Hey people, what can I say I was so overwhelmed with all your reviews that I managed to write this chapter a lot earlier than I expected! So thanks heaps! Just a note people, I haven't been able to get in contact with Chikira, and I haven't had time to read over the story carefully, so please excuse any spelling or grammer mistakes you may encounter I promise I'll go through it and post the edited chapter soon..i just wanted to get this instalment out to you ASAP!
To: Taylor 9.0, SilentStar-009, hit60, Megan Consoer, Eo, pooh1, princess of star, Robin, Princess of the Saiyans 16, Twighunter, koldy, fioremaryssa, Sere Emberwave, Becx, Anhthy, Marronett: Thankyou all for your kind words, as I said it was your reviews that gave me the inspiration to get this chapter out now. Once again, from the bottom of my heart thankyou!
Tollixit-vi3t: I'm glad to hear that my writing touched you to the point of tears, its one of the highest compliments you could have given me and I thank you for that. As for the title, I do not have any intention of changing it, the notice at the very beginning of the story is referring to the previous fic that I wrote that gave me that basis for this story. As Tourniquet is the revised version of "the last galaxy knight", don't worry I fully intend on finishing this fic.
To Sailor-Nekawaii and SilverMo: youre both close, very very close. Hehe. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
To Stargirl: thanks heaps! I think I always pictured Serenity as an indapendant chick. I mean she has to run a plant! Hehe, thanks for the review!
To buwan anghel: no, Serenity and Endymion are not related, so don't worry about that. I can't tell you when Endy will find out about lil Dare, all I can tell you is heads will roll in the next chapter!
To Edens-MoonlightAngel and venusgoddess: Don't worry, Endymion will suffer but no more then he deserves to, at least for now anyway. Thankyou so much for your reviews guys!
To silverwolf: where are you?
To Amethyst-Heart: May I just say madam, that you have the best timing, a part of me is really glad that you didn't read my story earlier. You see after I finished my English exam I was quite depressed, cause it was a horrible exam..and then I came home and found your review, and it completely lifted my spirits. Thankyou so much, you have no idea how much that meant to me, especially at that time. I don't think I've ever gotten such high praise for my writing, and let me say the reason this chapter is out now, is 90 because of you. As for your prediction..that the changes may eventually cost them their lives, you have no idea how close you are to what is going to happen in the next and final chapter of this fic. As for your comments about my characterisation, thankyou..i mean your praise left me practically in tears. I've tried hard to make the characters real, to give them flaws and weakness and complex personalities, and to know that its worked, means everything to me. As to my spelling and grammar, I've struggled with the aspects all my life, I'm working on them I promise I am. As to the fact that some scenes in the initial chapters seem rushed, well your right. Some of them I was planning to elaborate on, but at the beginning of my story I had so many ideas rolling around my head that I was a bit overwhelmed. As I kept writing everything gradually fell into place and I had a clearer vision of what I was doing, so I hope that's a reasonable explanation. And my dear, I assure you that I have no intention of getting rid of you..and if you do leave I would be thoroughly disappointed. Thankyou once again.
To Deadly Diva: No I don't think I gave Jadeite's brother a name, so you didn't miss it. LoL I know exactly what you mean about Endymion being rugged..ahh..sweet fantasies eh? Your right about Beryl and Endymion, they did have a past and yep, they only meet at night your also right about Diamond. If you don't like Beryl, then your definitely not going to like who makes an appearance in this chapter. I know, I think Jadeite's the poor one that getting the brunt of the situation..i mean Rei and Serenity, ouch! As for Lita and Nephrite I completely agree..it'll happen soon don't worry. As for Serenity and Endymion being reunited...I can't revel anything. I can't believe that there's only one more chapter to go! I'm seriously going to miss your reviews, and I just wanted to thank you once again from being there from the very beginning, when tourniquet was still the last galaxy knight. Thankyou soo much! You have no idea how much your reviews have meant to me.
Now on with the story!
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Revenge. It is of no matter if we acknowledge it or not, the truth is our most deceive moments are motivated by a desire to hurt. Yet revenge is not sweet, far from it in-fact, its pursuit can drive one insane, yet its taste is bitter, cold. Revenge can never sate hunger. Only forgiveness can achieve that.
From the diary of King Aura II
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Damien swirled the burgundy wine in his delicate crystal glass as he gazed inveterately at the ceiling. He could not help but be worried about Endymion, even Jadeite had commented on his apparent remarkable recovery. Yet they all knew that it was a merely a façade, and a dangerous one at that. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he allowed his head to fall into his hands. He ran his fingers through his golden ringlets, being overwhelmed by a feeling of utter hopelessness.
"You cannot heal all wounds Damien." Damien grunted, not needing to raise his head in order to know the voice belonged to Malachite. Malachite slowly sat in a deep mahogany chair lined with burgundy, opposite Damien. He reached to the table and poured himself a glass of the addictive liquid.
"I don't know how much more Endymion can take." Malachite nodded slowly, he had not been close to, nor did he particularly like Endymion yet even he was somewhat concerned by Endymion's behaviour. The day after Serenity had shown up at Amy's wedding they had found Endymion in his room, his pulse almost non-existent from the amount of alcohol he had consumed. Even he could not help but genuinely feel for the man after witnessing the dry tears that had lined his cheeks. Yet after Damien had healed him it seemed that Endymion had quite simply forgotten Serenity's existence. He spent his days pouring over books and nights touring various villages seeing to the villagers' meaningless squabbles and helping them with things such as training and drought.
"You can spend an eternity locked away in this room with brandy Damien, yet you would not be able to provide relief for your brother. Only one person has the power to do that." Malachite replied, his voice conveying all the power and wisdom that was so characteristic of his introverted personality.
"Do you think she'll return?" Damien asked, a look of desperation entering into his eyes. Malachite leaned back into his chair a slowly took a sip of his brandy before exhaling loudly.
"Last year I would have said yes, with outmost certainty. With every passing day, her return becomes less and less likely." Malachite gazed sadly at his dear friend, wrinkles had emerged around Damien's eyes, and his entire demeanour lacked its previous authority and assured arrogance.
"How is the Queen faring?" Malachite asked quietly in an attempt to change the subject. To his disappointment a more pronounced melancholy entered into Damien's eyes, as tears began to cling to his long blonde lashes.
"I don't think Serenity realised the extent of her curse, the Queen's beauty has faded, but it has caused her age to finally impact on her physically. Wrinkles have formed around her eyes, her hearing and sight have withered into nothing-I don't know how much longer she'll last." Malachite nodded slowly, his eyebrows burrowed together in deep contemplation. He was not in the least worried about the Queen, nor did he care that she was finally meeting her timely end, rather he was worried about the security of the planet after her death.
The large ornate oak doors were pushed open and Jadeite followed closely by Nephrite entered the room. Both allowed their forms to fall into the plush chairs that surrounded the large mahogany desk. Jadeite slowly reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a cigar. He lit it with the outmost care and then slowly began suckling its tip with his shapely mouth. Damien instantly scowled, while Malachite merely raised an eyebrow as if to ask when Jadeite had acquired the habit. Jadeite merely shrugged. Damien was about to outline the numerous health risks associated with smoking but was silenced by a mental warning from Nephrite that reminded him that doing so would only encourage Jadeite to take the habit further. 'Just like Serenity' both men thought bitterly.
"Where is Zoicite?" Malachite asked, his tone conveying his impatience.
"I believe he has his nose stuck in a moulding book in a damp corner of the library." Malachite glared at Jadeite in the same fashion a parent would an ill behaved child. Serenity's disappearance had left deep scars in the emotional flesh of them all. Within the Promised Knights, Jadeite's change was the most alarming. Yes, he had always possessed an irksome sense of humour, yet he had never been devious. As the months had passed, Jadeite's usual harmless crude remarks grew increasingly sarcastic, with the sole aim of ridiculing and humiliating others. His boyish demeanour had all but disappeared, and now the man that sat opposite Malachite seemed to be only a warrior. Cold, calculating and to be kept under a watchful eye at all times.
"What news do we have of Diamond, have their been anymore attacks?" Jadeite asked calmly, his tone un-attached.
"There were two more attacks on the villages of Khar and Serijan." Malachite replied calmly, he was greatly tempted to rub his temples with his hands-yet he did not. A few months ago Diamond had reassumed his attacks, at first all were naturally suspicious of Endymion, yet at the time due to Serenity's disappearance it was clear that Endymion was in no condition to co-ordinate attacks. However Diamond's idiotic and impulsive nature were also universally known-what no one had been able to discover was where Diamond had gained his source of power and guidance.
"There have been reports of magic being used among Diamond's forces." Nephrite stated, his tone conveying the heavy burden the knowledge had added to his shoulders.
"Magic?" Damien repeated, alarmed. A deep sigh escaped Jadeite's lips as he shook his head.
"We must crush Diamond's forces before he acquires too much power." Jadeite replied harshly, slamming his fist against the desk to emphasise his point. Malachite straightened his posture, he placed his elbows on the table and allowed his chin to rest against the back of his large hands.
"Nephrite, send mages to all villages that have anything of value materialistically or strategically. Jadeite, increase the training of the army, if we fight they are to be prepared. Damien, I wish you to do the same for the healers. I'll speak to Endymion and see if he has acquired any information from his travels." They all nodded, in silent acknowledgement of Malachite's orders.
"So we fight, and fade, like all warriors, defined by our times-soon we shall no longer be required. We will become obsolete, with no purpose." Nephrite's words carried the deep foreboding of prophecy. A cold shiver ran down Malachite's spine, although he failed to acknowledge it. Jadeite merely ignored Nephrite's words, while Damien was too concerned over Nephrite's initial news to be concerned.
All left the room, leaving Nephrite in solitude. He walked towards the large windows that lined the outer wall. He ran a hand through his auburn locks while glancing at the tranquil settings below. The tempest in his mind was what had motivated his words, the foreboding taste of the stars warning: "the begging of the end" still resounded in his thoughts.
He was sure that the worst was yet to come.
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I gently slung yet another bag of clothes and blankets on my black stallion, slowly running my hands through its raven mane as a form of apology. It had been months since I had sought out Luna. Darien's birth had changed me to such a great extent that even I was amazed. I was still stubborn, yet I was not as ferociously agile as I used to be, Darien had given me a greater sense of peace, a calmness that I had never experienced before. A sigh escaped my lips as I once again remembered that the time had come for us to leave. I was beginning to get restless, and I feared that someone would join the dots and discover my true identity. I walked back into the cottage and could not help but smile at the sight of Darien in Luna's arms. She never revealed her secret to me but I soon discovered it, I'm not sure when I realised our true relationship for it happened so gradually. It all fell into place as I began to realise the sparkle in her eyes as she played with Darien was more than just friendly admiration but maternal pride.
After spending months relishing in the warmth and love of Luna it was only too plain that she was my true mother.
I slowly walked up to her and gently took Darien in my arms, I slowly brushed away the dark raven locks from his eyes. Darien was the image of the two men I loved the most, my father, and Endymion-although I would not admit to having such feelings for the latter. I looked up from the bewitching sapphire eyes of my son as I felt Luna's glare burning through my skull. Her eyes were filled with mock anger that was meant to disguise her feelings of displeasure and sadness.
"Must you leave?" Luna asked quietly, her eyes were studying the floor intently in order to hide the tears that had formed in the depth.
"You know that I do not want to go any more than you want me too. I feel like a young child who is moving away from her parental home for the first time."
"You will never imagine how much I shall miss you both." She embraced me, and did not allow me to leave her arms for what seemed like an eternity. She then once again kissed Darien on the cheek. "Be safe." She whispered quietly as she walked us out to the door. I saddled my hoarse, and for a moment I hesitated. Yet I knew that we had to leave, for too much was at risk.
"We'll visit you soon, mother." I whispered the last word quietly and rode into the forest before Luna had a chance to react.
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Rei entered the ball room and scanned the crowd for him. He was leaning against a marble pillar, brooding and staring into the crowd in a detached manner. They had very much avoided each other after their last encounter. She could feel her chest tighten at the mere sight of him. She was well aware that she had pushed him away, but she had expected him to peruse her. Rei bit her lip, as she pushed back tears. It seemed obvious to her that he no longer cared for her, and she was determined to move on.
She could not, and would not wait forever for one man.
A charming prince from a distant planet in the outer solar system, draped in black and white silk approached her. The contrasting tones highlighted his fine complexion and brown hair. He bowed to her introducing himself as Chadinare (insisting she address him as Chad), and graced the back of her hand with a slight kiss, before asking her for the honour of a dance. Rei smiled and accepted his offer, although she could not help but compare him to a certain golden haired Knight. He didn't have the enigmatic quality of Jadeite, nor did he share his tall frame and extraordinary good looks.
As they twirled around the dance floor, his scandalous sense of humour elicited many a smile and bursts of laughter from the fiery princess. His hands began wondering down her back, possibly more so than was socially acceptable, yet Rei was not concerned. For she had not enjoyed the company of a gentleman to this extent for quite some time.
She was so engrossed in her dancing partner that she failed to notice the possessive glare of a certain Promised Knight burning holes into her back. While staring in a dangerous manner at her companion, who had placed his hands so intimately on her body.
After they had danced through three more scores, the couple decided to retire and to indulge in each other's wit and conversation. Jadeite could feel a surge of jealously go through him at the fact that he could relish in her laughter with the simplest gestures and phrases. Jadeite swore quietly and made his way towards the newly formed couple, a dangerous sneer on his lips. Jadeite calmly placed a hand on the shoulder of Rei's companion. It was a great feat of self-control that he did not use his powers to exterminate him in that instant.
"Could I have a moment alone with the Princess." He uttered the words as he glared at Rei. His stature was so over-whelming that Chad could not help but comply with Jadeite's wishes. He bowed respectfully to Jadeite, knowing full well his position-only a fool would seek to anger and make an enemy of a Promised Knight.
"What was it that you wished to discuss with me." Rei asked, in a colloquial manner, her dismissive tone infuriating Jadeite. He grabbed her elbow-none to gently and escorted her to a nearby-secluded hallway. The narrow hallway forced them to stand in a very close proximity. Although the space was dimly lit Jadeite could feel the waves of anger rolling off Rei.
"Let me make one thing quite clear Lord Jadeite, your position may entitle you to power but it does not give you the liberty to exercise your authority over me." Rei spit the words, yet she was answered with silence. For Jadeite was desperately attempting to regain his composure for he had forgotten the impact Rei's mere presence had on his senses.
"Are you deaf as well as mentally challenged?" Rei whispered harshly, her irritation clear. Her words renewed the anger that had been bubbling in Jadeite.
"If you claim to want nothing to do with me, then why is it that you resort to such underhanded tactics to gain my attention?" A moment after the words left Jadeite's lips, the sound of Rei's hand making contact with Jadeite's cheek resounded through the room.
"You think too highly of yourself Sir." Rei whispered, tears of anger and hurt stinging her eyes. In response Jadeite pressed his body more intimately against hers, effectively trapping her between his built frame and the wall. Yet instead of kissing her brutally, he gently brushed the back of his hand against her cheek. He could not help but smile as he felt her heart beating rapidly against her chest and her breath catch in surprise. For a reason unbeknown to him the anger he had felt only seconds before seemingly melted away from his being.
"If you truly desire it I shall disappear from your life and never seek an audience with you again. If you wish to be rid of me Rei, all you need to do is to say so."
Silence.
She was tempted to slap the infuriating smile that appeared on his lips away, but did not gain the chance for his lips crushed down on hers. It was not a devouring kiss, but a tender one, he was teasing her by gently biting on her lower lip. A soft sigh escaped Rei's lips.
"Now you'll never be rid of me Rei." Jadeite whispered softly, before indulging in the taste of her kiss once again.
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By mid afternoon I had reached a small village named Sirocco. Their main source of water was a nearby stream, the villagers themselves lived in what seemed small yet comfortable huts. Surrounding their homes of brick and wood were lush forests and over bearing mountains. The various shades of lush green, combined with the noble stones created a picturesque view that was positively breathtaking.
I slowly made my way to the local inn, I was able to afford accommodation for I had taken a great sum of money with me when I had left the palace. The innkeeper looked me over suspiciously with a displeased frown on his features.
"I wish to inquire for a room for tonight." I asked simply, the man sneered, revealing his blackened teeth and giving me the unfortunate experience of encountering his vile breath.
"We don't have room for single women. Were a god fearing village and don't like yer type." I pressed my lips together tightly, trying hard to control my temper. I could not demand a room in my usual manner, as I could not arise suspicion as to my identity. I took a deep breath, in order to regain my composure. I diverted my gaze to the floor in a gesture of fake modesty.
"I am a widow from a neighbouring village my lord. I have child with me as you can see, surely you can tell that I am a lady of respectable breeding." I kept my tone clam and sincere, even though inside I was reeling. The man snorted rudely, and stuck his nose in the air.
"Really Routem, refusing to give shelter to a lady and a newborn is below even you." I turned sharply in order to discover the source of the masculine voice. The man was dressed richly in comparison to the other citizens. Dark hair fell across his light blue eyes, strangely his features possessed an almost feminine quality. He was assured and confidant, that much was plain from his stance, yet his did not posses Endymion's flawless masculinity. The man walked up to me and gently took my hand, gracing my knuckles with a kiss.
"I am Seiya, The leader of this small community, it would give me great honour if you used my home as a shelter."
"I don't think that would be appropriate." I replied politely.
"I assure you madam, that I posses no ill intentions, while it may be unusual for a woman to live in the house of a bachelor, I believe that my position will protect both our reputations." He replied kindly. I took a deep breath, and scrutinised the man closely, I could sense nothing dangerous in his countenance. Besides I had never cared about my reputation, and I wasn't about to start now. I accepted his offer graciously. He walked with me to my horse in order to assist me with my belongings.
"Is this all you have?" He asked his tone conveying his shock as he witnessed two packs slung over the horse.
"The attack destroyed everything-it took away all of my most precious possessions." I replied, with fake sorrow.
"Your husband most of all." I was tempted to sneer at that comment. The only good thing to come out of my marriage to Endymion had been Darien. The loss of my husband was not in any form a real loss.
Or so I kept telling myself.
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Endymion was sitting in the corner of the ball room, he had watched, highly amused by Jadeite's various facial expressions as Rei danced with another man. He smiled and sipped his wine as he guessed what Jadeite's next actions would be-after all another man was touching the woman Jadeite loved. The thought caused the smile to disappear from his features, as he wondered for the hundredth time where she was, who she was with and what she was doing. Yet he squished the thoughts quickly, refusing to show the emotional wounds that were slicing his insides at a agonizingly slow pace.
He was overcome instantly with a feeling of revulsion as arms snaked around his neck. Before he could react the woman was sitting in his lap, the stench of alcohol that clung to her skin was overwhelming.
"Handsome men should not sit alone, it is highly improper." The women allowed the words the roll on her tongue, she flicked her hair and batted her eyelashes in such an overt fashion that was almost comical.
"I do not seek company." Endymion stated coldly. Yet the woman did not concede defeat instead she ran her fingers over his neck. She giggled excitedly when she discovered that a golden chain was clasped around his neck. She quickly pulled the chain out of his shirt only to discover a intricately designed gold band hanging from it. She giggled frivolously and was about to try the ring on when she felt a hand grasp hers in such a violent manner that caused her to cry out in pain. She glanced up to discover that what had once been deep sapphire eyes had now acquired a black hue.
"If you so much as think of placing that ring on your finger, I shall tear you limb from limb with my bare hands." The most frightening thing about his words was not that he had yelled them, but that he had stated them with plain indifference. The poor girl was too frightened to react. Endymion merely threw her off his lap and made his was back to his chambers.
The ring about his neck belonged to one woman and one woman alone. One day in the very near future he would find Serenity and place the ring on her finger once again. That much he was certain.
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"Have you seen Nephrite?" Lita asked Malachite, throwing an apologetic glance at Mina for having interrupted their conversation.
"I believe he is on the balcony." Came the calm reply, Lita nodded and thanked him quietly, failing to notice the bemused smirks of the couple. She knew that she should probably make up a dignified reason before seeking out one of the most sought after bachelors of the planet. Yet her brain refused to function, and her feet refused to stop moving towards the balcony.
The sight of him took her breath away, he was leaning against the marble railings, his back towards her, his head tilted back. Nephrite's eyes were closed and he had a peaceful expression o his face. For a moment she turned to leave not wanting to disturb such a serene scene, yet curiosity gained the better of her.
"What are you doing?" She didn't mean for the comment to sound mocking, but somehow her words always seemed to take on a satirical tone around him. A deep sigh escaped his lips, as he turned to face her, the look of peace still sparkling in his eyes.
"Talking with the stars." He replied quietly, allowing his eyes o trace over her from.
"That is absurd." Lita replied, using condescension to mask her embarrassment at Nephrite's overtly sexual gaze.
"Is that so?" His tone had a hint of amusement, while a frustratingly arrogant smile played across his lips.
"Of course it is." Lita bit back, not attempting to maintain a lady like façade of well bred manners.
"Come here." For a reason completely unbeknown to herself she did as he bid. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him, causing a surprised gasp to emerge from her lips. He then used the other hand to tilt her chin up so that she was staring at the many stars implanted in the vast sky.
"Now close your eyes and listen." He whispered the words, after he had placed his lips only inches away from her ear. His warm breath on the naked skin of her flesh caused a shiver to run through her being. Lita closed her eyes yet after a few short moments she lost her patience.
"I do not hear anything." She replied, her tone conveying her irritation as well as her frustration at being in such close proximity to Nephrite.
"Stop listening with your ears." She opened her eyes and tilted her face so she could look at him. There was no hint of amusement in his features. He was perfectly serious.
"You are insane." She whispered huskily. In response he allowed the tips of his fingers to trace the path from her neck to her collar bone. Lita bit down on her lip to prevent herself from crying out.
"Listen with your heart impatient one, feel them calling your soul." His voice was as intoxicating as wine. She believed that he had cast a mystical spell over her, forcing her to follow his every demand. Yet she did as she was told. Her eyes fluttered open in amazement as she heard what could only be described as the hum of angels. She could not make out any words, merely a continuous melody that was seducing her ears with its charm.
"Its beautiful." She whispered quietly.
"Beautiful." He replied, yet he was not gazing at the stars as she was, rather his gaze was fixed quite firmly on her. She felt him tighten his hold on her, and watched amazed as he closed his eyes. Yet the gesture did not prevent her from witnessing the numerous emotions that played themselves across his face.
"You should not be out here-I can only resist temptation for so long Amazon." He whispered the words quietly, the lust present in his eyes was undeniable. For a few moments Lita was tempted to stay, to savour the feel of his warm skin. Yet a part of her, the deeply stubborn part of her soul caused her to make her way back to the ball.
Nephrite once again resumed his conversation with the stars. This time he was not seeking guidance but rather mercy, for he feared a jungle nymph had stolen his heart.
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"So madam, would you grant me the privilege of knowing your name?" Seiya asked coyly as we entered his cottage.
"Serena" I replied quietly, smiling. The cottage was the same size of Luna's and very tastefully decorated. He placed the bags beside the door and then led us to a room furnished with a single bed and a cot. I glanced at him questioningly.
"I built it for my sister when she was with child. Unfortunately she had a miscarriage, I have been meaning to rid myself of the cot for quite some time, yet I never got around to it." I nodded quietly. "May I?" He asked gesturing towards Darien, who was cradled in my arms. I consented rather hesitantly, yet it was all motherly over protectiveness for when Darien was in Seiya's arms it became clear that he would take all necessary precautions to ensure Darien's safety.
"He must look a great deal like his father, for I see very little of you in him." He stated calmly looking at me curiously. I bit my lip as I was once again haunted by painful memories.
"Yes, a mirror image I would say." I replied quietly, sensing my discomfort Seiya changed the subject and returned Darien to my arms.
"Well, I welcome you to Sirocco my lady Serena, on behalf of all who live here." He smiled and bowed, mocking the traditions of the court and causing me to laugh. "I am sure you are quite tired from your long journey, I shall leave you now." I thanked him once again, and he merely brushed off my polite words.
Once alone I gently laid Darien down in the crib. He howled in anger at being confined. I glared at him, and raised a brow, trying to mimic anger without breaking down into laughter.
"Now sir, it is time for your nap." He thrust out his lower lip, as if understanding my words. I gently sat down beside him and started humming a soft lullaby while playing with his dark ringlets.
"Now Darien, I want you to know that your Father was a great man. No matter what people say about him I always want you to remember that. I'm sure he would love you very much." I could feel tears stinging my eyes as I gently opened the locket that permanently hung around my neck. One side held a picture of Darien and the other Endymion. I gazed back up only to discover that Darien had fallen into that peaceful slumber that only children can enjoy. I kissed his forehead lightly.
"Good night my love."
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The days turned into weeks and the weeks into months. I had never left Seiya's home, naturally there were many rumours circulating about my presence. Yet all of them were unfounded. Seiya would usually spend most of the daylight hours seeing to various matters of the village, while I would-as uncharacteristic as it seems tend to the house and Darien. Of course I had not lost all my previous spark, quite the contrary, I knew that my powers were stronger than ever, for they burnt in my insides demanding release. If I did not keep myself occupied their commands would become overwhelming.
I did not neglect my training either, at least once a week I would place Darien in the safe hands of Molly, a kind hearted mother of three that I had befriended in the village. I would then go deep into the forest with Seiya's sword and practice all my various manoeuvres. After all even the Galaxy knight could get rusty, and for the safety of Darien, I could not allow that to happen.
Of course, I would spend the better portions of the night with Seiya. We did not share a bed, but we had grown to trust one another, and soon that trust grew into something more. I was not certain wether it was a deep admiration, respect or even love.
Darien was once again sleeping soundly, soon would be his first birthday, I couldn't help but smile with pride-I was certain that in a few short weeks he would start walking. I slowly wiped down the tables as I awaited Seiya's arrival.
The instant Seiya walked through the door I knew that something was not right. He seemed anxious, and ran a shaking hand through his tangled hair.
"What is wrong?" I asked genuinely concerned. To my surprise he walked towards me and took my hand in his, he looked deep into my eyes as if searching for an answer. My heart stopped as he knelt before me.
"Serena, I know that I will never deserve your love. I am also well aware that I shall never be able to replace your late husband. Yet if you would allow me to be your husband, I swear to you that I would love you, and cherish Darien to the end of my days." Tears had formed in his eyes, and I bit my lip. My first instinct was to say no. Yet a bitter smile crept on my face as I remembered that Endymion never proposed, he merely used me as a pawn in his game. I reminded myself that my previous marriage had been a loveless one, a sham. I closed my eyes and pushed back tears.
"Yes." The word rolled off my lips as a tear slipped down my cheek.
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Malachite rubbed his eyes wearily as he once again glanced around the room at the Promised Knights that had assembled-Endymion included. They were all weary after the previous nights festivities. After the ball many months ago Rei and Jadeite had finally acknowledged their feelings for one another. Last night they had announced their engagement. All were happy for them, and many a drink had followed resulting in the hangovers that were currently haunting them.
"Any news?" He asked impatiently wanting the meeting to be over as soon as possible.
"I'm afraid their has been reports of new attacks, the use of magic by Diamonds forces has now been definitely conformed." Nephrite stated. The mood of the room suddenly changed, all six men were now very much alert and concerned.
"Zoicite?" Malachite glanced at the blonde Knight, he had asked Zoicite to predict the possible locations that Diamonds forces were most likely to attack next.
"After studying the main patterns of Diamonds forces I believe that Sirocco is the next village that will be targeted." All of the men nodded quietly.
"Alright, let us pack, we leave for Sirocco on the morrow, we shall take the scouts with us as we may need them for support-and because I fear Jadeite would cause me permanent physical harm if I took him away from his fiancé." Some of the men present chuckled at the remark, before they each stood and left.
Only Endymion stayed behind.
He slowly clutched the ring that hung around his neck. For some reason he sensed that he was closer than ever before to finding Serenity.
"I will find you Serenity, make no mistake about that." He vowed quietly.