Author's Notes: Happy holidays everyone! After all the positive feedback and reviews I got with the preview, I rushed to get this chapter out this weekend. Thank you so much for the support and I hope everyone enjoys the first chapter of a very long story. Don't hate me for cliffhangers. I do that a lot, with the exception of the first chapter. You will find that I can wrap things up pretty well for the holidays. Be safe and eat well! Chapter 2 will definitely be up by the new year.
Chapter 1: The Tamed and the Untamed
The Head Chef of the Moon Kingdom dismissed the guard, who had stood by her bedroom door since her return from the kitchen. Upon returning to a more secluded place that was her bedroom, she yanked at her hair net and released her golden, auburn hair, which fell midway down her back. The long hours of sizzling steam from the stoves left her skin sticky. The toil at the greasy ovens made her weary of her duties. Heavily, she sank on the edge of her bed; her lazy gaze fell on the fluttering curtains of her opened balcony doors.
Loneliness was written all over the lines of her young face and her listless, green eyes crinkled in a deep frown. Her apron came off slowly with her hands working sluggishly. At first, she looked awkward, standing at a height of about 5' 9." Sometimes she did feel awkward, especially when she was standing next to a standard appointed bodyguard, who would be several inches to a foot shorter than her.
"Lady…" the soft voice of a maid said.
"Leave it," the chef answered with a tone of resignation.
The cling announcing her bath was ready and the clap of sandals against the granite floor meant that she was finally and officially alone—free from work and free from The Queen for the rest of the night.
She took a key from her mantel and moved closer to the balcony doors. Vengefully, she slammed them shut and locked them.
After doing so, she swung around abruptly, a snarl was in check. In her immediate vision she saw a small intruder just by the mantel. The intruder was hunched over, fists clenched tightly to her chest. Her entry through the balcony doors just a few seconds before the chef locked her in brought in a slight draft. The air around her was cool and soothing.
"Alright, Serenity. If this is how you want to do things regardless of what we say, then you leave me no other choice. You are to stay within your chambers until I can convene with the others."
The princess straightened, her night gown smoothing out gently. Serenity stared sidelong through thick lashes at the tall brunette. The cautious, concentrated look totally wiped clean from her silken, pale face.
"It's late. You shouldn't be out at this hour. We agreed that if you were to do this, you would do this during the day, Serenity."
Serenity's pigtails came to life as she bristled. The princess perkily answered her, "'We' as in you and the girls. I don't remember agreeing to any of the terms you guys engraved on my headboard."
"Serenity, don't play smart here. Why were you not in your room when I went up to see you? Are you hurt anywhere? Are you hungry?"
"Lita!" Serenity screamed, round silver buns jiggling above her head when she moved. "Don't go acting like an old clucking hen. I'm going back to my room right, now."
Lita reached out and stopped Serenity by grabbing her shoulder. She felt the princess flinch a bit, poorly hiding the sore spot that evidently left her arm limp against her side. "Serena, at first I thought this was purely good. Now I've changed my mind completely. You need to take a break from this vigilante work. Just stay home for a while so that this could heal. You're not much good injured in the first place." This is Lita and her warrior's common sense kicking in. Whether or not Serenity was actually listening properly, Lita had yet to see the signs.
Serenity's jaw tightened and Lita could tell the princess was once again suppressing her pain. Serenity raised her shoulder and gave her friend an amiable smile. "Like you've always said, Lita; No pain, no gain."
"That was ten years ago!"
"Lita you're not like this. You used to agree with me."
"Yeah, that was until Queen Beryl advertised a bounty in ten pounds of gold for Sailor Moon dead or alive. If she ever finds out who she really was, it's over! I don't know what else to say to convince you."
"One great soldier gone and I mean you, not me," Serenity whispered, sighing deeply afterward.
Lita stomped her foot and wagged her head at Serenity. "Now is not the time to be pointing out these things. The reason why I gave up my henshin form was to protect you…"
"I don't need that right, now," Serenity had always been quick on her feet with a retort. "A real soldier fulfills her duty before she thinks about herself. Her job is to protect those who need the protection."
"And that is my job!" Lita hollered back relentlessly. "When your mother died, she entrusted me with you. Give me the satisfaction of doing one thing right for once in my life." Lita gulped before dropping her tone sharply down an octave, "I have never had to raise my voice at you, but if I must I will."
"You already do it often enough," Serena sighed again, crossing her arms over her bosom.
Lita shook with an intense, electrical fury. She resented it when Serenity continued to rebel against her and the others. She knew that she was fighting a losing battle, but her heart forced her to go through all ends to meet the means. "Return to your room, Princess Serenity. Please."
"That isn't an order I hope." Serenity spoke as if she had something clogging her vocals.
"No, it isn't. It's a request from your aunt. She has left a present in your room."
Serena's complexion paled noticeably. "Again."
Lita nodded mutely, her own body feeling a warm sensation. "Serena, I believe in what you do. Just think about yourself, though. What is my purpose if you weren't here anymore?"
Serena's hand clapped Lita's shoulder. "I'm not the only person for you to live for. I'm sure there's someone else out there."
Lita's mouth flopped once or twice soundlessly. She wanted to say something to that, but nothing came out. Just breath and a whole lot of undignified noises to express her sound defeat.
"That settles it, my Dearest Friend." Serenity said, clapping her hands joyously. "You understand me the best."
"Lady Lita," interrupted the lieutenant of the fifth infantry behind Lita's closed door. The new voice perked Serenity up.
"Yes, Mina?" Lita called as she walked over to the door.
Mina swung inside and closed the door behind her. It was always like that, quick open, quick close, when she had something significant to confer. Mina acted as if she was a bored kitchen hand, instead of a standoff officer at times, when all sorts of secrets and spells come around her department. She spilt all news only to her most trusted companions, Lita being one of them.
Her armor clinked heavily against her body in her fluid movements. Neither Lita nor Serenity could ever get past the little shock phase from the display of a small woman like Mina, heavily armored, making movements to match a celebratory moon dancer. Mina managed to always sweep aside the wide-eyed looks and proceed with whatever she had to say. "Word has it that the general of the Rebel Army has been captured. The Queen has him locked up in a prison and plans to force him tonight."
"Very lightly put, Mina. I guess 'force' is better than 'torture' or 'rape,' more or less."
"Serenity! What in the name of the Moon are you doing in Lita's room?"
"She just came by for a chat," Lita said, stepping in. Serenity was once again going to owe Lita big time for this one. Lita always covered for her absences since nobody else could.
"What is this about a general?" Lita queried, redirecting Mina's suspicious glare from Serenity to her.
"Whatever it is, it isn't important. The Queen probably wants the man to fess up or else. She's not going to perform intercourse on him. She only does it to the most beautiful men she can get a hold of," Lita said, thinking that she was offering some true insight to what seemed like an eccentric situation. This was not the kind of news Lita welcomed after a long night's work of feeding crabby Dark Kingdom visitors.
Mina shook her head. "You apparently don't know anything about Endymion."
"I know Endymion. I've heard of him at least," Serenity chimed in. "He's a hero, right?"
Mina gave Serenity a side-ways glance. "Yes and strikingly handsome, too. I've seen him." Her words were directed to Lita as if she did not want Serenity to participate in the gossip.
Lita groaned and felt her body running out of steam. "If that's the case, I suppose we have to save him."
Serenity wrenched Lita's closet doors opened one by one.
"Serena, what are you doing, now?" Lita demanded of her.
"Coming up with a disguise for a man probably around your size, Lita."
"Good idea, Serenity! Let me help before I return to the fort tonight," Mina said, her commander's façade dropping for a millisecond. Mina actually agreed with Serenity that this general could be saved. For that short moment in time, Serenity thought she was seeing the old Mina again, the Mina from the past, the light, warm-hearted Mina from her tranquil childhood memories. Mina—always sticking her head into other people's business; Mina—always joking and laughing; Mina—always conspiring and gossiping when she dropped all serious dealings; Mina—always bubbly and jubilant in light of humor. The Mina that rarely showed her face appeared for small catches and glimpses.
"If the leader says it's a good idea I guess I have to agree," Lita said, opening her drawers to fish out a bonnet. "Will this do?"
Serenity giggled lightly, giving quick nods to the young women as they sifted through Lita's disused wardrobe.
oOoRedRosesoOo
With Lita's garments in hand Serenity rushed through the dimly lit corridors to her room. Silent footsteps and vigilante agility placed her in an almost incognito disposition. By the time she was at the front of the door to her room she had blood rushing to her face. Her fingers started twitching nervously because the meeting was always the hard part for her. The explaining usually took a toll on her.
Her door suddenly opened and Serenity nearly jumped out of her slippers in surprise. A maid came out and bowed. "Princess Serenity, you're present is lying in bed waiting for you. Enjoy," she said, bowing a second time.
Serenity stopped the maid from leaving, "Molly?"
"Yes?"
"Tonight will you keep watch over him when I leave?"
"Why must you step out this time?"
"I need to make a quick run."
Molly grasped Serenity's warm hands. "Alright, but I must warn you, that it is pretty risky to be pulling more than one off tonight. Queen Beryl and her minions are home."
"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind. Just make sure, no one, especially my aunt, comes around here as usual."
"She will think you're busy," Molly whispered, giving Serenity a knowing wink.
Returning her friend and trusted servant's smile, Serenity entered her room. Lightly on her toes, she made a pathway to her bed, where the bulk of a male body was waiting for her.
Serenity looked at him with sisterly affection as she did for all men who waited for her. They were always naked and usually cold, too. They were supposed to be cold physically and emotionally. They were physically cold when she touched them because they had been lying awake naked, with nothing but a thin sheet to cover themselves if they wanted it. Serenity was never prompt about receiving her gifts at a fashionable time. She was always out very late, showing her obvious disinterest. As for why they were emotionally cold and aloof was because they hated being used and forced upon. They hated to be the sex toy of women, even women of Serenity's breed. Their hatred sometimes left a cold sweat across Serenity's forehead. Beryl's presents for her, handsome men, attacked her, cursing her and her family. Serenity never blamed them for their blatant rage because she herself could never imagine being in their positions. Watching some of them scream at her in fits, cry for their loved ones, or beg for mercy brought tears to her eyes.
Tonight, Beryl had given her yet another present. One that was silent and obedient. One that was willing and waiting. This was the kind Beryl usually tagged as a "rare delight." Serenity noticed his pale skin over his muscled chest as he sat up against her headboard. The lower half of him was covered by a blanket. He was young and beautiful, even more beautiful than all of the other ones she had in her bed.
"Hello, I am Serenity. You may call me Serena," She greeted cheerily, still standing a fair distance from her bed. Over the years the princess had learned to brace herself for anything.
"I am humbled, Princess," the young man said, shifting a little as if to step out of bed to walk up to her.
"Wait!" Serenity held up a hand. The other hand flew to her eyes by instinct. "It's alright. Please, remain to conceal yourself."
He paused in his movements and looked at her, nonplussed. "I am yours tonight. You may do with me as you please."
Serenity laughed uneasily. "I have no intention of forcing myself upon you, Kind Sir."
His shoulders slumped and he looked slightly disappointed. His reaction to this statement confused Serenity. Usually the men that lay in her bed were hard pressed to keep her at a distance.
"But Princess, I thought…"
"You thought wrong," she said, smoothly interrupting him. Her eyes softened as she looked at him. "I am here to set you free. When you are in the bed of Serenity you are but a minute closer to freedom."
"I don't understand…"
Now, fully sure that he was actually harmless, Serenity took a couple of steps closer to him. Her eyes met his deep azure eyes. She examined his face and hair with a mournful look.
"You have long hair."
"I do."
"Would you mind putting it down for me?" Serenity asked, beaming at him some more.
"As you wish." He undid the ribbon around his navy blue hair. Serenity watched in fascination as his long hair fell across his back and shoulders. "Is this alright, Princess?"
Serenity took the last few steps closer to her bed and sighed dreamily. "It's absolutely perfect."
The young man stared at her intensely. He shook his head and spoke hoarsely, "You're what is perfect. Your eyes, hair, fair skin, and your heart."
"I've never been complimented by a man before. You really are too kind." Serenity sat on the edge of her bed, looking up at him curiously. He was aware that she was still studying him.
"I don't mean to offend you, but you're as beautiful as a girl right now." She extended a hand out to him. "Please accept my friendship."
He placed his cold hand in her warm hand, igniting a memory. "Seiya," she whispered. "When I was young, you used to work here at the palace."
"You remember!"
"'Seiya' was what your mother called you when you were trying to run away from the guards, who were chasing you for trampling the flowers. Your mother, Estelle, was very angry with you."
"Yes, my family used to serve yours as gardeners. I don't believe we've ever met formally. You're ability to remember such a quaint thing is quite amazing."
"What can I say? I never forget my past and the things I love belonging to that past…"
Seiya's throat tightened and he could feel his heart picking up the pace.
"I love the way things were in the past. That is why I will never forget the past." Picking up something purple, she draped it over Seiya's head. Seiya tipped his head back for her to tie a knot under his chin.
"What are you doing?" He asked her.
"Giving you a disguise. Look, Seiya." She pointed out each piece of garment in her lap. "You're going to be a lady tonight, so you and another man will be free."
"But I thought tonight we were…"
"I'm not interested in that sort of thing, Seiya. I never have been. Just because The Queen has changed doesn't mean that I have as well. Understand?" Serenity huffed indignantly. From there the princess discussed her plan with her male associate. Together they were able to collaborate and take Serenity's plan into action.
Serenity took the winding staircase into the dungeon. She tactfully tripped over the hem of her skirt just as she reached the bottom step. This was where the dungeon security was situated.
"Are you alright, Princess?!" The guard questioned as she kneeled to assist the princess.
Serenity gripped the guard's shoulder. "I'm fine. I was just in a hurry to see the prisoner."
"You must mean The General."
"Yes, that's him. Which cell would that be?"
"The one in the far end. Be careful. He is said to be very dangerous."
Serenity grinned. "No worries."
There was a pungent smell of urine and blood. Her slippers were soiled by the muddy waters. The sound of dripping water from the leaking pipes and the rattling noises from the cages echoed through the dimly lit hall. This was not her first time down here, but every time she was here, she felt trapped and lonely. Her heart went out to the poor, innocent souls who became victims to her aunt's unexplainable cruelty.
Her feet became silent when she reached the designated cell. She gripped the bars and whispered into the darkness. "Hello? Is this the cell of Endymion? My name is Serena. I'm here to help you."
Serenity reached for the keys inside her dangling sleeve. She had nabbed them from the prison guard just a while ago. She fumbled at it because of her own nerves rattling her senseless.
Finally the barred door clicked and gave way. She hurried inside and walked to the end of the cell where a shaft of starlight peaked through the hole above her. She heard a rustling behind her.
"Endymion? Please answer me!"
She gasped as rough hands grabbed her arms from behind and pushed her against the wall in response to her plea.
"You are The Witch's niece. I would remember your face from anywhere," he whispered bitingly into her ear.
Serenity grimaced in pain, feeling the blood circulation stutter through her arms. "Please…"
"That's right, you little wench. Beg for your life."
Serenity's eyes widened with horror. "I'm here to help," she gasped.
"Liar! You're here to use me like she does."
"I have no intention of doing a thing against your will. Unhand me!" His grip loosened and she quickly backed away from him. She took a deep shuttering breath and placed a trembling hand over her heart. It thundered as she gazed up at him.
"You act as if you know my face as well," Endymion grumbled.
"I have, but you see… We met a long time ago… What am I saying? I sound like a rambling fool… I should stop now before I get myself into trouble." She had her hand to her forehead as she whispered these things in an even tone for herself. She apparently had no idea that he was listening to her private rant. She turned to him and spoke directly to him, completely forsaking her fear of him in the darkest corner of the cell. "It's best you follow me. I can guide you out of here."
She started for the exit, but he stopped her by yanking her back. "I don't trust you, so let me make the first calls. If you do well as to help me out first, I'll let you finish the rest." He gave her a sly smile.
This was not the Endymion she remembered. "I'm taking you away from this cold, dreary place."
"I don't need you to because my ending up here was the plan." Endymion grunted.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I got caught on purpose, knowing she will eventually take me to her rooms, where I can execute my plan."
She shook her head. "No, it's far too dangerous. If we falter in this escape now, you might not make it out cleanly. To her rooms? That's like entering a lioness' den!"
"You would be the one to blame if we are caught, wouldn't you be? That is if we get caught."
"I do not think…"
He pulled her arm over her head and drew her against him. "Look, do this and I won't break your arm. How 'bout that? This proposition won't have you thinking twice about helping me out if you knew I am capable of causing you pain that would make you wish you were dead."
She took a deep gasping breath, biting her lower lip to calm the throbbing of her arm. He really was cruel, harassing the arm that needed to heal after battle. He was testing her to her limits and he was not even aware of it. Pain veils the better judgment in everyone, but not for Serenity.
She tugged him down the hall by the shackles, getting long stares from the servants. She gave them all a condescending glare if they stared too long and too hard for her liking. If they knew any better they would at least turn away for a second. Otherwise they would have to prepare to face the wrath of their queen.
At the door to Beryl's bed chambers, Serenity and the prisoner named Endymion halted.
"Okay, the Queen hates being interrupted by anyone, so…"
Without letting Serenity finish her speech, Endymion swung the door open and ran inside. As he rushed in he drew his sword out of thin air.
"Endymion!" Serenity shouted, eyes dazzled for only seconds by the crackling sparks that brought out his blade.
Outside the gates of the palace, Queen Beryl turned from Mina.
"My Queen?" The young woman cautiously murmured, reaching a hand out as Beryl faced the palace and had her back against the lieutenant. They had been talking, but something jolted between them that had The Queen suddenly look away from her. "What's the matter?"
"Do what you must. There is something I must attend to."
Mina's mind reeled with the overwhelming concern for the princess. She tried to anchor The Queen down. "But…"
A long, crimson nail stroked Mina's young, ashen cheek. And these words formed from dark, rosy lips that sealed ill-fate, "I have faith in you, Lieutenant."
Serenity shivered. "What was that?"
"What was what?"
"I don't know. But the door is shut tight, it won't budge!"
"Do you know another way out?"
"Yes, but…"
"Then, we're all set." She hadn't the energy to argue with him. The night had been too long for her and the speed he was taking her at was arduous to her body and mentality.
In the gloominess, they saw a glimmer of something shinny.
"That's it!" Endymion shouted.
"What is it?"
"The object she uses to destroy us. The thing that killed my family and thousands of my men!"
"How does a simple, round, black ornament do something like that?"
"You're acting the part of a stupid, ignorant princess, I see."
"It's an heirloom."
"An evil heirloom that must be destroyed!" He approached the object with his sword raised.
Serenity shrugged and turned to one of her aunt's dressers out of curiosity. She pulled open a drawer with a jewelry box in it and touched the lock. The lid flew open just like that and hit the floor with a clatter. At the same time, Endymion struck the Dark Orb with his sword sending a clang through the room.
"What are you doing?!" They both shouted at the same time. One was angry and the other was shocked.
"You stick to your trinkets and let me work alright?" Endymion hissed vehemently, shoving his shoulders back to make another blow. CLANG.
"Do that again and the whole palace is going to come running in."
"What did I just say to you?!" Endymion roared at her.
Serenity looked into the box and reached inside. She gripped four rods and pulled them up to her face for a better view, but the lack of good lighting made it difficult for her to see.
"If these are really what I think they are, then, I have found them, but I can't really see," Serenity whispered. She fingered the four transformation pens in her hands.
"The blade doesn't seem to work. I must try to take it off this pedestal," Endymion said aloud.
"No, don't! The only person who can touch it is The Queen. It will cause you severe injury if you touch it."
The blade in his hands disappeared. "Now you tell me."
"I'm sorry."
"And how would you know this? You wouldn't have happened to slip and hit the thing off of its stand one day, have you?"
"No, it's what she tells me."
"If it hurts someone by touch, why would you think it wasn't evil?"
"Because it's the same with the Silver Crystal! She can't touch it as I can't touch the Dark Orb."
Endymion glared at it for a moment. "Very well if I can't destroy it. I'll kill the next closest thing to her."
He suddenly came up from behind her with his hands raised.
She clenched her eyes shut and shrieked softly, keeping her voice in check. There was a light. A familiar light that appeared and then was gone in an instant.
"Oh, no! Where'd they go?"
Endymion took a step back and watched the princess with her hands clenched to her heart, spinning frantically on her toes. Apparently, she was looking for the trinkets she had been holding in her hands. She forgot that he was still standing at a dangerously closed perimeter around her.
"I can't have lost them. They were right here in my hands."
"You have lost it."
"I beg your pardon."
Endymion moved down to her eye-level and pointed at his cranium. "Your mind isn't there."
His sinister sarcasm sent her brain into a tailspin, but his proximity was sending her heart into zero-gravity. He made her adore him the more with that wicked smile and charming rhetoric. She was always drawn to him. She had always been drawn to him since the first day she met him. The first day was so long ago.
"It's getting late. The Queen will return soon. Let us take the secret passage out." She stepped back and shoved her arms into the wall. There was a tremble. Then, they hurried to the end of the chamber and headed for the new opening. Glancing back at the Dark Orb, Endymion felt hope disappear and despair filling the abyss that once belonged to that hope. The wall closed on them and they were now engulfed in more naked darkness.
Serenity led the rebel general, holding tight on the bonds around his wrist. Dawn was approaching and she was running as Endymion took bigger strides to keep up. She pulled him into a room and slammed the door shut.
"I'm getting a bad vibe for some reason," she said.
"Your Highness, thank Celeste you have returned unscathed! Lady Lita is turning the palace upside down looking for you! You are precisely two-and-a-half hours late," Chided the maid, Molly. "Seiya has been waiting ever so patiently."
"I got Endymion back. Now, go keep watch."
She brought the two men out to her balcony and peered over the ledge. When all was clear she gestured Endymion and Seiya over.
Seiya was first to speak. "It has been too long since I have seen you, Serenity."
"I will see you again," she whispered, blushing as he kissed her hand.
"I know it."
"Please have a safe journey, and may Celeste look after you."
"Thank you." He whispered back. Then fluidly swung over the granite ledge and began a decent along the vines of the wall.
"You've met her before?" Endymion questioned, looking irritable.
"Seiya is a man."
"I know he is."
"Then, why?"
He jumped onto a lower ledge and twisted his body to her again. Endymion gripped the top granite ledge with one hand as he waved his other hand in front of Princess Serenity's solemn expression. Her clear blue eyes were like two glittering benitoites between the darkness of her room and the cloudy velvet sky outside. Her silver hair shimmered as she tilted her head to the side, entranced by Endymion's large hand in front of her face. Her fingers on the curtains she held apart, tightened. Somehow just staring at the man warmed her soul and she managed to smile at him even though his eyes only reflected hatred.
Endymion grinned back the grin of a hyena. Then, the fingers of the passing hand in front of her face, curled. Endymion shook his fist and out popped a flower, in which Serenity was not familiar with. Red petals danced around his hand before they sunk into the bottomless floor below them. Her light eyebrows went up together as she murmured, "My." Her obvious awe and interest made Endymion chuckle.
"Like The Witch I have a few tricks up my sleeves. What about you?"
Serenity's hand gently settled over her left breast. "I…" Somehow his intense, depthless, midnight blue eyes drowned her words every time.
Endymion pinched the stem between his thumb and index finger. Handing it to her he said, "This is a red rose from my planet. Take it."
Serenity took it, eyes aglow and heart aflutter.
"Ow!" She cried as the flower landed limply against her palm. One crimson drop of blood landed on the red petal and seeped through the same colored pigments. She watched in fascination another drop collecting in the center of her forefinger.
"That is the color red, the color of blood. You will see more of your own blood if I ever see your face again or ever as so much detect your presence, Princess," Endymion threatened coldly. Slowly, eyes fixated on her trembling face he descended from her balcony and took off with the other runaway into the night.
Gradually, Serenity rebuilt her courage to watch their fleeting departure. She let out a deep, lovesick sigh as she leaned over her balcony railing.
"Oh, Endymion," she whispered into the night.
Her white dress twirled around her pale legs as she spun on her toes in delight. "He's the one," she said to herself aloud. Her soul repeated it again, 'he's the one.'