The Prince of Pirates

Chapter three.

Serenity was woken-up by a loud knocking on her door. Before she could answer, Endymion barged in.

"Get up, we're leaving. Now."

"What, already?" She screeched, sitting-up abruptly.

"I got what I came for, so yes." Endymion replied, throwing all of Serenity's things on the bed. "Dress quickly. We'll be leaving in ten minutes, if you're not downstairs by then, I'll send Kunzite to drag you out."

"Well, you're in a bad mood. What exactly did you need from here anyway? I thought you were coming to pick Jed up."

"That was the original plan, but Jed's decided to stay. He told me what I needed to know, so there's no need to convince him otherwise."

"Endymion, why are you so angry with him? He's your friend!"

Endymion paused at the door, "Ten minutes." Was all he said before leaving.

Serenity snorted, "Men!" Throwing the covers off, she dressed quickly before walking to the window. She caught a flash of red, it was Rei.

Looking closer, Serenity saw Rei look around nervously, before walking up a narrow path into the forest – where she could no-longer see her.

Narrowing her eyes, she grabbed her cloak, before leaving the room.

She descended the stairs, looked around – finding no one there – and left, following after Rei.

Quickly dashing towards the path, she found herself hidden by the forest of bamboo. The gravel crunched beneath her heals, but stopped as she found stone stairs leading beyond what she could see.

Serenity looked back, before her curiosity won over and she started going up.

She felt like she had walked miles before the stairs once again levelled-out, revealing a temple.

Shocked, she could not help but stare. It wasn't the biggest of buildings, but it was striking, the building itself was red, which stood-out among all the green, and there was a large gate you had to walk under before entering.

But, the most striking feature was the burnt rubble around it, and the ground was scorched.

Serenity walked uneasily. She wasn't the most religious person, where she came from, the people worshiped her mother, who was the supposed ancestor of the goddess of the moon – Selene, and it seemed pointless to Serenity to prey to her mother.

But Luna, her guardian, was very superstitious, and Serenity had learned not to doubt her over the years, and one thing Luna had told her never to do – was enter a place of worship that was not of her own religion.

Especially one which had received damage – that meant it had been abandoned by its gods.

Once again, though, her curiosity and determination drove her on, and inhaling deeply, she trod on.

The inside was dark, all panelled in dry bamboo and the smelled heavily of incense.

Looking around, she noticed light coming from underneath one of the doors. Creeping towards it, she winced when the floor squeaked.

Continuing more carefully, she opened the door an inch, and peaked through.

She couldn't help the gasp that escaped.

* * *

Endymion, after leaving Serenity's room, headed back towards the docks.

He had calmed down since yesterday, but the sting was still there. He didn't even know why he was so angry, which only succeeded in making him feel worse.

That was the problem with Jed, he was too emotional. Endymion knew he would calm down in a month or so – like last time – and they would be able to talk normally.

Rei was trouble. He knew that from the minute he saw her. She was too good at manipulating people, that, and she was a spoilt brat.

Her father was the mayor of the neighbouring town, so she pranced around like she owned the place.

Rei wasn't exactly pure, either. There was a reason she was sent to the temple, she had had a string of lovers way before Jadeite arrived.

But, his friend was obsessed with her, and she was obsessed with him.

It didn't help things that Rei really didn't like to share, and she had it in her head that Serenity had both Endymion and Jadeite wrapped around her finger. Which wasn't true, of course.

Endymion had to admit, though, that he was rather fond of the little princess.

She was as much of a brat as Rei, if not more of one, and she could not shut up or stop complaining.

But there were good things about her too.

Like the fact she did tend to care about other people – though she was more worried about herself – and she was, as Jadeite said, perceptive.

Oh, and the fact that she was beautiful didn't hurt, either.

But Endymion could see she was lonely, scared too, and probably missing home. He was almost positive, however, that he was not in-love with her.

That he knew would take time, time neither of them had.

"Hey." A voice said reluctantly behind him. Turning, he was surprised when he saw Jed. "Where's Serenity? I want to apologize before she leaves."

"She should be back at the inn."

"She wasn't there when I looked."

"What?!" Endymion asked, startled.

"I looked in her room. Her stuff was still there so I figured she was with you or something."

"Damn it! Jed, she's run off! Quickly, we have to find her." Endymion ordered, already running off. "Stupid bitch. She's going to be so sorry when I get a hold of her..." He muttered to himself vehemently as he reached the village.

Looking around, he smiled when he saw small footsteps leading towards the temple, it was a dead-end, and if Serenity went that way, he'd catch her very soon.

* * *

Serenity covered her mouth, trying to retract the sound. Luckily, they hadn't heard her.

It was Rei, and she was with a man Serenity knew all-too-well.

It was Artemis, her Uncle-by-marriage! Maybe he was looking for her? She was about to call out when a hand clamped-down on her mouth.

Looking-up, she saw Endymion, he too was peering through the crack in the door.

"Well?" Artemis asked.

"I've seen her, she's with him." Rei answered.

"I see." He sighed. "How long have they been together?"

"About six months, perhaps longer. He's been hiding her, I've seen her…maybe twice since then." Rei informed.

Serenity was confused, they obviously weren't talking about her… Artemis was looking for someone, but who?

"This isn't good… we have to some her out somehow. Before anybody finds out. Rei, please, do your best." He rose from his seat, walking towards the door.

Endymion quickly dragged them away from the door, outside, and down the path.

"Endymion, you're hurting my wrist." Serenity informed.

"Ha! You're saying it like I care. I warned you! I specifically told you not to escape!"

"What are you talking about? I didn't try to escape!"

"Sure looks like it. Care to explain what 'really' happened?"

"I was following Rei." She mumbled.

"What?"

"I said: I was following Rei!"

"Why?" They had reached the village now, and a tired-looking Jadeite ran up to them.

"Curiosity…"

"Ah, I see you found our little runaway." Jed said, playfully ruffling her hair.

"Endymion, that man back there, he's my Uncle." Serenity informed.

"I know."

"You know?! Well, you should have talked to him then! He could have arranged for my return!"

"You seem to forget, Princess, that you're not a guest, but a captive. And you will not be returning home until I get the money, understood?"

"Perfectly." She ground-out, yanking her arm away, and walking back to the inn.

"What happened?" Jed asked.

"She followed Rei to the temple. She was meeting with the Archduke, again."

"I don't understand. Why is Rei so determined to see her gone?"

"Competition? Money? Who knows… Rei does like her though, does it matter? Kunzite likes her, a lot, and as long as she stays out of my way, she doesn't bother me. Do me a favour and bring Serenity to the ship."

"Sure."

"You know, it's not too late, you can still come with us if you want. I'm thinking of going to Jupiter sands, both Neph and Zoi will be there in about two weeks."

"I don't know…" He answered reluctantly.

Endymion let out a massive sigh. "You can invite Rei."

"What?!"

"Only on the condition that she becomes the Princess' maid. I kill two birds with one stone that way, Serenity stops complaining about having to do everything herself, and Rei learns a lesson."

Jadeite nodded and ran off.

* * *

"You're looking stressed." Kunzite noted.

Endymion looked up from where his head was propped in his hands.

"The Princess stopped complaining, yet?"

He groaned, "Kunzite, she hasn't shut-up for three days! It's always 'Endymion, this food is hardly suitable, I refuse to eat it!' 'Endymion, I want more dresses!' 'Endymion, Rei teased me again! Make her stop!' 'Endymion, I'm sea-sick! Make the sea less bumpy!' I swear, Kunz, next time I hear her complain in that high-pitch voice of hers I'm throwing her off the ship! Money be damned!"

"Tch. You've become such a coward. She's only just hit puberty, she's what, fifteen? I think you should give her a break, you did kidnap her, after all. That's bound to make her uncomfortable. I think it was a good thing you brought Rei aboard." At Endymion's incredulous look, he continued, "No, really. Otherwise, she would have been the only other girl on the ship… well, that she knows of."

"I suppose if the two actually got along, it wouldn't be so bad, but all they do is bicker."

"It'll get better with time. Just you wait."

* * *

"Hey! Watch what you do with that!" Serenity hissed as the comb tugged on her hair.

"Well, if you actually looked after this rat's-nest, it wouldn't hurt when you actually do brush it!"

"Why you…you peasant!"

"Good one, Princess, I don't know how I'll survive that." Rei said dryly, rolling her eyes.

"Just keep brushing." She ordered, crossing her arms. Her ring caught the light and shined in Rei's eyes.

"Wow, that rock is massive!" She announced.

"Yeah… it's my engagement ring." Serenity sighed.

"You sound depressed, do you miss him or… were you just wishing for a bigger rock?"

Serenity laughed, "Not particularly. Diamond is nice and everything, but, all he is to me is a bank. Selfish, I know. But that's how it works for us. Marriage for the upper-class is never for love, it's always a business arrangement. By marrying Diamond, I marry one of the wealthiest Princes, and by marrying me, Diamond becomes a member of the High-Royal family."

"Hmm, sounds sad." Rei said, the mood calmed. "Are there no happy marriages for you?"

"They're not all bad. And there's always the chance of happiness. My father and mother were very content together, until he died. And there's my Uncle-by-marriage, my Aunt – his wife – died. But, now he's free to remarry, and he wants to marry my guardian, Luna. So, it all works out in the end."

"Sounds complicated." Rei admitted.

"Yeah, it is."

It was silent for awhile, before Rei spoke-up. "If, say, Diamond died, would you be like your Uncle, and remarry? For love?"

"Hmm, probably not. Unfortunately, I'm not in the position to do so. As a direct member of the High-royal family, and the King's favourite cousin, no-less, my marriage would be decided by the state. Unless, of course, I was lucky enough to fall in-love with someone equal to my station."

"For once, I'm glad I'm not royal."

"It isn't all bad. Like I told Endymion, I've never known anything else, so how could I regret it?"

"I suppose that's true…"

The silence between them was uncomfortable. So Rei did the only thing she knew how to break it, "I think you should walk more, sitting around all day is making you put on weight."

Serenity fumed.

* * *

Endymion shook his head, hearing the screaming. "Sure Kunz, whatever you say."

* ~ *

"Your Highness?" Luna asked, lightly tapping the door.

"Yes, Luna?" Diamond looked-up from his papers. "What is it? I'm very busy."

"I just received a letter from the Archduke."

"Who?"

"Artemis, of Luna."

"Oh, yes, and?"

"Well, it has some interesting information. He's still looking for her, but, while at Mars docks, he heard people talking. Endymion was sighted with a white-haired woman just three days ago. It seems likely that Serenity was there."

"Excellent! Would you mind if I read the letter myself?"

"Of course not." Luna handed it over and began to walk out, "Please, sir, find her soon."

Diamond barely heard too busy reading the letter. 'Mars docks, huh… where would he go next, I wonder.'

Pulling a map out, Diamond scanned the area. 'Hmm, he's travelling south, by the looks of things. So, the next port will be… Jupiter sands.'

He smirked, Endymion was too predictable. All he needed to do was wait there, and he would come to him.

"Sapphire!" He called out, "Ready the troop, get General Crimson, too. I want to get to Jupiter Sands by the end of the week!"

'Soon, Endymion, I will have you in my grasp, and won't you be sorry."

* ~ *

Serenity hummed as she walked arm-in-arm with Endymion. She took Rei's advice to heart, and didn't want to put-on anymore weight.

"Endymion, what type of bird is that?" She asked excited.

"It's a puffin."

"They look tropical, what are they doing so far out to sea?"

"God, you really don't get out much."

"I believe you've mentioned that already. So, I'm sheltered, what's wrong with that?"

"Just take my word for it, and never venture out by yourself, you'd never survive in this world."

"Hmph, well, you're just full of compliments today, aren't you? You know, Endymion, if you were nicer, I might actually like you."

Endymion smiled, "Really, now?" He picked her up by the waist, twirling her, and she squealed. "I'm a pirate, I don't do nice."

"Endymion! Put me down this instance! I – oomph!" She cut off, Endymion having bumped into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." A delicate voice said.

"That's quite alright, if anything I think it was Mr. Careless' fault."

"Hey! If you had just—" Endymion was cut off when Serenity gasped loudly.

"Minako! Is that you?"

"Serenity!?"

"Wait, you two know each other?" Endymion asked confused.

"Endymion! You brute! What, kidnapping me wasn't good enough? You had to take my cousin too?" Serenity screamed.

"Wait, you're cousins?"

"Well, no, not exactly. Minako, is Artemis' ward. And you abducted her!"

"Serenity! It's not what you think! I ran away, six months ago!" Minako insisted.

"What? I thought you were at boarding school! All this time you've been here?! Why?"

"Serenity, I… fell in love."

"What?! Not with him, I hope." She asked disdainfully, pointing at Endymion.

"Hey!" He exclaimed, wounded.

"No. Not him. Kunzite." She mumbled, embarrassed.

"Oh, Minako…" Serenity said sadly, "You're who Artemis was looking for! Minako! You should be ashamed, leaving your home, your family! For a pirate! I…I forbid it!"

"Serenity!" Minako protested.

"No! As soon as I go home, so are you! You have your whole life ahead of you, Artemis was planning to adopt you after he married Luna! That means you will finally be part of the Royal family! And you will marry a man of great importance! Not petty crime!"

"I was never like you, Serenity. I can't just switch off my emotions and do what others expect of me. I'm not like that!"

"Well! You have no choice! I order you to return home as soon as we're able."

"I refuse! I'm staying here!" Minako insisted, storming off.

"Ooh! That…that traitor! How can she dishonour her family like that?"

"Princess, really, I think you're overreacting. Minako is a free person, she can do whatever she wants."

"You don't understand! She has responsibilities, a duty! You don't see me running off just because I can!"

Endymion sighed. "Serenity." He said seriously, taking her hands in his. "If you ever fall in love, you'll know how it feels. You'd never want to leave that person, because they're a part of you. But, until you feel it for yourself, you won't understand."

"Endymion… is Kunzite a good person? I mean, I know he's a pirate and everything… but, he won't hurt Minako, will he?"

Endymion smiled tenderly at her quiet tone.

"Kunzite loves her just as much as she loves him. I'm sure, if you give them a chance, they'll be happy together."

"Hmm… you'd better be right, because if you're not, I'll have him hung right along beside you."

Endymion laughed. "Still hoping for that, are you."

"Of course. As soon as I'm rescued, I'll make sure of it. I'll even be in the front row, I'll wave, so you can see me."

"You have a disturbed sense of humour, Princess."

"Well… it's late, and I'm tired." Serenity started, pecking him lightly on the lips. "Goodnight, Endymion."

Shocked, it took him a while to answer. "Goodnight, Princess."

Thank you for reading. Please review!!!

AN: i might not be able to update for a while, seeing as how school is starting again in a week.
Let me know what you'd like to see more - or less - of in the story. I'm always up for ideas!