Vampirates
By: Katie-lee Brady

Summary: her feelings get the better of her, and encouraged her to take a course in life based on a promise. But along the way, she finds out the truth of reasoning as well as the truth about herself.

Rate: M

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon nor do I assume I do. This is merely a random plot I thought of to which I used the Sailor Moon characters. . please don't sue *hands and knees* plsss.

I also do not own the character name of .Hack. I'm just borrowing the name, not character.

Chapter 8: Into the world of Estelle

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I don't know how long I was out for, but it felt like just as I closed my eyelids there was an instant knock at the door. It took a moment for me to have actually registered it as a knock at the door, but it felt like forever, like I was in slow motion or something, when I took a moment to slowly sit up in bed and look around, I had to question myself. It was quiet? Right? But before I could think twice about my sanity, thinking I was hearing things, there was another knock.

"Yes?" my voice sounded hoarse, almost like a whisper to my own ears.

There was no reply, but there seemed to be a commotion from outside the door. There was a flickering shadow from under the door and muffled whispers. It was like a brief half second, and before I knew it, the door swung open with three voices bombarded me at once.

"HEY! We're here, finally, I know…"

"Get up! Geesh! There's plenty of time to sleep…

"We have sooo much to talk about! Oh my… everything that's been happening..."

It took me awhile to slipt the voices with whom in my head to their rightful owners, but I finally got them, and I finally recognised whom the women were. The three very first women I met aboard this vampire ship. The gorgeous, chirpy blonde Mina, the fiery raven haired Rei, and the very intellectually intelligent Ami.

"Err…" I don't know if it was programmed or what, but as soon as I opened my mouth the three women stopped their chatter and were looking intensely at me like I had the most important thing to tell. "What are you all doing here?"

I saw all of them about to speak, but instantly they all shut their mouths. Eventually Ami was the first to speak, "Well," she paused to look at the other two, then back at me, "After everything that has been happening, we thought it was best to explain, if there were any questions you may have had."

"BUT!" Mina butted in instantly

"We do not have all the answers, and are limited to answer some questions you may have," Rei finished.

"Captains orders," Mina then finished glaring at Rei.

"Then what's the point?" I looked sceptically at them.

"What do you mean?" Ami asked taking a seat at the end of the bed.

"My questions, the only ones not answered were the ones your captain wouldn't answer, so I don't think I would get them from you guys either." I sighed and leaned my back against the bed head.

"Well then," Mina started as the other two girls came to sit on the bed, "We are also here for your entertainment. So tell us what you want us to do, and we'll figure something out."

Getting a bit sick of the since I decided placing myself away from the girls was best. "Well, if you will excuse me," I begun moving from the bed to the bathroom, "I'll just freshen up and that."

"Want some help?" Mina stood straight up; looking at me like helping me was the most important thing ever.

"No!" I said simultaneous. "I'm fine. Don't worry. I won't be too long," I assured them as I slammed the door shut as fast as possible and exhaled that breath that was caught.

After I finished my bath I realised I had forgotten to get some fresh clean clothes. It was fairly quiet, so I wrapped the towel around myself and opened the door slightly. Peeking through the jar I noticed that the girls weren't there. But what I did notice was that there was an absolutely gorgeous white dress lying upon the now made up bed. Beside the dress there was a pair of white pearl satin flats and a deep blue box. I approached with caution. What was all of this? I looked over towards my cupboard and saw that there was a lock placed on it. You would think that someone wanted me to wear this dress. But since I didn't want to wear a dirty dress, I took the dress and raced back into the bathroom.

After placing the dress on I couldn't help but stair at myself in the full length mirror that was behind the door. The dress was amazingly stunning. Pure satin, and at touch made me feel like a real princess. The top was a bodice fit sweetheart neckline that put emphasis on the small breasts I had. Wait, when did I know about dresses? Somehow I did. Maybe I was still getting pieces of my memory back? But anyways, the straps were strings of pearls that hung over the shoulder. The skirt flowed out from the hips down towards just atop my knees. Against my pale skin and silver hair, I couldn't believe I was looking at myself. It was in that moment I had to relook. Last time I saw myself I was death reincarnated, but now, well… hell! Death must have gone running back with its tail between its legs because my skin was positively glowing and my hair shine with all its might! I couldn't help but continue to gawk as the sudden change of appearance. But wait, that must of meant we went through the barrier? Well, Miss obvious! Endymion DID say he would send company once through… gosh I hated being slow sometimes!

I was knocked from my thoughts when I heard a small sound outside the door. I swallowed my breath and quickly brushed my hair before coming out to see what had happened. Inevitably I wished I hadn't have rushed out, because I was pulled to a stop upon meeting Endymion's sad eyes brighten up upon noticing me.

"Serenity," he breathed with a small smile.

"What," I paused, "What are you doing here? I thought you were going to be busy all night on deck?"

I watched as his eyes moved appraisingly on me, "It looks beautiful on you," he smiled, "but," he motioned the other things on the bed, "do you not approve?"

I raised an eyes brow, "What do you mean?" I looked at the other things on the bed, "That I don't approve to having you decide what I should wear for me? Well no. I mean. It's a nice gesture, but honestly, isn't this dress a bit fancy for me especially since I'm just going to be on this ship, in this cabin?"

There was a small chuckle from Endymion, "That is understandable," he paused, "But do you not like what I have gotten you?" he picked up the box and clutched it like it was hurting him.

"If you're referring to the box, I do not know. I did not open it." I took a step forwards. I don't know why, but I wanted to comfort him. Assure him to some sense that I did like whatever may have been in the box.

Endymion looked away from me and took the shoes off the bed and placed them on the floor, gesturing his hand for mine. I complied and came to him. I watched as Endymion eyed the shoes and my feet, messaging me to wear them; so I placed one foot in at a time. Once they were on Endymion smiled in appraisal. "Stunning," he breathed against my cheek as he leaned in towards me. I felt his hesitation, but it was easily conquered by his desire, and feverishly I felt his lips upon my own. We were like fire and ice. I of course, was the ice in this situation; I melted to his touch. His lips were red hot, encouraging me to join in on the moment; and that is what I did. I was a pawn in his control, and every bit of me enjoyed that knowledge. I was beginning to get lost in the sight of passion and had felt my knees begin to give way, but before I knew it Endymion had broke off our kiss and caught me, lifting me up in his arms, "sorry," he mumbled as he placed me on the bed. "I get ahead of myself sometimes," he said before taking a step back, "I just wanted to let you know that we have successfully crossed over, and contrary to your last comment; the dress is not for my eyes only, unfortunately, but you will have to have to be on deck to ensure we are harmed."

I looked at him with furrowed eyes. What! "What do you mean not harmed? Why me!"

"Because as a pureblood Estelle Princess; again, your radiance is delivered in unsuspecting power, so those creatures that usually harm venturing travellers in here will not harm us if they see, or feel your presence." I don't know if it was me, but Endymion sounded very cocky, as if he thought I should have known that simple little bit of information.

"Well!" I said standing up, "I'm sorry I didn't know!" I sighed "But because I don't want to fight and be a pain by staying here in spite of you, I will comply; thus giving me a chance to see the outside world."

I had to stop upon seeing his eyes sadden, "I'm sorry, but locking you in here is the only safest way to keep you unharmed."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," I said smiling to reassure him that I did understand. "Anyhow, let us go on deck and let me do my job!" I laughed half heartedly as I headed towards the door.

I paused and turned back to see that Endymion had not moved, but was staring at me with a look of not only sadness, but something else. Like realisation? But his Aura was that solid clean white with the gold reflect. "Endymion?" I asked slowly, "Are you alright?"

It was very sudden, but his eyes lit up and a smile graced his face, "Yes my dear, don't worry, I am perfectly fine." He started walking towards me, "Now let us go on deck," he marched in front of me leading the way.

I stumbled for a moment pondering what just happened, but I closed the door and raced to catch up with Endymion. "So," I breathed as I tried to sound relaxed, "You're fine with me being on deck?"

Endymion slowed his steps and looked down at me for a second, "I am safer with you in this situation around these men, yes."

"Why?" I looked at him, "I mean you have been ever so careful not to let me around anyone anyhow."

"Because in this situation life is more precious to them." He sighed, "This place is death Serenity. Although you are with us that are not complete guarantees that others onboard this ship will not be captive to the many dangerous things laying awake here."

"Oh."

"But do not worry," he tried to cheer me up, "If we are attacked you will not be harmed, nor scratched."

"Well… I feel so much better now."

Endymion paused and looked at me, "Serenity," he grabbed my shoulders, "I did not mean it like that. Of course I will try with all my might to make sure your safe, but even if I fail, you already have a protective barrier around yourself that your unconscious controls."

"Oh," I really did sound dumb, "Well let's just hope you don't fail," I laughed smiling at Endymion.

It was like time had yet again stopped. I found myself leaning towards Endymion as his hand draw up from my shoulder to my cheek. I leaned my face against his hand. This sort of affection was very nice. It felt like we were saying "I love you" in these simple little gestures. But was I ready to come forth and admit I was in love with him? Was I even? As for Endymion, well how did I know what sort of love he did hold for me?

"Don't worry Serenity," Endymion kisses my forehead, "Maybe one day you will see for yourself." He then started to walk off.

I for one felt like I was slapped against my face. Could he read my mind? Gosh. I hope not, but either way I scurried to follow him.

Once we hit on deck I was bombarded by the three girls. "Serenity!" Mina came at me in a rush, throwing her arms around me.

"You look stunning!" Ami commented.

Rei nodded, "Yes, but…" she tilted her head, and then looked at Mina, "Something is missing."

Mina automatically gasped and turned her head straight towards Endymion. "Men," she hissed in a low voice as we watched him walk off.

I however couldn't keep my eye off Mina. What did they know I didn't know? "Am I not meant go get what is going on here?" I looked at them all with suspecting yet interested eyes.

"OH!" Rei came and put an arm around me, "Nothing of the sort! Don't worry!" she laughed.

"But anyhow!" Mina came closer, "He wasn't too mean to you was he?" Mina nodded her head towards the direct Endymion went.

"Well," I paused, "Can I ask you guys a question?"

"Certainly!" Mina looked at me with wide eyes. The other two girls I noticed leaned in.

"Can…" I sighed. Did I really want this question answered? Yes. I needed to know if embarrassed myself or not! "Can Endymion read minds? Like mine?" I said quickly looking down in hopes my flushed cheeks wouldn't arouse any suspicion to myself.

There was a paused from the girls as they took a moment to take my question in.

"What do you mean?" Ami started, "Read minds like your own? Or minds altogether, your one included?"

"I suppose in both cases?" I looked at them.

Rei, I noticed took a step away from us, "Come over here where it's quieter to speak," she gestured us over. I followed her and the other girls a little bit till we were at the far forecastle deck. Once where were here there was an off awkwardness before Rei started again, "I think Ami should be the best one of us to answer your question."

Ami nodded understandingly and cleared her voice. "Serenity," she smiled, "I do not know the full extent of your knowledge about Vampires, but most certainly he can read minds. But again, his ability is limited by the person on whom he wants to read. You see, straight off to read your mind he wouldn't be able to. There is a difference in your status, yours being higher, therefore he cannot exactly read it without concentrating harder. But that is not to say he will ever read it. Say for instant you were… I don't know, sad? Or furious, a bad kind of mood basically or stressed or overwhelmed, he wouldn't have a hard time reading your mind. This is because you are already sending out bad vibes, and someone like him, can pick them up very easily."

I felt like my insides had just chewed up the insides that were already chewed up. I now know for certain, that Endymion had read my mind when I said I loved him. "What do you mean by he can definitely read minds?" I looked at the girls.

"Not all Vampires can read minds, silly," Mina said as she wiggled closer to stand by me.

I just looked at them, expecting I would have gotten something more. "Well why not?"

"Because," Rei started, "genes, Endymion is a pure breed. So his genes haven't been tainted. A pure breed that mates with another aristocrat of good blood heritage, their off spring will be able to read minds, but as that sort of blood dilutes, the ability itself is diluted till the blood of the pure breed is gone." Rei paused, "If a pure breed was to go straight to a peasant and breed, their offspring would have a slight ability, but the odds are not good. Turned vamps, well they just don't get any good qualities of a vampire. Depending of cause whom is turning the person, the person getting turned may keep their abilities after being turned."

"Wow," I looked down at the boards, "That's a lot… of well… hmmm…" I looked at them, "I am to believe that Vampires are… well… dead? So how can they produce offspring with another creature if… you know?"

The girls laughed at me. "It's a fifty fifty chance serenity." Ami said, "Vampires are not ALL dead. But creating a baby can be somewhat hard." Ami paused looking at me to see if my attention was still there before continuing. "If a vampire was to go and mate with another 'dead' creature like a werewolf or some witches, etcetera, the chances of a baby will be 100%. If it were to another 'living' creature, miscarriages and the fetes dying out are large possibilities. Think of it this way, 3 out of 20 births happen when this kind of union between creatures happens."

I felt sick to stomach after listening to this. "What... what... about," I was choking on my words. I wanted to know more, but I didn't.

"Turned vamps?" Mina but in. I nodded swallowing the lump in my throat.

"Depending on who turned them, they can be left totally sterile, meaning no chance what so ever to have children." Ami said matter of fact. "BUT, if they were turned right, a child maybe a very fruitful object of their love. Not saying it's a 100% chance, but if the couple were soul mates then it is possible, yes."

I stood there frozen. This was all new to me, and very interesting, but it hit me. Nothing is simple with vampires. NOTHING! And at this rate, there was no way for sure Endymion and I would ever get a mutual relationship together were one of us wasn't getting angry and annoyed at the other.

"Don't worry Serenity," Rei's voice stood out amongst my thoughts, "He will do anything to have you. Even if he knows he must change himself. He will."

"What!?" I looked straight up at Rei like my stomach had just been stabbed. My eyes were wide and my heart rate was beginning to fasten.

"Sorry," Rei said looking away, "It was not my place."

I looked at the other girls who had also started to look away. "Can you read my mind?"

There was a slight pause before Mina begun, "It's not that we are doing it intentionally Serenity, just you're sending out too many vibes and it just comes to us. Unlike Endymion we cannot decipher and select minds as fast like him. So we end up hearing everything, sorry."

I felt a tear slide down my cheek as I stared away from them and let my legs bail beneath me as I hit the floor hard with a crash.

"Serenity!" the girls quickly ran to me, helping me up till I was sitting. I couldn't help but pity myself. I'm constantly sending out vibes and everyone basically heard all my thoughts. I felt sick to my stomach and just wanted to seclude myself somewhere away from everyone. The more I thought about it… I was always sad in my life, like I was missing something… one of my main reasons why I was always down, why I never even bothered about such things. Why my minds shield is always off. Was I ever happy? Was I able to understand everything? Was this natural for me to not worry about? My mind was going everywhere like someone came in with a hammer and smashed open every little crevice's and my thoughts begun to run scared to these crevices finding new things out. My mind was in total chaos and I felt myself falling and falling further and further without any control over myself.

"MOVE!" I heard a male's voice come through fiercely. As I tried to focus all I saw was a blurry dark haired figure bending over to pick me up. I felt him grab my arms and put them around his neck as he hoisted me up from the ground and walked away with me. As we walked away the girl's murmurs grew softer and softer. "Do not worry yourself with such thoughts," his smooth voice echoed through my head as he continued to walk. "Serenity," he breathed as we came to a stop. It was quiet and the breeze was subtle. I heard from all the chaos in my mind the splashes of water hit the sides of the ship; we where somewhere near the end of the ship I could figure out. I felt his arms around me tighten as he lowered himself to the ground. One of his arms had untangled themselves from me as his other arm propped me up upon his lap. My arms were still around his neck, but loose. I felt his breath in the crack of my neck.

"End…" I tried to speak. I knew it was Endymion. I knew his touch.

"Shh… it's all right Serenity," his hand moved warmly over my back. "The last couple of days have been horrible, but do not worry. I will try with all my might to ensure you are happy like you used to be."

I let my breathing slow down as I tried not to cry. "Will I ever be as happy as I was when I was little?" I barely whispered. Subconsciously I tightened my grip around Endymion and laid my head deeper upon his chest.

There was stiffness in Endymion upon hearing my words, "Serenity?" he asked slowly, "Can you remember your past? Everything?"

Did I know everything? Well I most certainly regained my memory on certain aspects. "I suppose I remember what I wanted to remember," I breathed as I opened my eyes slowly. I was facing directly out to sea; the sight took my breath away. The sun glimmered over the water, and in the far distance were large mountains and such. I swallowed and looked at Endymion questioningly.

"We're in Estelle," he smiled. "It's just at the beginning but it does certainly get much more beautiful here." I noticed he glanced up to the sight before back to me, "But I don't think there are any parts more beautiful than you." His face was straight but his eyes told me all I needed to know. The only thing I wanted to do was to get closer to him. I slowly raised my hand to his cheek and steadily guided it to me. It felt so natural, and Endymion seemed to comply with no hesitation. I had him inches away from me, and I took the plunging step without fear. I placed my lips upon his own and kissed with all my might. It was an odd sensation knowing that I initiated this kiss, but it felt right.

Unlike all of our previous kisses this one was soft and subtle, and gently Endymion pulled away from me; we were gazing at each other before Endymion spoke, "Serenity," he breathed placing his other hand upon my own on his face, "Oh how I have longed for your touch." There was a paused before Endymion started again, "So does that mean you remember about us?" his voice was curious and calm.

I moved my hand away slowly as I held onto him once again, "Yes," I paused and reached into my top pulling out the necklace I had always worn every day since I was found at the orphanage. "I finally understand the meaning of this necklace," I looked back to Endymion, "I also know what promises were made over this necklace." I clutched it one last time as I placed it back, "but there are still many memories I do not understand."

"Hmm…," Endymion looked at me, "which ones?"

I looked away and took a moment to think, "There was this one scene that I remembered on board Lita's ship." I paused again, "I met Diamond, and I realised Lita was my guardian…. But on board the ship for my birthday, I was not lost… I was purposely lost."

"What do you mean Serenity?" Endymion quickly asked as I paused.

"Well, it was almost instantly that the people were in a hurry to get off, but when I tried to find my friends and family, someone caught me and covered my face. They took me away and placed me on a boat, giving me something quick in my hand before running off. Before I could realise anything the boat had already departed from the ship and I was alone."

Endymion's arms tightened around me, "Is that all?" his voice was caring yes intrigued.

"When I was on the boat, I looked at what was placed in my hand; a note. It was not signed. But it said they were trying to help me get what I wanted… whatever that meant, but after that I forgot everything till I awoke at the island of the orphanage."

"Hmm…" Endymion thoughtlessly hummed, "I'm sure you will figure it out."

"Endymion," I looked at him with wide eyes, "Do you know what it suggests?" he shook his head, "I was not 'lost' but more so smuggled away from everyone and purposely smuggled out of Estelle."

It took a moment to register in Endymion's mind, "So you mean to say you getting lost all these years were on purpose?"

"Well, yes," I paused, "but no. They wanted to help me. I couldn't have what I wanted in Estelle… but this way I could have whatever I wanted outside Estelle." Endymion looked at me like he didn't understand, "I wanted you! I couldn't have you in Estelle. But this way I could get what I wanted because they knew you have the necklace, our promises, that fact you would go looking for me."

"Who would have known such a thing?" Endymion spoke calmly. "Even so, if found out, that meant death to them. You are the last and only real heir the throne of Estelle… and purposely smuggling you out is punishable by death."

Before anything else could be said, a tall familiar blonde came towards us, "Sir," he bowed as he stood metres away, "Lady," he bowed to me, "We are close to a port in one of the outer towns. What do you want us to do?"

Endymion let a low sigh out, "Andrew, what have I told you about formalities." He paused and looked at the skies, which were beginning to darken with clouds, "We shall go to port and seek shelter for the night."

"Very well sir," Andrew nodded, "will you be steering us then?"

"I'll be right there," Endymion said turned back to me. Andrew how ever had started to jog away from us. "Would you like to accompany me at the wheel? Or go back to the company of the girls?"

"I wouldn't mind seeing how a ship is steered," I smiled as I detangled myself from Endymion stood, reaching out my hand to him, "So come on and show me how is done captain," I giggled as I followed Endymion to the wheel.

Time seemed to fly as we made port. I had Endymion by my side as I learnt a great many new things. When we did however come to a stop as one of the docks, it was obvious to the men that we were no normal travellers… especially with me aboard. There were however two men standing a dock away from us who were staring directly at me. I itched myself behind Endymion, "What are they looking at?" I whispered.

"You."

"Why!"

"Because you're a pure Estelle; you're a god to people outside the city. They will fear you until you make your statement here." He paused, "Not only that, but you are surrounded by vampires."

"Well aren't vampires a league of gods themselves?" I asked.

"Yes. It is true, but after what happened between you and me, I do not know if vampires kept their status. I was pushed away as a suitor, and banished when I went to look for you."

I looked down. "Well we're here now; so what is going to happen?"

"We will act normally. There is no need to arouse alarm or anything of the sorts." Endymion turned to the men around them, "We shall go to town, Andrew, Greg and Chad, as well as the girls." He then looked to another lot of men, "Dock for the night and look after the ship." He grabbed my hand as we started to move towards the planked bridge to the dock. Endymion helped me down.

When we were off the ship we waited for the other lot to join us. Mina was instantly at my side as we followed Endymion into the town. It looked like an average town, except the people were in their monster forms. It took me a moment to understand and realised where we were again. We kept walking until we came across a local Inn. Endymion and the Blonde, Andrew, went inside as everyone else and I waited to see if they had room. Endymion had come back to us, "There is just enough room," he paused, "So we will be sharing rooms," he came and put an arm around me. The other walked inside as Endymion kept me outside with him a little longer, "Serenity?"

I looked at him, "Yes? What is it?"

"I do not think it is wise you are left unattended away from me."

I raised a brow to him, "What do you mean?"

"The chatter inside suggested that your aura is stronger than I thought. Meaning that people might recognise who you are without actually seeing you."

"Then do you think we should go back to the ship?"

"Andrew has tried to reassure me that it will be fine. And I do think you deserve a decent meal."

"Well thank you," I said as I grabbed his hand and moved towards the Inn doors.

Everything seemed to be going fine. Endymion had obviously worried himself over nothing because no one had appeared to be looking at myself of the others. But it wasn't until after dinner and a few rounds of laughter that a dark hooded figure appeared at the doors of the Inn. We did pause but I however was drawn to the person. Much like what I had with Endymion, a pulling sensation. The people at the table didn't appear to notice the figure. But I however very much did. I slowly rose from the table. Everything felt like it was in slow motion. It wasn't until I had risen that Endymion noticed my attention was elsewhere.

I slowly walked away from the table to the person. As I got closer and closer I realised it was a very pale man under the hood. In my peripheral I noticed Endymion had stood and was looking intently on my actions. I finally came to a stop about a metre in front of the figure. "Who are you?" I asked slowly as I tried to look deeper into the shadow of his face.

The man took a moment before raising his hands towards his hood, "It is me Serenity," he said slowly as he took his hood off.

I gasped, he knew my name and he looked oh so familiar, but I gasped louder when Endymion was instantly at my side again, his hands around my waist tugging me away from the man. Pale skin, silver hair like my own… his violet eyes… "Diamond," I whispered. I did not blink nor dare to breathe. I merely froze as Endymion stood protectively over me. The air from the doorway in which the man stood was crisp… seconds seemed like milliseconds.

And that was when my heart beat so fast. I felt like I was in a bind. The one person I did not expect to see again was right in front of me, none the less alone, or so it seemed. But, what happened that night after our meeting was chaos that changed everything. I may not have known much about Estelle, but I knew one thing, and that was it was not a safe place no matter who you were.

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Date Composed: 29th March 2009
Date Edited: 3rd April 2009 by the lovely mangamania 33

Sorry for the lateness XD I did try to get as much done in the little time I could find now and then ^^. BUT i have a week off for inter semester whatever for uni, sooo yeah =p *wink wink*

But I hope you all enjoy =D till next time take care.

*Katie =]