Thank you everyone for being patient with this story. Gives everyone a Serenity plush. Thank you:
Anayas-Creater, RajaLily, xXRoseGoddessXx, BlueHeartZS, NinjaAngel, SnowLepord, NightEclipse, Kaori-Angel, Rose123579, Demon Spirit Goddess, -&- AnimeQueenSaphira
I like to thank Anayas-Creater for suggesting the title. Thank you!
Italics are thoughts
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Promises & The Hunt
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As the sun disappeared from the sky, the growing darkness hid the moving shadow as it leapt from tree to tree. It moved horrifically fast for it's mass and yet not a single branch rustled to prove its presence. Following closely on its trail was another being of his kind.
Joey didn't need to concentrate to keep moving from limb to branch; part of the deal with being an earth element (1) in his body. The living plants of the earth responded to his being willingly, therefore he knew the trees would let him fall as he raced after his lord. Which was a good thing, for his mind was certainly preoccupied.
Will my lord EVER do something simple? So much for hoping that he would get over his Serenity woman.
Joey continued to think as such until the shape in front of him halted on larger limb on a tree some miles from the flowerbed. The faint light of the rising moon tried to pierce the shadow, but Seto didn't solidify until he chose to. Joey also stopped, but continued to frown thoughtfully.
"What is it, Joey?" The taller man's voice was low, but soft, accenting on the quiet air clinging to the woods.
Joey's eyes were coffee colored, yet kind.
"You haven't said anything all night. What's bothering you?"
Joey crossed his arms; both bared bronze arm guards from wrist to elbow, over his red trench coat, with black outlined and bronze arm and leg belts with black buckles. Opposite from his Lord, who had a black trench coat with sapphire outlined, cerulean arm and leg belts with silver buckles and his arm guards were silver. Joey's long legs wore black baggy pants that ended in brown leather boots that were normally silent but now gave a soft 'clunk' as he tapped his foot. Presently he sighed, stirring his limp and tidy light-colored hair as he locked matching eyes with his master.
"I'm just concerned for you, Lord Seto. You seemed fixated on this woman, and while I don't that she is lovely, she is a human being," Joey bit his lip, knowing futility of what he wanted to say, but said it anyway. "She is a slave to the hunter Tristan Taylor."
Seto looked back at Joey with daggers in his eyes.
"I don't appreciate your opinion, Joey, but I will not change my mind. She IS NOT a slave and I will protect her. She WILL become one of us. I'll have it no other way. I'm already working of Serenity herself- have been for a while. But don't worry about her. Don't you have someone for yourself? Which is why I've trusted this information to only my most loyal minions," Seto said truthfully, as Joey blushed at the thought of his lovely Mai Valentine, who was also a slave.
Although moved by the amount of faith his master had in him, Joey still wasn't convinced.
"That's all well and good, but why HER?"
Seto fell silent. How could mere words justify these feelings? How his heart ignited whenever he saw her, warming every nook and cranny of his soul. He'd always felt empty, incomplete somehow. Although young for a vampire, it was rare when one his age had yet to choose a mate. Only he remained unbound to a woman. The emptiness continued to fester inside of him until the day he found Serenity, dancing elegantly and watering the flowers. The fire that seem to burn within her person caught Seto's attention, replacing the void feeling with one of desperate need. For her, and her alone. But words would sound weak and pathetic if he tried to explain it all to Joey.
As he stood floundering for something convincing to say, Seto was rescued when a breeze blue through the tree, a soft voice echoing through it.
"Because she is different."
The leaves rustled as the air current became stronger, the breeze winding itself tighter and tighter. A being formed where the wind twirled, standing on a branch, leaning against the tree. Another being of their kind, except his elemental is wind, joined the party. The figure had a royal purple trench coat with gold outlined, gold belts with amethyst buckles and gold arm guards. His boots were deep purple and he too, wore black underneath.
"What were you saying, Marik?"
The vampire smiled even more warmly.
"Just that you should judge the human so harshly, Joey. Her will and spirit are very impressive, and that alone makes her worthy of Lord Seto. But not only that, she's very open-minded for a human, she is also the strongest female in Tristan's realm which," Marik eyed his Lord as he grew solemn, "means she might survive the transformation."
Seto nodded in his confirmation. A gentle smile graced his lips as he looked at Joey.
"So then, does this satisfy you?" Seto smirked as Joey grumbled.
"You could have told me this EARLIER."
Joey complained, annoyed that he had appeared so ignorant in front of Marik.
"However, I reserve my judgment until either she meets you or I can speak to her personally."
His Vampire Lord shook his head in patient defeat.
"As you will then."
His smiled remained as he turned to Marik.
"By the way Marik, I thank you for your assistance with the rose earlier."
"Ah. Don't thank me. Thank Tea. She's the one that grows them." Marik bowed as Joey crossed his arms.
"I see. What about Yami?" Seto said coolly as Marik retrieved upward.
"He is with her."
"Good to hear, for I have a favor to ask of you; both of you."
Joey heaved a great sigh, "Why do I have the feeling that this has to do with Serenity? Oh well."
He sent Seto a grim smirk," I'll be dragged into this one, way or another, and you've never lead us wrong before."
"I'm glad to know I have such loyalty working for me," Seto murmured. He eyed Joey wryly.
"You said that you would not judge Serenity until you or I have spoken with her. I need your to have such a chance. I cannot go safely to her with so many guards, yet, that son of a bitch, Tristan blaming it on her. Your job," he motioned to both of them part nature being and full blooded vampires, "is to watch her and notify me if such an opportunity should arise. I also want you to guard her closely: the hunters has greatly increased these past few nights and I would feel bettering knowing she is somewhat safer with you."
Without a moment's hesitation, both spirits rose and bowed, answering, "Yes, Lord Seto!"
Nodding with approval, Seto pulled on his collar about him, already blending into a shadow. "Thank you, Joey, Marik. I trust that you won't fail me. I will be at the palace should you need me."
Once his change was complete, Seto's shadowy form sped from the tree at frightening speeds, leaving no noise or evidence to mark his passing. Wordlessly, the two started moving in the opposite direction of their Lord; back to the flowerbed.
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Serenity wasn't sure how long she was dancing. She stopped to lean against an ancient tree and took the white blossom from her hair. She had lost count of how many she had received from her mysterious admirer, although she at never met this person. He (2) was much closer to her than any other man who tried to woo her in the past before she got captured. He wasn't pressing her, waiting for the right time to make acquaintances. But he wasn't hesitant either; the roses proved that.
And while it was so hard to judge him without ever hearing his voice or seeing his face, Serenity believed that he cared about what made her happy. Unlike her master, Tristan, who gave off this "You should be honored to share my bed," message. In her entire life, she had made two promises to herself: the first was never to bed a man unless he is THE one for her. She would never lower herself to sleep around, whether for pleasure or pure, she won't allow it. She had disciplined herself ever since she was little.
The second was to actually have freedom and taken away from all this pain.
A snarl crossed Serenity's lovely face as she thought about the one she hated more than any woman or beast in the land: her master, Tristan Taylor. Even when the rage in her heart burned, it would quickly go out as she would remember being no more than six years old (3) and being completely helpless, and still is, as Tristan took a swing after swing after swing at her with one of his favorite weapon…
Serenity snapped out of her lapse from reality when she heard footsteps on the crackling leaves that lead to the flowerbed. She quickly turned without even looking--- it was that time of day.
Taking a deep breath to calm her rattling nerves, her nose caught the scent of the rose she cradled in her hand. She brought the flower to her face, feeling the soft, dainty petals brush her lips as she inhaled the aroma. It was a bit odd; it was definitely a rose with its fresh scent, but there was also something sweet smelling that reminded her of vanilla. While this was strange, it still brought a great deal of comfort. Quickly she slipped the rose into her ragged clothes, and slid the rose gently in the center of her bra. She quickly took a stance, and waited.
"I see. So, this is where you come when you are all by yourself," purred an icy voice from the trees. "Anyways, I have some good news for you."
He jumped down and landed on the flowerbed, making Serenity shocked. The flowers were crushed and the petals flew around him. Tristan smirked evilly at his only slave. Tristan had his weapons ready at the moment. Serenity knew that Tristan loved playing the hunter and the hunted. It was a sick and twisted game. There were traps scattered in the woods, even Serenity managed to see some with her own green eyes.
"You and Mai have been set free. I signed the papers to the highest paying customer and he wants you two right away. Oh and don't worry about Mai. As you can see, she is having a GOOD time," Tristan said viciously, as Serenity looked at him scared.
"What do you mean 'I'm free'?" Serenity asked him curiously. "Are you serious?"
Tristan just chuckled cruelly and shrugged.
"I guess so."
Serenity was about to run, until Tristan grabbed her right upper arm. He took out an iron, thick choker and clamped it around her neck. He put the lock on it quickly and pushed to the tree.
"You can't break that device around your neck. That gadget will know where you are moving. Now, run my little rabbit since you are now set free," Tristan laughed brutally as Serenity eyes were wide and ready to tear.
Serenity shook her head from side to side.
How can he do such a thing?
A tear fell from her left eye and she began to run the opposite direction.
"Are you sure you're letting her free?" another voice came out of nowhere.
"Duke, I'm surprised you're here. I can't believe she bought such a crappy story. Of course, I'm not going to set her free. It's my way of hunting my little rabbit," Tristan smirked and took out his pistol.
"I thought you were going to use your favorite weapon," Duke said playfully as Tristan turned around to face him.
"Naw, not the shotgun. It makes a big hole when I shoot. I don't want Serenity dying. I rather use the pistol on her. I just love tormenting her. Plus, she'll lose a lot of blood if I use the shotgun. The pistol shoots small bullets. I want her to suffer," Tristan smirked as he looked at his watched and smirked.
"Wow! I didn't realize she was so fast on her two small feet," Duke said getting his weapon ready.
Tristan slowly began walking in Serenity's direction as Duke did the same.
"Let the hunt begin," Tristan smirked at Duke, as Duke agreed.
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On no, was all that went through Serenity's as another shot could he heard. Serenity looked to her left side and saw a shadowy figure moving as fast as she did. Serenity turned to the direction, and realized that the figure was her closest and dearest friend, Mai Valentine.
"MAI!" Serenity called out behind her as Mai looked over her right shoulder.
"SERENITY! THANK GOODNESS YOU ARE ALIVE! I'VE BEEN SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU!" Mai yelled out as Serenity and Mai kept there pace going.
"SO YOU ARE SET FREE, TOO?" Serenity asked Mai loudly as shots can be heard from all around.
"I THINK SO! I-" Mai cried out as Mai fell forward, making Serenity worried.
Serenity turned her over as an arrow was shot on her right calf. Then another arrow hit her left calf.
"MAI!" Serenity cried out, as Mai unconscious.
All of a sudden, a figure flew down from the sky and took both arrows out of Mai's bloody wounds.
"Who are you?" Serenity asked in concern, as the figure picked up Mai's body tenderly.
"Come! Get on my back! We must leave!" the figure said loudly.
"I can't. This device around my neck will detect where I'm going. I'm deeply sorry," Serenity said quickly as she bowed and ran, like if there was no tomorrow, the other direction.
"Shit!" Joey yelled as Marik flew down.
"What the hell happened!" Marik yelled harshly, as Joey jumped on a branch, carrying Mai in his arms.
"DAMN IT! It seems the fucker put a device around her neck and it locates her movements. Marik, go to Lord Seto right now. I have some business to intend to," Joey said leaving Marik with bliss in his thoughts, and quickly headed towards the palace.
This was not good.
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Serenity screamed as Tristan shot her in the left side of her upper hip. Serenity fell and tried to save her strength. Her feet already had blisters from running barefooted. Serenity moaned, but still afraid. Her blood froze when she heard the crackling leaves become closer and closer. Serenity didn't realize the rose had fell from underneath her ragged clothes.
That's when Tristan appeared. He looked down, in front of her and walked to the white petals.
"ANOTHER FUCKING ROSE? HOW MANY IS THAT, HUH? ALL YOU EVER DO IS BRING THIS FILTH HOME! WHERE DID YOU FIND THESE?" Tristan yelled at her as he pointed his gun in front of her forehead.
Serenity slumped, as she put both her hands on the wound, trying to apply as much pressure with little strength she had.
"I'm sorry my lord. I don't-" but before she could say the rest of the words, Tristan's large hands grabbed and picked her up by her small, flesh waist.
Serenity's tears began to flow. How the pain hurt so much. Tristan's metal claws dug into her skin as bloody began to pour slowly. Serenity could barely keep her eyes opened.
Tristan couldn't help licking lips as he watched the woman in his grasp slowly become vulnerable and in danger. Then two new sounds ran through her ears: one was of the wind howling around her and the other a pure unadulterated fury.
Then her world faded into black.
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Finally, chapter one done! Like I said, the story will be slow in progress. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It's 2:40 a.m. and I need to go to bed. I've been typing since 11:45 p.m. Please don't flame me.
Ki Wingz
Chapter Two: Castle of The Night
Serenity puts together the puzzle of her 'mysterious admirer' when she wakes up in HIS home! Then she's given a chance to become a pureblood vampire.
1. I added elements. Like I know Joey uses warrior-type monsters so his element is Earth, even though his deck isn't all earth. Marik is wind, and I the reason why is because his god monster flies. Dumb idea.
2. She's assuming it's a male.
3. Hunters, who sold women as slaves, captured her. Tristan was a young hunter. He was eight and his father bought him a slave. He kept picking and beating her ever since she was 6 years old.
P.S. I apologize for the grammar.
