Oceanus Procellarum: A Silver Millennium Adventure

Oceanus Procellarum: A Silver Millennium Adventure

By Lady Moon Goddess

Disclaimer: I do not own the lovely Sailor Senshi…

A/N: Still quite a long way to go, but it is progressing. I hope you enjoyed the last chapter. Personally, it was my favorite so far. I am sure that will change…I keep surprising myself. : Enjoy!

Chapter Eight: Nasakebukai

Prince Endymion sat at the dining table, infrequently sipping his drink. The candles around the room burning brightly, giving off a light almost comparable to that of the sun. Princess Serenity joined Endymion at the table, setting her plate of customary Gaean food down. Endymion looked up from his glass and watched the princess slowly eat. He secretly smiled, then took his glass to the washing tub.

Serenity lifted her own glass to her lips, drinking the sweet juice. She watched Endymion leave the room, and finished her meal.

She stood up and walked to the washing tub, gently placing the dishes into the water. She turned around to find Endymion standing before her, "I am traveling into town," Serenity stepped back, allowing a comfortable space to form between them, "Do you need anything?" he ventured.

Serenity stared at her feet, her mind revisiting the memories of her last experience in the marketplace. "Fabrics would be nice," she said, leaving the room before revealing her intension to make a secret trip out beyond the safety of the cave.

Endymion watched the princess leave then headed for his bedchamber to change.

The marketplace seemed busier than usual. Endymion decided to walk behind the stands. He passed by salesmen eating their meals or taking a moment of rest. Endymion stopped at the fruit stand where he normally made his purchases.

The woman selling fruit smiled as she noticed him, "It has been much too long since your last visit, kind sir," the woman said, handing a bushel of apples to an old man, "Fruit that I leave aside for you has rotted. I only have what you see before you." She gestured to the assortment of fruit.

"That is not necessary, Lydia." Endymion inspected a grapefruit, squeezing it for firmness.

"Sir, I do it so you do not go to another fruit seller," Her traditional dark Gaean eyes sparkled in the sun as she looked up at the prince, "I only want you to have my fruit." The young woman flicked her hair behind her shoulders, revealing her cleavage.

"Dear Lydia, you know that I am betrothed; how many times must I tell you?" Endymion grabbed a bag, putting six grapefruits in it.

"I know, I know, your mystery girl. You two must be perfect together since you remain an enigma to me. I have known you for years and yet I really do not know who you are…" she reached out to touch his face, but Endymion stepped back.

"And that is how I intend to keep it." He tossed a few coins to her and left.

Endymion stood before the fabric stand, examining the different colors of the various materials on display. He placed his hand beneath his chin in an attitude of deep thought, hoping his powers of concentration would help him choose. Endymion lifted a piece of cloth and asked for the price, but the salesman was in the corner talking with someone. He continued to browse, picking out green, blue, and purple fabric. Endymion folded them neatly and waited for the salesman to notice him. He stared at the man, hoping to get his attention, then noticed the other man talking to him. Endymion could not help but overhear the conversation, as the man's voice was extremely loud.

"…yes, she was a spitfire. If it was not for those incredibly blue eyes and that blond hair, I wouldn't have done anything," the man chuckled as the salesman continued his story, "It did not help that her hair was as yellow as the sun…"

"Yellow? I thought all blonde women were destroyed during the war?" the other man question.

"That's just it, they were. She must have been a foreigner… it does not matter now; the guards took her to Beryl. If she was a foreigner, then Queen Beryl took care of her."

"What a pity. By the sounds of the girl, I would have liked to have had my share of her." The man left, leaving the salesman to his stand. He quickly noticed Endymion with the folded material in his arms.

"Would you care to buy those?"

Endymion dropped the fabric and gripped the man around his neck, squeezing ferociously. The salesman brought his hands up, trying to pry Endymion's fingers open. Endymion snarled as the man gasped for breath. Soon, guards forced Endymion to release him. One of the tall, bearded guards shoved Endymion to the ground while two others held him down. The captain quickly revealing his whip then unraveled it. Its tip disturbing the ground, as he cracked it with practiced ease, the action flicking dust into the air. The captain stared at Endymion's back, foreseeing his shirt torn open at the next cracking of the whip. Endymion lay on the ground, anticipating the sharp, excruciating pain and waited.

The black snake attacked Endymion's back, biting into his skin in several places. When his back continued to sting after the snake removed its fangs, Endymion felt the venom seep into his blood. The snake finally ceased its assault, and Endymion was left on the ground with his wounds.

Serenity sat in the library, examining the pages of the first book she found on the shelf, while drinking a cup of hot tea as she read. She placed a white rose petal into the tea and watched it submerge. Lunarians were usually the only ones who followed the tradition of placing a rose petal into tea for extra strength, wisdom, or anything one desired. She turned the page then brought her lips to the cup when she heard the doors push open,

"Quick, Endymion is in need of your help," the king said calmly, but by his countenance, he was clearly concerned.

Serenity followed the king into Endymion's room where he lay on his stomach. Her eyes immediately noticed the sanguinary towels on the floor and the wounds on his back. She rushed to his bedside, shocked by what saw. She took in the inflamed gashes as blood oozed from the cuts and the pool of blood forming on his bed sheets, and began to panic.

"We must do something to stop the hemorrhaging," Serenity told the king, asking for a few essential items to clean, treat, and bandage the wounds. The king quickly acquired these and handed her a washcloth, a bowl of hot water, herbal infusions and wrappings. She applied pressure to the wounds with the washcloth, pressing hard to stem the bleeding.

The princess set the cloth down and stared at her hands, watching the blood dripping from her fingertips and at Endymion's injuries, the sight making her cringe. It was bad. She took a moment to think, then dipped her hands into the bowl, the water slowly tainted. She quickly opened her locket, summoning the crystal. Its brilliance blinding the king for he'd not seen sunlight and it hadn't pierced his eyes for such a long time. The crystal hovered above her open palms. She recited a chant in a low tone, almost mumbling the words and the shimmering crystal's brilliance heightened significantly. Serenity gasped as white light dove into Endymion's body. The moment she began to fall backwards, the crystal fell from her hands, crashing to the floor.

Hours had passed as King Aarde watched over Endymion and Serenity. He had servants place another bed beside that of his son's so as to look after them both. He sat between them as they slept peacefully, as he read, waiting for one of them to awaken. The king, every now and again, taking quick glances at each periodically. He stood stretching his hands over his head, and left the bedchamber to get something to drink. As the king left, Endymion took a sharp intake of breath, saliva traveling down his windpipe, causing him to cough. The prince turned onto his side, bringing his hand to his mouth. The coughing spasm soon passed, leaving the prince relieved. He noticed Serenity in a bed next to his. He questioned the existence of the bed as he massaged his temples. Endymion decided this was a dream. Something in the pit of his stomach was telling him to get up and go to her. So he followed his instincts. The prince rose from his bed, taking the few steps to reach Serenity's bed. He stood over the princess, smiling. The feeling strengthened, and he felt compelled to sit on the edge of the bed and gently pressed his lips upon her soft, delicate lips. He went back to his bed, lay back down before passing out.

Zoicite threw the woman down unceremoniously to the floor, brushing his hair away from his eyes. The woman winced as blood gushed from her multiple wounds.

"Show us your symbol, princess!" He forcefully tugged the woman's head back, almost ripping her bangs from their follicles. She let out a quick scream before being backhanded by Nephrite. "Show us the crescent!" Zoicite knelt down and clutched the woman's chin, indenting her face.

Kunzite watched the scene unfold, whilst fingering a small blade. He slowly approached the two generals and the sobbing woman. He knelt upon one knee and placed his thumb against the woman's forehead. A zap of dark energy entered her body, electricity coursing through her muscles.

The blond fell onto her back, lying helpless. Kunzite flipped the blade, exposing its sharp edge. He held the woman's head tightly and placed the knife to her forehead. He sliced along its length, blood seeping from the cut. He dropped the woman's head allowing it to fall lifelessly and sighed deeply, "This also was not the princess."

The generals stared at the floor, hesitant to confront Beryl. Kunzite looked back at the woman whose dead, blue eyes stared into his silver orbs. He quickly turned away, fearful death might penetrate his soul.

Beryl sat upon her throne, examining the many hidden secrets within her orb. She waved her hand over the sphere. Dark clouds instantly dissipating. The queen leaned back against the throne and placed her hands in her lap. The four generals stood in their customary places before her as Kunzite told Beryl the dreaded news.

Beryl looked at her hands for a moment, inspecting her long fingernails. Her eyes wandered from her nails to her generals, speaking calmly, "How did you know, Kunzite?"

Kunzite was a little surprised, being asked personally. He rose from his low bow, taking a few moments to choose his words wisely, "The crescent would not appear even when the area was disturbed…" his voice trailed off, causing Beryl to question,

"Disturbed?"

Kunzite nodded, "Yes, I cut the woman's forehead. If it was Princess Serenity then the crescent would have appeared because the crescent protects…"

"…and heals…yes I know, Kunzite." Beryl stood and approached her generals. "Too long have we looked for the princess. She is on this planet; that is a fact." She stopped in front of Kunzite, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Now, all we must do is identify her. We have already eliminated dozens of the remaining blond women…" Nephrite snarled as Beryl rubbed Kunzite's shoulder. "There shouldn't be many more." Beryl's red eyes pierced into Kunzite's, almost hypnotizing him. "I am confident that you will find her…." Beryl's hand slid down his body, stopping at his hip, "Kunzite." She pulled him into a hungry kiss then dismissed them.

Serenity sat in the library, writing in her journal. She signed below the entry with a picture of a crescent before being interrupted. Endymion walked through the open doors; book in hand. He nodded at Serenity then sat on the couch across from her. She smiled then closed the journal and placed it beside her. She uncrossed her legs and reached for her book on the small table. Endymion flipped the page, stealing a look at the princess. Thoughts of the secret kiss rushed into his mind as he continued to think it only a dream.

King Aarde broke the silence and handed Endymion a piece of parchment. Endymion examined the note, reading, "Wanted: Dead or alive…" Serenity's eyes widened as she dropped her book. Endymion glanced at Serenity then continued reading. He let the note fall out of his fingers as it floated onto the table. Serenity turned the parchment towards her and saw a drawing of herself.

She outlined the crescent with her fingertips as she asked, "How do they know?"

Aarde stroked his chin thoughtfully, smoothing down the hairs of his beard, "You have not left the cave, have you?"

Endymion quickly replied, "I did hear rumors of a foreigner buying fabric whom was captured by the guards — Serenity, you asked me to buy you fabric…" Endymion's eyes screamed with the knowledge of her secret, but neither King Aarde or Serenity noticed.

Serenity's body stiffened as sensations of extreme discomfort streamed through her. She felt tension seeping into her posture, and fiddled with her thumbs. Quickly, she eradicated all actions that might rouse suspicion. She brought her eyes to Endymion and spoke confidently, "How absurd! I barely recall how to leave this underground sanctuary," she stood up gracefully, the gentleman rising as well, and smoothed the wrinkles of her white gown, "I will take my leave now." She addressed Endymion and King Aarde with a slight nod and made her way to her bedchambers.

Endymion's brow rose at her formal dismissal and rapid departure, and looked to his father who placed his hand on his son's shoulder, "It will not be long before you two will be king and queen…" He left Endymion with this thought, this prompting Endymion to consider his affections for Serenity.

Serenity stared at herself in the mirror as she glanced up and down at her hourglass figure. Black draping hung tight against her torso, revealing a small part of her mid-section. A silver belt held the loose pants to her small frame and a hood sat, shadowing most of her majestic features. She took a moment to check her ensemble then concealed her pendent under her top, the metal cold against the flesh of her warm chest.

Serenity easily escaped detection as she made her way through the tricky corridors and found sunlight. She stopped walking as her eyes watered for the sun was surrendering to the moon, and it was directly in her line of sight. By the time she reached the city, the moon had danced its way up high into the sky. Serenity slowly walked through the marketplace, watching stands being taken down, and merchants heading home for the night. She saw a man approach his home when suddenly his wife ran out of the house, greeting him with a loving embrace and passionate kiss. Serenity heaved a sigh as she longed for a similar relationship.

Serenity headed for the Celestial Hills and climbed up the steep slope. She searched for the hill's emblem, ripping up the grass in a specific area. Soon, the Saturn crest was revealed, and Serenity rested beside it. She lay down on her back, grass kissing her exposed skin, and she slid her hands beneath her head. The princess gazed at the millions of stars before her eyes found their way to the moon. Serenity's heart sank as the bright moon shone her face upon her princess. She wished on a shooting star to go home.

She watched the meteor shower pass, then decided to head back to the caves. About to push herself up on her elbows, she found herself forced down by a strange man dressed in gray, "Hello, miss. What are you doing out this late?" Serenity noticed the Dark Kingdom crest on the man's chest, then saw others standing around them, bearing the same crest.

She shuddered as the man's humid breath kissed her skin, his hands traveling along her body. She forced her knee into the man's stomach, unfortunately not hindering him at all. He held her thigh, massaging it slowly. "You'll be lucky to leave here alive…" the group of men chuckled as some started to remove their jackets. Serenity gasped then looked up at her attacker, glaring into his eyes. The crystal glowed beneath her robes, vibrating against her chest. The man lifted himself from Serenity's body, quickly grasping the locket. But the crystal erupted with a powerful burst of light energy, throwing the nearest of the men far back — some rolling down the steep hill.

Serenity jumped to her feet, and started running down the steep hill towards the caves. She attempted to quicken her pace, but before she reached the bottom, the princess lost her footing and somersaulted, rolling down the hill and scraping her elbows. The only man left of the group had followed her, picking her up by the hair and forcing a kiss upon her lips. The crystal once again reacted, producing a beam of light that shot through the man's chest. His eyes widened in shock as the beam sliced through his body. He gripped Serenity's shoulder, attempting to support his weight, but slowly fell to his knees. Serenity brushed the man off and continued towards the caves.

Once in sight, Serenity finally stopped running. She took a moment to catch her breath, placing her hands on her knees as her chest heaved as she recovered from her exertions. The princess walked slowly towards the cave entrance, periodically stopping to take extra breaths. She soon reached the palace entrance. But something made her stop. Serenity stood on the threshold of the cave and closed her eyes, this weird feeling… She took another moment. Before she knew it, she was facing the way she had come. Her legs taking her back outside once more. Serenity looked around, only seeing the far-off city firelights. She shrugged, confused and turned on her heel to return to the palace.

A sudden scream interrupted her thoughts as she left the cave once more. Her legs of their own free will ran fast towards the city as the Crystal lent her light on this dark night. Serenity was soon at the gates of the city. She climbed the tall marble walls with surprising ease. She stood on top of the gates, searching for the origin of the scream. Serenity jumped, landing gracefully on her feet. The crystal rose from her chest, pulling her forcefully. Serenity stopped at a giant oak tree, watching a couple pass by. The Crystal took her to the entrance of the palace, and she climbed a nearby willow tree. The princess hid in the cape of leaves, listening for that scream.

"General Nephrite, please…" the young woman pleaded on her knees, "My brother fights for your army, what more do you wish?" She looked up to him, her eyes bearing the plea for mercy.

"This kingdom will soon have its king, and a king needs its concubines…" Nephrite smirked at the woman, folding his arms across his chest.

The woman grabbed Nephrite's leg, kissing his knee and placing a hand on his thigh, "But kind sir, I have six other younger siblings…" Nephrite faltered at the sudden force on his leg. "I am the only one they have." The young woman began to weep as she was close to losing the normalcy in her life, "What must I do to please the general and let him not take me away?" The woman stared into Nephrite's burning eyes, offering peace with hers.

He went down on one knee, brushing the back of his hand gently across her tear-stained cheek. "Spend the night in the palace," his hand journeyed to her shoulder, "that is all you must do then you can return home." The woman naively agreed, throwing herself into his arms,

"I am in your debt, General." They both stood up and walked through the palace doors.

Serenity's eyebrow lifted suspiciously, deciding to follow the two. Serenity slyly escaped the view of the palace guards, following only a few strides behind Nephrite and the woman. The couple stopped and Nephrite searched his pockets for a key. Serenity hid against the wall — a pillar blocking her from view. The lock clicked open, and he guided the woman into his bedchamber. Serenity tried to get as close as she could to the door, hiding the bright gleam from the Crystal with her hands.

"My dear, you will sleep here tonight," Nephrite politely gestured to the bed, removing his jacket and throwing it on a nearby chair. The woman stood beside the bed, pushing down, testing its comfort.

"So, all I must do is sleep here for one night?" Nephrite nodded and sat on the chair, sliding off his boots.

Serenity stood outside the room, focusing her attention on the conversation.

The woman's countenance soon changed as Nephrite started to unbuckle his belt. "Dear General, may I ask what you are doing?"

"These are my quarters, so I am undressing," His voice suggested nothing, giving no hint of danger to the woman. "I am here so no one mistakes you for a future concubine." His lies rolled off his snake-like tongue as he continued to undress and prepare to unleash his venom. He turned his back to the woman, then taking off his shirt and exposing dozens of lashing scars. The woman's eyes widened, shocked at the scars. "You can undress. I will not look, " he lied.

The woman turned around as well, slowly removing her dress. "There is a night gown on the dresser." Nephrite said, sneaking a quick look at the woman's sculpted body. She slipped the shear navy gown over her head, hastily slipping under the covers, bringing them to her neck. He faced the young woman, exposing a scar starting at his collarbone and reaching to the center of his abdomen. The woman examined it, her face reading what she was thinking, 'how did you get that.' Nephrite watched her stare then slid a ruffled white shirt over his head. He walked to the bed, pulling up his pants every so often for there was no belt.

"The war. It was a Lunarian soldier's sword." The woman nodded then sat up against the wooden headboard, bringing the covers with her.

"This war needs to end. It has been going on far too long." Her hands escaped from under the covers, her thumbs fiddling in her lap.

"Well, if the Lunarians would…"

"You mean if Beryl would…"

Nephrite bolted towards the woman, gripping her neck tightly, "You address your queen with respect and this war will be over the minute the Lunarian Royalty dies." She stared at him, soaking up his rage emitting from his eyes. She noticed the pressure on her collarbone as he leaned against her with his free hand. She gasped for air, trying to pry his steely fingers from her shoulder. Her eyes found their way to the high ceiling of the room and into the back of her head. Nephrite released her, exposing red marks on her slender neck. He eased her head upon the pillow then slid off, fixing his wrinkled shirt.

Midnight Warrior leaned against a willow tree, sharpening his blade. The moon shed her light upon Midnight, dancing upon his blade. The sound of a cracking twig raced to his ears as he lifted himself into the tree. He watched for a guard, but noticed it was only a rabbit. He jumped from the limb, landing on his feet, crouching low to the ground. He stood up and brushed a leaf from his shoulder, turning to face the palace.

The young woman's eyes fluttered opened, finding only darkness once more. She sat up, her hands wandering to find the edge of the blankets. She slipped out of the bed, cautiously stepping towards the small light coming from the creak of the door. She reached for the doorknob and found Nephrite standing on the other side. He pushed her back into the room, closing the door behind him. She gasped at the sound of the slamming door, finding herself in complete darkness once again. Her quick breaths pleased Nephrite as he placed his hands upon her bare shoulders. She gasped once more as he withdrew his warm hands from her skin. She heard his footsteps as he moved across the room. He removed a fire stick from his coat pocket, scraping it against the wall, the flame shadowing his face. He lit three candles, adding minimal light within the room. He continued to light the rest of the candles, using only four fire sticks.

Nephrite blew out the remaining fire stick and flicked it out the window. He leaned upon the windowsill, breathing in the fresh, night air. The young woman watched him, amazed by his peaceful expression.

He interrupted her thoughts with a question. "I am sorry, what did you say?" Nephrite sat on the sill, folding his arms across his chest. "What is your name?" The young woman lowered her head, not wanting to give her name. Nephrite approached the woman, placing his hand upon her cheek, "What is your name, dear lady?"

She looked up, her eyes captured by his, "Nasakebukai," she smiled, "it was my grandmother's name." He nodded, placing his hands on her shoulders once more.

"Morning is approaching. You must get your rest," he opened the door, "I shall come and wake you once the sun has lifted into the sky." She nodded,

"Thank you, general." He caught a glimpse of a smile, giving him a sense of joy.

"Sleep well, Nasakebukai." And with that, he closed the door and was gone.

Midnight Warrior opened his eyes, seeing Queen Beryl sitting before him. He placed a hand upon his head, finding a small bump. "What happened?"

She chuckled, "My guards captured you," she stood up from her throne, "this was the first time you were not aware of your surroundings," her voice was coated with pride as her guards surrounded Midnight.

"Do you think this time will be any different, Beryl?" Beryl scowled when 'queen' was not placed before her name.

"Each time I capture you, I will offer you my proposal…"

"And each time you ask, I will refuse your proposal." Midnight added.

With his comment, a guard struck him on his shoulder, causing him to fall to one knee. "Ah, this is how it should be, my love."

He grasped his shoulder, staring at the queen, "Watch your words, you hag." His laugh mocked her, adding to the flame of her anger. She commanded her guards to refrain from striking Midnight and instead, she reached for her scepter.

The black orb placed on top glowed as the dark energy flowed from her body to the orb. It quickly gathered into a blast as she sent it at the Warrior, striking his chest and sending him back.

Her laughter echoed throughout the room, her guards honoring her on bended knee. The scepter was placed on its stand, and she sat on her throne, waiting for Midnight to respond.

He winced in agony as the throbbing pain in his shoulder and from the blast sunk in, preventing him from immediately striking back. He gripped his shoulder, trying to lift himself off the floor. His cape hung over his body, hiding the blood escaping the deep gash in his shoulder. The queen laughing once more at his attempts to struggle to his feet.

"My dear, you do not have to rise so quickly, I can wait." She crossed her legs and placed her hands on her lap.

He leaned forward, gasping for air. With each breath, the pain heightened. "Give me a moment, and I shall send you back to your own planet."

With each step, he left a small trace of blood behind him. He slowly passed the guards who remained on one knee. He unsheathed his sword using it more like a cane than a weapon. He reached Queen Beryl and tried to lift his sword to her neck. He fell to his knees, breathing heavily and wincing. He climbed to his feet once more, making the effort to lift his sword using both hands. The blade slowly moving to her throat, but she pushed it away easily with one finger, removing it from his hands.

"Call to the gods, you shall be joining them soon." She placed her hand beneath his chin, her long nails softly scraping his skin. She brought her lips to his, kissing dark energy into his lips; these turning from a pale pink to obsidian black. The dark kiss continued to his cheeks, the blackness reaching his ears. His body froze as if paralyzed. Blood escaped from the sides of his mouth and Beryl removed her lips. She gently pushed Midnight back, his body collapsing to the floor.

His eyes remained defiantly wide-open, not blinking once. His chest slowly moving up and down, a trickle of fresh blood issuing from his shoulder and mouth. The queen stood and stepped down from the base of the steps leading to her throne. She stood over his prostrate body, kneeling. She placed her hand on his cheek, caressing it. "Just agree to my proposal. That is all you must do in order to live." His body was motionless, even though he tried to move. His face began to return to its normal color along with his movement. His finger twitched, sending Beryl's eyes to watch it. "You are getting your feeling back and soon your voice. You must agree to my proposal."

She placed her hand upon his chest wound, then applied pressure. He grimaced as the pain intensified, causing him to spit up blood. "Go…to hell." Her jaw dropped at his response, then she shook her head.

"This shall be your last refusal." She placed her hand directly over his heart, collecting all the dark energy within her body. Just as she was about to release the surge of dark force, a dagger sliced into her arm. The dark energy now focused on her wound and not as an attack. "Who is that!" The guards stood around the queen, searching for an intruder.

Midnight dragged himself away from the guards, trying to regain the feeling in his body. He stopped in front of a pair of legs. He looked up, seeing a woman's figure. She lifted him to his feet, evading energy blasts from the guards. She took his hand and placed it upon her chest. His mind questioned this action, but his body couldn't remember how to control itself. His eyes could not focus and spots were intruding his vision. Everything was a blur, and all he could remember was a white light.

Endymion woke up in shock, sitting bolt upright in his bed. A sudden cough irritated his lungs as he covered his mouth to find blood on his hands. Serenity handed him a cloth, soothingly rubbing his back. A clot of blood escaped from his throat then the coughing ceased. He laid back on his pillows, wincing from the pain on his chest and shoulder. Serenity placed a fresh wet cloth upon his forehead. Endymion looked up at her, searching for the right words to say. "What—" She shook her head in disapproval, and he stopped.

"You must not speak. Your body is working hard enough to heal your wounds. I shall explain things once you have recovered sufficiently. Now, you must rest."

She caressed his cheek, and a peaceful sleepiness soon overcame him.

A/N: That was Chapter 8. I hope you rather enjoyed it. You know the drill. R&R is very much appreciated!

Moon Goddess