Author's Notes:
Hey everyone I am just so glad that everyone enjoyed the first chapter! You all made my day! I can only hope that I continue to make you guys happy. Now, I must warn you there might be a few slow points along the way but they'll get better I promise. You'll see the story unfold and my reasoning behind all of this.
Disclaimer:
I do not own Sailor Moon.
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Chapter Two
"Goddamn those bastards!" Endymion growled from his seat behind a rather large desk made of the finest oak. His midnight blue eyes piercing through the window with such pure hatred a man could die by making eye contact. He ran a shaking hand through his raven tendrils and directed his gaze towards one of the guards that had been the unfortunate one to deliver the not so great news. The average sized man seemed to tremble where he stood, his eyes showing the very fear that disgusted the Prince to no end.
"How the hell did you become a guard in the first place you fucking twit?! You don't even have the balls to deliver news to me without trembling like a little girl. You're pathetic." He spat, his fist slamming down on the desk before him. A rather large vain was throbbing in his forehead.
"I…uh…I mean to say…uh…sorry you're Highness…" the guard croaked as he fell to his knee. Endymion glared down at him and just as he was about to stand a knock sounded at the door.
"WHAT?!" he shouted, his anger reaching an all time high at that very moment. On the other side of the door Zoisite and Jadeite stared each other in the eye. Zoisite looked him over carefully and quietly asked his friend if he truly wanted to do this right this moment. The blond Adonis inhaled deeply and then gave a curt nod before placing his hand on the brass handle and turning it swiftly. The two generals entered the room and Endymion's anger seemed to disintegrate almost completely. Only slight irritation remained.
"Ah…Jed and Zoi…if you will only wait a moment so that I may deal with this bumbling idiot?" he asked, cordially. The two generals nodded quietly both looking at the shaking guard, feeling quite sorry for the poor man. Endymion returned his sharp gaze back to the man at question.
"Now, just to make sure I heard you correctly please repeat what you said." Endymion ordered, trying to reign in his anger, although it didn't seem to be working.
The guard stood at attention and began to repeat what he had just said only moments before. "My Lord, I was st-st-standing guard in the village, sir, and I happened across a cottage. Normally I would have continued on but I heard hu-hu-hushed voices so I stopped to look inside a window. There was an elderly man and his family all gathered in there looking at something. So, I called a f-f-few other guards over and we entered the house. We raided the place and found a document of interest. Just as we were about to leave that old fool's daughter took the scroll and t-t-tossed it into th-th-the fire, sir."
Endymion's hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white from the exertion. His teeth began to grind together as he choked out, "What was on this document you speak of?"
The guard hesitated and he shot a glance over to the two generals standing in the corner. They looked at him expectantly, waiting to see what he was going to say. God only knows what the Prince would do if he said the wrong thing. He swallowed hard and then slid his eyes back to the Prince. With a deep breath to calm him a "wethinkitwasamapofthecastle" was let out on an exhale. Endymion honestly didn't think this man could be any more of an idiot than he already was, but apparently he was wrong.
"It. Was. What?" he growled through clenched teeth.
The guard squeezed his eyes shut tightly as he repeated himself, "We think it was a map of the castle…"
Silence filled the room. No one moved. No one dared even breathe. All eyes were on Endymion at this moment and as they stared, they saw the devil himself appear in the room. "GUARDS!!!" he shouted, a sinister look engraved in his finely chiseled face. In seconds, a swarm of iron clad soldiers stormed through the door and falling into attention, awaiting the command of their leader. "Take this bloody fool away. Lock his ass in the dungeon, hell I don't care what you do with him. Just get him out of my fucking sight." He ordered. The men saluted and two guards approached their comrade and one stood on either side of him. They took hold of his upper arm and led him from the room. The three remaining men heard the soft click of the door behind them and the tension seemed to have vanished almost instantaneously.
Endymion turned to his friends and smiled, "Sorry you had to see that…today has been a very trying day. Please take a seat. Relax."
Jadeite and Zoisite, not wanting to anger the Prince, did as they were told and took a seat directly across from him. All were quiet until Endymion spoke up. "Well what do I owe for this visit of your's? I hope it is not more bad news."
Jadeite felt his breath catch in his throat and his heart beginning to beat erratically from the adrenaline that coursed through his veins. With a quick jab to the ribs by Zoisite, Jadeite was able to breathe again, thus speak. "Well, I guess it depends on how one looks at it really. I, however, find it very good and exciting news."
Endymion quirked a brow. His hands reached out behind his head while his legs lifted to rest on the desk. "Oh really? So what is this very good and exciting news then Jed?"
"I have found love, sir." he murmured.
A true smile stretched across the Prince's face and the two generals had never seen him quite so jovial before. "Congratulations Jed! That truly is spectacular news! Who's the lucky girl and when shall I receive my invitation to the wedding?" he laughed.
"Well, her name is Rei…and the second part of the question is why we are here. I came here to gain your permission to marry her." He breathed.
"Well of course you have my permission, Jed. I wouldn't deny you anything. You know that. We've known each other since we were but babes."
"Oh, well thank you, my Prince." Jadeite said, returning Endymion's smile full force. He was about to stand up when he received yet another jab in the ribs by a certain someone sitting next to him. Jadeite looked over, a look of murder glinting in his eyes. He took his seat and Endymion eyed the both of them.
"Is there something else you wished to discuss?" he asked, not liking how Jadeite had instantly become jittery and Zoisite seemed to be looking everywhere but at him. "Well?"
Jadeite looked Endymion directly in the eyes and said, "She's a slave."
Silence, once again, filled the room. The tension so thick you could cut it with the dullest knife. Endymion repositioned himself in his chair and steepled his fingers, placing them just below his chin. "I'm sorry?"
"Rei…she's a slave…and no matter what you say I'm going to marry her because I love her. I don't care what you do to me. Nothing will change the way I feel about her." Jadeite replied, his passion for this girl quite evident in his voice.
Endymion's eye seemed to twitch Zoisite noticed and he knew the storm was brewing within. He knew he needed to jump in fast so that no rash decisions were made. "Um, Endymion, if I may say something?"
Endymion closed his eyes and then nodded his head quite sternly. "Well, if I may be so bold to say…instead of making rash decisions on both ends why don't we all compromise?"
"And how shall we compromise on a situation such as this?" the Prince muttered harshly.
"Well, how about you consider Jadeite's proposal for a couple days and until you give him your final decision. Jadeite will keep his distance from the girl and to make sure that he does he will stay by your side at all times." Zoisite began. He could feel the glares of Jadeite beside him but he continued to ignore them.
Endymion moaned and then opened his eyes to look at Zoisite. "Fine. My consummation ritual is almost upon us and that night we shall have a feast beforehand. Jadeite I shall give you my answer then."
Jadeite felt relief wash over him as both he and Zoisite stood. They nodded their heads and immediately made their way to the door. Endymion watched them leave and sighed heavily. He stood and walked over to a side table a filled a glass with scotch. He downed it in one swallow and made his way over to the window. He crossed his arms over his chest and observed the slaves working below. How could he have fallen for one of those filthy shitheads? He asked himself. His eyes continued to scan the vast fields until a glint of silver caught his eye. He looked down and saw a small girl standing with her arms spread wide open as if to protect the children behind her. A smirk began to tug at the corners of his mouth. And what do we have here?
--
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!?!" Serenity shouted, her arms splayed wide to protect the small children behind her. Her cerulean eyes sparkled with anger and from somewhere deep down inside her she felt something tug at her heart. Something dark and sinister. It was one thing to beat the adults but when you put a child's life in danger Serenity was ready to fight to the death.
"Step out of the way you insolent bitch." The guard ordered, slashing the whip against his hand. "Or you'll get it just as bad as the rest of them."
"Like hell she will!" Lita shouted, coming up to stand next to her friend. "Don't you even think about laying a single finger on her or I'll shove your fucking head up your ass."
Serenity looked at her rather tall friend and knew what Lita had said was very true. One thing she had come to know about the girl in their years of friendship that she had a terrible temper and most of it came when someone messed with her friends. She then glanced even further to the side and saw the others approach as well.
"And that's not even the worst that can and will be done if you hurt her or the children." Rei seethed, she then continued to get her point across further by spitting on the guy's boot. The guard looked at the flock of women as if they were insane.
"I could have all of you killed for this." He said quite calmly, knowing or rather hoping, that he would get his way in the end.
"Death would be a Godsend if it means we don't have to look at your fucking ugly face each and every damn day." Mina chirped, a small smirk beginning to tug at the corners of her lips.
The guard's mouth fell slightly open before he snapped it shut again, his eyes narrowing into slits. "You. Bitch." He growled. He raised his arm about to bring the whip upon Mina when Serenity jumped in front of her and took the blow. She fell to a knee, blood beginning to trickle down her cheek.
"Sere!" Mina screamed and suddenly all eyes were focused on the guard. He hesitated and took a step back, but it was too late, he had just decided his fate and only God knew if he would survive it. The girls charge the shaken man and got several punches and kicks in before they were each pulled off of him. Serenity stood up and wiped her cheek with the back of her hand. She didn't even feel the guard taking her arm and jerking her away from the prone man who lay on the ground, motionless.
The girls were panting heavily; all trying to regain their composure, no one even noticed that the children had run off. Serenity looked up to see who had grabbed her when a movement in one of the palace windows caught her eye. She squinted against the sun and saw a dark haired man watching them. She suddenly felt a strong urge to go to him. Why? She had no clue. But something that went to her very core told her he was dangerous.
--
"What happened?" a silver haired man inquired of the guard, who had just picked himself up off the ground.
"Those crazy bitches attacked me! I demand that they be put down immediately!" he raged, his face turning a shade redder than the ripest tomato.
Kunzite shook his head, "Well, unfortunately, you are no the one who can make that call. Who and where are these crazy women that you speak of?" The guard pointed to a spot just to his right and that's when he saw her. She was absolutely beautiful. Her long golden locks fell to her waist and glistened as if it were the very rays of the sun. Her bright blue eyes were filled with determination and haughtiness to no end. His eyes roamed over her body from the tip of her head to the bottom of her to feet, devouring her as if she were a delectable treat. He cleared his throat and looked over the rest of the girls, noticing that in fact they were all rather gorgeous in their own way, although none to his particular taste as the blonde. Just with one glance he could tell which nationality they were, and a strange combination they were.
After glancing over them once more he turned back to the guard. "You're telling me that you let a bunch of petite, beautiful women who are SLAVES attack you?" Kunzite questioned.
The guard stuttered a little bit and Kunzite just shook his head. "Be gone with yourself. The Prince, I'm sure, has already seen this argument and has no doubt found enjoyment of your situation. If I were you I would make myself scarce and dedicate myself to working a bit harder in keeping the peace." The guard nodded his head quickly and scurried off like a frightened mouse.
Kunzite watched the pathetic man leave and turned back towards the five girls who all seemed to be glaring at him now. He raised a brow as he walked towards them. "And what have I done to deserve such malice looks?" he said soothingly.
"You're a general aren't you? You're in charge of that spineless bastard aren't you?" Mina shouted, elbowing the guard who restrained her in the ribs. "Let me go you fucking idiot."
Kunzite looked at the guards and gave them the command to release the women. They all sighed in relief, each rubbing their wrists to relieve the pain. "Yes, I am a general, miss. The Head of the Royal Guard in fact. Which does put me in charge of the 'spineless bastard'. If you don't mind, would you please explain as to why you all decided to jump the man? And do please be honest. I would hate for things to get messy and you all end up in a very…how should I put this?...unpleasant place?"
The girls all stared at him and a blue haired girl was the one to speak first. Her voice was so quiet and instantly he thought of Zoisite. "He hit Serenity." She replied, her light blue eyes shying away from his.
"I see…and what did Miss Serenity do to cause her to be hit?" he asked.
"She didn't do a damn thing! Serenity never does anything wrong! She was trying to protect the children and then she jumped in front of me so I wouldn't be hit." Mina stated, her arms crossed over her chest. His eyes momentarily fell to where her arms lay and could feel the swelling in his pants. He scolded himself and looked at the other girls. He deduced that the one with the still bleeding scratch on her face must be the object of discussion.
She looked him dead in the eyes with such boldness that he had never seen before. He was quite taken aback indeed. Such arrogance and yet there's something about her…Endymion would definitely get a kick out of her. They're so much alike it's almost ridiculous. He mused with himself. "You are Serenity I presume." She nodded and gave a slight and graceful curtsy. What the hell? How is a slave able to perform that so flawlessly? Even a majority of the aristocrats I know stumble slightly…fascinating…
"Well, that scratch doesn't look very good. Would you like me to call Zoisite down here? He'll be able to keep it from getting infected." He offered. Why in the name of all that's holy am I being nice to this peasant?!
Serenity shook her head. "No, but thank you very much for the offer." She whispered quietly. Kunzite's eyes were round as saucers now. She even speaks as if she were a royal herself! Endymion isn't going to like this one bit. Oh God help us if he finds out about this girl. He cringed at the thought of what the Prince would do to all of them if he did indeed discover this oddity of a woman. He wouldn't be happy one little bit.
"Well, alright then. Just make sure that all of you stay out of trouble because if this happens again I will be forced to take action. Understand?" he warned.
All of the girls nodded and turned to leave. Kunzite went against his instinct and called out to Mina. She turned around, her big blue eyes looking at him questioningly. He cleared his throat, "Could I possibly have a word with you? Alone?" She looked back at her friends who were waiting for her patiently. She sighed and told them to go on without her and that she would catch up with them later. They eyed her carefully but in the end did as they were told. Mina uneasily walked up to him and stood before him, arms behind her back.
He looked down at her, awe stricken. She was even more beautiful up close. "Let me see your hands." He ordered. She gave him a strange look before finally complying to him and lifting her hands up. He looked them over carefully and then smiled a quite brilliant smile that nearly took Mina's breathe away.
"You have very nice hands…surprising really since you are a slave." He said, trying to compliment her but when he saw the sudden anger flash across her face he knew he had said the wrong thing.
"If you notice none of us get blisters except for you Earth dwellers. We all know that we aren't from Earth. I mean look at us. None of us even resemble the decay and fungus that live here." Mina spat, yanking her hands out of his grasp.
He sighed with frustration, "I didn't mean it as an insult…I'm sorry what is your name?"
"Mina."
"Ah, such a beautiful name for an equally beautiful girl." He smiled.
She frowned and shifted her weight to her other leg. "Is this all you wanted to talk to me about? Because if it is I have work to be doing."
Kunzite momentarily confused, had forgotten what he originally wanted to talk to her about, but remembered just as Mina began to walk away. "I wanted to offer you a job in the Palace." He rushed.
She froze and slowly turned to face him. "You what?"
"I want to offer you a job in the palace…"
"And what would that be? I'm not going to be anyone's whore." She seethed, her anger once again boiling over.
Kunzite shook his head rapidly. "No, no. You would be hired on as a maid…a head maid in fact…well I would have to discuss it with the Prince first but it shouldn't be a problem."
"Why would you hire me?" she asked, her body fully facing him now.
"Because I like you…and I think you'll make a fine maid." He saw the blush creep onto her cheeks, which made him smile fully. "So what do you say?"
"Can…I mean…would you mind if I thought about it first?" she asked quietly. An emotional war raging in her brain, giving her a fierce headache.
"Not at all. I shall call upon you…let's say…tomorrow at noon?" he offered.
Mina stood there silent for a moment and then nodded her head in agreement. "Alright…" She looked away from him and muttered a quick goodbye before walking rather quickly away from him. He smiled after her and made his way to the front gates of the castle.
