
"Have you not learned? Need you be taught what you should already know?" he asked darkly, four trails of crimson beginning to slide down the side of his face. His eyes were savage, matching his touch as she shut her eyes tightly, preparing for the blow that would most likely be a blessing. If she were unconscious, at least she be spared having to feel what it was he planned to do to her.
Mere seconds later, an explosion rocked the entire encampment, causing her to shriek and Diamond to draw back, though still pinning her to the floor with the lower half of his body.
"Company calls at the most inopportune moments. Now, I advise you to stay put, princess. I'll be but a moment. Then we shall. . . discuss. . . this poor behavior of yours," he told her, leaning forward to kiss her once again.
Her eyes remained open, wide in fear as his mouth ravaged hers, arms limp at her sides. His teeth nipped her bottom lip as he pulled back, that smirk still gracing his face. The man was soon on his feet, grabbing his scabbard from its resting place upon the floor. He was gone in a moment, leaving Serenity trembling upon the tent floor.
She soon managed to tuck her feet beneath her, bowing her head to her hands as her emotions rushed forward mercilessly. If not for the explosion that had sounded, he would have indeed gotten just what he so desired.
The girl shuddered again, scrubbing the back of one hand furiously across her lips. She still tasted him, like bittersweet ice, still felt his hands upon her, seeking out her every curve and hollow.
Drowning in her own torrent emotions, she was unaware of tent flap being parted, as well as the footsteps that cautiously entered the tent. Suddenly she felt two strong arms wrap themselves about her torso, causing her to cry out as she was lifted hurriedly to her feet.
"No! Don't touch me, demon!" she cried, trying to free herself from his impossibly strong grasp. Already he had returned, to make good his threats. Determined to fight as long as she was able, Serenity turned to face her captor, prepared to show him just how disobedient she could truly be.
Her plan was soon obliterated as she noticed a long black cape swirling around her, and a deep, controlled voice entering her ears.
"Serenity? I have been sent to aid you. You must trust me, princess," the newcomer told her, as he peered down into her face.
"Oh, gods," she breathed, realizing who's arms were indeed about her. It was him. . . the Earth prince. The very reason for the madness she now found herself submerged in.
He was more handsome up close, she soon found, gazing up into his piercing blue eyes. They were so deep, dark like twin oceans and searching the depths of her own.
"I. . . I. . . " she stammered, unable to articulate a single thought under his gaze. So, as per usual when she found herself to be overwhelmed, the princess slumped hard against him in a dead faint, causing the raven haired man to sigh mightily, adjusting his grip on her so as not to allow her to fall to the ground below.
Even as he attempted to keep his thoughts centered around securing the encampment and checking the welfare of the princess, he could not help but think that his generals hadn't done her justice. Though her hair had come undone and her face was smeared with grit, her perfectly innocent beauty shone through still, causing an odd pang to burden his heart.
Endymion then noticed that her royal attire was ripped, nearly right up the middle, exposing her legs to mid thigh. The sight was enough to cause a tick to form in his right eye, though his training soon took control, forcing him to put all obscure musings on hold.
The Earth prince spotted her violet cloak lying upon the floor and draped it over her, before effortlessly swinging her limp body over his shoulder like a sack of flour. He knew better than to linger, even if there had been no sign of Diamond.
As he made his way outside, he wondered what the bastard had done to her while she had been held captive. The ways she fought him was enough to show that it hadn't been pleasant. And her dress. It indeed looked to have been purposefully ripped, causing a flame of anger to erupt within. How could even Diamond have done such a foul thing to this girl? No one deserved that. . . even a brat of the Moon.
Her lovely face was so pale, as if all the blood had drained from her entirely. He resolved to have Zoisite take a look at her as soon as the chaos died down enough for his men to clear a tent to place her in. With many thoughts racing through his mind, Endymion stepped out into the bitter air outside, the unconscious princess hanging over his shoulder.
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So, that's the end of Chapter 2. Worth the wait? Gotta' let me know! Curse that nasty Diamond! Enter the mad pixie bash to the head!!!! (*_*) Hope you enjoyed, and Chapter 3's on the way! Ja Ne!!
*Cosmic Moon Baby*
I hate to break it to ya'. . . but I don't own Sailor Moon. Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha and Toei Animation do have those rights. No suing the Cosmic One, for she is simply an admirer. And a very impoverished one at that. Sad, I know (*sniff* *_*) but somehow. . . I will survive!
AN: Thanks to those who reviewed this fic! I'm glad to know that you like what's going on so far. This is a rather long story, though I'll try to keep it from bogging down. It's got a lot of editing to live through as well, since it was written so long ago. Oh, and expect the chapters to be pretty long. . . I combined two or three into each to keep us all from becoming gray trying to get through em'! Anyway, enough of me mouthing. Hope you enjoy Chapter 2!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Clairvoyance, eternalcelestial, & Lara 1786. . . comin' at ya'!!!!
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Fire and Ice
Chapter 2: Dread Encounter and Bad News a Plenty
~~~~~~~
Swords clanged all around the courtyard, voices shouting orders and muffled curses, leaving no peace to be had by anyone in the vicinity. All the action was brought to an abrupt halt, however, as a somewhat tired and irritated voice rose above the rest of the ruckus.
"That's enough for now," Endymion called, wiping his blade on a pant leg of his black uniform. Morning, noon and night found them sparring, preparing for the battles that were surely on their beastly ways to meet the army of the Terrans full force. Though the young prince knew of the importance of such activities, the man was bloody tired, and in no mood to make any excuses as to why he was shunning practice this evening.
"But we've only just begun," Jadeite complained, twirling his blade in one hand.
Not that the fiery blond general was a slave to his training. Far from it, in fact. However, as they could all admit, there were only so many times that they could all feign running one another through in one evening before they were in turn nearly collapsing in boredom due to it.
"Just begun. . . every day we draw breath we do this. I've had quite enough, myself. Gentlemen. . . let us find another amusement for the evening, shall we," Nephrite suggested, sheathing his sword in one fluent motion as the others gathered around him.
"And what do you suggest, wise man? If you have yet to take notice, there isn't much to engage in despite this," Zoisite pointed out, nodding in the direction of his own blade.
"Now. . . there is always the delight of finding feminine company for the evening," Jadeite suggested, causing Endymion to sigh mightily in direct response, shaking his head in disgust.
He was growing quite tired of the harlots of the Earth court, who hid behind titles and extravagant garb in order to throw shadow over their pronounced lack of personality and wit. Although the idea of having his bed and body warmed did appeal to him, he was simply too uninterested with them all to even attempt such a thing. The man had thrown enough raging women out of his chambers on their backsides lately to show just that.
As the men argued amongst themselves on how to waste the evening hours, Endymion's mind kept wandering to the battle that was being waged between his kingdom and the rebels from the so called Black Moon clan. The leader of the ruthless band of bandits. . . Diamond, he was called. . . had pulled some massive trickery on them as of late and the prince was no fool.
It was evident that he had yet to unleash his master plan. No, that they had yet to see. Random raids, a few casualties and a mighty pain and the ass was all they had come to face as of yet, though something lingered upon Endymion's mind. A man so hungry for control and glory would no doubt have insidious visions dancing through his mind.
The hard part was finding the shady bastard. Every time they thought they had him trapped, he'd vanish right from under their noses. Endymion felt that he wasn't quite human to keep escaping them so easily.
And so the prince had grown ridiculously determined to bring a swift end to him, and to restore peace to the kingdom of Earth its people before the madness escalated to new heights. But for now, he was merely attempting to forget about the chaos reining across the lands. He was too tired to bother with it at the time. After all, even royals deserved a bit of respite.
While the group of sweating, somewhat cranky men continued to squabble over how the night should be spent, Endymion suddenly felt a strange sensation shoot through him, like the presence of someone unknown. A fire surged through his body, fading away as quickly as it had struck him. Kunzite, head commander of the band of rogues, noticed the change in his prince, a hard line drawn across his face as he questioned the sudden look of puzzlement displayed by his charge.
"What's the matter, Endymion?" he asked, catching the attention of the others as he awaited a response.
"You look a bit green," he added, clapping his friend on the back so hard that he nearly launched into a coughing fit where he stood.
"No, it's nothing," he replied flatly, clearing his hair from his eyes. The others went back to ignoring him, though a dull ache still lingered within his chest. What on Earth had just occurred?
Two ocean blue eyes continued to scan the outlying tree line beyond the palace grounds, searching for any sign of oncoming peril. But there was none to be found, and soon Endymion too had abandoned his wondering. There was still an entire night to squander, after all.
~~~~~~~
Serenity awoke to find herself in a crumpled heap upon the ground, her head pounding madly as if under attack by a thousand angry mallets. The sun was high in the sky and she wondered how long she'd been sprawled there on the ground like a pile of soiled linens.
The young maiden was definitely not where she had intended to be and it worried her to no end. She wondered just what had gone wrong during her teleport to cause her to end up in such a dreadful mess as this, as her eyes took in her surroundings.
To add to her unrest, the Earth castle was nowhere in sight. All she could see were shrubs and trees and brush, the seemingly endless expanse of foliage all about her. Serenity highly doubted that such a massive structure could be overlooked. Where the hells was she?
As the princess attempted to sit up, her head swam and she was back down on the ground in record time, head held between her hands as she attempted to steady herself a bit. Her eyes, it seemed, were refusing to stop their spinning, and a horrid fit of nausea was quickly threatening to overtake her.
She remembered the wisdom her guardians had shared with her about the gravitational pull on Earth, knowing it to be the reason for her sudden misery. It was much stronger here than on the moon and her body was trying with grand determination to reject it, leaving her feeling more sickly than she could ever remember being in her young life.
After a moment she tried again, fighting back the urge to wretch with determination. She had to keep some kind of composure, being lost in the middle of the forest like an idiot as she was.
Vomiting all over herself would do nothing to improve her situation, she resolved, and she attempted to remind herself of that as she slowly regained control of her faculties. She sat for a moment, her hand over her mouth as she swallowed hard. Panic hadn't yet set in, though it lingered, primed to take over.
The question struck her of just how long it would be before anyone even noticed her curious absence. Surely one of the girls would find her room to be vacant after noticing she'd not dashed downstairs to the breakfast hall.
"Damn," she muttered harshly, cursing the ill luck that had descended upon her. Had she known this would be the outcome of her solo journey, she'd have stayed curled beneath her warm down comforter, surrounded by the soft scent of rose incense and bathed in the comfort she was no stranger to.
But no. . . the princess now found herself hopelessly lost on a foreign planet and completely alone. No one had a bloody clue as to where she'd vanished off to, and in fact, she had no idea herself.
Another realization struck her, causing her to frown in disgust. The climate here was cooler than on the moon, prompting her to wrap her cloak about herself more tightly to combat the vicious chill. She could see her breath before her, dancing in the air as she pulled her hood up over her head to capture all the warmth that she could manage.
From the far end of the trees that surrounded her, she was suddenly assaulted by the sound of horse's hooves beating against the ground. Fear rose in her rapidly, for she had nowhere to run, even if she could manage to force herself to her feet. Serenity tried again to rise and in turn failed once again, cursing herself for attempting such an idiotic thing as teleporting to this beastly planet alone.
Serenity had no other choice but to keep her position, holding her breath as a figure on a massive white steed rode out from the tall fir trees, and the mere sight of him was enough to send shivers racing down her spine. The startled princess felt her body grow cold under his scrutiny as the strange man looked down upon her, riding ever closer all the while.
This man was young, merely a few years older than herself, she guessed, sliding backwards slowly as to keep a bit of distance between them. She noted that his hair was the color of freshly fallen snow, despite his obvious youth, and he wore the uniform of a soldier. Judging from all the decorations upon it, she came to the conclusion that he was of a high rank among whatever band he was a part of.
He slowed his horse to a walk before stopping a few feet from her, Serenity unable to do naught but stare at him the entire while. As he dismounted she met his piercing gaze head on, fear rising in her as she realized that she was unable to look away.
His eyes, dancing with dark violet flames, trapped her completely, leaving her much akin to a frightened dear being perused by a pack of hungry hounds. Whoever this man was, she felt sure that he could not be of the Earth kingdom. A voice in her head demanded that she flee, but she could not. Gravity and fear were against her at the moment, leaving her totally trapped.
"Well, well. I find you at last," the man said smoothly, bending down towards her as he spoke. Serenity reeled backward, but he caught her by the wrists, his grip so tight that she cried out in pain.
"Unhand me this instant!" she demanded loudly, her voice shaking with fear as she struggled to free herself from his death like grip. His fingers were like ice, chilling her very bones as she violently jerked away from him, but to no avail.
"Who are you?" she demanded, still struggling to break free from him as a wicked smirk played across his features.
"My, my. Curious aren't you? That you shall discover soon enough, princess," he told her, hauling her up from the ground so quickly that her head was sent to spinning once again. She felt her knees buckling, and before she could right herself she fell against him, wishing that she'd instead hit the dirt.
"How do you know me?" she asked shakily, her stomach churning as he half carried, half drug her along behind him. Her skin felt as though it would fall directly from her bones.
Whoever this man was. . . oh, but he would pay dearly for treating her so. But she was weak. So weak from her journey. Too weak to put up a fight.
"I have my ways, I assure you. Now come along. I've many plans for you," he said, only sickening her further with his cruelly spoken words.
"I will not go anywhere with you! I told you to let me go! When my mother discovers what you. . ." she started, just to be cut off by the man's too controlled voice.
"Your mother. . . you know, princess, I have always been unable to see the problem between the kingdoms of the Moon and Earth. Both assume that their power is limitless, that it has no bounds at all. I see as much reflected through your words. Do you actually believe that threatening me with your mother's throne will cause me to release you? You are perhaps more naïve than even I had hoped," he noted coldly, causing angry tears to spring to the corners of her crystal blue eyes.
How dare he? How DARE this egotistical bastard speak of her mother and her kingdom in such a way? Angered to madness by the man's arrogance, the young woman suddenly found new resolve. If he were so determined to kidnap her from wherever the hells she'd ended up, he would have to fight for it.
"Now do stop your ranting on come along. I'm growing impatient with this game," he said more sternly, his eyes burning with a cold fire that threatened to chill her very soul. Serenity crossed her arms over her chest, preparing for the struggle to come.
"I won't," she said firmly, digging her heals into the ground as a frown touched his rather fair face. The man sighed mightily, wondering why nothing could ever go without incident.
"Very well. Have it your own way. . . as usual," he added, capturing the panicking girl and tossing her over his shoulder, while she kicked and screamed at the top of her very healthy lungs.
"Put me down! You have no idea what it is you're doing! If you release me now, there will be no consequence!" she told him, but soon it was obvious that he had totally ignored her. He laid her across his saddle before mounting himself, becoming quickly irritated as she continued to struggle. One hand dove into his saddle bag, returning quickly baring a cloth and an amber bottle of some concoction.
In mid scream, Serenity felt the cloth cover her nose and mouth. In a moment, her eyes drooped and soon after she was out cold, her body lying limp in front of him. He hoisted her into a sitting position, one arm wrapped about her waist to hold her steady as he dug his heels into the horse's flanks, starting them off back through the trees.
Diamond smiled to himself, pulling his cargo against his chest more closely. A pity, he thought, to have to treat her in such a way so quickly. But, he would have compliance, and it mattered not to him the way in which it was achieved. With a devilish smirk, he wondered how the kingdoms of the Moon and Earth would react to this. Perhaps at last they would realize that they too would be brought to their knees by their weaknesses.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Following an entire day of reflection, Raye's guilt had finally gotten the best of her. After nightfall had completely descended, she set off to find Serenity, to apologize for the way she'd behaved earlier in the day. As the raven haired woman approached the princesses' chamber, she paused to knock at the door.
"Serenity? It's Raye. I need to speak with you," she tried, awaiting a response. When there was no answer she knocked again, this time a bit more loudly.
"Serenity?" she called again, thinking it strange that there was yet to be an answer. The guardian of fire wondered if her charge was purposefully ignoring her or if she was merely asleep.
Being more than a tad impatient, she decided to go in and see for herself exactly what was keeping the princess so uncharacteristically quiet. After all, Raye knew that she would never get to sleep without talking to her friend first. It would haunt her the entire night until things had been amended. As she entered the room she noticed how quiet it was and it worried her. She didn't feel any presence at all in the room.
"Serenity, are you awake?" she asked harshly, stepping further into the pitch blackness. No answer. She pointed her finger towards a candle on the bedside table next to her and a flame appeared on the wick, shedding a warm glow over the room.
She gasped as she realized that the bed was empty, the covers not even the least bit disturbed by a recent occupant. Serenity was nowhere to be seen. Panic rose in her heart, as the realization struck her suddenly. Serenity had a tendency to run off occasionally, to find a bit of time alone, but this felt different. Her third sight reached out, searching for the aura of her princess. Yet none could be found.
Never had she been unable to sense her if she was near, and the fear rose quickly. She couldn't have. She wouldn't have. . . gods be damned, she had! With a shake of her head, Raye attempted not to grit her teeth as she blew out the candle and went to find the others to break the news.
~~~~~~~~~
"What?" Lita nearly shouted, jerking her head up with a snap.
"She's not there. I don't know where she is," Raye told the other senshi, "but I have a feeling."
"We need to look for her," Mina said, starting to leave the room, before her arm was caught by the senshi of water.
"Wait," Amy prompted, a horrid look upon her face. She too knew what had become of their princess. Denial in this situation would solve nothing, after all.
"What if she went by herself. . . to prove a point," Amy asked, releasing Mina as she tapped her foot nervously.
"I cannot feel her near," Raye all but whispered, head bowed as Lita straightened herself, preparing to react to the situation.
"Oh, gods. She wouldn't. . . yes she would. Damn it!" Lita shouted, stamping her foot angrily. What was that girl thinking? Had she not realized how fragile things were on Earth? Even with all of them accompanying her, the queen had been skeptical. And now she was there alone? In the middle of civil unrest?
"Why didn't we see this coming?" Mina wondered, anger rising in her voice as she began to pace. Being the leader of the band of guardians to the princess, she knew that the responsibility had been hers. She shouldn't have allowed Serenity to flee. That girl was the most bull headed of anyone alive and she knew that the entire situation wouldn't end until something drastic had occurred. But she never thought it would be THIS drastic.
"It's my doing," Raye said, clenching her teeth in frustration.
"I should've left well enough alone."
"Now's not the time for that," Mina said, trying to remain calm. The queen was going to throw an unholy fit. If anything happened to Serenity, none of them would be able to forgive themselves. Fighting for composure, she quickly laid out the plan of action for the others.
"We have to tell the Queen. Amy, Lita. . . you two go and look for her in the gardens, just to be sure. That's our last hope. Raye, come with me. We have to tell her," she resolved, pinching the bridge of her nose. One day, she was simply going to strangle the breath out of Serenity.
"Alright. We'll meet you in the throne room in a bit," Amy told them. The four went about their duties with heavy hearts, knowing that a massive task had been laid before them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
When their search ended with no discovery of Serenity, Amy and Lita made their way back to the throne room, where the queen paced restlessly while the remaining senshi looked on with sullen faces.
"Nothing," Lita announced sourly, emerald eyes clouded.
"By Selene. Girls. . . I believe we all know where my daughter has managed to run off to, do we not?" the queen asked. They all nodded, the emotion in the air hanging so thick that it was nearly enough to choke them all.
"Though I know not what possessed her to depart alone," she continued, her silvery eyes flashing with more emotions than could be easily counted. Raye flushed a bit and Lita put an arm around her shoulders, attempting to comfort her.
"Do not fret. All shall be well," she whispered and the fire senshi nodded, though still unable to believe her words.
"The four of you must go at once to retrieve her. I shall send word to the king and queen of Earth immediately. She may very well be at their castle safe and sound," she said hopefully, though her voice betrayed her true feelings easily.
"Amy dear. . . prepare the transports, please. You must all be prepared to leave as soon as I speak with Agatha and Titus," she told them, hands wringing despite her efforts to appear in control of the situation.
"Yes, majesty," they all agreed in unison. The queen then turned and disappearing into the communications room to make contact with the royals of Earth. Along the way, even though her worries for her little girl overshadowed all other thoughts, she could not help but to smile. Leave it to Serenity. No one else save her dear daughter was capable of causing such a grand scale riot as this.
The queen sighed, sliding into the chair before the large crystal screen used to communicate between kingdoms of the galaxy. Though their kingdoms had been doomed to be at odds since their formations, Agatha and the elder Serenity had still managed to remain friends over the years. Serenity sighed mightily. The queen of the Terrans would understand her plight. She herself was mother to but one child, one that she revered above all others. As a mother, she would identify with the problem she was now facing.
Her conversation with Agatha was a bit terse but very emotional, Serenity's voice nearly breaking as she attempted to convey the situation.
"She's vanished?" Agatha asked, concern in her voice. If the young princess of the Moon was harmed while on Earth, there would be trouble. That much she knew, though her dear friend Serenity was a benevolent ruler. She realized that all she wanted was her daughter's safe return. She herself would have reacted in the same fashion should such a thing have befallen her son.
"I regret that we have not seen her here. . . though I shall indeed assist you," Agatha informed her. The poor woman's eyes were full of such worry. Agatha's heart bled for her, and she became determined to help ease her.
"Fear not, my dear. I shall send my son and his generals to seek her out. They are the best at what they do and you will find none braver. Endymion will not fail," she assured her. Agatha's smiling face on the monitor gave Serenity hope. She recognized the sympathy radiating from the familiar sapphire eyes and her heart was momentarily at ease.
"Thank you, Agatha. I regret that we have placed such a burden upon your Endymion. I fear that my daughter is too bold for her own good. Please tell him to be careful. . . and do thank him on my behalf. Her guardians will be there as soon as possible," she told the raven haired woman, who nodded in response.
"Very well. I shall inform my son immediately. Trust in him, Serenity. From one mother to another. . . your child shall be safe. Peace be with you, until we speak again," she said softly.
"And you, my friend. Thank you," Serenity whispered, before then the monitor went blank. Tears fell silently down the Queen's cheeks, seeming to scorch her skin as they trickled along her skin. She indeed had faith in the prince of Earth and his abilities, but still she could not quell her doubts. Though she was on their planet, possibilities were limitless as to where.
"Oh Serenity. What have you done?" she whispered, closing her eyes to combat her tears.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The gods must despise us all," Mina moaned, slamming her fist down painfully upon the table before her. Only moments earlier, Amy had delivered the news that the teleportation pods were down due to an unknown force blocking the coordinate readings, leaving them unable to do anything at all. . . save wait for any news, which none of them could tolerate at the time.
"Damn it all!" Lita shouted, feeling the urge to hurl lightning at anything that dared to cross her. Though Serenity could be a tad rash, even she had to understand how dangerous a thing she had attempted. How frightened she must be, Lita thought, alone in such a strange new place.
"Why the hells did she think to do this? Doesn't she realize that her crystal is too unpredictable to control by herself? She wasn't ready to attempt teleporting alone!" she growled in frustration, still entertaining the idea of blasting a hole in the wall opposite where she stood.
"Calm down, Lita. We can still track her crystal, I believe," Amy told the others, peaking their interest. She typed furiously at the keyboard before her, attempting to get a lock on the princess.
Just then, the haggard queen entered, eyes tinted red from tears and a look of melancholy upon her face.
"Agatha has agreed to send her son and his generals to retrieve her. Amy, what news, my child?" she wondered, seeing the frustration on all their faces.
"My queen, the pods are down. Something is interfering with the signals, though I know not what. But I'm trying to put a trace on the Silver Crystal. When we find it, then we will be able to deliver the coordinates to Endymion and his men. However, we cannot get to Earth ourselves until the signal returns," she explained, frustration evident in her words.
"Very well. Keep working on it, Amy. Thank you all. . . I appreciate you to no end," she said genuinely, only seeming to upset them further.
'Why should you?' Mina wondered silently. 'We've failed.'
"I'll be in the throne room if any news comes," she told them, exiting in a whirlwind of snow white skirts.
"Have faith. . . we shall find her soon," Amy said confidently, returning her gaze to the monitor in front of her.
"I do hope you're right about that," Mina added, vacant eyes locked upon the screen in front of her comrade.
~~~~~~~~
Serenity awoke some time later, groggy and disoriented. She found herself alone in a large tent, lying amongst a massive pile of pillows upon the floor. Her cloak had been removed, a large blanket covering her in it's place. The maiden's vision doubled for a moment before she shook her head, trying to clear her sight. How did she end up in this strange place? And more importantly, where was she?
The princess sat up carefully, having no wish to fall backward and hit her head upon anything behind her. A concussion would do nothing to help matters, after all.
She found the air around her to be arctic, but her body was quite warm underneath the blankets that had been spread over her. Still she shivered, in remembrance of the eyes of ice that had practically torn her apart earlier.
That man. He had done this. . . brought her to this foreign place against her will. So now, where was the demon? She shivered at the mere thought of him, of those cold eyes that held no emotion. That gaze had paralyzed her and she could feel the fear of him growing deep within. He wasn't an ordinary man, that much she could sense.
A strange power dwelled within him, though she could not decipher the nature of it. All she knew is that she had desperate need to remove herself from his company as soon as possible. Though she had no idea what the plans he'd spoken of were, Serenity was determined not to stay in his presence long enough to find out.
Before she could even get to her feet, the tent flap parted and Diamond entered, his tall figure towering above her. She shrank away from him, trying to make herself disappear from his view entirely.
"I see you're awake. You made quite a fuss earlier, princess. How do fare?" he asked, kneeling before her and looking into her face. She wrapped the blankets more tightly about herself and he chuckled at her ridiculous modesty.
"So lovely a being as you, Serenity, has no need to hide herself from the world. Especially from me," he sighed, reaching out to touch her cheek. She turned her head, his hand halting in mid air and a frown touching his lips.
"Well, now. So, you won't be friendly with me?" he questioned, his dead eyes staring her through. She felt as though he could see everything. . . her every thought and apprehension.
"Who are you? Why have you brought me to this place?" she managed, still keeping a somewhat comfortable distance between them. Still, it wasn't far enough for her liking. Even then she could feel his icy breath upon her cheek, causing her skin to crawl.
"So curious you are. My name is Diamond, and that is all you have need to know. But princess. . . you shall learn to be gracious towards me. That I will see to," he informed her smoothly, his words like daggers to her heart.
Her eyes glared at him defiantly, and a most intense desire to break her where she sat assaulted him. This insolence was just the thing that had led to the current situation on Earth.
Royalty. They thought themselves to be so untouchable. But this girl. . . only heir to the kingdom of the Moon and renowned treasure of the galaxy. She would not be so fortunate. She would experience first hand what it felt like to be degraded. . . as he and his people had been their entire lives.
He leaned in further still, his hand taking rough hold of her chin as he forced her eyes to gaze up into his face. A small smile spread across his lips at the sight of those enormous eyes, wide with fear and uncertainty. So beautiful. So pure and innocent. The sight both disgusted and greatly pleased him, and the girl shuddered visibly as he licked his parched lips thoughtfully.
"Manners we shall work on, girl. Be assured of that. But for now, I advise you to find rest while you are still able. I feel as though you may need all the strength you can call upon later on," he said wickedly, his grip painful as she attempted to hold back the tears springing rapidly forth from her eyes. His impossibly cold gaze frightened her witless. She'd seen that same hunger in men's eyes before, their intentions more than obvious at they stared upon her like a piece of tender flesh.
"I have matters to attend to, but I shall return to you later. Until then. . . do behave yourself, princess," he advised, releasing her harshly as he rose again to his feet. He was gone as abruptly as he'd come, and she was left shaking and alone once more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Endymion and his generals made their way rather loudly down the long main corridor of Terran castle, their moods suddenly changed drastically as his mother, the queen, came out to meet them in the main hall. The look upon her face was grave indeed, and Endymion knew that something egregious had occurred. With a hand habitually upon his sword's hilt, he strode forward, eager to discover what news she brought forth.
"Mother?" he called, his pace quickening, armor clanging loudly as he nearly raced across the stone floor to her.
"Endymion, I bring tidings of woe," she began, her hands clasped firmly together before her. He and his generals grew silent, all awaiting whatever it was she would articulate.
"Serenity, Queen of the Moon Kingdom has contacted me. It seems that her daughter has disappeared and she believes her to be here on our planet. Plans had been made for her to arrive with her guardians tomorrow to practice her diplomatic skills, but for some reason, Princess Serenity chose to leave alone. Her teleport was disrupted and she never made it to our grounds. To make matters worse, her senshi cannot teleport here due to blocked signals, and they are unable to immediately remedy the problem. And so, I have placed a heavy burden upon you all," she said, looking at each in turn.
Kunzite stood stiffly, his mouth a tight line across his face as his jaw clenched tightly. Leave it to a moon brat to cause this much trouble.
"Anything at all, mother, we shall do. Tell me. . . what duty has been assigned to us?" Endymion asked, dread growing in the pit of his stomach as the moments ticked by.
"I have assured the queen that the five of you shall find her daughter and guarantee her safety until her guardians are able to arrive themselves. She is alone out there somewhere Endymion, in a place in which she has never set foot before. You yourself know that many wrongs could happen upon her, and you are also aware of what will happen if harm should come to her while she is here, are you not?" his mother asked.
The young man nodded solemnly. Earth and Moon relations were fragile as it was, and having the only heir to the throne of the Moon kingdom meet her death while under their jurisdiction would mean another war, whether Queen Serenity wished it or no.
The princess was rumored to be much loved by the court of the Moon, and he was sure that she was of utmost importance to them all. And, as badly as the fact irritated him, the inhabitants of her home planet regarded his people as barbarians and would jump at the chance to declare war upon them should it come along. He was brought from his thoughts as his mother again spoke, her voice terribly controlled under the circumstances.
"Her guardians have located her whereabouts by tracking the crystal that lay within her. They have those coordinates and I now have a map of the area in which you will find her," she told them, handing the said map to her son. He took it from her, and studying it for a moment before his eyes narrowed considerably, a frown touching his lips. Though the man was an expert in the area of combat, and had never turned from battle, this was sheer, unbridled lunacy.
"Mother, are you aware of what this shows?" he questioned flatly, holding it out in front of him as if it were a snake intent on striking him. She only nodded, hoping that her faith in her only son would not be tainted.
"What is it?" Zoisite asked curiously, stepping forward to lay eyes upon the accursed map as well.
"Diamond's camp in the north wood," came the curt reply, and the sharp intake of breath sounded soon afterward.
"Gods," Jadeite mumbled, beginning to fidget where he stood. Of all the places she could have ended up, the girl had to land herself in the middle of their greatest enemy's strong hold?
"My son, I know how difficult this shall be. This is our enemy, and the princess is in his grasp. We have a very delicate situation in our hands, though I've nothing but confidence in all of you. The fact remains in stone that if harm comes to her, we may no longer be friendly with the Moon," she stated gravely, her wise eyes pleading for understanding.
Endymion nodded, knowing that there was no way out of the situation in the least. Though he was about to risk his neck for someone he didn't even know, his mother was right as always. It was indeed necessary to maintain what little harmony existed between their two kingdoms.
If not, the lands would be so ravaged by war that no one would make it through unscathed. So it was, with peace hanging by a thread, that Endymion conceded, perhaps sealing his own fate without being remotely aware of the fact.
"Fine. . . we shall leave immediately," he told her, turning to his generals. The looks upon their faces were not joyful, though he knew they would go for the good of the kingdom. Agatha hugged her only son gently, a warm smile gracing her lovely face.
"Queen Serenity has sent her apologies to you. She deeply regrets that her daughter has caused such trouble. But you do realize that she is her only child, and I understand how much she loves her. When you acquire her. . . please protect her, my son. She is all alone, Endymion," Agatha reminded him, hoping that his father's brutish temper would not show during this mission.
"Do not fret, mother. She will be well. I will see to it personally," he promised, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead. She smiled gratefully, her hand running softly down his cheek.
"That I know well, Endymion. I trust in nothing more."
With that he and his generals retired to their quarters, packing for the short journey ahead. It would take no more than a few days to reach the small camp that lay at the foot of the mountains to the north. Even so, he was most assuredly not looking forward to the event.
Endymion knew that no more than 100 men were stationed there. Whether Diamond himself was present or not he could not say. All that mattered was finding the princess and keeping her in one piece, for the very sake of peace. What an atrocious mess.
Why on the azure Earth could she not simply have stayed in the safety of her palace, lavished in the ridiculous luxury that she was certain to know? Surely she had some needlepoint to attend to, or some servants to berate. . . or whatever else the likes of spoiled, irritating young princesses engaged in during the course of their days.
He wondered then, as he shoved random items into his pack, if she realized how much trouble she had really caused. What Diamond wanted with her remained unknown, but he realized that whatever the reason, it could be nothing constructive. Endymion set about the task of gathering his battle armor, cursing the moon princess for being so damned naïve.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Serenity had gained enough courage to peek out the tent flap, though the sight before her immediately prompted her to regret her maneuver.
Two guards stood just outside the only entrance, both staring at her as if she were the main course of some grand banquet. She stumbled quickly back into the safety of the tent, her mind wild with thoughts of being ripped apart by their bare hands.
How would she ever manage to get out of this gods forsaken encampment? As it were, things were looking pretty hopeless. Obviously, the man known as Diamond had no intentions of allowing her to escape.
Serenity wondered if anyone had even realized her absence. The girl felt horrid about what she had done, wishing that she hadn't been possessed to prove herself to Raye the day before. If only she hadn't been so bloody stubborn! All this was happening just because she had to prove a point. . . one that had fizzled to nothingness after all. Now, she found herself even wishing that she were back home, submerged in a fierce verbal war with the fire senshi.
The princess loathed herself for acting like such a foolish child. To be grown, she'd done a grandly juvenile thing indeed. How was she to save herself now?
Using the crystal lying dormant within her body would only cause her to collapse just after she used it, leaving her totally defenseless. And she wasn't even sure that it would work. The damn thing was so unpredictable that it was impossible to know the outcome of it's use at any given time.
Feeling useless and totally frustrated, she sat curled up into herself, feeling wet tears flowing down her cheeks. They seemed to turn to ice as they hit the cold air around her, falling like diamonds to the blankets wrapped around her shaking form.
With nothing else to be done and hopelessness overtaking her, she stretchec herself out beneath the only warmth available, drifting into a deep and troubled sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~
Endymion mounted his enormous black stallion, looking down at his mother, who had come to see them off. His father was away on business on Pluto, the transmissions so scrambled that they had yet to be able to reach him to inform him of the recent developments that had surfaced.
The man knew that his father would lose his wits if he were present. He'd most likely assume his kingly position, pacing about the floor while bellowing about how ridiculous people of the Moon truly were. He had never actually approved of the friendship between his wife and Queen Serenity, but of anyone alive, his mother alone could manage to put an end to his rants. The woman's patience never ceased to amaze him.
"Do be cautious, my dear," his mother advised, squeezing his hand lovingly.
"As always. Tell Queen Serenity and the guardians not to fret. Serenity shall be kept safe," he vowed, his eyes full of a strong determination that she easily recognized. The same lingered in his father's gaze, having been passed from one to the next.
"I know she will. I shall tell them," she promised, stepping back as her son nudged the flanks of his horse, starting the small party off to convene with the reinforcements that were stationed nearby. The raven haired woman watched in silence as they rode on, the generals bowing their heads in turn as they passed her by. She nodded in return, waving as they disappeared out of sight, the forest seeming to consume them in it's emerald embrace.
"Gods be with you all. . . and you, dear princess," she said softly, turning to make her way back to the somewhat abandoned castle. Now, she found herself without both husband and son, an odd feeling indeed. She silently prayed that the princess was safe, and that her son would be able to make good his promise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Does anyone know anything about this princess?" Zoisite asked, trying to start a decent conversation. The ride through the trees was boring enough as it was, much less if it was made in utter silence.
"I have heard that she's the most sought after woman this side of the galaxy," Jadeite chimed in, leaning toward the blond man to his left with a twinkle dancing in his hazel eyes. Endymion's ears perked at the mention of the princess, though he pretended not to be interested in the least as to what they had to say.
"Yes, I hear she's a lovely thing indeed," the saucy general continued, clicking his tongue in a most exaggerated manner.
"Jadeite, does anything save the thought of ravaging women ever dance through your insignificant mind?" Nephrite asked with a roll of his eyes.
"Well, now. . . I believe that YOU are the one who first mentioned her to me, aren't you?" he retorted and the auburn haired Nephrite appeared more than a tad irritated by the truthful comment.
"I myself have never seen her, but I can tell you that I am looking quite forward to it. I'm rather anxious to discover if she is indeed as wonderful as the rumors claim," Jadeite proclaimed, seeming quite happy with the thought.
"Jed, I suggest that when we do find the princess, you leave her be. All we need is a war to begin after you take it upon yourself to maul her," Endymion cut in wryly, causing the blond general chuckle a bit.
"Fine, then, you kill joy. I'll be content with the sight of her, and that alone. . . alright?" he asked with a laugh. Zoisite shook his head. No wonder his comrade could never keep a woman.
"I hear that she's turned down every suitor to come before her," Nephrite added, continuing the small talk.
"Why on Earth would she do that?" Zoisite wondered, becoming interested himself. Kunzite spoke up for the first time then, his feelings for the conversation being made quite evident.
"Perhaps because she is nothing but a spoiled moon brat that enjoys toying with anyone dense enough to fawn over her?" he guessed, his voice flat and laced with no hint of amusement. He greatly disliked those of the moon kingdom, as most Terrans did. It was widely known that they saw the people of Earth as peasants, unfit to associate with inhabitants of the Moon.
In his opinion, this was nothing but an overwhelming annoyance. In reality, the man would be content to allow Diamond have her, but he had his orders. And they would indeed be followed.
"Kunzite, you cannot tell me that you aren't the least bit curious about her! Perhaps you are worried that she would reject you as well!" Jadeite pointed out, roaring with laughter at his own comment.
"Unlike you Jadeite, I prefer women to bratish girls," he shot back, shutting Jadeite up, if only momentarily.
"Could you all be quiet for a while? You're giving me a blasted headache!" Zoisite piped in, setting all four generals into a bout of loud squabbling.
Endymion, however, ignored their mouthing, his mind rapidly filling with odd thoughts.
So she was that popular, was she? He himself wondered if she was really as wonderful as his generals had proclaimed. Curiosity took him over, even as he tried to convince himself of the lunacy of such thoughts. Perhaps he'd just have to discover the truth for himself. . .
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Queen Serenity sat silently in the communications room, her neck stiff from staring at the monitor before her. Her last conversation with Agatha had been hours ago, and she had informed her that Endymion and his generals had set off in search of her beloved daughter.
Agatha had also disclosed that along the way, they would stop to join a unit of their army in order to lay siege to Diamond's encampment. Serenity was worried to no end, having been made aware of the man's dastardly habits and trickery. And her daughter, it seemed, was in his company at that very moment.
It would be a surprise attack, she'd said, and they hoped to snag Serenity out from under his very nose. Agatha had also delivered Endymion's message to her, and she gave her thanks to the gods above that such men had agreed to rescue her daughter.
Meanwhile, the senshi were a terrible mess, especially Raye, who was usually the stone faced of the four. It was more than obvious that she blamed herself totally for the mess Serenity had landed herself in, though the queen had attempted comforting her, assuring her and the others that all would be well.
"Serenity is in very capable hands, my dear. Everything shall turn out for the good. Do not fret so," she advised gently, gathering all four distraught girls together in a hug. They too were like daughters to her, and she felt the pain as it flowed trough them.
"My dear senshi. . . she will return to us soon," she whispered, hoping against hope that her words were true.
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Serenity's dreams were filled with horrific images, leaving her moaning softly in her sleep. She saw her dear friends running to her, calling her name. But before they could reach her, they disappeared, vanishing without a trace and leaving her alone once more. She screamed for them to return, to save her from the madness she'd fallen into, but they were nowhere to be found. The princess awoke with a start, eyes growing wide as she met something decidedly worse than her nightmares.
Diamond lay beside her, his body pressed close to hers under the blankets, arms wound possessively about her waist as he slept. She was absolutely mortified, fearing that he had taken her while she'd been indisposed. However, she was soon relieved to find herself fully clothed under the blanket they shared, though still disgusted that the man would have nerve enough to be so forward.
He knew who she was though he seemed to be unfazed by her idle threats. Realizing that she could not move without waking him, she was forced to remain still, despite the repulsion of being so close to him.
His breathing was steady as she felt his chest rise against her with each breath he took. This was most definitely not where she wanted to be. Serenity could sense just how dangerous this man was and she wished to be as far away from him as possible. Suddenly, her breath caught as he stirred, causing her to freeze and hope to the gods that he would remain in the grip of his dreams.
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Endymion made a valiant attempt at sleep, but soon found it to be useless. The princess had his mind working in overdrive, and he had yet to even lay eyes upon the girl. He wondered why she'd felt the urge to come alone to his planet. Was she too foolish to realize how dangerous a journey it was?
They were in the middle of a war, after all. Kunzite was convinced that she was nothing but a spoiled little tease who liked to stir things up, though the prince didn't exactly agree. She had to be brave to attempt to make the journey alone. He turned to his other side, a smirk appearing upon his face. He was going to thoroughly enjoy stealing Serenity away from that bastard Diamond. That alone would be worth the entire hassle. He turned over once more, his thoughts finally fading to allow him a bit of sleep.
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Diamond's eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the dim lantern light bathing the tent in it's glow. After a moment, he leaned over the sleeping girl beside him, tracing the delicate curve of her cheek with one hand while admiring her beauty for a time.
She slept like the dead, it seemed, making not a sound as her small form lay curled beneath layer after layer of blankets next to him. She was more than he had imagined. . . a beauty so blinding that it nearly pained him to behold her.
How wondrous it would be, he thought, to possess such a creature as she. And soon he would do just that. She would soon understand what it meant to be subservient, to bow only to him as he so wished. Damn royalty and their airs, always trampling the weak underfoot.
But now, the tables had turned, and he found himself rather enjoying being in control. He smiled slightly, before kissing her softly on the cheek. Soon enough she would know. . . know the pain that had haunted him his entire life.
Somehow, she forced herself to remain still as his lips touched her cheek, though she wished desperately to bolt blinding from the tent without looking back. She decided to play dead for as long as possible, until he'd left her once again. The princess heard him sigh mightily before rising to his feet, and soon after he had vacated the tent. Serenity felt the nausea sweeping over her again, her head swimming and her vision beginning to blur. Darkness soon reigned as she passed out upon the floor of the tent like a sac of dirty laundry.
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The next couple of days passed fairly quickly, though boredom continued to reign for the majority of the ride, until at last Endymion and his generals came upon a campsite laid out in a rather large clearing amongst the trees. This unit of Earth's army would accompany them in the retrieval of the princess. Even Endymion wasn't so bold as to attempt the rescue with a mere four men to back him.
As they approached, the head officer saluted while walking to meet them.
"Good day, your majesty," he greeted, standing stone stiff, hands by his sides as he awaited the address of his captain.
"And to you, Drake. What is the status of you men?" Endymion wondered, shifting slightly in his saddle. He positively loathed riding for days on end. His backside and legs were quite tender at the time, causing the man to long for a hot bath and solid ground beneath his feet.
"We are two hundred strong and well rested, highness. We but await your orders," came the reply, his face nearly expressionless and his slate gray eyes stern.
"Very good. We shall take our leave now. Time is not ours to waste," Endymion pointed out, thinking that the sooner this sporadic siege was over and done with, the sooner he would be able ship that brat of a princess home to hide beneath her mother's skirts .
"Yes sir," Drake said, turning with a raised arm and setting the troops in motion.
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On the third day she'd spent in Diamond's camp, Serenity's hunger was beginning to overpower her. If the man had gumption enough to kidnap her and lie beside her while she slept, could he not at least feed her? At very least, he'd left a canteen sitting on the edge of the pile of pillows and sheets that had served as her bed for the past few days.
Still, she felt weaker with each moment that passed, and each time Diamond was near, she could manage nothing but to feign sleep, for fear of having to face him once again. The fear of him had grown by fathoms, leaving her nearly in tears each time she found herself in his embrace.
Each night she'd actually been conscious, he had come to her, slipping in next to her, his arms going about her as if he had every right in the world to do so. It was all she could do to force herself to remain still while in his arms, the horror of her situation spreading quickly through her.
Tired of lying like a rag doll upon the floor, Serenity got to her feet, allowing her blanket to fall to the ground. The lightheaded princess walked around a bit, feeling almost steady for the first time since she'd left her home. Looking around the tent, she noticed piles of armor and clothing here and there, wondering what he could have planned and how she was to fit into it.
Her thoughts were interrupted by footfalls behind her, and she felt her heart sink directly to her feet. Whirling around, she found herself face to face with the snowy haired man once more. Her shivering was unbridled as his cold violet eyes glowed in the lantern's light, his gaze traveling from her head to her toes and back again. A smirk graced his lips, and he took a step forward, only to have her retreat the same distance backward.
"So you're finally awake. How is it you fare this day, lady Serenity?" he wondered, taking yet another step towards her. She drew back until she felt her back pressing against the tent canvas behind her, leaving no escape from the man who was rapidly progressing towards her.
"Stay back," she muttered, trying desperately to disguise the fear in her voice.
"Poor princess. You're trembling. Why do you tremble?" he asked smoothly, reaching out a hand to caress her cheek. She turned away, her eyes filling with tears. His smile only broadened, as he took note of the grand scale discomfort he was causing her. Oh, but this would be amusing.
"Do not do this. Please. . . let me go. I wish only to return to my home. I mean you now ill will," she pleaded, raising her palms up in front of herself in a small act of defense.
"I would like to believe that. However, those eyes of yours show your lies. Besides, there is something I want, you see," he continued, sliding an arm around her waist in order to draw her small form against him. Her body froze, hands pushing against his chest in desperation as her eyes pleaded with him to release her.
"Please, don't. . . you know not what you do," she tried, heart sinking as she realized that there was no possibility of escaping him.
"You know. . . I always get what I want," he told her, his breath beating like an icy breeze against her cheek. Before she could react, his lips had claimed hers, like absolute ice against her mouth. She attempted to scream, to fight, but her struggles were all in vain. The man was too strong, his arms bound tightly around her with enough force to cause her pain.
In a moment she found herself pinned beneath his body, her hands still attempting to push him away as his own snaked across her clothed body. His lips broke from hers, trailing along her neck, as a heart stopping scream shot forth from her.
"No! Get off of me! Stop! Please, Diamond. . . please," she cried, tears flowing steadily down her cheeks as she writhed under him, trying to force him away. Her breath vanished as his hands turned brutal, forcefully slamming her against the tent floor for compliance. He loathed disobedience, after all. Soon enough, she would learn. Begging would do nothing in her favor.
Her voice cried out in panic, pain not registering as the sound of her dress ripping under his hands reached her. Gods, not this. He was going to take her where she lay, struggling to free herself from her own unintended fate.
One hand broke free, her fingernails raking deeply across his cheek as he growled in pain, his own hand drawing back in retaliation.
"Have you not learned? Need you be taught what you should already know?" he asked darkly, four trails of crimson beginning to slide down the side of his face. His eyes were savage, matching his touch as she shut her eyes tightly, preparing for the blow that would most likely be a blessing. If she were unconscious, at least she be spared having to feel what it was he planned to do to her.
Mere seconds later, an explosion rocked the entire encampment, causing her to shriek and Diamond to draw back, though still pinning her to the floor with the lower half of his body.
"Company calls at the most inopportune moments. Now, I advise you to stay put, princess. I'll be but a moment. Then we shall. . . discuss. . . this poor behavior of yours," he told her, leaning forward to kiss her once again.
Her eyes remained open, wide in fear as his mouth ravaged hers, arms limp at her sides. His teeth nipped her bottom lip as he pulled back, that smirk still gracing his face. The man was soon on his feet, grabbing his scabbard from its resting place upon the floor. He was gone in a moment, leaving Serenity trembling upon the tent floor.
She soon managed to tuck her feet beneath her, bowing her head to her hands as her emotions rushed forward mercilessly. If not for the explosion that had sounded, he would have indeed gotten just what he so desired.
The girl shuddered again, scrubbing the back of one hand furiously across her lips. She still tasted him, like bittersweet ice, still felt his hands upon her, seeking out her every curve and hollow.
Drowning in her own torrent emotions, she was unaware of tent flap being parted, as well as the footsteps that cautiously entered the tent. Suddenly she felt two strong arms wrap themselves about her torso, causing her to cry out as she was lifted hurriedly to her feet.
"No! Don't touch me, demon!" she cried, trying to free herself from his impossibly strong grasp. Already he had returned, to make good his threats. Determined to fight as long as she was able, Serenity turned to face her captor, prepared to show him just how disobedient she could truly be.
Her plan was soon obliterated as she noticed a long black cape swirling around her, and a deep, controlled voice entering her ears.
"Serenity? I have been sent to aid you. You must trust me, princess," the newcomer told her, as he peered down into her face.
"Oh, gods," she breathed, realizing who's arms were indeed about her. It was him. . . the Earth prince. The very reason for the madness she now found herself submerged in.
He was more handsome up close, she soon found, gazing up into his piercing blue eyes. They were so deep, dark like twin oceans and searching the depths of her own.
"I. . . I. . . " she stammered, unable to articulate a single thought under his gaze. So, as per usual when she found herself to be overwhelmed, the princess slumped hard against him in a dead faint, causing the raven haired man to sigh mightily, adjusting his grip on her so as not to allow her to fall to the ground below.
Even as he attempted to keep his thoughts centered around securing the encampment and checking the welfare of the princess, he could not help but think that his generals hadn't done her justice. Though her hair had come undone and her face was smeared with grit, her perfectly innocent beauty shone through still, causing an odd pang to burden his heart.
Endymion then noticed that her royal attire was ripped, nearly right up the middle, exposing her legs to mid thigh. The sight was enough to cause a tick to form in his right eye, though his training soon took control, forcing him to put all obscure musings on hold.
The Earth prince spotted her violet cloak lying upon the floor and draped it over her, before effortlessly swinging her limp body over his shoulder like a sack of flour. He knew better than to linger, even if there had been no sign of Diamond.
As he made his way outside, he wondered what the bastard had done to her while she had been held captive. The ways she fought him was enough to show that it hadn't been pleasant. And her dress. It indeed looked to have been purposefully ripped, causing a flame of anger to erupt within. How could even Diamond have done such a foul thing to this girl? No one deserved that. . . even a brat of the Moon.
Her lovely face was so pale, as if all the blood had drained from her entirely. He resolved to have Zoisite take a look at her as soon as the chaos died down enough for his men to clear a tent to place her in. With many thoughts racing through his mind, Endymion stepped out into the bitter air outside, the unconscious princess hanging over his shoulder.
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So, that's the end of Chapter 2. Worth the wait? Gotta' let me know! Curse that nasty Diamond! Enter the mad pixie bash to the head!!!! (*_*) Hope you enjoyed, and Chapter 3's on the way! Ja Ne!!
*Cosmic Moon Baby*