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 nor do I own the Red Ninja characters.

Chapter 12: The Renaissance (The Beginning)

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Previously On: The Arrangement -- Serenity and Endymion started talking and now Serenity is full of questions. But due to that fact that she is being lied to, and she can right now, only trust Diamond she leaves Endymion and goes back to Diamond. Endymion then finishes up and returns home. Serenity and Diamond return to the Okami den and Serenity is in her bedroom looking at her locket… but then realises that Endymion must not have been lying, as what he said was true… dum dum dum

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For the last 2 days, since the encounter with Endymion, Serenity was so confused. She didn't know what to believe any more. So far the only person she could trust was herself, but that still wasn't trustworthy, as her heart and mind said two totally different things. What to believe? Trust your instincts but use your mind? How does that work in her case? If she followed her heart, she could bring destruction on all vampire nations and be the cause of a power hungry tyrant. Or she could listen to her mind that says that she can trust Diamond, as she is here, and hasn't killed her… but that could also because he needs her… and her heart on Diamond does say that he loves her… maybe not as much as Endymion... But love is there… but she doesn't feel the same as him for Endymion… weird… too confusing… love is over rated!

She was lying on her bed, thinking, 'if the man I supposedly love is Diamond, then he must be telling me the truth… right? But then, how could Endymion know about the locket unless he actually did give it to me! Can I trust him? If so, can I trust what he said about Diamond? But what if, some how Endymion got hold of the information about the locket… like he tortured the truth out of the real person… or some kind of rumour that was true? Oh dear lord above… please help me out of this stupid confusing prediction about all of this mess about me and the two men that are fighting over me… I just can not bear to have such weight on my shoulders… there's too much to think about. What if I make the wrong decision and cause more devastation?'

A knock at the door threw Serenity off her train of thought. It took a minute or so to register that the knocks were at her door, which by then the knocks came louder. "Coming" she said out loud as she jumped of her bed to the door.

Once at the door she opened it with haste and came face to face with one Diamond. Some one she didn't really want to see right now… as there are too many questions she needs to know, and had a feeling he wouldn't be much help… but not to arouse suspicion she acknowledged him. "This is a nice surprise" she said with a fake smile.

Diamond smiled back at her response to seeing him, "yes… just wanted to see how you are. I worry about you. The past couple of days you've been very quiet. Is anything troubling you?" he asked, with a small hint of concern, and worry.

Serenity just stared, "oh, yes… I'm fine, just I haven't been feeling too well after all this stuff with Endymion…" which was partially true.

"Arrh, my dear, don't let him get to you. Anyways, why don't you go freshen up and meet me for lunch in the gardens?"

She stared at him… 'Has he forgotten, but umm… I'm a freaken' vampire… I don't like the sun!' she thought to her self as she stared at him confused.

Diamond must have seen her confusion… "Don't worry dear, we have an inside fernery with beautiful flowers… just like outside, but indoors… so will you join me?" he asked again, clearing any concerns she may have had.

She made a smile, "sure, just give me a few to freshen up" she said as she closed her door and walked to her bathroom. It was nearly lunch, or to her a really really early breakfast… and she was still in her nightgown.

Once in her bathroom she turned the water tap on to the bathtub and removed her clothing. Once she was all clean she stepped out of the bath and put a Satan robe on and walked to her wardrobe. She stood staring at the rows of clothing before making a decision. What was she going to wear? What was the weather like? She would check, but it kinda seemed impossible as well, it was daytime… so she guessed maybe it was a nice warm day. Taking this into consideration, she picked out a nice white cotton summer dress that had a nice emerald green patterns of flowers on it. The dress also had a strip of green material that tired up at the side around her waste. She decided to finish the look with a pair of white pointed heels, and do her hair in a messy bun.

Once finished she made her way out of her room to the fernery to meet Diamond for lunch, or for her, a really really early breakfast.

She couldn't help but stare at all the paintings on the wall as she made her way to Diamond. They were of many different people. But the only thing they had in common was that they all played major, important roles in this war, and underneath each portrait was a little blurb about their role in the war. Serenity would have stayed to read, but she was already running late… damn baths… they take to much time!

By the time she reached the fernery Diamond was sitting at a little table alone drinking from a little tea cup. He actually didn't look to bad, the way his head was tilted, sipping from the cup, WAIT, what was she thinking? No… wait… she is meant to love him right? So why did she feel bad about thinking and looking at him like this? This was like one big mind game to Serenity… she needed to get away… whatever… she needed to go away for a bit… but how?

"Sorry I'm late" she quickly blurted out before he realised she was staring. And took a seat opposite to him

He gently placed the cup back on the saucer and looked at Serenity, "not to worry, the beautiful scenery has kept me company. But now you are here, you can keep me company" he smile.

Serenity couldn't help but stare. He was being so nice, and here she was questioning him about his honesty… but then again, looks can be deceiving.

"To be honest, I actually wanted to talk to you about something" Diamond finally said after a short silence.

Serenity was surprised by his statement, 'what would he want to talk about?' she thought, "Umm, okay. What is it?" she said subtly shrugging her shoulders not to sound, or look worried.

He intertwined his fingers and rested his chin on them, "I feel as though you do not feel comfortable here, or maybe you are getting home sick. I'm just very concerned. And there's also the matter of your Kingdom. They are Kingless and they need a person to look up too. I also think it is about time you return and claim the thrown before people see this as an opportunity to claim it in your absence" he started.

She just stared at him, "Hmm, yes, I should… but what of the council? Will they accept me? It has been awhile…"

"Don't worry, they will. You're the rightful heir. And besides, I will be there for you" he smiled.

This throw Serenity back, 'I'll be there with you… what is he doing? Securing his spot by my side… wait why am I thinking this? Do I really not trust him? Wow… this is so bad' she then shifter he sights to the left of Diamond, "I think I should go by myself. If they see you, an Okami, they may think the worst" she stated.

"Yes…" he said glancing away… "I just hope that you will remember, they may say stuff about me and my kind… some know about us, others are blinded by the truth" he quickly stated.

"Yes, I know, I just think this way they may trust me a bit more", 'and maybe someone may tell me truth… those who don't know about us… but how will I know?' she thought.

Diamond could see her thinking… this seemed kind of dangerous. What if she had doubts about him? He then payed no attention when she stared to talk again.

"When could I possibly leave? I was thinking the earlier the better… maybe tonight after a short rest? That way I can also start the ceremony sooner. In which case I can start my active duty to my kingdom sooner as well" she said.

"Yes… I understand… well if you can be ready by tonight I will have a horse ready and waiting for you, and a boat to cross the river. Just make sure to send word once you have been accepted, because if Endymion hears he will make his way to you, and as your people know about the arrangement between you both, they will make an assumption and crown you two together" he said.

"Oh… but wait, what do you mean crown us together though? Can't they crown me and pick my king from there?" she asked confused.

"No… you're a princess, if you were a prince, then yes, you could be crowned straight away, but since you are a female, you need a King to take care of the army, therefore they will not crown you until you have named your King" he stated, truthfully… for once.

"Oh…." Was all she said again. "So I can not be crowned until I have named my king? Which mean I will have to wait longer…" she trailed off.

"Yes" was all he said as a maid came in with a tray, and placed an amber filled champagne glass in front of Serenity and walked off.

They both sat in silence as the maid did her job and walked away. They were both in deep thought. Diamond was thinking of more ways to make her trust him, and name him king, while Serenity was thinking how she was going to do this, and who she was going to name King. Even MORE stuff to think about. Great.

They both finished up, and headed separate ways after more talk. Diamond resigned back to his office while Serenity went straight to her bedroom to get ready and have a quick nap before leaving… this was going to be fun, was all she thought as she made her way to her bedroom.

She packed all the necessities, cloths, shoes, toiletries for the trip, and a note book to note down all her thoughts. The book was so she could organise her thoughts and make something out of them, instead of having them jumble up in her mind and confuse the hell outta her. Once packed she climbed into bed and rested for the journey ahead.

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Since that night when Endymion confronted Serenity for what seemed like millions of years, he couldn't help but feel dead. He didn't realise how much he actually loved her until she was taken away from him. She truly did complete him. More than Ami had. But since she was no longer around, and the fact that she may not be his again made him feel dead, he felt like there was no longer a point, a reason to live on anymore if he couldn't have his true love… what was he to do? Yes he could fight, but with Diamond brainwashing her, he was bound to hurt her, and even if he did get her back, how could he make her love him, or realise their love, if she was convinced she loved Diamond? It was too confusing, and plus he also had to take care of his people, control the army… which was pointless, as his mind was everywhere… he was useless with Serenity, and felt even worse that it has to take Diamond to take her away to make him realise.

That night, once they finished up in the town, the ride back was in silence, everyone could feel the tension, and Endymions murderous thoughts of Diamond. They could also feel his frustrated sadness about Serenity. When they got back in the kingdom to the castle, he said nothing to his mother and stormed inside breaking everything in sight, throwing this across the room to collide with the wall causing more noise and louder crashes. The throwing and crashes finally stopped as he came to his office and after throwing stuff in there he fell to his chair and for once, in many years, started to cry… silently glistening tears came cascading down right after the other… until finally he became restless and started to think of a plan to win back the heart of his true love.

He was like this for the two days now… and everyone was starting to worry. It was one thing to hear him throw a tantrum and smash things, at least that way they knew he was okay and venting, but since he was silent and locked in a room, and no one had seen him, they started to fret. Worried if he had done anything to himself. But more so, because he hadn't came down for a feed. There were many possibilities, but no one had the guts to check up on him, in case they disturbed him, and they thought no more… afraid to think what he would do to them… he was known to do horrible things to those who disturbed him… and they didn't want to check the validation of those particular rumours.

It had just turned night fall, and there was a knock at his door. He ignored it. He couldn't be bothered to yell at who ever was on the other side of the door. As far as he was concerned, he could die. He was nothing with out Serenity, and he hated himself for not realising until it was too late. Why hadn't he taken more cautious measures to her safety? But before he could think any more the person on the other side of the door started yelling at him… throwing his train of thought off.

"ENDYMION! ENDYMION! This is your mother! Now open up this door, or so help you! Endymion. Are you hearing me? Endymion!" Uberta yelled through the door. Yeah she could have opened, or knocked down the door, but Endymion had his concentration on it so no one could disturb him.

Finally giving up, he spoke for the first time in what seemed like forever, "yes mother…" he strained out in a hoarsely voice. Instead of getting up, he opened the door with his mind.

As Uberta entered she saw the darkened room. She could already smell the room starting to go rank. So to let the room air out, and get some lights in, as Endymion so conveniently smashed the light bulb, she through open his heavy office drapes and opened the French doors that lay behind. Once she done so she turned around and she could see her son from the moon light. She just gasped and ran over to him. He was a total mess. He obviously hadn't slept for the time he was locked in; his eyes were puffy and red, blood shot. His hair was a mess, and he was starting a beard. His cloths, well his pants were all crinkled and his shirt had buttons missing… he was a total wreck. But more so, she could see his mouth. His lips were dry as, and were starting to peel… not a good sign…

"What are you trying to do? Freaken' starve your self? Have I taught you nothing? Gees" was all she said as she got to him and started to straighten him out.

Endymion just started at her… he had no energy what so ever. Mainly due to the fact that he had not eaten for a long time, but also because he had no will to live anymore.

Without another thought Uberta quickly called for a maid or someone to bring some blood to Endymions office ASAP. And not 3 seconds later, there was a knock at the door and a small maid stood there holding a tray with a glass filled with red liquid and a blood bag next to it. She was wearing a little grey dress with a white frilly apron and black slip on shoes. Beside the maid was Andrew. He was wearing black jeans and a blood red satin button up shirt with black formal shoes.

"Quickly now…" Uberta said to the maid as she grabbed the glass of the tray and put it to Endymions mouth. Being the stubborn and arrogant jerk he was, he refused to drink. By which time the maid was gone and Andrew was standing out side the door around the corner.

"Endymion!" she warned. Since he had no energy to argue he started to drink… to break the silence she started to talk to him, "Just because you don't have her now, doesn't mean you can't have her ever. What happened to your fighting spirit? What ever happened to my son? Andrew?" she called out randomly.

Andrew then appeared at the door, "yes your highness?" he asked.

"I have to tend to other engagements, can you please stay with Endymion as you are his friend. Make sure he finishes this up. Then can you take him to his room and lock him in his bathroom until he has managed to clean himself up?" she asked him.

He just stared at Endymion… 'Why have you done this to your self?' he asked himself before replying, "Yes Highness. Leave it to me."

With that she placed the empty glass on the table and handed Endymion the bag. She then got up and left the room.

Once Uberta was gone, Endymion said something to Andrew, just barely audible, but Andrew managed to hear, "don't say a word". His voice was still husky. He still had no energy, so Andrew grabbed the bag from Endymions hands and held it to his mouth.

"Don't worry man, I would say nothing, but man, I just gotta ask… why do you do this to yourself? This doesn't seem like you?" he said. The room was completely silent.

Once the bag was finished, Endymion started to get some strength back, so Andrew helped him up and walked him to his bedroom where he shoved him into his bathroom and locked him in there. It was hard on Andrew count to lock away Endymion, as he had no energy to fight against him, but Endymion found it hard to stay upright.

Once Andrew was gone, he held on to anything that was closet to keep him up right. He slowly made his way to his bathtub and turned the water on with great difficulty. He also managed not to look at himself in the mirror. After the water was at a decent temperature, and was full enough, he literally tore of his cloths through frustration and slowly hoped in. he laid in the bathtub letting his mind slip away from reality. As the water engulfed his body, he started to get feeling back in his body. He could feel the warmth of the water… The water also started to make his blood flow, which in turn gave him his energy back.

After what seemed like forever, and maybe a short rest, he opened his eyes and got out of the tub. As he did he held on to anything he could find to support himself. He then through the towel around his hips and tucked the edge in so the towel would stay. And for the first time, he looked at himself in the mirror and regretted it. He was surprise the mirror didn't break, must have been really tough glass, was his final conclusion before opening up a draw to get his shaver out.

After cleaning, and shaving his face, he stepped through a door to his wardrobe and pulled a pair of black formal pants out and a white satin shirt out. After getting dressed he found a pair of formal black shoes and put them on. He then returned to the bathroom and brushed his hair. After which he was ready to leave…

He walked through the door in the wardrobe to his bedroom and walked straight past Andrew that was resting in a chair, straight to his bed and dumped himself on top. And with in a matter of 2 seconds he was fast asleep.

Andrew was of course glad that his friend was alright, and knew that he needed to sleep, so he left the room to inform her majesty of his progress and where about.

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Serenity was restless in her sleep. After that day, the confrontation with Endymion, her mind had been buzzing everywhere, and now that she could return to her kingdom, she was even more restless as to know what would lay waiting there for her. Would she really find out the truth? Would she EVER find out the truth? Did she really want to know it? What if there was a part of the truth she didn't want to know?

She then suddenly opened her eyes and adjusted to the darkness. She was nervous about going back home. There were too many questions to be asked. And she didn't even know if she even wanted to know the truth any more.

But she had to return, she had to know. So she freshened up and went outside where her horse was awaiting for her, next to Diamond. He was wearing his usual white suit.

Serenity took a large breath of air and continued with her plan. Before heading down she changed into a pair of jeans, boots and a brown turtleneck top. On top of all that she put on a hooded cloak and went down stairs.

"Are you ready my dear?" Diamond asked as she approached.

"Yeah" she smiled as she mounted the horse. "Thank-you."

"Make sure to send word when everything is ready for my arrival" he reminded her.

"Yes, I shall" she said as she gave him one last glance and rode off.

Diamond stood there. He was clearly worried. He didn't know, and had no control of what would happen when she returned.

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Created on: 3rd August 2007 – 8:19pm
Edited on: 15th December 2007 – 6:14pm

Katie :)