Chapter Nine By ChibiMaylan
The Sailor Scouts and Prince Helios were soon transported in the midst of the deep, dark forest. They could just see the Beryl Castle within a few miles away from their location. Prince Helios prepared his bow and arrow, placing his pack of arrows onto his back, a sword gripped in his right hand. Sailor Jupiter took on the role as leader, and gave hand signals to be silent, as they made their way towards the castles' gates.
The gates where black; the metal creaked as the wind blew by, openning and shutting it uncontrollably. The castles' gates where held next to the stone fence, that was sprawled around the perimeter of the dreary castle. The castle doors were a long way up the hill, the space that was between was dirt, soil and even a few headstones of previous deceased people. The walkway had damaged stone pillars, which were now crumbled and left in clumps on the ground; nevertheless it still was positioned to be cleared from the pathway, allowing clear entry where needed.
Helios raised an eyebrow, "We're just waltzing in like this?" Helios whispered, he gave another grip onto his sword. Lady Jupiter shushed him, giving him a threatening glare which told he soon told himself to be quiet and obey orders. Glancing up at the castle doors once more, he looked towards the sky; two long-narrowed towers pointed up towards it, both windows shielded from the inside, along with the other various windows that were built in the castle walls, shielded by the blood red curtains Beryl favored.
Trekking for the gates, each person crept slowly upwards; tucked behind a remaining pillar that was still standing, and repeated the pattern until they reached the doors. Helios found this quite hilarious, as he watched the woman creep up on their tippy-toes, their fear of being caught taking control of them. Jupiter placed her hand into the air, which caused all the girls and Helios to halt; crashing slightly into each other. Mars hissed as she rubbed her behind, which Helios had just poked accidentally with his sword.
Jupiter stood back, placing a cautious hand onto the doorknob, she twisted the doorknob; which then lurched forward and let them peer inside to see the dark marble staircase before them. There were two big archways that led to different parts of the castle on the ground level; three sailors walked cautiously to stand next to the cement wall; and each peered from behind the arched doorway to find the vacant room empty; except for furniture. Helios and the other two sailors had peered into the other room, only to find the same results.
"They must be upstairs." Venus said, pointing to the doors that awaited them at the end of the staircase. Helios walked up the stairs, followed by the girls. He took a hold onto the gold-encrusted door knobs and pulled at the heavy doors; allowed a small gap for him to check for the all-clear, before opening it wider.
"Maybe they've gone for take-out." Venus joked.
Helios gave a chuckle, but was soon stopped abruptly by the sudden thunderclap. The women screamed so loudly, that Helios' ear drums felt they'd pop by the shattering squeals. Helios searched for the claps' source, to find his eyes rest upon the certain orange-red haired, pale skinned woman that made his toes curl and his charming smile become a frown.
Queen Beryl gave her wicked laugh, her arms flung wide. Jupiter grunted in disgust, her fist clenched tightly, trying to restrain herself from knocking Beryl out with a mega-punch.
"Welcome, Sailor brats! Sorry for the mess, but I didn't expect any visitors today, forever for that matter." She said, waving her hand. "Nevertheless, a host should entertain the visitor." She grinned evilly; before the room that was once vacantly empty was now turned into a freezer. Ice was everywhere upon the walls, ceiling and floor. Beryl, quite satisfied with herself, disappeared. "In order to save your little cupcake of a Princess, you have to pass these rooms. I wish you bad luck!" her voice echoed, before a rather large gush of wind out of now where came. Mars gave a cry of frustration, "Mercury! Can't you do something! You're expertise is the element water and of ice, anyway!" she snapped, stomping her foot down.
Mercury touched her earring, which her eyes were then covered by what seemed to be glasses. "Just as I thought!" Mercury exclaimed. "Nobody move! These icicles on the ceilings have been trapped to come down on us.." Everyone stood still, as they eyed the ice spears that dangled above them dangerously.
"Well, what do we do?" Helios asked. Venus slowly summoned her Venus Love Chain and looped her golden chain around the first group of ice. With a smile, she gave the chain a strong tug, and swung it to the other side of them. "Problem solved." She stated.
"Your tea, your Highness." Artemis served out the tea with the kingdoms' finest china set. "Thank you, Artemis." Serenity replied, taking her cup into her hands, cupping both hands together around the white teacup gently, feeling the warmth of the tea. "The daily newspaper..." Artemis handed the newspapers to King Endymion, sitting across Queen Serenity a few seats away. King Endymion thanked Artemis, unfolded the papers and began to read the latest headlines.
"Look at this - the press has already stuck their noses into our lives once again!" King Endymion exclaimed, handing Artemis the papers back, asking him politely to walk and show Serenity herself what he meant. Serenity sighed, she took out a teaspoon and dabbled with her tea, swirling and added sugar into the contents subconsciously. Artemis had handed her the papers, but she refused to take a glance. "That's nice, dear." She replied, placing her focus back to the rose basket nestled in front of her. King Endymion frowned, stood up and walked towards Queen Serenity. He dismissed Artemis politely, still advancing to his wife.
"Don't look so distressed, Serena." Endymion whispered into her ear, kissing her cheek gently. He stood back, placing his hands onto her shoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Helios and the scouts will be fine, Rini will be safely returned soon" he added. Serenity began to cry out loud, as she turned in her seat, to face her husband.
"What if they don't return!" she cried. "What if Rini ends up dying.. My only child, my only daughter! And we've only just met!" she sobbed. Endymion kneeled down to comfort his wife as she sobbed into his chest, her fists pounding against his shoulders. "Everything will be fine, if you have the faith and hope for the rescue." Endymion replied, as he listened to Serena shed more tears.
To be continued..
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