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"Cursed"

By: LunaBell

Serenity was surprised when Kunzite appeared and announced that Endymion wished an audience, but as they traveled threw a maze of hallways, fear began to take hold. It was no secret Endymion wanted the crystal, so was this going to be her first interrogation? If so, she wished she had been given more time to prepare herself.

Serenity, so caught up in her musings, did not notice when Kunzite stopped and collided hard with his back. "Oh, goodness, I am so sorry!" She exclaimed.

"We're here, Priestess. Please, try not to anger the king." He stopped when he noticed her face pale. "Just answer his questions and all will be fine."

Serenity nodded and allowed Kunzite to usher her into the room. She took in the seated generals. Everyone seemed on edge.

"Ah, Serenity, please take a seat." Zoicite invited, pulling out a chair for her.

She took the seat offered then looked to the silent Endymion.

"We have a few questions we need to ask you, Serenity, and we ask that you answer them to the best of your knowledge."

Serenity looked toward Kunzite and nodded her agreement. "I'll answer what I can, but I hope you know that I will not answer anything having to do with the location of the Silver Crystal."

"Yes, we figured as much. At the moment, we are more interested in your life up until now. Who were your parents?" Zoicite questioned.

Looking around at the others, Serenity asked tentatively, "Why are you interested in my life? I thought you were only after the crystal."

"Just answer the question, Priestess." Kunzite commanded.

"Their names were Kenji and Ikuko Janacek." She answered carefully.

Nodding, Zoicite continued, "And where are they now?"

"Dead."

Everyone looked to Serenity at her answer. Zoicite flinched at the emptiness he heard in her voice. Endymion was the first to speak. "Could you elaborate?"

Shrugging, Serenity told them, "Our home was attacked when I was eleven. My father had been out hunting, and when he returned he mentioned that someone had come. He seemed frightened. He had me hide in a secret chamber beneath the window seat. There was fighting. When all got quiet I realized that the house had been set afire." Serenity paused as tears gathered in her eyes. "I left my hiding place and found my father wounded on the floor. He informed me that my mother was dead and told me to run. I watched him die . . ."

Zoicite leaned over and laid his hand on her shoulder. "We are sorry for your loss."

Serenity nodded as she tried to get her emotions under control.

"You said your father seemed afraid. Did he know that these men meant your family harm?" asked Jadeite.

"He must have. Now that you mention it he did say they had found out 'She' was alive and Mom mentioned something about how they should have considered this person dead years ago." Serenity explained as she strained to bring that horrific night back in focus.

Jadeite gave Zoicite a smug look. "Had your parents ever mentioned this person before?"

Serenity shook her head. "Not that I recall."

Kunzite who had been quietly pacing along the far wall stopped and looked at her. "If your parents died when you were eleven, where have you been these past ten years?"

Everyone was surprised at the change in Serenity's posture. Every muscle seemed to tense up, and her back became so stiff it looked as if it might brake. "If you are done asking about my parents," Serenity said as she stood, "I would like to return to my room."

Endymion shook his head. "You will answer the question, Priestess."

"No."

Noticing the tension in the room Nephrite cut in calmly, "We do not mean to upset you, Serenity. We merely wish to find out why your brother kept you a secret from us and how it is that you both possess power thought destroyed with the fall of Celeste."

"How am I to know what was in my brother's mind? Moreover, I never knew that Sammy had any powers, and the Elders only told me that my powers had been bound when I was young. It was Luna who told them that I could control the Silver Crystal; It was why they came looking for me after my parents' deaths. Unfortunately, they weren't able to locate me for six years." Serenity explained angrily as she glared at the floor.

"Luna? Was she the woman that was with you?" Zoicite asked.

Serenity nodded. "Yes, she was the one who released my powers and gave the Silver Crystal to me. At first my powers were too much for me, every time I would get upset or angry they would go out of control and my link to the crystal would cause things to move about, Luna taught me how to channel them."

Zoicite looked to the King before continuing. "How did Luna know about your powers?"

Realizing that she would not be leaving, Serenity retook her seat. "I don't know. They never told me anything that I did not absolutely need to know. Luna told me that some things were better left in the past, and that I should look only to the future."

"Is it possible that your parents and Sammy weren't your real family?" Endymion asked as he looked at her.

Smiling sadly, Serenity looked at her hands. "You know, I asked myself that question a million times after I found out I was the keeper of the Crystal. Mom and Dad did not have any powers. If they had maybe they would still be alive."

"I think we have enough information for now, you highness. Perhaps I should escort her back to her room." Kunzite put in as he moved forward.

Looking away from Serenity, Endymion nodded. "Yes, I believe we do. You may return to your room, Priestess, but you are expected to join us tonight in the main hall for dinner."

"But I have nothing to wear." Serenity explained.

Looking at her clothes the men finally realized that she was still wearing the same dress that they had captured her in.

Jadeite quickly reassured her.

"I'm sure that we can find something suitable for you to wear before tonight."

Endymion nodded as he returned to his seat. "I will have something sent to your room before dinner."

Serenity nodded her thanks before following Kunzite out the door.

It was silent in the room as all present listened to make sure Serenity was out of earshot.

Then the silence was broken.

"Ha! I told you! If she isn't the missing princess I'll eat my shoe!" Jadeite crowed as he patted Nephrite on the back.

"I'd have to agree with Jade on this one, your highness. Everything she said pointed to that conclusion." Nephrite agreed.

Endymion rubbed his chin as he turned to Zoicite, "And you, Zoi? What do you think?"

"I'm not quite sure. Yes, everything she said alluded to the fact that she wasn't Sam's sister, and could, in some way, be related to the royals of Celeste, but there are still two big blank spots on this whole mystery."

"And what would those be, Zoi?" Jadeite asked irritably.

Sitting forward Zoicite ticked them off with his fingers. "One, where was she for those six years in between her parents' deaths and the Elders finding her, and two, why doesn't she carry the birthmark of the Parthenias?"

"What birthmark?"

"I don't know, Jadeite, maybe the one that should on her forehead? Every member of the royal family had a crescent moon birthmark in the dead center of their foreheads. It was what made it so easy to kill them all seeing as how it was hard to hide." Zoicite bit back smugly.

"Isn't it possible that a charm has been used to hide it? Her powers were bound for her protection, maybe the same was done to the birthmark." Nephrite cut in logically, leaning back in his chair.

Zoicite blew out an aggravated breath, for it was indeed possible.

"Aw! Is little Zoi getting pissy because he might actually be wrong for once?" Jadeite asked before busting out laughing.

"If you children are done bickering, you should get back to work. We meet back here after dinner to finish discussing this." Endymion announced, as he made ready to leave.

The generals nodded their agreement.

Mari arrived with the dress one hour before dinner was to be served. It was a beautiful piece made out of dark and light blue silk. The top was a dark blue corset with lighter blue ribbons, while the skirts were multi-layered with the light blue on underneath showing though the 'v' cut into the darker material in the front.

"You shall look wonderful my dear! And it's a good thing to, seeing as how we have guests tonight." Mari explained as she pulled the gown over Serenity's head.

"Guests? I don't remember anyone mentioning guests."

Mari sat Serenity down at the vanity to brush out her hair as she explained. "The King and Prince of Arasol are here to visit with the master. King Aramaus used to be very close to King Damon and as such the two princes were close friends."

"Oh, well, I don't see how anyone can stand to be around your King. He is everything that is evil." Serenity said on a huff.

Mari smiled sadly. "He wasn't always this way."

Serenity looked doubtful, but decided not to comment.

Kunzite ended up escorting her to the great hall. Seven lesser tables were set up for the Ellysion and Arasol soldiers while the great table sat upon the dais. She was led to the great table and sat in the chair to Endymion's right. Beside her was Kunzite and Zoicite.

An older man sat across from her with a younger blonde, obviously his son, to his left, Nephrite, and Jadeite beside him.

As her eyes wondered back around the table, she noticed the older man staring at her. "Can I help you, sir?"

"So, you are the priestess you captured." He said to Endymion as he scrutinized her.

Uncomfortable, Serenity squirmed in her seat trying to avoid eye contact.

"Father, leave her be. She is probably terrified enough as it is. Hello, Priestess, I'm Prince Motoki Chijin of Arasol." The blond Motoki greeted as he smiled.

Serenity was surprised by the warmth in the young man eyes, seeing as how there was a sinister look in his fathers. Serenity smiled in return.

"It's very nice to meet you. My name is Serenity Janacek."

Both men's eyes widened. "You weren't related to Samuel Janacek by any chance?" Motoki questioned.

"As a matter of fact, I'm his sister." Serenity said as she watched both men paled.

Serenity thought she had heard the old man whisper something, but the in next minute he was conversing with Endymion. Shrugging it off she returned her attention to the still speechless Motoki.

"I take it you knew my brother?"

Shaking himself out of a daze, Motoki answered hesitantly, "Yes, I spent a lot of my youth here and knew Sam quite well. Though I have to admit, he never mentioned you to me."

Serenity smiled as a servant placed a goblet of wine infront of her, nodding her thanks. "It seems my brother kept me a secret from everyone."

Motoki turned to look at the Generals. "You were all unaware of her existence?"

"Yes, it seems that Sam didn't wish for us to ever meet her." Kunzite said as he placed a selection of food on Serenity's plate.

"I had heard that the keeper of the crystal has a voice to rival the nightingale. Would you be willing to sing for us after the meal, Priestess?" King Aramaus asked as his attention shifted once again to Serenity.

The hall went quiet as everyone waited to hear her answer.

"If King Endymion doesn't mind." She answered looking to the man in question.

Endymion looked back at her as he swirled his wine. The candles above making wicked shadows dance upon his horns. "It has been many years since I've had the luxury of hearing a woman sing. If it pleases my quests I don't see a reason to say nay."

Serenity nodded before motioning Betto over. "Do you think that you could find me a lute or small harp? It will sound better if I have music to accompany my voice."

"Of course, my lady. I will send Mari to fetch one for you." Betto bowed low as he moved off.

As dinner came to a close, Mari arrived with a lap harp which she presented to Serenity.

"Yes, this will do fine. Thank you, Mari."

"Perhaps it would be nice if you sang before the fire." Motoki commented as he stood to help move a chair to that spot.

Serenity smiled her thanks as she sat down and placed the harp in her lap. "Are there any requests?" she asked.

"Just whatever you feel is appropriate." Endymion said as he watched her.

Serenity took a moment to strum out a few tunes before settling on one. It had been her favorite one to sing to her parents, and the haunting melody pulled her in as she began to sing.

May it be an evening star,

Shines down upon you.

May it be when darkness falls,

Your heart will be true.

You walk a lonely road;

Oh, how far you are from home...

No one moved as her song seemed to weave its way though the room. Even Endymion seemed to be trans-fixed by her lovely voice. It took every one by surprise when Mari and Betto joined in.

Mornie utulie (darkness has come),

Believe and you will find your way.

Mornie alantie (darkness has fallen),

A promise lives within you now...

Serenity smiled at the older couple, for they had the perfect voices to sing the chorus.

May it be the shadows call,

Will fly away.

May it be your journey on,

To light the day.

When the night is overcome,

You may rise to find the sun.

Mornie utulie (darkness has come),

Believe and you will find your way.

Mornie alantie (darkness has fallen),

A promise lives within you now...

A promise lives within you now...

The hall was silent as she drew the song to a close. Serenity opened her eyes to see every one staring at her in awe. A little uncomfortable, she looked to Endymion to see his reaction.

It surprised everyone when he spoke, "I do believe you have the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. Perhaps I should have you sing more often."

It was as if a flood gate had fallen. The hall was filled with cheers and applause as Serenity made her way back to her seat.

"You have only to ask, my lord. For in truth there is nothing I love more the music." She said.

"That was lovely, Sere! I can't wait to hear you again." Jadeite exclaimed as he made cow eyes at her. "You have stolen my heart with your magical voice."

Zoicite kicked him under the table, causing Jadeite to yelp before saying, "You shouldn't take him too seriously, Priestess. Jade is known to fall in love with every beautiful woman he sees."

"I do not!"

"Do too!"

"Do Not!"

Serenity giggled as she watched the two argue.

"They have always been like this; even as children."

Serenity looked up to find Motoki watching her. "Yes, I've noticed they are all very close."

Motoki nodded before turning to speak to Endymion and his father.

Serenity didn't know how long she had sat there speaking to the generals and Motoki, she had even spoken with Endymion a time or two, so she was surprised when Betto arrived an announced that it was well after midnight and that Serenity should seek her bed.

Bidding farwell to everyone, she stood to follow Betto when Endymion stopped her.

"I wish to speak with you before you retire." He looked to Betto next. "You will come get me when she has finished her bath."

"As you wish."

Sorry it took so long for me to update! I have a lot of things going on and just haven't had the time. I promise to get more chapters out! I hope you liked it and if you would like to hear the real song from above it is 'May It Be' by Celtic Women. Thanx to everyone who reviewed and have stuck with me, your support really means a lot. Also, if you notice mistakes in spelling or grammer please bear with me. I'm looking for a new editor and can't seem to find one. The last one was posting my stories as hers on another site. It's so hard to find good help these days sigh .