Hey people! Sorry this took so long but, you'll be glad to hear that it's
the longest chapter I've ever written. Please review as your thoughts mean
the world to me. A very big thanks to my dear editor Nightelf, as always
your absolutely amazing!! For all those who read the last galaxy knight I
think in this chapter you'll start seeing the changes in the plot!
Nekawaii: I was so moved by your review. I think as an author that was the highest complement you could pay me and I thank you for it.
Deadly Diva: Thankyou, I'm really glad you like the new version. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
SilverMo and fiebre: once again I apologise for making you wait so long, but I hope the longer chapter will compensate for it.
Love you all! Now on with the story!
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The only limits humans have are those we place upon ourselves. The constrictions of one's mind are a cell that has no escape. No light can penetrate such darkness. Beware my children. Beware.
From the diary of King Aura II Emperor of the Moon.
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I stared at the intricate designs of the large oak doors. I had spent my entire life in luxurious conditions, yet I had never studied a door or taken noticed of the details of life. I traced the delicate patterns with a finger, contemplating that within these doors lay my future home. A million thoughts raced through my mind. Yet now was not the time for doubt.
I walked in.
A guard in armour approached me. His face expressionless he slowly looked me over, and smirked. I could feel the anger rising but I knew better than to let it take hold of me. Without a word the guard turned and with a slight gesture of the hand indicated that I was to follow. On reflection his behaviour seems excusable. After all I was a girl and thus had a small frame. No one would have believed that I could have been one of the chosen ones. Not even I was foolish enough to believe that.
He led me down a long corridor which had walls adorned with grand works of art, each depicting knights in armour. All seemed to see through me, mock me, remind me that I didn't belong here.
So I mocked them back.
I straightened my already rigid posture and defiantly walked down the hall. After a few minutes we came to a large room. The floor was made of white marble and matching columns. In the centre of the room was a single chair. It was not a throne. It was not even grand. In front of the chair was a small round table made of red oak.
So this was the famous Artemis.
He was standing beside the chair. His arm casually resting on top of it. He was studying the floor and had made no gesture or expression that would indicate that he acknowledged my presence. His hair had no trace of colour or life; it fell limply past his shoulders. Yet amazingly it had a lustre and shine that I had never seen in a man. He lazily lifted his face and glanced at me. His features were angular, a sharp jaw, alert grey eyes. His entire demeanour had a strange feline quality.
"So, you are Sean?" He asked simply, tilting his head and raising an eyebrow slightly. His voice was soft, comforting even. Yet the authority behind the mask of sincerity was all too plain.
"Yes." I replied, avoiding his piercing gaze.
Did he know that I was not a man? That the name Sean was one that Luna had picked for me?
"Very well, let me be the first to warn you that life in this palace is not an easy one."
It seemed that he did not.
"You shall be made to work hard and if it is proved that you are not one of the Galaxy Knights you shall be immediately dismissed. Is this understood?" The words were uttered not as a promise nor as a threat, merely as a statement of fact.
I listened to his words carefully, letting his voice sooth my fears and calm my nerves. I quietly replied that I understood. For a moment he merely studied me, an expression of amusement painting itself across his features. His mouth slowly formed a subtle smile, one that's meaning was lost on me. With a wave of his hand he dismissed me.
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The same guard escorted me to my room. It was plain. The walls were bare and the only furniture present was a small bed dressed with plain blankets and a bare wooden desk with a matching stool. The room was not grand, or even pleasing to the eye. Yet it was comfortable and would serve me well. A uniform had been placed on the bed. It was a simple black tunic and breaches. The tunic had been adorned with soft burgundy designs. I let my hands indulge in the soft fabric, and only then did I notice the note that had been lying beside the uniform. I slowly unfolded the paper. Within it held the instructions of dinner and a warning that punctuality was of the outmost importance. I glanced at the clock, and realised that I was already running late and hastily pulled on my new clothes.
As I opened the door, a servant was outside waiting for me. He was old, his face a riddle of wrinkles, and his back had been curved because of long years of hard labour, yet his eyes sparked with untamed intelligence. His clothes were simple yet clean and his grey hair had been tied accentuating his narrow face. He gently nodded his head towards me then led me to the same room that I had meet Artemis only a few minutes ago.
"Let me give ye a word of warnin' lad." He had said unexpectedly. "Stay away from those noble boys. They don't like us commoners stepping on their precious pride." He had practically spat the words, yet his face held no trace of anger or resentment. A small smile formed on my lips. I knew only to well the nature of nobles pride.
"And what is your name good sir?"
"Dondelbain." He gave me a puzzled look and opened his mouth to say something further but decided against it. When we reached the hall he once again nodded and left.
His absence caused my anxiousness to return. I took a deep breath trying to calm my nerves and stepped into the room.
The room was no longer empty, but occupied by at least a hundred men of different ages, all hungrily consuming their dinner. They were all attired in the same fashion I was. I will admit that I was more than slightly intimidated and perhaps to a degree even excited. While I knew perfectly well that I could never allow myself to form an attachment to any of these men, I had been in Mina's company long enough for my heart to go a flutter at the thought of being surrounded by so many attractive men. After a few moments I spotted Artemis. He was sitting in the same chair, with a nod of his head he indicated that I was to go to him.
He was attired in a striking white tunic embroidered with gold. Once I reached his side he slowly stood up. Even a simple movement such as this caused silence to fall on everyone present. His authority over his soldiers was clear, but the respect in their eyes was surprising. I knew that the majority of these men had surrendered all their will power to the man who was standing at my side.
I would never be one of them, no matter how much I had been indebted to him.
"Gentlemen we have a new solider among us. Which one of you older ones will sponsor him?" His voice cut through my thoughts. I let my gaze wander to the mass of soldiers. I shifted nervously.
Silence.
A young man slowly put up his hand and relief washed over me. This blinded me to the change in Artemis. His muscles had slightly tensed and his lips pressed ever so slightly together. In the future I would learn to recognise this as a sign that his patience was running thin.
"I've had enough of your pride boys!" His voice boomed, and I could not help but jump a little from surprise. "From this day forth I shall not tolerate noble and common tables under my roof. You are all equal and you shall dine accordingly. Anyone who chooses to act superior can answer to me." The last part of the speech was uttered in a dangerous whisper. His eyes scanned the room. "Who will sponsor him?"
Silence.
"I shall." My head snapped up. The voice belonged to an older student, one whom I assumed was sixteen. His hair was golden and curled to just above his shoulders. His face seemed to have been sculpted from marble. A sharp nose, a definite jaw line and sharp blue eyes that were filled with mirth. His air was both drenched in seriousness and playfulness. I glanced at Artemis he gently nodded his head and I slowly made my way towards my new sponsor. Once I reached him he held out his hand to me. I accepted. He had a firm yet gentle grip. All the while a sensuous smile was playing upon his lips.
"I am Jadeite de Lioncourt." He turned his face towards another man with blazing silver hair. For a few moments I was transfixed by his hair. It seemed to radiate with an inner light and fell past his shoulders. He had deep azure eyes that were studying me with the same intensity that I was studying him. One could detect his arrogance from the way he was rubbing his left hand along his clean shaven chin. Even as young as sixteen this was a man. His intellectual superiority and wisdom were only too clear.
"That is Malachite Davenport. And that is..." When I saw the man he was referring to my heart sank.
"Damien."
"You are acquainted with the Prince?" Jadeite asked, hiding his confusion with an amused tone. At the realisation of my outburst I tensed, searching my mind for a plausible excuse.
"My brother worked in your gardens. He described you in such detail that I had envisioned you in my mind long before I ever saw you myself. It is an honour to finally meet you highness." I was surprised by my calm tone, for it belied the emotions that were rolling through me. Seeing him again had opened so many half healed wounds. A million questions raced through my mind, yet I could not even look at him.
"It is a pleasure indeed." Damien merely bowed his head in my direction without studying me. His complexion had lost its brilliance in the space of a few days. His eyes no longer carried that childlike naivety, but the resonance of cold hard reality. No words are able to describe how much I wanted to comfort him, to tell him that I was fine, that I had survived. I slowly bit my lower lip, yearning to reach out to him, yet knowing I could not.
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Once dinner had ended Jadeite and I walked back to our chambers. He enquired after my family, and I told him that I had none. As I said that he turned his face to me and his usually gentle blue eyes clouded over with an emotion I did not recognise.
Even then he knew I was lying.
For a few long moments we walked in silence. Then I asked him about his background. He told me that his parents were still living on the Lioncourt Estate, however because of the recent drought the crop had been destroyed and thus the finances were quite concerning. He had come to Artemis not because he considered himself to be one of the Promised Knights but as a means to provide for his family; to acquire skills without causing them further expense. I then asked if he had any siblings. Immediately his air changed, he became cold and his lips pressed together in anger.
"He was murdered no more than a month ago."
"By whom?"
"Martians." He practically spat the word.
"I'm afraid I do not understand."
"It is quite simple. A few months ago the Martians attacked the Moon. Typical greed, wanting more land, more whores for their men and more riches for their planet. They came to my home, slaughtered my brother. Mutilated him. All in cold blood." I was shocked. I knew it could not be true. The Martians were hot blooded yes, but they were not murders, nor were they disloyal to the kingdom. A cruel smile danced on his lips.
"I had my revenge a few weeks ago."
"How." I looked at him cautiously, fearing what I might hear.
"An eye for and eye. A life for a life. I can tell you no more." His words worried me greatly. Something was very wrong. Very wrong indeed. However I knew that I couldn't push him anymore on the subject for the moment, so I changed it.
"What is the cause of the Prince's sadness?" It was his turn to be shocked. He slowly retold my own tale to me as we reached my chamber door. I asked him to come in so we could continue our conversation, he agreed gladly.
"I do not know why, but I believe I can trust you. However what I have revealed to you tonight must not be repeated to anyone." I nodded in understanding.
"You have my word."
"After Damien's sister disappeared he came here to avoid his own monsters. However I believe that some of his ghosts are not of the supernatural, but very real indeed."
"The Queen." He nodded, indicating that I was correct in my guess. Soon after he left my chambers and informed me that he would accompany me to the training grounds the next day.
"Try to get some rest kid." Was the last thing he said.
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The training was excruciating. Our masters pushed us to our limits physically, mentally, and emotionally. If anyone cracked under the pressure they were simply dismissed. I remember one particular day we were forced to do push ups with our feet and hands placed on bricks, candles below. I remember feeling my flesh burn. Everyone else had discarded most of their clothing. I did not, for reasons I am sure you can well understand. I can still feel the sharp pain in my muscles, the air filling my lungs rapidly, the sheer force of the exhaustion.
Yet in the end it was worth it.
It always is.
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Three years passed. Artemis spent every hour scrutinising every one of us. Jadeite, Malachite and myself had grown close during those three years. We had spent many hours in each other's chambers attempting to make sense of a maths problem, or debating different political ideologies. I did not know it then but Artemis too had noticed our growing friendship. He had noticed that our tempers seemed to complement each other in an extraordinary way. He had been able to observe this by watching us interacting with the other students.
Jadeite's short temper caused many a brawl, and I was often the one to step in to defend him if I noticed he needed the help, (of course I'd spent weeks afterwards reminding him that he was the most disagreeable man on the face of the planet, and so utterly devoid of any sort of common sense that it was almost a confirmed fact that he had fallen on his head as a child.). Malachite rarely joined in the fighting, however he did prevent many from taking place through his piercing cold logic and sharp scolding of Jadeite to keep his cool.
What I failed to notice, which Artemis had not, was that if any of us did step into battle our senses would numb, and our instincts would take over. We'd use the many manoeuvres that we had spent countless hours practising without a second thought.
This was indeed the beginning.
Of what you ask?
It would be no fun if I revealed it to you now would it?
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Artemis sat in on many of our lessons, and naturally we would all do our best to gain his attention and present ourselves in a positive light. During an archery lesson Artemis scolded me repeatedly. He pointed out my poor form, my weak aim, and my incorrect stance.
I was never one to take criticism well, something that I still have not overcome.
After the lesson I immediately went to Jadeite's chamber to tell him about my frustrations. As always I entered without knocking. Now I had heard of Jadeite's reputation with women, and I was not naïve of such things. Yet I was unprepared for the sight that I witnessed.
A young lady dressed in nothing more than a corset was sitting on his lap and they were engaged in a passionate embrace. I cleared my throat loudly, informing the lovers of my presence. Jadeite was the first to see me. His colour paled noticeably and he slowly whispered something into the girl's ear. She in turn coloured a very amusing shade of red, wrapped a shawl around herself and hurriedly left the room.
For minutes all I could do was glare at him.
"What?"
"Although I have ridiculed you for your stupidity many times I never believed my remarks to be true until now." He very slowly walked towards me, his eyes cold, his manner unnerving.
"You know nothing." I clenched my jaw in response.
"I know that if I had been Artemis, you would have been dismissed without a second thought." With that remark I turned on my heel and walked calmly towards the door. "Maybe next time you'll wait until you find someone you love or at least care for and not risk years of training on a common whore." With that I slammed the door shut. I had not taken more than three steps when I heard glass breaking against the door. I shook my head and continued on my way.
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The next day initiated our first week off for three years. I rode out into the forest at dawn, not wanting to confront Jadeite. I did not know what to expect from Luna, or in what fashion she was going to train me as her heir.
I reached the cottage early the next morning. I raised my hand to knock but before I had a chance the door opened. For a few moments we stared at each other. Slowly a smile spread across her lips.
"You have grown child." I embraced the old woman warmly.
"How are you Luna?"
"I am quite the same as always. However we have not much time to waste. There is much we must do before you return to Artemis."
"I do not understand."
"Why my dear someone must teach you to be a woman." I took all my years of training to maintain my composure at that comment.
"You are not serious. Why would I need to know how to behave like a woman when I am a knight?" The old woman smiled, a smile that held deep wisdom.
"My dear, one day your identity will become known, and then you can use that fact that you are female to your advantage."
"How?" I was truly intrigued.
"Truly child you have much to learn."
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The day passed and I had spent most of it bathing in scented waters. Luna brushed my long golden mane of hair until every hair was in its delicate place. She taught me how to sit and walk in a woman's dress.
"This is absurd, I am intelligent and well acquainted with the art of the sword. I do not need to resort to such measures to be able to gain an advantage over men."
"My dear, I would teach you letters if you had not been educated. Beauty and seduction are merely two more tools that you may harness against opponents." I nodded my head slowly then after a moment I could feel my entire body stiffen.
"Seduction?"
"It is like dangling a carrot in front a horse. Experience is everything my dear."
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Shortly after she took me down into the town market place. I could feel my cheeks redden when I noticed men staring. Luna whispered furiously in my ear reminding me to maintain my posture. For a few moments I left Luna's side to a cart selling pomegranates.
"The original fruit of sin." It was a very male voice. I could feel his warm breath on my bare neck. I turned my head slightly.
Sapphire eyes.
The man was beautiful. His cobalt hair was slowly being ruffled in the breeze blowing softly on his tanned skin. He had high cheek bones and a defined jaw line. I could feel my breath catching in my throat. I took a deep breath attempting to avoid his piercing gaze while slowly remembering all Luna had told me. Furthermore I could fell my own anger growing. The man was devouring me with his eyes like I was a local strumpet. His arrogance was insufferable. I let a smile grace my lips. Luna had been right. This would be fun.
"Much like yourself my lordship." I slowly stepped closer to him until our bodies were almost touching, I gently let the back of my hand brush against his cheek.
His eyes darkened with lust almost immediately.
His next response was one that I had not expected. His lips brutally crushed on my own, stealing my first kiss.
First kisses were meant to be drowned in innocence and sweet dreams.
Not this.
Not this, brutal assault on my senses. One of his hands was cupping the side of my cheek, the other pressed firmly around my waist moulding our two bodies together in the most intimate of ways. By the end of it my lips were slightly bruised and I was completely out of breath.
For a few moments I stared at him in shock
The hunter.
In the distance I could hear something collapse, I think I recall him swearing quietly. His attention was diverted for an instant.
It was all I needed.
I had no desire to be the hunted.
I ran back to Luna's cottage.
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I returned to the market at nightfall. I noticed him standing next to the same pomegranate stand with a companion. I did the first thing that came to my mind. I hid in the bushes.
"You have searched for hours, you will not find her tonight my lord." There was no response. The companion sighed and walked away defeated.
In solitude he gently picked a pomegranate off the crate, and for a few moments he seemed lost in its burgundy texture. He then slowly cracked it open and placed a single red seed into his mouth.
"So the games begin." The words sent a chill through my spine. He then let the pomegranate fall from his hands. It was soon after crushed by his tailor made black leather boots.
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That night I lost my innocence to one of the local villagers.
Yes, yes call me a whore if you wish but not a single part of me regrets it. Although I do admit that it didn't occur for the appropriate reasons. The kiss...the man in the market place had awakened feelings that I did not know how to handle.
I was afraid.
Even though I had provoked it.
The feelings for him that had arisen after one single kiss were overwhelming. My logic was perhaps a little strained at the time but in my mind I believed that if I slept with another man he would disappear. When this did not occur I grew increasingly anxious.
I indulged in the forbidden pleasure many times when I was away from Artemis's palace, all with the same motive. To remove a certain dark haired man from my mind.
Unfortunately for me nothing is ever that simple.
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The journey back to Artemis's castle was a long one. In a space of a week I had changed so drastically. I gently touched my lips where I could still feel that kiss. I quickly banished the thought from my mind. I didn't know what to expect from Jaedite on my arrival. Nor was I particularly looking forward to the gruelling training that I would have to endure. Yet at that moment I remembered something a little startling. Luna had never mentioned how I was to be her heir. On reaching the palace I quietly took my horse back to the stables and gently fed it a carrot while still in deep thought.
"Running away was never your style."
I did not have to look up to know who it was. I would have recognised that voice anywhere.
"Perhaps." He was leaning against the door of the stable, the rays of the sun illuminating his blonde hair giving him a divine glow. He was attractive, no one could doubt that.
"Is that all I am to expect in reply?" A part of me had hoped that there would be no ice between us on my arrival. My hopes had been in vain.
"What would you like me to say?" The statement caught him by surprise. For a moment he lifted both brows and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. An instant after realisation sparkled in his eyes.
"That you were wrong. That you cannot bear to have our friendship strained. That when you left in the morning you felt a part of you leave. That you have never been more sorry in your life." I smiled at his words.
"You know I am too stubborn for that." I met him halfway. He gently nodded his head in a recognition.
"As am I."
"You do realise I'll never let you live it down." He walked over and gently hugged my shoulders.
"You should have said goodbye."
"You wouldn't have let me."
"That's never stopped you before." With that we both smiled. It was always like this; neither of us could stay mad at the other for long.
"I'm glad he finally apologised. He was beginning to drive me crazy with his wild ranting. Really Sean, I don't know what you have done to him. One would almost be tempted to say you have bewitched him." I gave Malachite a hug the instant I saw him. Of course due to the nature of his comment Jadeite would have to get angry. Or at least pretend to be so.
"What are you implying sir?"
Malachite merely gave him on of his signature enigmatic smiles.
I was home.
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"What do you mean he dismissed 50 soldiers?"
"Really Sean, you go away for a week and already you're loosing your hearing. Did the girl scream your name a little to loudly for your nerves?" I glared at Jadeite.
"If I was deaf, then I would be lucky as there are many cures for that inadequacy. In your case, stupidity, there are no such luxuries." Malachite smiled but hid it behind a cough after seeing the daggers in Jadeite's eyes.
"The man has no time to waste. He simply said that there was no possibility of them being the chosen ones. Thus keeping them around would only waste his time and resources." The silence in the classroom had become deafening by the time Malachite had finished his explanation. The three of us looked guiltily at the teacher.
"No gentleman, we shall wait till your conversation is over, as I'm sure it is of vital importance." All three of us apologised and returned to our practices. It had been a magic class, and each one of us had discovered our own individual talents. Jadeite had the ability to create any lifeless object with his mind, while Malachite was able to manipulate the shape of his body and liquidate. Now this was not necessarily a good weapon when in the company of Jadeite. I remember one particular occasion when they had quarrelled over some insignificant matter and when Malachite had converted into water Jadeite poured him into a tight fitting container and placed him among ice. Malachite had an ever-present cough for the next winter. I was able to move objects with my mind, and we all had the ability to fly.
"I forgot to inform you two that Artemis has organized a trip to the village for a night next week." Malachite's words cut through my thoughts. On hearing the comment a sly smile began to form on Jadeite's lips, and a more subtle version was already dancing upon Malachite's lips. "I'm sure the company shall be very pleasurable." I rolled my eyes. "Sean if I didn't know you better I'd say you had no desire for the company of women." Jadeite teased. "Call me a romantic but I believe that women posses far more character than to be considered a mere object of our pleasure." Jadeite laughed his rich laugh. "I need you if only to make me laugh." Was his reply.
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That night I had the same nightmare, and after trying for the third time to get some sleep and still being unsuccessful I decided to take a walk in the garden to calm my nerves. I slowly sat among some bushes staring at the earth. A curious little planet it was. It had been isolated for centuries.
A strange sound interrupted my thoughts. For a few long moments I listened to the night, yet the noise was not repeated. Assuming it was my imagination I decided to ignore it for the time being. But then it occurred again. I was now convinced that my own subconscious was not playing tricks with my mind and thus went in search for the source of the sound.
What I found shattered my heart a hundred times.
Even the memory is excruciating.
Damien.
His emerald eyes were awash with tears, his golden bangs wild and gently dancing in the wind. He was staring at the earth, his knees drawn to his chest. He smelt overwhelmingly of the drink. He was no more than a trembling child, lost in a world in which he did not belong.
"Majesty?"
His head shot up at the sound of my voice. For moments he stared at me, his emerald eyes piercing the very depths of my soul. No words can ever describe how much I wanted to take him into my arms to comfort him like had done for me in the past.
"Would you like to talk about it?" A deep sigh escaped his lips, and I quietly sat down beside him. Moments passed in silence. I studied his face; deep lines had emerged around his lips and in the corner of his eyes. He looked years older than he was.
"I am sure you have heard my tale from the others. The weight on my shoulders is nothing more than loneliness."
"But the Queen?" He smirked bitterly at the comment, his eyes darking with anger and hate.
"She is dead to me. She died with my father the moment she condemned Serenity." He repeated my name, a single tear falling from his right eye. He wiped it away hurriedly. The alcohol had loosened his tongue and he continued. "I was the one who found her next to our father's body." He closed his eyes trying to maintain his composure. "I held her trembling body and stared into the dead eyes of our father. I know it was unjust of me but I thanked God a thousand times that it had been him and not her. But she was taken from me anyway. I can't-" He stopped, drawing a deep breath, the tears falling freely. "I can't live without both of them. Just one, give me one of them back."
All caution had blown away with the wind.
I placed my arms around him and slowly ran my fingers through his hair. His words slowly became incoherent.
"I'm here Damien. I'm here." I whispered it quietly in his ears as he cried himself to sleep in my arms, not bothering to disguise my voice in the usual way. I cursed myself a thousand times, but I could not revel my identity to him yet. If I was to be found out he too would share my fate. The Queen would spare no one. Of that I was certain.
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The week passed quickly with the chores and anticipation of the trip helping to hasten the pace of time. The morning of the trip I slowly saddled my black stallion and steered it towards the others. To my surprise two had been added to our usual group of three. "Sean, these are some good friends of mine. This is Nephrite." Jadeite pointed to a young man with long curly auburn hair and deep emerald green eyes that seemed to shine with the wisdom of the stars. I recognised him from our magic classes. He had the power to cast powerful illusions. I had envied him very much for possessing such a power. "And this is Zoicite." Jadeite's voice cut through my thoughts. Now Zoicite I knew from the academic classes. He was more intelligent than everyone else put together. His incredible mind reminded me of Amy. I shook hands with both men and told them that it was a pleasure to meet them. "Does anyone know exactly where we are going?" I asked, my tone betraying my impatience. "I believe that we are going to a remote village not far from Sirocco." Nephrite answered. I did not like the way the man glanced at me; it was almost as if he knew that I was hiding something of importance from them.
Artemis's voice cut through my thoughts. In his same authoritarian tone he announced that it was time to leave and slowly began to lead us to our destination.
None of us were prepared for what was to happen.
wwwwwwwwwwwwww The market place of the village was bustling. The smells of various spices tantalized the air. Artemis called all of the soldiers around him. He handed each one of us a small bag of gold. "This is your pocket money. Spend it as you wish. I have already prepared our accommodation for the night. You all have separate rooms in the local inn. So take this time and enjoy yourselves for you will not have this opportunity for quite some time again." With that he melted into the hustle and bustle of the market place. As we were riding through the market place the sound of breaking glass reached our ears. Simultaneously we turned to find the source of the noise. Beside the broken glass stood a middle aged man, bald and a little overweight. His clothes were nothing more than rags and his beard seemed to hold the contents of every meal he had eaten in the past two days. His hands were raised above his head ready to strike. At his feet was a young girl no more than 16. Her face was raw, with blotches of red and a gallery of small cuts obviously caused by a beating. She was quietly whimpering and begging for mercy. "You will marry the one I chose for you or else I'll kill you!" The man's voice boomed. His hand came down violently to the tear soaked face of the young girl. As the moments passed I could feel the anger slowly taking control over me. I could barely hear Jadeite's warning for me to stay calm. The temper I had always been able to control was about to stir, open its ugly jaws, and howl. The man raised his hand again, but it never made contact with the young girl's face. I held his hand above his head with my mind. "A true gentlemen never raises a hand against a lady." I tried to keep my voice calm as I got off my horse and slowly walked towards the insufferable man. Behind me I could hear Jadeite quietly swearing under his breath. "She is my daughter, and thus my property to do with as I please." He sneered.
"Do you mock me peasant?" My composure was threatening to collapse at any moment. I released his hand. He slowly moved towards me, straightening his posture, trying to reach my height. He thought he could scare me.
Fool.
"No good sir, do you dare mock me?"
I snapped.
If I had been calm I would have realised that his words could not have been mere circumstance. That it was all to plain that someone had arranged this to provoke a response from me.
As I stared into his eyes with immeasurable anger they slowly changed from their natural brown to the colour of ice. I picked him up with strength I didn't know I possessed and threw him into the brick wall with all my strength.
My rage had blinded me to the screams of the young girl and my friends. All I could see was my father's blood running on the marble. His lifeless eyes staring into oblivion. The blue in his features. The maggots that would be now feeding off his lifeless corpse. I kicked and punched the man with all my strength.
"I'll kill you!" I screamed it again and again.
It took all four of them to pull me off him. By that time the man was already unconscious, and drawing close to death. I could feel my self struggling to get free. I screamed at them. In the end it was Jadeite's punch that broke me out of my spell. He was sitting on top of me pushing my shoulders into the ground screaming at me to calm down.
I slowly looked into their eyes. I could feel Artemis's shadow looming above us. I could see the fear and shock. I knew I had started whimpering, that I was crying like a child. I was too emotionally distraught to realise that the fear in their eyes had melted into concern. Nor did I hear their words.
"He was glowing." Malachite had whispered, his usually collected demeanour shaken. He quickly swallowed the lump in his throat. Jadeite was still staring at my closed eyes. Artemis quickly pulled him off me and shook him violently.
"What did you see?" His voice was clam but the command was clear.
"They were gold." Artemis nodded. He too had witnessed the change of my eye colour.
"My search is over."
Nekawaii: I was so moved by your review. I think as an author that was the highest complement you could pay me and I thank you for it.
Deadly Diva: Thankyou, I'm really glad you like the new version. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
SilverMo and fiebre: once again I apologise for making you wait so long, but I hope the longer chapter will compensate for it.
Love you all! Now on with the story!
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The only limits humans have are those we place upon ourselves. The constrictions of one's mind are a cell that has no escape. No light can penetrate such darkness. Beware my children. Beware.
From the diary of King Aura II Emperor of the Moon.
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I stared at the intricate designs of the large oak doors. I had spent my entire life in luxurious conditions, yet I had never studied a door or taken noticed of the details of life. I traced the delicate patterns with a finger, contemplating that within these doors lay my future home. A million thoughts raced through my mind. Yet now was not the time for doubt.
I walked in.
A guard in armour approached me. His face expressionless he slowly looked me over, and smirked. I could feel the anger rising but I knew better than to let it take hold of me. Without a word the guard turned and with a slight gesture of the hand indicated that I was to follow. On reflection his behaviour seems excusable. After all I was a girl and thus had a small frame. No one would have believed that I could have been one of the chosen ones. Not even I was foolish enough to believe that.
He led me down a long corridor which had walls adorned with grand works of art, each depicting knights in armour. All seemed to see through me, mock me, remind me that I didn't belong here.
So I mocked them back.
I straightened my already rigid posture and defiantly walked down the hall. After a few minutes we came to a large room. The floor was made of white marble and matching columns. In the centre of the room was a single chair. It was not a throne. It was not even grand. In front of the chair was a small round table made of red oak.
So this was the famous Artemis.
He was standing beside the chair. His arm casually resting on top of it. He was studying the floor and had made no gesture or expression that would indicate that he acknowledged my presence. His hair had no trace of colour or life; it fell limply past his shoulders. Yet amazingly it had a lustre and shine that I had never seen in a man. He lazily lifted his face and glanced at me. His features were angular, a sharp jaw, alert grey eyes. His entire demeanour had a strange feline quality.
"So, you are Sean?" He asked simply, tilting his head and raising an eyebrow slightly. His voice was soft, comforting even. Yet the authority behind the mask of sincerity was all too plain.
"Yes." I replied, avoiding his piercing gaze.
Did he know that I was not a man? That the name Sean was one that Luna had picked for me?
"Very well, let me be the first to warn you that life in this palace is not an easy one."
It seemed that he did not.
"You shall be made to work hard and if it is proved that you are not one of the Galaxy Knights you shall be immediately dismissed. Is this understood?" The words were uttered not as a promise nor as a threat, merely as a statement of fact.
I listened to his words carefully, letting his voice sooth my fears and calm my nerves. I quietly replied that I understood. For a moment he merely studied me, an expression of amusement painting itself across his features. His mouth slowly formed a subtle smile, one that's meaning was lost on me. With a wave of his hand he dismissed me.
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The same guard escorted me to my room. It was plain. The walls were bare and the only furniture present was a small bed dressed with plain blankets and a bare wooden desk with a matching stool. The room was not grand, or even pleasing to the eye. Yet it was comfortable and would serve me well. A uniform had been placed on the bed. It was a simple black tunic and breaches. The tunic had been adorned with soft burgundy designs. I let my hands indulge in the soft fabric, and only then did I notice the note that had been lying beside the uniform. I slowly unfolded the paper. Within it held the instructions of dinner and a warning that punctuality was of the outmost importance. I glanced at the clock, and realised that I was already running late and hastily pulled on my new clothes.
As I opened the door, a servant was outside waiting for me. He was old, his face a riddle of wrinkles, and his back had been curved because of long years of hard labour, yet his eyes sparked with untamed intelligence. His clothes were simple yet clean and his grey hair had been tied accentuating his narrow face. He gently nodded his head towards me then led me to the same room that I had meet Artemis only a few minutes ago.
"Let me give ye a word of warnin' lad." He had said unexpectedly. "Stay away from those noble boys. They don't like us commoners stepping on their precious pride." He had practically spat the words, yet his face held no trace of anger or resentment. A small smile formed on my lips. I knew only to well the nature of nobles pride.
"And what is your name good sir?"
"Dondelbain." He gave me a puzzled look and opened his mouth to say something further but decided against it. When we reached the hall he once again nodded and left.
His absence caused my anxiousness to return. I took a deep breath trying to calm my nerves and stepped into the room.
The room was no longer empty, but occupied by at least a hundred men of different ages, all hungrily consuming their dinner. They were all attired in the same fashion I was. I will admit that I was more than slightly intimidated and perhaps to a degree even excited. While I knew perfectly well that I could never allow myself to form an attachment to any of these men, I had been in Mina's company long enough for my heart to go a flutter at the thought of being surrounded by so many attractive men. After a few moments I spotted Artemis. He was sitting in the same chair, with a nod of his head he indicated that I was to go to him.
He was attired in a striking white tunic embroidered with gold. Once I reached his side he slowly stood up. Even a simple movement such as this caused silence to fall on everyone present. His authority over his soldiers was clear, but the respect in their eyes was surprising. I knew that the majority of these men had surrendered all their will power to the man who was standing at my side.
I would never be one of them, no matter how much I had been indebted to him.
"Gentlemen we have a new solider among us. Which one of you older ones will sponsor him?" His voice cut through my thoughts. I let my gaze wander to the mass of soldiers. I shifted nervously.
Silence.
A young man slowly put up his hand and relief washed over me. This blinded me to the change in Artemis. His muscles had slightly tensed and his lips pressed ever so slightly together. In the future I would learn to recognise this as a sign that his patience was running thin.
"I've had enough of your pride boys!" His voice boomed, and I could not help but jump a little from surprise. "From this day forth I shall not tolerate noble and common tables under my roof. You are all equal and you shall dine accordingly. Anyone who chooses to act superior can answer to me." The last part of the speech was uttered in a dangerous whisper. His eyes scanned the room. "Who will sponsor him?"
Silence.
"I shall." My head snapped up. The voice belonged to an older student, one whom I assumed was sixteen. His hair was golden and curled to just above his shoulders. His face seemed to have been sculpted from marble. A sharp nose, a definite jaw line and sharp blue eyes that were filled with mirth. His air was both drenched in seriousness and playfulness. I glanced at Artemis he gently nodded his head and I slowly made my way towards my new sponsor. Once I reached him he held out his hand to me. I accepted. He had a firm yet gentle grip. All the while a sensuous smile was playing upon his lips.
"I am Jadeite de Lioncourt." He turned his face towards another man with blazing silver hair. For a few moments I was transfixed by his hair. It seemed to radiate with an inner light and fell past his shoulders. He had deep azure eyes that were studying me with the same intensity that I was studying him. One could detect his arrogance from the way he was rubbing his left hand along his clean shaven chin. Even as young as sixteen this was a man. His intellectual superiority and wisdom were only too clear.
"That is Malachite Davenport. And that is..." When I saw the man he was referring to my heart sank.
"Damien."
"You are acquainted with the Prince?" Jadeite asked, hiding his confusion with an amused tone. At the realisation of my outburst I tensed, searching my mind for a plausible excuse.
"My brother worked in your gardens. He described you in such detail that I had envisioned you in my mind long before I ever saw you myself. It is an honour to finally meet you highness." I was surprised by my calm tone, for it belied the emotions that were rolling through me. Seeing him again had opened so many half healed wounds. A million questions raced through my mind, yet I could not even look at him.
"It is a pleasure indeed." Damien merely bowed his head in my direction without studying me. His complexion had lost its brilliance in the space of a few days. His eyes no longer carried that childlike naivety, but the resonance of cold hard reality. No words are able to describe how much I wanted to comfort him, to tell him that I was fine, that I had survived. I slowly bit my lower lip, yearning to reach out to him, yet knowing I could not.
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Once dinner had ended Jadeite and I walked back to our chambers. He enquired after my family, and I told him that I had none. As I said that he turned his face to me and his usually gentle blue eyes clouded over with an emotion I did not recognise.
Even then he knew I was lying.
For a few long moments we walked in silence. Then I asked him about his background. He told me that his parents were still living on the Lioncourt Estate, however because of the recent drought the crop had been destroyed and thus the finances were quite concerning. He had come to Artemis not because he considered himself to be one of the Promised Knights but as a means to provide for his family; to acquire skills without causing them further expense. I then asked if he had any siblings. Immediately his air changed, he became cold and his lips pressed together in anger.
"He was murdered no more than a month ago."
"By whom?"
"Martians." He practically spat the word.
"I'm afraid I do not understand."
"It is quite simple. A few months ago the Martians attacked the Moon. Typical greed, wanting more land, more whores for their men and more riches for their planet. They came to my home, slaughtered my brother. Mutilated him. All in cold blood." I was shocked. I knew it could not be true. The Martians were hot blooded yes, but they were not murders, nor were they disloyal to the kingdom. A cruel smile danced on his lips.
"I had my revenge a few weeks ago."
"How." I looked at him cautiously, fearing what I might hear.
"An eye for and eye. A life for a life. I can tell you no more." His words worried me greatly. Something was very wrong. Very wrong indeed. However I knew that I couldn't push him anymore on the subject for the moment, so I changed it.
"What is the cause of the Prince's sadness?" It was his turn to be shocked. He slowly retold my own tale to me as we reached my chamber door. I asked him to come in so we could continue our conversation, he agreed gladly.
"I do not know why, but I believe I can trust you. However what I have revealed to you tonight must not be repeated to anyone." I nodded in understanding.
"You have my word."
"After Damien's sister disappeared he came here to avoid his own monsters. However I believe that some of his ghosts are not of the supernatural, but very real indeed."
"The Queen." He nodded, indicating that I was correct in my guess. Soon after he left my chambers and informed me that he would accompany me to the training grounds the next day.
"Try to get some rest kid." Was the last thing he said.
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The training was excruciating. Our masters pushed us to our limits physically, mentally, and emotionally. If anyone cracked under the pressure they were simply dismissed. I remember one particular day we were forced to do push ups with our feet and hands placed on bricks, candles below. I remember feeling my flesh burn. Everyone else had discarded most of their clothing. I did not, for reasons I am sure you can well understand. I can still feel the sharp pain in my muscles, the air filling my lungs rapidly, the sheer force of the exhaustion.
Yet in the end it was worth it.
It always is.
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Three years passed. Artemis spent every hour scrutinising every one of us. Jadeite, Malachite and myself had grown close during those three years. We had spent many hours in each other's chambers attempting to make sense of a maths problem, or debating different political ideologies. I did not know it then but Artemis too had noticed our growing friendship. He had noticed that our tempers seemed to complement each other in an extraordinary way. He had been able to observe this by watching us interacting with the other students.
Jadeite's short temper caused many a brawl, and I was often the one to step in to defend him if I noticed he needed the help, (of course I'd spent weeks afterwards reminding him that he was the most disagreeable man on the face of the planet, and so utterly devoid of any sort of common sense that it was almost a confirmed fact that he had fallen on his head as a child.). Malachite rarely joined in the fighting, however he did prevent many from taking place through his piercing cold logic and sharp scolding of Jadeite to keep his cool.
What I failed to notice, which Artemis had not, was that if any of us did step into battle our senses would numb, and our instincts would take over. We'd use the many manoeuvres that we had spent countless hours practising without a second thought.
This was indeed the beginning.
Of what you ask?
It would be no fun if I revealed it to you now would it?
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Artemis sat in on many of our lessons, and naturally we would all do our best to gain his attention and present ourselves in a positive light. During an archery lesson Artemis scolded me repeatedly. He pointed out my poor form, my weak aim, and my incorrect stance.
I was never one to take criticism well, something that I still have not overcome.
After the lesson I immediately went to Jadeite's chamber to tell him about my frustrations. As always I entered without knocking. Now I had heard of Jadeite's reputation with women, and I was not naïve of such things. Yet I was unprepared for the sight that I witnessed.
A young lady dressed in nothing more than a corset was sitting on his lap and they were engaged in a passionate embrace. I cleared my throat loudly, informing the lovers of my presence. Jadeite was the first to see me. His colour paled noticeably and he slowly whispered something into the girl's ear. She in turn coloured a very amusing shade of red, wrapped a shawl around herself and hurriedly left the room.
For minutes all I could do was glare at him.
"What?"
"Although I have ridiculed you for your stupidity many times I never believed my remarks to be true until now." He very slowly walked towards me, his eyes cold, his manner unnerving.
"You know nothing." I clenched my jaw in response.
"I know that if I had been Artemis, you would have been dismissed without a second thought." With that remark I turned on my heel and walked calmly towards the door. "Maybe next time you'll wait until you find someone you love or at least care for and not risk years of training on a common whore." With that I slammed the door shut. I had not taken more than three steps when I heard glass breaking against the door. I shook my head and continued on my way.
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The next day initiated our first week off for three years. I rode out into the forest at dawn, not wanting to confront Jadeite. I did not know what to expect from Luna, or in what fashion she was going to train me as her heir.
I reached the cottage early the next morning. I raised my hand to knock but before I had a chance the door opened. For a few moments we stared at each other. Slowly a smile spread across her lips.
"You have grown child." I embraced the old woman warmly.
"How are you Luna?"
"I am quite the same as always. However we have not much time to waste. There is much we must do before you return to Artemis."
"I do not understand."
"Why my dear someone must teach you to be a woman." I took all my years of training to maintain my composure at that comment.
"You are not serious. Why would I need to know how to behave like a woman when I am a knight?" The old woman smiled, a smile that held deep wisdom.
"My dear, one day your identity will become known, and then you can use that fact that you are female to your advantage."
"How?" I was truly intrigued.
"Truly child you have much to learn."
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The day passed and I had spent most of it bathing in scented waters. Luna brushed my long golden mane of hair until every hair was in its delicate place. She taught me how to sit and walk in a woman's dress.
"This is absurd, I am intelligent and well acquainted with the art of the sword. I do not need to resort to such measures to be able to gain an advantage over men."
"My dear, I would teach you letters if you had not been educated. Beauty and seduction are merely two more tools that you may harness against opponents." I nodded my head slowly then after a moment I could feel my entire body stiffen.
"Seduction?"
"It is like dangling a carrot in front a horse. Experience is everything my dear."
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Shortly after she took me down into the town market place. I could feel my cheeks redden when I noticed men staring. Luna whispered furiously in my ear reminding me to maintain my posture. For a few moments I left Luna's side to a cart selling pomegranates.
"The original fruit of sin." It was a very male voice. I could feel his warm breath on my bare neck. I turned my head slightly.
Sapphire eyes.
The man was beautiful. His cobalt hair was slowly being ruffled in the breeze blowing softly on his tanned skin. He had high cheek bones and a defined jaw line. I could feel my breath catching in my throat. I took a deep breath attempting to avoid his piercing gaze while slowly remembering all Luna had told me. Furthermore I could fell my own anger growing. The man was devouring me with his eyes like I was a local strumpet. His arrogance was insufferable. I let a smile grace my lips. Luna had been right. This would be fun.
"Much like yourself my lordship." I slowly stepped closer to him until our bodies were almost touching, I gently let the back of my hand brush against his cheek.
His eyes darkened with lust almost immediately.
His next response was one that I had not expected. His lips brutally crushed on my own, stealing my first kiss.
First kisses were meant to be drowned in innocence and sweet dreams.
Not this.
Not this, brutal assault on my senses. One of his hands was cupping the side of my cheek, the other pressed firmly around my waist moulding our two bodies together in the most intimate of ways. By the end of it my lips were slightly bruised and I was completely out of breath.
For a few moments I stared at him in shock
The hunter.
In the distance I could hear something collapse, I think I recall him swearing quietly. His attention was diverted for an instant.
It was all I needed.
I had no desire to be the hunted.
I ran back to Luna's cottage.
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I returned to the market at nightfall. I noticed him standing next to the same pomegranate stand with a companion. I did the first thing that came to my mind. I hid in the bushes.
"You have searched for hours, you will not find her tonight my lord." There was no response. The companion sighed and walked away defeated.
In solitude he gently picked a pomegranate off the crate, and for a few moments he seemed lost in its burgundy texture. He then slowly cracked it open and placed a single red seed into his mouth.
"So the games begin." The words sent a chill through my spine. He then let the pomegranate fall from his hands. It was soon after crushed by his tailor made black leather boots.
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That night I lost my innocence to one of the local villagers.
Yes, yes call me a whore if you wish but not a single part of me regrets it. Although I do admit that it didn't occur for the appropriate reasons. The kiss...the man in the market place had awakened feelings that I did not know how to handle.
I was afraid.
Even though I had provoked it.
The feelings for him that had arisen after one single kiss were overwhelming. My logic was perhaps a little strained at the time but in my mind I believed that if I slept with another man he would disappear. When this did not occur I grew increasingly anxious.
I indulged in the forbidden pleasure many times when I was away from Artemis's palace, all with the same motive. To remove a certain dark haired man from my mind.
Unfortunately for me nothing is ever that simple.
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The journey back to Artemis's castle was a long one. In a space of a week I had changed so drastically. I gently touched my lips where I could still feel that kiss. I quickly banished the thought from my mind. I didn't know what to expect from Jaedite on my arrival. Nor was I particularly looking forward to the gruelling training that I would have to endure. Yet at that moment I remembered something a little startling. Luna had never mentioned how I was to be her heir. On reaching the palace I quietly took my horse back to the stables and gently fed it a carrot while still in deep thought.
"Running away was never your style."
I did not have to look up to know who it was. I would have recognised that voice anywhere.
"Perhaps." He was leaning against the door of the stable, the rays of the sun illuminating his blonde hair giving him a divine glow. He was attractive, no one could doubt that.
"Is that all I am to expect in reply?" A part of me had hoped that there would be no ice between us on my arrival. My hopes had been in vain.
"What would you like me to say?" The statement caught him by surprise. For a moment he lifted both brows and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. An instant after realisation sparkled in his eyes.
"That you were wrong. That you cannot bear to have our friendship strained. That when you left in the morning you felt a part of you leave. That you have never been more sorry in your life." I smiled at his words.
"You know I am too stubborn for that." I met him halfway. He gently nodded his head in a recognition.
"As am I."
"You do realise I'll never let you live it down." He walked over and gently hugged my shoulders.
"You should have said goodbye."
"You wouldn't have let me."
"That's never stopped you before." With that we both smiled. It was always like this; neither of us could stay mad at the other for long.
"I'm glad he finally apologised. He was beginning to drive me crazy with his wild ranting. Really Sean, I don't know what you have done to him. One would almost be tempted to say you have bewitched him." I gave Malachite a hug the instant I saw him. Of course due to the nature of his comment Jadeite would have to get angry. Or at least pretend to be so.
"What are you implying sir?"
Malachite merely gave him on of his signature enigmatic smiles.
I was home.
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"What do you mean he dismissed 50 soldiers?"
"Really Sean, you go away for a week and already you're loosing your hearing. Did the girl scream your name a little to loudly for your nerves?" I glared at Jadeite.
"If I was deaf, then I would be lucky as there are many cures for that inadequacy. In your case, stupidity, there are no such luxuries." Malachite smiled but hid it behind a cough after seeing the daggers in Jadeite's eyes.
"The man has no time to waste. He simply said that there was no possibility of them being the chosen ones. Thus keeping them around would only waste his time and resources." The silence in the classroom had become deafening by the time Malachite had finished his explanation. The three of us looked guiltily at the teacher.
"No gentleman, we shall wait till your conversation is over, as I'm sure it is of vital importance." All three of us apologised and returned to our practices. It had been a magic class, and each one of us had discovered our own individual talents. Jadeite had the ability to create any lifeless object with his mind, while Malachite was able to manipulate the shape of his body and liquidate. Now this was not necessarily a good weapon when in the company of Jadeite. I remember one particular occasion when they had quarrelled over some insignificant matter and when Malachite had converted into water Jadeite poured him into a tight fitting container and placed him among ice. Malachite had an ever-present cough for the next winter. I was able to move objects with my mind, and we all had the ability to fly.
"I forgot to inform you two that Artemis has organized a trip to the village for a night next week." Malachite's words cut through my thoughts. On hearing the comment a sly smile began to form on Jadeite's lips, and a more subtle version was already dancing upon Malachite's lips. "I'm sure the company shall be very pleasurable." I rolled my eyes. "Sean if I didn't know you better I'd say you had no desire for the company of women." Jadeite teased. "Call me a romantic but I believe that women posses far more character than to be considered a mere object of our pleasure." Jadeite laughed his rich laugh. "I need you if only to make me laugh." Was his reply.
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That night I had the same nightmare, and after trying for the third time to get some sleep and still being unsuccessful I decided to take a walk in the garden to calm my nerves. I slowly sat among some bushes staring at the earth. A curious little planet it was. It had been isolated for centuries.
A strange sound interrupted my thoughts. For a few long moments I listened to the night, yet the noise was not repeated. Assuming it was my imagination I decided to ignore it for the time being. But then it occurred again. I was now convinced that my own subconscious was not playing tricks with my mind and thus went in search for the source of the sound.
What I found shattered my heart a hundred times.
Even the memory is excruciating.
Damien.
His emerald eyes were awash with tears, his golden bangs wild and gently dancing in the wind. He was staring at the earth, his knees drawn to his chest. He smelt overwhelmingly of the drink. He was no more than a trembling child, lost in a world in which he did not belong.
"Majesty?"
His head shot up at the sound of my voice. For moments he stared at me, his emerald eyes piercing the very depths of my soul. No words can ever describe how much I wanted to take him into my arms to comfort him like had done for me in the past.
"Would you like to talk about it?" A deep sigh escaped his lips, and I quietly sat down beside him. Moments passed in silence. I studied his face; deep lines had emerged around his lips and in the corner of his eyes. He looked years older than he was.
"I am sure you have heard my tale from the others. The weight on my shoulders is nothing more than loneliness."
"But the Queen?" He smirked bitterly at the comment, his eyes darking with anger and hate.
"She is dead to me. She died with my father the moment she condemned Serenity." He repeated my name, a single tear falling from his right eye. He wiped it away hurriedly. The alcohol had loosened his tongue and he continued. "I was the one who found her next to our father's body." He closed his eyes trying to maintain his composure. "I held her trembling body and stared into the dead eyes of our father. I know it was unjust of me but I thanked God a thousand times that it had been him and not her. But she was taken from me anyway. I can't-" He stopped, drawing a deep breath, the tears falling freely. "I can't live without both of them. Just one, give me one of them back."
All caution had blown away with the wind.
I placed my arms around him and slowly ran my fingers through his hair. His words slowly became incoherent.
"I'm here Damien. I'm here." I whispered it quietly in his ears as he cried himself to sleep in my arms, not bothering to disguise my voice in the usual way. I cursed myself a thousand times, but I could not revel my identity to him yet. If I was to be found out he too would share my fate. The Queen would spare no one. Of that I was certain.
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The week passed quickly with the chores and anticipation of the trip helping to hasten the pace of time. The morning of the trip I slowly saddled my black stallion and steered it towards the others. To my surprise two had been added to our usual group of three. "Sean, these are some good friends of mine. This is Nephrite." Jadeite pointed to a young man with long curly auburn hair and deep emerald green eyes that seemed to shine with the wisdom of the stars. I recognised him from our magic classes. He had the power to cast powerful illusions. I had envied him very much for possessing such a power. "And this is Zoicite." Jadeite's voice cut through my thoughts. Now Zoicite I knew from the academic classes. He was more intelligent than everyone else put together. His incredible mind reminded me of Amy. I shook hands with both men and told them that it was a pleasure to meet them. "Does anyone know exactly where we are going?" I asked, my tone betraying my impatience. "I believe that we are going to a remote village not far from Sirocco." Nephrite answered. I did not like the way the man glanced at me; it was almost as if he knew that I was hiding something of importance from them.
Artemis's voice cut through my thoughts. In his same authoritarian tone he announced that it was time to leave and slowly began to lead us to our destination.
None of us were prepared for what was to happen.
wwwwwwwwwwwwww The market place of the village was bustling. The smells of various spices tantalized the air. Artemis called all of the soldiers around him. He handed each one of us a small bag of gold. "This is your pocket money. Spend it as you wish. I have already prepared our accommodation for the night. You all have separate rooms in the local inn. So take this time and enjoy yourselves for you will not have this opportunity for quite some time again." With that he melted into the hustle and bustle of the market place. As we were riding through the market place the sound of breaking glass reached our ears. Simultaneously we turned to find the source of the noise. Beside the broken glass stood a middle aged man, bald and a little overweight. His clothes were nothing more than rags and his beard seemed to hold the contents of every meal he had eaten in the past two days. His hands were raised above his head ready to strike. At his feet was a young girl no more than 16. Her face was raw, with blotches of red and a gallery of small cuts obviously caused by a beating. She was quietly whimpering and begging for mercy. "You will marry the one I chose for you or else I'll kill you!" The man's voice boomed. His hand came down violently to the tear soaked face of the young girl. As the moments passed I could feel the anger slowly taking control over me. I could barely hear Jadeite's warning for me to stay calm. The temper I had always been able to control was about to stir, open its ugly jaws, and howl. The man raised his hand again, but it never made contact with the young girl's face. I held his hand above his head with my mind. "A true gentlemen never raises a hand against a lady." I tried to keep my voice calm as I got off my horse and slowly walked towards the insufferable man. Behind me I could hear Jadeite quietly swearing under his breath. "She is my daughter, and thus my property to do with as I please." He sneered.
"Do you mock me peasant?" My composure was threatening to collapse at any moment. I released his hand. He slowly moved towards me, straightening his posture, trying to reach my height. He thought he could scare me.
Fool.
"No good sir, do you dare mock me?"
I snapped.
If I had been calm I would have realised that his words could not have been mere circumstance. That it was all to plain that someone had arranged this to provoke a response from me.
As I stared into his eyes with immeasurable anger they slowly changed from their natural brown to the colour of ice. I picked him up with strength I didn't know I possessed and threw him into the brick wall with all my strength.
My rage had blinded me to the screams of the young girl and my friends. All I could see was my father's blood running on the marble. His lifeless eyes staring into oblivion. The blue in his features. The maggots that would be now feeding off his lifeless corpse. I kicked and punched the man with all my strength.
"I'll kill you!" I screamed it again and again.
It took all four of them to pull me off him. By that time the man was already unconscious, and drawing close to death. I could feel my self struggling to get free. I screamed at them. In the end it was Jadeite's punch that broke me out of my spell. He was sitting on top of me pushing my shoulders into the ground screaming at me to calm down.
I slowly looked into their eyes. I could feel Artemis's shadow looming above us. I could see the fear and shock. I knew I had started whimpering, that I was crying like a child. I was too emotionally distraught to realise that the fear in their eyes had melted into concern. Nor did I hear their words.
"He was glowing." Malachite had whispered, his usually collected demeanour shaken. He quickly swallowed the lump in his throat. Jadeite was still staring at my closed eyes. Artemis quickly pulled him off me and shook him violently.
"What did you see?" His voice was clam but the command was clear.
"They were gold." Artemis nodded. He too had witnessed the change of my eye colour.
"My search is over."