Disclaimer: Not mine.
Thank you to astgal, ellen, =)), and usako for reviewing!!! *Hugs for all!! * I just looked at the last chapter and realized that about half a page didn't show up! I don't know what happened, I remember typing it! The chapter wasn't meant to end there!!!!! Maybe I am going senile.......
End of Chapter Twelve
'He had a purpose and he achieved it, and once more I was made a fool.' The lone tear slowly found the curve of her cheek and bit by bit descended to her chin before falling with a small plop onto a pink nose.
'My Lady,' he said softly as to not startle her.
Raye jumped and whipped her head around. 'You!' she hissed.
He went for a smile, 'Yeah, I saw you and followed.' He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. 'I wanted to explain, I-'
'No need, I understand perfectly. I want nothing more from you.' She said archly.
'Oh really,' he drawled and stepped closer, 'Then why is it that you are cuddling that teddy? If I recall correctly, I gave you that Pegasus. It must mean something to you or you wouldn't be comforted by it now.'
Raye's eyes blazed. 'That has nothing to do with it,' she snapped and turned to go inside.
'You still treasure it don't you?' he said softly.
Without turning she threw the Pegasus behind her as she walked.
The Pegasus flew in an arc through the air. Jadeite followed it with his eyes and ran to catch it. His fingers fell short as Pegasus fell from the balcony and landed with a small splash in the fountain below.
Jadeite turned to see if Raye was watching but she had gone.
@~@~@~@
'Who goes there?' commanded General Nephrite.
Lita froze. Just the person she did not want to see. She stepped out from among the shadows, 'It is I.'
Nephrite stiffened as he saw what she held. It was a pink giraffe. The first thing he had ever given her.
He gazed up at the night sky and saw all the other balloons he had ever given her. Some were tiny specks in the sky while others were only starting to drift upwards.
'I was just getting rid of unwanted things.' She said coolly. She made to release the last one.
'Wait,' he cried and raced to where she stood but it was too late. A giraffe slowly drifted to join the others.
Nephrite grabbed Lita's shoulders and shook her. 'Why did you do that?' he demanded.
'Like I said it was unwanted,' she said as she pried his fingers away.
'Don't you understand? It was my job! I had to dress up. It wasn't as if I purposely went out to deceive you, even if you weren't here I would still be Nathan.' He said quickly and hotly.
'Is that what you think I am mad about? You dressing up as Nathan? I understand duty you know! It wasn't that at all!'
'Then what?'
Lita sighed. 'You knew since practically the first time I saw you as Nathan!'
'Knew?'
'I told you!' her faced burned, 'that I liked you!' she mumbled.
'.......' Nephrite still had no idea.
'And you did nothing about it!!!! The whole time you still treated me the same, you could've said something!'
Nephrite smiled, he couldn't help himself. 'Is that all? You're mad because I pretended that I didn't know even though I technically shouldn't have? And anyway I would've miss you raving at how great I was.' he said smugly.
Lita slapped him with her right hand. After that she made a fist with her left hand and began to swing. Nephrite's reflexes took over.
He automatically grabbed her fist, deflected it back and wrapped his leg around hers and forced her to the ground.
This happened so fast that Lita had no time to react. She struggled but could not break the hold.
'Calm down,' he said gently, 'I meant no harm, I was just-' he stopped when he noticed a slight quivering.
Lita could not help it, tears sprang to her eyes. He had her helpless and she could do nothing. Was this the way it was always going to be? She wondered. He had her love and he was going to crush it.
Nephrite let go and tried to explain but it was too late. Quick as a flash she had jumped up and ran.
But not before he had seen her tears. Nephrite did not chase her, he was left speechless and rather confused. 'Women,' he muttered.
@~@~@~@~@~@
Now for this chapter.......
Chapter Thirteen
Serena stretched and yawned, the sunlight brightly shone through her window. She smiled happily for she loved sunny days. Then she remembered what happened last night and her smile disappeared.
He had tricked her, she was made fun of, and it was all just a stupid game. Serena rubbed her cheeks, no, she had done enough crying last night, and the word 'crybaby' was still in her mind.
Serena jumped up out of bed; no one had woken her up! That must mean that she had slept in for she never woke up on time. She dressed deftly used to this common occurrence.
She ran down the stairs and skidded to a halt in front of the dining room. Smoothing her skirts and filled with dread she entered.
Eight heads turned to greet her as she entered. Serena curtsied, 'Pardon Queen Gaia.' She apologized.
Gaia smiled. Every time she saw this petite girl she just had to smile. The princess was so adorable without really even trying.
'Please be seated,' she replied.
As Serena sat she glanced around. Other than the Queen and the occasional maid, she was the only female in the room. Where were her Senshi? She glanced at the Princes and the two Lords.
The four Generals stared at her questioningly. It was obvious they were asking where her guards were too. The two Lords, Andrew and Seiya both looked slightly ashamed and awed at the same time.
And Darien? Serena pointedly ignored him, not meeting his gaze.
After enquiring the King and Queen who also did not know the Senshi whereabouts, Serena was a little bit worried. she wondered. After a very awkward breakfast Serena raced up to her room, searching.
'Aha!' she cried snatching up a folded piece of paper on the floor.
Dear Rena,
The girls and I have decided that we cannot face certain people today and have gone down to the village for a trip. We will be back soon at the latest, this evening, we did not wake you because frankly..... we couldn't. You could sleep through an earthquake!
Love, Your loyal Senshi
It was written in Mina's cursive hand on pink sweet smelling paper.
Serena sighed in relief and frustration. she wondered to herself. Serena began to chuckle evilly, imagining mauled Generals and Princes.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Serena spent the whole day avoiding awkward situations between her and the Prince. She had adequately succeeded too except for one or two occasions.
Lord Seiya and Lord Andrew had found her hiding under a staircase.
Seiya had been very amused. he thought then grinned.
Seiya and Andrew were actually rather ashamed; they realized that they had blown the Princes cover.
'We came to apoligise,' explained Andrew, 'We realize that the Princesses are very upset.'
'The Generals did not mean what they said about the Princesses, it was just typical male behaviors. We riled them up.'
'In truth,' replied Serena arched, 'I f it wasn't for you two we would have never found out the truth. I should thank you.'
After this was said, she left. Andrew had to admire her courage, even though she said she was grateful it obviously caused her a lot of pain. She had most definitely fallen for the Prince, even a blind man could see that.
@~@~@~@~@
It was well past midnight and yet no sign of any of the Princesses had returned.
Serena paced the main Hall anxiously, often stopping to gaze outside as if by will alone she could summon them back.
she stressed.
Darien watched her from the shadows. He had tried to approach her many times today but each time he had scared her off. He did not want to do that now. He knew that she was worried no need to add to her problems.
He stopped a passing maid, 'Tell the Princess that it is late. Perhaps she should retire, if there is any news of the Princesses, she will be informed.'
The maid passed on the message and Serena reluctantly went to bed.
@~@~@~@~@
Once again, Serena was pacing in the Hall. Yet this time she wasn't alone. The Queen herself was also worried and the Generals were restraining themselves from pacing.
'Your Majesty,' greeted a soldier as he knelt.
'What word of the Princesses,' she demanded sharply.
In the blunt no nonsense way of soldiers reporting, 'The Princesses had gone not to the local village but the next one over for reasons unknown. At dusk yesterday, a band of bandits raided the village and took all the young girls with them. They had drugged the village water from the well so that there was no or little resistance. The Princesses were also taken along.'
'To what purpose?' pondered the Queen.
'Rape,' said Malachite quietly, gripping his sword.
'Ransom,' suggested Nephrite his eyes ablaze.
'We must rescue them,' insisted Zoicite, 'This could put the peace treaty in jeopardy.'
'How many men were in this bandit band?' questioned Malachite.
'This is the biggest band of bandits hereabouts. They are infamous for raiding without injury to themselves. They are known as the Ghost Cat Clan. There are perhaps several hundred in all.'
The Generals had not reacted well with this news. Sure, they could take them on but they had little chance of killing all the bandits before the bandits had the chance to hurt one of the girls.
'I want to leave tomorrow morning,' declared Jadeite thinking of his Raye. He imagined Raye waking up to find herself captive and he pitied the guards closest to her when that happened.
The Queen nodded. The Princesses were entrusted in Earth's care, nothing must be allowed to happen to them. 'Since the band camp is known and the bandits are numerous I propose that a small group stealthily rescue the girls. Generals I leave this in your hands.' Ordered the Queen.
'I shall accompany them,' declared the Princess. They all paused and looked at her. Serena sat straighter and lifted her chin. 'My Lady,' ventured Darien, 'Perhaps a camp full of bandits is not the most.....appropriate place for someone of your standing.'
'I shall go,' she stated, 'with your permission or no.'
'You will only put yourself in danger and be a liability to us. This can endanger all those around you including the girls.' Argued the Prince impatiently.
'I am not one of your subjects to be ordered! I have said that I will go and I will!'
'Stop being so stubborn! Your going to get yourself killed!'
'They are more to be than just guards! We are as close as any sisters! I have known them for as long as I can remember, they look out for me and I them. I will not abandon them!'
'You won't be abandoning them if you stay here! They will understand that it is for your safety!'
The argument got louder and louder till they were both shouting and making so much noise that servants popped their heads in to see the drama.
The Queen smiled to herself. Never before had she seen her son so concerned. If he didn't care he would not be protesting so loudly. The engagement might work out after all.
'She has a right to go,' injected the Queen smoothly. Serena grinned while Darien stared openmouthed.
'Look after one another and see that no one comes to harm.' Ordered Gaia before leaving them to their preparations.
'You better not get in the way,' muttered Darien before leaving the smug Princess.
@~@~@~@~@
Thank you to astgal, ellen, =)), and usako for reviewing!!! *Hugs for all!! * I just looked at the last chapter and realized that about half a page didn't show up! I don't know what happened, I remember typing it! The chapter wasn't meant to end there!!!!! Maybe I am going senile.......
End of Chapter Twelve
'He had a purpose and he achieved it, and once more I was made a fool.' The lone tear slowly found the curve of her cheek and bit by bit descended to her chin before falling with a small plop onto a pink nose.
'My Lady,' he said softly as to not startle her.
Raye jumped and whipped her head around. 'You!' she hissed.
He went for a smile, 'Yeah, I saw you and followed.' He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. 'I wanted to explain, I-'
'No need, I understand perfectly. I want nothing more from you.' She said archly.
'Oh really,' he drawled and stepped closer, 'Then why is it that you are cuddling that teddy? If I recall correctly, I gave you that Pegasus. It must mean something to you or you wouldn't be comforted by it now.'
Raye's eyes blazed. 'That has nothing to do with it,' she snapped and turned to go inside.
'You still treasure it don't you?' he said softly.
Without turning she threw the Pegasus behind her as she walked.
The Pegasus flew in an arc through the air. Jadeite followed it with his eyes and ran to catch it. His fingers fell short as Pegasus fell from the balcony and landed with a small splash in the fountain below.
Jadeite turned to see if Raye was watching but she had gone.
@~@~@~@
'Who goes there?' commanded General Nephrite.
Lita froze. Just the person she did not want to see. She stepped out from among the shadows, 'It is I.'
Nephrite stiffened as he saw what she held. It was a pink giraffe. The first thing he had ever given her.
He gazed up at the night sky and saw all the other balloons he had ever given her. Some were tiny specks in the sky while others were only starting to drift upwards.
'I was just getting rid of unwanted things.' She said coolly. She made to release the last one.
'Wait,' he cried and raced to where she stood but it was too late. A giraffe slowly drifted to join the others.
Nephrite grabbed Lita's shoulders and shook her. 'Why did you do that?' he demanded.
'Like I said it was unwanted,' she said as she pried his fingers away.
'Don't you understand? It was my job! I had to dress up. It wasn't as if I purposely went out to deceive you, even if you weren't here I would still be Nathan.' He said quickly and hotly.
'Is that what you think I am mad about? You dressing up as Nathan? I understand duty you know! It wasn't that at all!'
'Then what?'
Lita sighed. 'You knew since practically the first time I saw you as Nathan!'
'Knew?'
'I told you!' her faced burned, 'that I liked you!' she mumbled.
'.......' Nephrite still had no idea.
'And you did nothing about it!!!! The whole time you still treated me the same, you could've said something!'
Nephrite smiled, he couldn't help himself. 'Is that all? You're mad because I pretended that I didn't know even though I technically shouldn't have? And anyway I would've miss you raving at how great I was.' he said smugly.
Lita slapped him with her right hand. After that she made a fist with her left hand and began to swing. Nephrite's reflexes took over.
He automatically grabbed her fist, deflected it back and wrapped his leg around hers and forced her to the ground.
This happened so fast that Lita had no time to react. She struggled but could not break the hold.
'Calm down,' he said gently, 'I meant no harm, I was just-' he stopped when he noticed a slight quivering.
Lita could not help it, tears sprang to her eyes. He had her helpless and she could do nothing. Was this the way it was always going to be? She wondered. He had her love and he was going to crush it.
Nephrite let go and tried to explain but it was too late. Quick as a flash she had jumped up and ran.
But not before he had seen her tears. Nephrite did not chase her, he was left speechless and rather confused. 'Women,' he muttered.
@~@~@~@~@~@
Now for this chapter.......
Chapter Thirteen
Serena stretched and yawned, the sunlight brightly shone through her window. She smiled happily for she loved sunny days. Then she remembered what happened last night and her smile disappeared.
He had tricked her, she was made fun of, and it was all just a stupid game. Serena rubbed her cheeks, no, she had done enough crying last night, and the word 'crybaby' was still in her mind.
Serena jumped up out of bed; no one had woken her up! That must mean that she had slept in for she never woke up on time. She dressed deftly used to this common occurrence.
She ran down the stairs and skidded to a halt in front of the dining room. Smoothing her skirts and filled with dread she entered.
Eight heads turned to greet her as she entered. Serena curtsied, 'Pardon Queen Gaia.' She apologized.
Gaia smiled. Every time she saw this petite girl she just had to smile. The princess was so adorable without really even trying.
'Please be seated,' she replied.
As Serena sat she glanced around. Other than the Queen and the occasional maid, she was the only female in the room. Where were her Senshi? She glanced at the Princes and the two Lords.
The four Generals stared at her questioningly. It was obvious they were asking where her guards were too. The two Lords, Andrew and Seiya both looked slightly ashamed and awed at the same time.
And Darien? Serena pointedly ignored him, not meeting his gaze.
After enquiring the King and Queen who also did not know the Senshi whereabouts, Serena was a little bit worried. she wondered. After a very awkward breakfast Serena raced up to her room, searching.
'Aha!' she cried snatching up a folded piece of paper on the floor.
Dear Rena,
The girls and I have decided that we cannot face certain people today and have gone down to the village for a trip. We will be back soon at the latest, this evening, we did not wake you because frankly..... we couldn't. You could sleep through an earthquake!
Love, Your loyal Senshi
It was written in Mina's cursive hand on pink sweet smelling paper.
Serena sighed in relief and frustration. she wondered to herself. Serena began to chuckle evilly, imagining mauled Generals and Princes.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Serena spent the whole day avoiding awkward situations between her and the Prince. She had adequately succeeded too except for one or two occasions.
Lord Seiya and Lord Andrew had found her hiding under a staircase.
Seiya had been very amused. he thought then grinned.
Seiya and Andrew were actually rather ashamed; they realized that they had blown the Princes cover.
'We came to apoligise,' explained Andrew, 'We realize that the Princesses are very upset.'
'The Generals did not mean what they said about the Princesses, it was just typical male behaviors. We riled them up.'
'In truth,' replied Serena arched, 'I f it wasn't for you two we would have never found out the truth. I should thank you.'
After this was said, she left. Andrew had to admire her courage, even though she said she was grateful it obviously caused her a lot of pain. She had most definitely fallen for the Prince, even a blind man could see that.
@~@~@~@~@
It was well past midnight and yet no sign of any of the Princesses had returned.
Serena paced the main Hall anxiously, often stopping to gaze outside as if by will alone she could summon them back.
she stressed.
Darien watched her from the shadows. He had tried to approach her many times today but each time he had scared her off. He did not want to do that now. He knew that she was worried no need to add to her problems.
He stopped a passing maid, 'Tell the Princess that it is late. Perhaps she should retire, if there is any news of the Princesses, she will be informed.'
The maid passed on the message and Serena reluctantly went to bed.
@~@~@~@~@
Once again, Serena was pacing in the Hall. Yet this time she wasn't alone. The Queen herself was also worried and the Generals were restraining themselves from pacing.
'Your Majesty,' greeted a soldier as he knelt.
'What word of the Princesses,' she demanded sharply.
In the blunt no nonsense way of soldiers reporting, 'The Princesses had gone not to the local village but the next one over for reasons unknown. At dusk yesterday, a band of bandits raided the village and took all the young girls with them. They had drugged the village water from the well so that there was no or little resistance. The Princesses were also taken along.'
'To what purpose?' pondered the Queen.
'Rape,' said Malachite quietly, gripping his sword.
'Ransom,' suggested Nephrite his eyes ablaze.
'We must rescue them,' insisted Zoicite, 'This could put the peace treaty in jeopardy.'
'How many men were in this bandit band?' questioned Malachite.
'This is the biggest band of bandits hereabouts. They are infamous for raiding without injury to themselves. They are known as the Ghost Cat Clan. There are perhaps several hundred in all.'
The Generals had not reacted well with this news. Sure, they could take them on but they had little chance of killing all the bandits before the bandits had the chance to hurt one of the girls.
'I want to leave tomorrow morning,' declared Jadeite thinking of his Raye. He imagined Raye waking up to find herself captive and he pitied the guards closest to her when that happened.
The Queen nodded. The Princesses were entrusted in Earth's care, nothing must be allowed to happen to them. 'Since the band camp is known and the bandits are numerous I propose that a small group stealthily rescue the girls. Generals I leave this in your hands.' Ordered the Queen.
'I shall accompany them,' declared the Princess. They all paused and looked at her. Serena sat straighter and lifted her chin. 'My Lady,' ventured Darien, 'Perhaps a camp full of bandits is not the most.....appropriate place for someone of your standing.'
'I shall go,' she stated, 'with your permission or no.'
'You will only put yourself in danger and be a liability to us. This can endanger all those around you including the girls.' Argued the Prince impatiently.
'I am not one of your subjects to be ordered! I have said that I will go and I will!'
'Stop being so stubborn! Your going to get yourself killed!'
'They are more to be than just guards! We are as close as any sisters! I have known them for as long as I can remember, they look out for me and I them. I will not abandon them!'
'You won't be abandoning them if you stay here! They will understand that it is for your safety!'
The argument got louder and louder till they were both shouting and making so much noise that servants popped their heads in to see the drama.
The Queen smiled to herself. Never before had she seen her son so concerned. If he didn't care he would not be protesting so loudly. The engagement might work out after all.
'She has a right to go,' injected the Queen smoothly. Serena grinned while Darien stared openmouthed.
'Look after one another and see that no one comes to harm.' Ordered Gaia before leaving them to their preparations.
'You better not get in the way,' muttered Darien before leaving the smug Princess.
@~@~@~@~@