The Arrangement

by K.Le-i-gh.B

To join these two covens, they arranged a marriage between their children. However they grew up hating each other. But then suddenly she gets kidnapped, and something happens...! Revised, FULL summary inside. Think Swan Lake meets Vampires. MA rating.

4. Helpful hands

The Arrangement
By Katie-lee Brady

Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN NOTHING! The only thing I own is the story line, but the characters were used, which I totally don't own! I also borrowed ideas from various movies, anime, books, and friends' ideas. And yes, I did get my first idea from the Swan Princess, LOL. Also for the next few chapters, and the last one, I DO NOT OWN the Red Ninja characters either. Well, since that's done, enjoy the story :D

Chapter 4: Helpful hands

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Previously On: The Arrangement -- Serenity is left along in the Shikami castle and she meets random people. She also learns that both her father and Uberta went on a vacation together and her and Endymion finally talk, which turned into a fight, but during the fight they are interrupted and they find out that the Okami's and humans are teaming up against the vampires, and against Endymions orders, she send for help.

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Serenity awoke when she felt the presence of her guards closing in. Even though they were still at the docks she felt them coming, as Serenity's powers of feeling peoples presents was more then any normal vampire. She also had other powers, but they are a secret for now. Once she got out of bed she freshened up and get dressed. She wore a cream suit, and white blouse. She also wore white heels and her hair was done in one long braid that was then wrapped around to form a bun.

Once she was dressed she went to the kitchen and fed. After breakfast she hit the foyer and the doors were being open to 7 people in long black coats and Japanese styled kimonos. When she looked she saw the three Kou brothers, Master Chiyome, Zenzo, Akemi and Kurenai.

"You guys got her safely, please come in" Serenity said cheerfully as she walked closer to them.

"Princess" Bromly bowed to Serenity, "do you know these people? Can they be trusted in a time like this?" Bromly ask as he held the people back from entering the castle doors.

"Yes Bromly, they are from my kingdom. They are here to assist. And protect me."

"Please forgive me Princess" Bromly bowed again as he opened the door wider and let the guests enter.

The three brothers came in first, Yaten, Taiki and Seiya. Yaten had long silver hair, yellow eyes and was the shortest out of the three. Taiki had long brown hair; light purple/blue eyes and was taller then Seiya and Yaten. Seiya had long black hair and dark blue eyes. He was also Serenity's ex-boyfriend. They broke up when Serenity realized that she was not ready to settle down, and that she was making the wrong choice being with him, that it didn't feel right. The three brothers all wore long black leather coats with black pants and shirts, and they all had their blades on their backs.

After the brothers, followed, Zenzo, Akemi, Kurenai and Master Chiyome.

Zenzo was the male in the ninja pack, which were personally selected By King William to protect Serenity at all times, they were also her personal soldiers. He has short black hair that was left messy, which brought out his caramel brown eyes. He wore a blue martial arts out fit, which black soulless leather boots. Akemi had long straight black hair that came to her shoulders, and sea green eyes. She wore a white wrap dress that came mid thigh which had a light pink floral pattern along the bottom hem of the dress. Her look was completed with white socks that came to her knees and toe thongs (those weird ninja shoes?? Dunno what their actually called, sorry). Kurenai had short black hair that was like a bob, but the front was longer than the back. Her eyes are a dark shade of brown and her dress very revealing. She wore a dark blood red robe that came mid thigh and held together in the middle by a big think chocolate brown belt. The sleeves of the dress were very baggy, in which she held her weapons, and also wore white socks that came mid calf and had those weird ninja shoes on too. The last to come in was Mater Chiyome. She had long black hair that was always put up in a messy high ponytail. She was old, but young for her age. She was well versed in the way of the ninja, hence master to her name. She was wearing something similar to what a nun would wear. With the long black dress and head habits (the head drape) and the shoes like Akemi and Kurenai.

As all seven stood inside and lined up, Serenity stood in front of them and spoke, "Okay, first thank-you for coming, and for the rest of the day I would like you all to familiarise yourselves to the kingdom, now Bromly will show you to your assigned rooms for the time you're here" she said pointing to Bromly who immediately took Serenity's place.

"This way please" Bromly said as he ushered the seven people to a hallway to their rooms. But as he did he mentally connected to Endymion to tell him about Serenity's visitors, 'Sir, Serenity has seven guest that have just arrived, I am taking them to their sleeping quarters now.'

'WHAT! Why was I not informed about this…!' there was a pause and sigh, 'Thank-you Bromly, continue, I will talk to Serenity later' Endymion said as he cut the connection and tried to find Serenity, 'Serenity, when you have a moment, I would like you to come to my office, there is much I would like to discuss! ASAP!' He said as smooth and calm as he could muster up.

'Umm… okay, I can come now, but what would like to discuss?' Serenity sounded confused. Did she do something wrong?

'Because I have seven unknown people in my mansion, and I need to know who they are and why the fuck you invited them with out my consent, and especially in a fucking time like this…. Now get to my office NOW!' Endymion basically yelled in his head to Serenity.

Serenity jumped at his last remark. Not wanting him to get any more angrier she went straight to his office and walked straight in, "Now what?" she said in a more or less impatient tone. She had her hands on her hips and one delicate brow raised. 'Just act cool' she told herself.

'Just as bad as my mother. Do women not know how to knock? Or even what knocking is?' he thought to himself annoyed .He than took a breath and looked at Serenity, "Who are they and why did you invite them here?" he tried to stay calm.

When Serenity waited for him to say something, she couldn't help but read his thoughts. But to get back at him, she thought to herself, 'sexist bastard'. She smirked a little, then spoke "look, when I invited them here, for assistance, and to protect me, they already knew about the agreement the humans had with the Okami's, so either way they were going to come with or without me asking them too" Serenity said with attitude running through her voice, "And in a time like this, you need all the extra help you can get… the Okami's probably have, and they will probably give the humans new weapons and upgrade their military unit with stuff that is actually capable of killing us, and it's bad enough we are fighting with both species, but what we really need to be aware of, is what the humans or Okami's are promising the other for their help in this war… and my best bet is either the Okami's are going to use us as their food source instead of the humans, and the humans are going to promise them a blood bank or something… and it has everything to do with us!" now in a more then serious voice with nothing more but harsh truthfulness to her words. "But, there could also be another reason. A hidden agenda? Maybe brainwashing?" she shook her head.

Endymion listened carefully to her words. He sighed, 'Why does she have to be right?' he thought to himself as he took in the last part.

"I'm right because I'm a women and we have better instincts then males, and plus, some of my power ability is to sense these things" Serenity said out loud.

"Why do you insist on reading my mind? They are my personal thoughts."

"Because you didn't block them, and once again, my powers" she said sarcastically, "Now getting down to business. Until the Okami's or Humans attack, I won't interfere in you're strategies, but when, and if they do, I will be present at all meetings and I will have a say in all plans" she demanded.

"What! No! This is MY kingdom, and you have no power here" Endymion said quickly to her response.

"Well last I heard, our parents were trying to betroth us, and we both know they will not stop until they have succeeded. so I have the same amount of power you have… so just give up... because either way I will be there and I will have my say!" Serenity said in complete, utter seriousness. "And besides, it states in the peace treaty, when one side is getting attacked, the other side is to offer all available assistances" she smirked.

"We will see, princess, now leave, I have much to do… and I do not have time for this" he said angrily.

"Yes I can see you have lots to do, but just so you know, you look like shit, get some sleep" Serenity said with a smile and left before Endymion could get the last say.

When serenity left, Endymion quickly got up and raced to the nearest bathroom and took a look in the mirror and noticed the bags under his eyes, 'damn, why does she always have to be right' he said this time blocking everyone to his thoughts, 'yet, for some reason every time I see her I have this weird feeling and I don't know what it is… I just hope it's not what I think it is' he said as he splashed water on his face and went to his bedroom in hopes of sleep.

0o0o0 …later that day… 0o0o0

Endymion had slept for at least 4 and a half hours before he woke up. When he wake up he had taken a shower and dressed in one of his famous black suits and went to his office. He then took a seat at his desk, and as sat he grabbed a file. But as he did he heard a knock at his door, "Come in" he said in a smooth relaxed voice.

When the door opened there was three men who entered the room, "Who are you? And what do you want?" Endymion asked in a string voice as he looked at the three men. They were all wearing the same black outfit, black pants, shirt and long leather coat.

"I am Seiya; these are my brothers Yaten and Taiki" he motioned to each one, "We are here to talk to you about matters concerning Serenity and your kingdom being targeted by the Okami's and Humans" He spoke in a serious and confident manner.

"Oh so you three are Serenity's visitors, but weren't there more? Well anyway… I don't need your help… but thank-you for the support, and have a good trip home" Endymion tried to ignore them.

"With all do respects, but we are here to assist the Princess, that includes protecting her and fighting along side with her, and knowing the princess, she will fight and it is our job to make sure nothing happen to her" Yaten said, "We are her personal guards and soldiers."

"I see… well in that case, carry on with your job then… I have important matters to continue on… and I'm sure we will talk again… goodnight men" Endymion said as he grabbed his file again and faced it in front of him turning in his chair, sending a message to the men to leave, which was cold, yet to the point.

When the three men left they all took separate paths. But Seiya wanted to find Serenity, so he looked everywhere until he found her in the gardens. She was sitting on the edge of a large water fountain that lay in the middle of the courtyard; she was playing with the fish that swam inside.

"What do you want Seiya?" Serenity asked as she could feel his presence, but did not turn around to face him, she was content playing with the fish as they tried to nibble on her finger.

"Well… umm… I just wanted to make sure you were alright… but I also wanted to ask you something…" Seiya said hesitating, slowly walking towards her.

"Okay, you have my attention" she said looking at him with a small smile, "what would you like to know?"

"Well, ever since I have arrived, it has seemed like you always try to avoid me, and I'm getting a feeling that you didn't want me to come. And I was wondering if it was because of our past?" he said stood still three feet away from her.

Serenity looked down, "Yes I didn't really want you to come, but I have to admit that you are one of the best fighters I have. And it only makes sense since all three of you brothers together are a lethal weapon. And yes I have been avoiding you because of our past" now looking at him, her words held truth and her gaze was sincere.

Seiya felt a bit sad by her remark, but knew it was true, "Serenity…" he said taking a seat next to her, "Why? If I may ask, what was the real reason you broke up with me? Did I do something wrong, or was there another man… I really need to know... you went cold towards me, and left with out a word, then one day I faced you and so coldly you broke up with me… it has been eating me up inside ever since" Seiya said looking away from her to the garden that was to the other side of the courtyard. It was hard for him, and in truth, it was harder to talk about their past, and evreytime her tried to talk to her about it, he froze. But today was different. And he really wanted to know.

While listening to his statement Serenity felt regret in what she had done to him, "I'm sorry Seiya," she said putting her right hand to his cheek to make him face her, "I'm so sorry… it wasn't you… you did nothing wrong.. and there was definitely not another man…" she smiled as relief washed over his face, "if anything you were too good for me… but still for some reason I didn't feel whole and I was looking for something more fulfilling and it just felt wrong being with you… You deserved better then me… and I knew the more we were together I would always have that feeling, so to keep myself from hurting you more, I broke it off… I am truly and deeply sorry I caused that much hurt to you…" She said looking straight at him as a tear fell from her cheek. He truly did deserve someone better, even if she was a princess.

Seiya smiled faintly, "Thank-you Serenity… thank-you for being honest… and I hope you find what you are looking for…" Seiya said as he wiped away the tear on her cheek with his knuckles.

"No, thank-you, for understanding and not being mad at me… I know I would never speak to myself" She said smiling back.

"Well I have to go, my brothers are looking for me, but take care alright, and just so you know, I'm not angry or mad at you… I'm just thankful it wasn't me that made you leave" he said getting up, smiling and laughing back at her, reassuring her, and himself.

When he was out of Serenity's sight she sighed and looked back at the fish. They were not as appealing to her as before, so she got up and retreated to her bedroom. She drew herself a warm bath and relaxed herself, freshening up so no body knew she was actually crying.

Though meanwhile back in Endymion's office, he had just witnessed the scene between Seiya and Serenity from his window. 'Why is it that I feel… jealousy… towards this Seiya? Goodness knows I don't have feelings towards her, so why do I feel jealous to the fact she was so close to him just than? Oh dear lord, tell me it's not what I think it is...tell me I'm not falling for this women!' Endymion horridly thought to himself as he seen Seiya leave her. After seeing this he went straight back to his desk and grabbed lots of paper work to take his mind off Serenity, and everything else.

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In exception to his nap, and bathroom break, Endymion had been at his desk all day and needed to get out of his office and actually do something. So he went downstairs where Bromly greeted him, "Good evening sir" he bowed, "this is an unexpected surprise to see you down here. Is there any thing I can get you sir?"

"Yes, get me… two glasses of blood… immediately… and just between you and me, where is Serenity?" Endymion asked in a low voice so only he and Bromly heard.

"She is out in the gazebo watching the pond again… and I will get those drink right away, I'll meet you at the door" Bromly said running away.

'Again?' he thought to himself as he stood there for a moment to think of what he would say, but decided to go with the flow, as he always got good result when thinking on the spot in the middle of the situation at hand. As he made his way to the door Bromly came in with a tray that had two glasses of red liquid on it.

"Thank-you Bromly" Endymion said as he took the glasses and walked out the door to the courtyard then down past the pool and the gardens, right down the bottom of his backyard and to the left of the forestry which was situated on the right.

As he walked closer he could see a figure, Serenity he guessed, sitting on the bench that was in the middle of the gazebo. She looked as though she was sitting on the bench with her legs crossed. When he approached he stopped and stood at the arched entry and then walked in. While he walked around her he noticed how she was focus on the pond, watching every rip the wind made on the water. She was so amerced in every detail of the pond, and he could see how much she concentrated on it. She could feel his presence, but was too focused on the pond. For a weird reason it gave her a sense of closure and helped her clear her mind.

"Here" he motioned one of the two glasses to her, "I thought you might be hungry" Endymion said still standing.

Serenity now broke her concentration, looked up at the glass and took it "Thank-you". She took it because one, she was hungry, as she had not ate at all that day except the small portion she called breakfast. And two, she didn't want him standing there holding it and cracking because she didn't take it.

"So what are you thinking about?" he asked as he took a seat next to her, sipping frm his glass.

Serenity took a mouthful and spoke, "Everything… anything… it's good to think once and while… and I find that this pond has a comforting aura around it, which makes it easy to relax… it helps clear my mind" she smiled staring at the pond, taking sips of her drink now and than.

"Honestly, I have never been out here that much to notice it" he looked at her, "but to be more honest, I thought you would be with that Seiya person… or at least thinking of him…" he said looking away from her as a slight redness came to his face, but also brought a laugh out of Serenity.

"Arrh yes… I felt someone watching us, but I wouldn't have thought it was you… but no, there is nothing between us… I mean there used to be… but that was ages ago…" Serenity said with a hint of sadness as she went quiet because her eyes were watering over.

"Sorry to bring up the subject… but may I ask what happened? If you don't mind" Endymion sounded concerned, yet curious.

"Nar it's alright" she laughed small. "We were dating for a long time, but... it just didn't seem right and it wasn't fulfilling to me, I was looking for someone who would make me feel whole, and he wasn't it… I mean yeah, sure I liked him… but he wasn't my soul mate… and today he just wanted to know why I broke it up with him… and I'm kind of glad I told him, and more thankful that he's not angry at me" she said smiling, taking a quick glance at Endymion. "I mean, you probably don't know what I mean, as you probably haven't been in a situation like that, but yeah, that's our story."

Endymion diverted his eyes from Serenity and took to the pond scenery, remembering his past with Mina, "Well you would be surprised. I was in a relationship myself where it didn't work out… but it was both our faults" he said calmly staring into the pond.

"Why? What happened?" Serenity asked taking interest into his story.

"Well she cheated on me and I cheated on her" he looked at Serenity, who had a questioning brow raised. "You see I had this crush on a girl named Ami, smart and beautiful, but she insisted on hooking me up with her best friends Mina. Mina and I didn't have any connection, so that's why we seen other people… I of coarse seen Ami, I was much like you, there was still a part of me that was not whole and, of coarse found out she wasn't my mate when she claimed she found her soul mate with a guy named Greg. I think now, and I think that mainly they were the reasons why I turned my back to socialising and become cold in many ways" he said taking deep interest in the pond now.

"WOW, that seemed like a lot of heart ache… sorry to hear it" Serenity said looking at him with empathy.

"Meh, it's okay, you told me your story, so I guessed I should do the same. It's not like it bothers me anymore" He said looking back at her. He also noticed the fact she had goose bumps over her body, "Here, take this" he said as he took of his coat and handed it to her, "I'm not cold, the cold doesn't affect me anymore."

"Thank-you" she said taking the jacket, "but if I can ask, why does it not affect you?" she said putting it on, "Much better."

"Well when you've been through what I have been through, well, you get this thick skin around you and nothing bothers you anymore… And it's an especially useful skill to have as a soldier. But due to this skill, some people call me very cold and harsh names, which to be honest again, do have some truth to them."

Now giggling, Serenity spoke, "When we were little I remember calling you all those names… only because you and Andrew always kept leaving me out of everything you two were doing" she said as she reminisced about their past.

"What did you use to do while you were alone? when we finally outsmarted you, or you gave up?" Endymion asked curiously.

"Well I tell you one thing. This pond is still the same and still has its comforting aura" She said smiling at him, "Among other things as well."

"So you would sit here, and after all this time, you still come her to think… wow. It's funny, when you think about it. Although you have changed somewhat physically, and mentally, but nothing major, I have changed altogether. I mean maybe not physically, but since Mina, Ami, being a soldier and taking care of the kingdom, I have had to think about a lot and I have gone through a lot, which have all changed my perspective on something's. And all have had a different affect on my life, changing me" Endymion said as he looked deep in her eyes. He was actually opening up to her. It was weird, even though they were fighting earlier in the week. For some reason, he felt safe and different when ever she was around.

Serenity smiled lightly as she looked back at him, and they sat like that, staring at each other for at least half a minute, just staring into each others souls. But the atmosphere was broken when Andrew, Endymion's best friend came running towards them. He stopped at the arch of the gazebo, and Serenity and Endymion turned to see what he wanted, he stood there puffed and out of breath. "The Humans and Okami's have just attacked the small village just out side the boarders, what are we going to do?" Andrew said quickly.

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Created on: 28th May 2007 – 8:37pm
Edited on: 10th December 2007 – 6:24pm

Oh wow, that was an interesting chapter; I have now introduced more characters and told you about their past love lives… hehe… can't wait till next chapter… Next chapter will be the start of my main plot line…dum dum dum… but not telling too much more.

Le-i-gh… over and out… XD