Chapter 2 has begun! I hope you enjoy this chapter because I enjoyed writing it. Please read, enjoy, and review.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon…This disclaimer applies for chapter 1 and any future chapters.

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The Pirate King

Chapter 2: The Pirate King

Serenity sighed as she fell back on the large, comfortable bed. What she had thought was a horrible tragedy was quickly becoming the break she had desperately prayed for. Now she would be free from her training, free from her mother's watchful eye, free from her restricting corset!

The slow rocking of the ship lulled her into a peaceful slumber and she did not wake when her door creaked open and a raven-haired man entered with garments draped over his arm. He studied her pale face intently, almost shocked by the tranquility of her features.

He laid the garment on the cushioned chair by her bed and smiled down at her. He leaned over her and pressed his lips to her forehead.

"Sleep on, little princess…sleep on…"

Endymion left the room, his fingers pressed to his lips. "Why did I do that?" he shouted at himself. "She's a hostage and besides…you barely know her!"

The salty sea air pressed to meet him as he climbed the stairs to the deck. The sky was clear and blue, allowing the sun to shine warmly down on them, a welcome reprieve from the usual cold, wet weather they had traveled in.

"My lord!" Malachite rushed up to Endymion and bowed.

"Yes?"

"Port Mora is in sight. Shall we make ready to dock?"

"Yes, pull her about, ready the anchor and pull in the oars."

"Aye Captain!"

Endymion progressed to the wheel, leaving Malachite to relay the orders to the rest of the crew.

"Captain?" Zoicite came up behind Endymion, a rope in his hand.

"What do you need Zoicite?"

"I was wondering…when we dock what will you do with the hostage? I mean, is it really safe to leave her here?"

"Well I very well can't bring her to the Pirate Court now can I? The Pirate Lords still believe in the old superstitions and a woman around would not set them at ease."

"Very well…but, what if she begins to scream for help? People will become suspicious."

"You do have a point. I suppose we shall bring her along."

"What about the Pirate Lords?"

"You leave them to me. What use is being the Pirate King if I have no power over the Lords?" Endymion grinned devilishly.

Once the ship had been docked and secured Endymion led his crew through the crowded harbor. Serenity looked around in awe. She had never been to India and the sight of the elephants, tigers, and bare-footed people astounded her. The smell of various spices intermingled to reach her nose.

"This place is amazing!" she exclaimed. Endymion turned to smile down on her. She had dressed in long slacks and jacket and almost appeared to be a pirate. Were it not for her golden hair and rope-tied hands that is.

They walked until they found themselves in front of a small pub. Endymion pushed open the door and led them through. The air was dark and it smelled of stale peanuts. Only a few people sat at the tables and did not glance up as they passed through.

Endymion stopped in front of a broken, wooden door and opened it. Serenity peered in to see a flight of stairs leading down into the ground. The passage was extremely dark and Serenity tripped several times.

Finally they emerged onto a landing. Endymion pulled on a door and they entered a large circular, domed room. Lanterns adorned the walls, casting a warm glow about the room. Serenity marveled at the unreality of it. She wondered how they had built such a room underground.

Endymion led her to the enormous round table in the middle of the room. He sat in the largest chair and made her sit beside him. The rest of the crew filed over to the benches that were pushed up against the wall.

Many men had already been seated when they arrived but now they stood, all turned towards Endymion. The previously, chatter-filled room was now silent. Finally he nodded and everyone returned to their seats. Serenity noticed many of them shooting her nervous or angry glances.

A little man rushed to stand beside Endymion's chair, a roll of parchment clasped in his hand.

"My lord…" the boy bowed.

"Thank you Melvin." Endymion took the parchment and laid it on the table before him. Serenity tried to glance at it but he pulled it away. "I'm afraid that's confidential princess." He smirked when she glowered at him.

"Now then," he announced. "Let's begin the session."

Serenity leaned back in her chair preparing to be bored by their sessions as she had been at home but as they discussed business she learned that this wasn't a normal meeting. This was pirate business.

"…and so the Port Usagi raid was a smashing success I hear…" a rather large man with a wiry red beard had asked Endymion.

Endymion glanced briefly at Serenity and smiled. "Indeed it was,"

"So where are the…proceeds from this raid?" a French man with multiple facial piercings asked.

"Why…you are looking at it gentlemen." All eyes turned to Serenity and she felt her face pale as her blood cooled.

"What worth is she?" the French man pressed, seeming annoyed.

"May I introduce Princess Serenity of the Japanese empire, the sole heir…"

A full minute passed before recognition and understanding registered across their faces.

"Ah, I see!" a Russian man announced, rubbing his chubby hands together greedily. "A ransom has been ordered of course! What is the amount?"

"Excuse me but I can hardly announce the price of the very girl sitting beside me but rest assured it is quite…extensive." The men laughed gleefully.

Endymion turned and winked at her and she sighed in relief. For some reason she felt she could trust him unconditionally.

"Well then gentlemen, I believe that adjourns our session." The Pirate Lords stood and grasped hands in handshakes before exiting until only Endymion and his crew remained.

"Who knew that pirates could hold such civilized meetings?" Serenity commented as Endymion led them back through the staircase and pub. Night had fallen while they were underground and pale stars were just beginning to shine.

Endymion chuckled. "Sometimes people like to embellish our acts of brutality. Really we're just treasure seekers or adventurers in some cases."

"I know…I had a book at home that was written by a former pirate."

"Trust me princess, there is no such thing as a former pirate." Endymion laughed as he guided her back to her cabin. He pulled his dagger from his side and cut her ropes. She rubbed her wrists from where they had turned red with rope burn. "Sorry about that but the men don't feel comfortable unless the prisoner is tied up."

"It's all right; my father felt the same way about his prisoners." Serenity stared down at her wrists. "You know…I always wanted to be a pirate."

"Really? A princess become a pirate? I can hardly believe it!"

"It's true…I have always been fascinated by pirates."

"I suppose that explains it then."

"Explains what?"

"Why you are not afraid of us."

"Oh," Serenity glanced at her clasped hands. "I suppose…"

"Now dear princess I must leave you; good night." Endymion bowed slightly before exiting the room, locking the door behind him.

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Well, chapter 2 is completed. I am now tired and will go to bed. Please read and PLEASE review! Don't make me beg! God bless you all…