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"Shadows of the Past" by Tess: Chapter 9
Posted: 7/6/06
Serenity could feel a presence kneeling over her. She struggled to open her eyes, but it was to no avail. She released a tired sigh as a warm hand lovingly caressed her forehead. "Serenity," a deep voice whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Please, help me." It was then that she recognized the presence leaning over her. It was that of a parent; a parent who wanted more than anything to give his love unconditionally, but was being held back. "Please, Serenity. Help me show you that I'm sorry."
It was then that Serenity's eyes shot open. Groggily, she realized there was no one kneeling over her. "A dream…" she whispered. And yet…not. Sitting up, her hand absently came up to stroke her throbbing cheek as she examined her surroundings. She shuddered as she remembered Theronious' brutal words and actions. Gasping, she realized that a plate of fresh bread and a jug and goblet of water had been set out for her. She ate slowly, attempting to piece together the day's previous events that swam lazily through her groggy mind. Suddenly, a loud, pounding noise began to sound from the far side of the room. Serenity froze, not knowing how to react. Particles of dust and dirt wildly fell from the ceiling in a corner. Instinctively, Serenity screamed and covered her head with her arms as a final, deafening crash filled the room.
"Serenity!" Prince Endymion cried out, sliding his sword into its sheath and rushing towards her. Serenity's head had shot up the moment she had heard Endymion's voice, and she launched herself against his chest. His arms immediately came around her, tenderly cradling her. "Oh God, Serenity," he said hoarsely. "I thought…I didn't know…" he trailed off and deposited a gentle kiss on the crown of her head. He gently pulled away and rubbed a hand over her face. His eyes narrowed as he approached the purplish bruise that marred her left cheek. "Bastard," he spat. "I'll kill him. I swear it to you, Serenity, I'll kill him. What else has he done to you?"
"It's nothing," Serenity whispered, not wanting to relive the memories. "It's nothing. You're here and that's all that matters to me." Endymion sighed, but before he could respond, Serenity's eyes widened in fear and she pushed Endymion away from her, where he just narrowly missed the sword that Theronious had aimed at his back. Endymion recovered quickly, drawing his own sword and swinging it against Theronious'.
"Back for more, Endymion?" Theronious snarled. Endymion responded with a brutal swing at Theronious' neck, which he blocked effectively. Serenity watched in fear, her eyes darting from Endymion to Theronious as the two men battled with each other.
"Stop it!" she shouted, but neither listened. She rushed towards them and tried to pull Theronious away.
"Serenity, no!" Endymion cautioned, pulling back his sword. But it was too late. In an instant, Theronious' arm had snaked its way around Serenity. He held her tightly in front him, the tip of his sword at her throat.
"Why thank you, Princess," Theronious drawled. "That certainly simplified my job."
"Release her," Endymion growled. Theronious responded by pressing the sword more tightly against Serenity's neck. She gasped in pain as a trickle of blood dripped down towards her collarbone. Endymion instinctively stepped forward in rage, but a cry from Serenity stopped him.
"Now now, Prince, ask nicely," Theronious hissed. "We're going to have to do this on my terms if you want your precious princess back in one piece."
"Fine. Will you release Princess Serenity, please?" Endymion asked through gritted teeth, his fists clenched at his sides.
"Much better. Now, drop your sword."
"Endy, I'm so sorry," Serenity whispered. He gave her a weak smile and dropped his sword. He turned his gaze back to Theronious.
"Kick it," Theronious commanded, Serenity trembling under his hold. Endymion hesitated for a moment. "Don't you understand, boy? If you don't obey me, I'm going to kill her. Now kick it!" Endymion obeyed, wincing as the sword spun across the room. Suddenly, a voice came from the doorway.
"Prince Endymion—this is quite the surprise indeed," Hematite murmured as he walked into the room, his hands folded across his chest. Serenity gasped as she got a good look at his face. Gone from it was any ounce of the kindness he had shown her hours before. Instead, his features were set into a determined scowl, sparks of hatred and anger shooting from his eyes. "Do not release her, Theronious," Hematite commanded as he approached Endymion.
"Who are you?" Endymion snarled. "Why have you done this?" Hematite stopped walking and stood eye-to-eye with the Prince. For a minute, images of a shy little three-year-old flashed through his mind, but he quickly pushed them away.
"I see you've inherited your father's temper." Endymion furrowed his brow and opened his mouth to say something, but Hematite caught him off guard and punched him in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him and causing him to fall to the ground. Hematite smiled coldly. "And his general idiocy as well." Endymion gasped for breath. "Congratulations for carrying on the Terran tradition," he jeered, kicking him brutally.
"No!" Serenity cried out. "Please, stop!" Hematite glanced up.
"I'm sorry, Serenity," he said. "But I've waited far too long to take my revenge. It has to be this way." Hematite turned back to Endymion and continued his assault. Endymion cried out as Hematite struck him, weakened more and more by each blow. He tried to retaliate, but Hematite was too strong, too determined, too focused. Tears coursed down Serenity's cheeks.
"Please!" she sobbed. "Stop! I know there's still good in you! Please!" Theronious tightened his grip, but it didn't faze her. "Please! I'll do anything!" Serenity swallowed. "Please! Father!" Hematite froze. Slowly, he turned his head towards Serenity. Their eyes locked, and she gave him a weak smile.
"It's time for the lie you've been living to come undone!"
"I will never acknowledge you as my father!"
"She's just as beautiful as you are. Just as beautiful as the love of my life is."
"She'll know the truth about her mother someday."
Images and phrases ran wildly through Hematite's mind. Groaning, he pressed his hands against his head and tightly shut his eyes, trying to block everything out. Everything was spinning out of control. And then, he heard the one voice that could send him spiraling over the edge into insanity.
"Well it's certainly just lovely to see you again, dear husband."
End Chapter 9
Hope you enjoyed it! I heart feedback!
And hopefully, Chapter 10 will be out sometime this year...