Author's Notes: AH! I'm so sorry for the delay between the chapters, my dear readers, but I did explain why this would happen. And technically for this chapter I have four explanations. One – obviously is school, the homework is insane. What was I thinking taking Intro to Philosophy and Macroeconomics? Two – I wasn't really sure where this chapter was going and kept debating on what to do, but I think I came up with something good. Three – I got wrapped up big time in a little book series called The Vampire Academy if you haven't read it, please do and then you'll understand my distraction. And four – honestly, my mind wasn't completely focusing on this chapter. No, it was also focusing on the first chapter of the sequel to my other story, Shadows of the Night, which technically was because of the third reason. Ugh. Anyway, apologies again, but I hope this chapter makes up for my absence. It's a rather long one, almost four thousand words! But on another note, it's a time for celebration my friends. Why? Well, because, this story is at 91 reviews already! And I have you guys to thank for it!
Big hugs and thanks to:
ARABELLA VIOLETTA
tiffany aka basketcase
SerenaDarienforeverJune30 (for all five of your reviews! Lol. :D)
SerentiyMoonGodness
claireylee824
mangamania
Jenbunny
roswellachick
Keeper of the Covenant
nebelflecke
Fedski
m1ssp1ggy
mandii-xo
Franceschita
unlockurdestiny
DollFace
lovelyl
maii3 (I have no intentions of the Devil becoming overprotective of Serenity. Things are going to get heated first!)
raye85
Lawliet's Bride (for reviewing every chapter! Thank you so much!)
devafiend (He may have gone soft there at the end, but I can tell you that it isn't going to stick.)
Pamela
Sdfrgf
Sere161616
It means so much to me to read all of your sparkling and insanely flattering reviews. Really makes writing this stuff more fun when I know that you guys are out there waiting in anticipation to see what I do next. *huggles* Okay, enough of my blabbering, on with the chapter! This one's got a little twist for you guys. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Just in case you didn't know, I don't own Sailor Moon. Sad, but a true story. Also this story is rated M for a reason. This time it's less smut and more violence and language. Don't worry there WILL be smut in later chapters. =)
Hell Bent On Love
By: afallenblackrose
Chapter Five:
The Heart of the Matter
I could distinctly hear the showerhead in the bathroom turn on, and I knew that Serenity was now in the shower. Other regions of my body registered this fact, and I knew that I had to leave the room if I wanted her to remain unafraid of my intentions and me. The scene from earlier had almost ruined my plans, but I couldn't help it. No one had dared to speak to me like that in over five hundred years. It was a major turn on, but it was also the trigger for my very short temper. Sure, I should have kept my temper in check, I won't disagree with that, but I am the Devil. No one goes around back talking me and gets away with it. Not even if they are… I shook my head. It wouldn't do to keep analyzing her features and comparing them. There was no way that it could be, and I shouldn't let myself keep my hopes up. It had been five hundred years. I should have moved on by now, but that was kind of hard to do when you were stuck being the Lord of the Underworld.
How had I even got caught up in this mess? Well…to be honest, even I don't understand it. All I know was that I was picked from the beginning to become the next Devil, and when my time came to take over…well, let's just say that you didn't have the option to say nay.
*Flashback*
It was a warm day in the market place of the kingdom as I lead my horse through the various tables and stalls. Peddlers were roaming and trying to have me purchase things, but I wasn't interested in buying anything that day. My attention was directly in seeking the beautiful maiden that had captured my heart weeks ago. Her maid had told me that she was in the market place when I had come to visit with her that morning. Intrigued to find out why she was here and knowing that I wouldn't rest until my question had been answered, I went out to seek her. She would have to pick the busiest day to come here; I couldn't help but muse as I turned down another aisle. My eyes scanned the various people of all shapes and sizes looking for the golden waterfall that would belong to her, but it didn't catch my eye. I began to wonder if I had mistaken this market place with another when someone stopped in front of my horse.
"Would you happen to be Lord Endymion Rockwood of the Traveling Manor Estate?" The person asked. I peered down at this newcomer from my saddle. The person was a man, wearing a black hooded cape. The hood was up so I couldn't see his face. I was very cautious to answer his question, since I didn't know who he was. He could have been an armed robber for all I knew.
"And if I am?" I retorted. "Why do you seek Lord Endymion?"
"Ah, you are him," the man seemed to nod his head. "But as for why I seek you, my lord, that will be revealed in good time. I shall visit you at the Manor soon. You best be on your way, we don't wish to make a scene." I opened my mouth to ask again as to why this man was seeking me and how he knew that I was indeed Lord Endymion, when he was gone as quickly as he appeared. Frowning slightly, I moved my horse forward, musing over the meeting. Who was that mysterious man? And what could he possibly want from me? Usually I would have assumed that he wanted gold or needed the power my title held in society for some meaningless task, but there was something different about that man…this was beyond titles and gold, of that I was sure.
My horse neighed, bringing me back to the present and away from my thoughts. Another person had stopped to touch my horse, but this time it wasn't in alarm that she neighed. It was in greeting. I peered down from my saddle and felt a smile on my lips. Standing before my horse, was the beautiful maiden that I was seeking. Her long golden hair touched by sunlight went flowed down her back, this day in a braid that almost touched the ground below her. She had the whitest skin, almost as if it was marble, and her light cornflower blue eyes spoke volumes. They met mine, and she returned my smile.
"Lord Endymion," she greeted, her voice that of an angel. "How are you on this pleasant autumn day?" The smile on my lips remained as I jumped down from my horse. I took her hand in mine and kissed her knuckles. As I peered up from her hand, I saw the faintest blush appear on her cheeks.
"I am very well, Lady Serena," I replied. "And how are you?"
"I am well, good sir."
"I am glad to hear it. I was very intrigued as to what made you come to the market on this day. When I inquired to visit you this morning, your maid said that I would find you here."
"Some days I like to get out and converse with the people of this town," she replied. "The busiest days are always the best to do such a task. But for what, if I may ask, did you wish to visit me for, Lord Endymion?"
I looked around us, and knew that this would not be the place to discuss my reasons for visiting her. Taking her hand and leading my horse at the same time, we walked amongst the other people in the market place until we reached an isolated part of town. The flowers here were in full bloom even if it was the beginning of autumn. Leading her to the fountain that rested in the middle of the courtyard, I ushered for her to sit down.
"Well, you see, Serena," I began knowing that since we were alone the use of proper titles weren't needed. "I came to visit you this morning, because I have a very important question to ask you. As you know, when we first met at the Autumn Solstice Ball, you stole my very breath away. And as we have gotten to know each other over the last few weeks, you've also stolen my heart. What I wish to ask you now, is that, Serena would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Serena gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth, as I pulled out a box from the pocket of my trousers. Opening it for her to see, inside laid a silver ring with a diamond in the center. She didn't say anything for a while, and I instantly began to worry that I had brought up this matter too soon.
"Serena?"
"Endymion, the ring is beautiful, but…" I braced myself for the worst. "Have you asked my father's permission to ask for my hand? Does he know of your intentions?" This time it was I who looked at her startled. That was what she had to say to my proposal? I began to chuckle. I had thought that she was going to say no, even though she still hadn't given me an answer yet.
"Of course I have asked your father," I replied. "I asked him last night after I returned you to your quarters. He was overjoyed that I had asked him for his permission, which he readily gave."
She smiled, "Very well, if you have asked for my father's permission and he has given it to you, then I daresay that I will be very happy to be your wife, Endymion." I smiled in victory and placed the ring on her ring finger of her left hand. Afterwards, I claimed her lips in a quick kiss.
Later that night, after I had returned to my room for the evening, a mysterious gust of wind blew the draperies of my window forward. From my position on the bed, I couldn't understand what was going on and left to investigate. I glanced out my window and saw no streaks of lightning lighting up the sky, and the trees weren't bristling with any wind movements. I shook my head in wonder at what could have possibly caused the mysterious gust, when I turned around and came face to face with the hooded man from the market place.
He grinned toothily at me, "Lord Endymion, as I expected. Forgive the intrusion, but I did tell you that I would come and converse with you this evening." He backed away and took in the room. I watched him, my heart beating hard against my rib cage. This man had startled me, something no man ever did and lived. How had he gotten in in the first place? There were guards everywhere!
"You know my name, sir, but I'm afraid I do not know yours," I said breaking the man's reverie. "I also do not know your appearance. If you could be so kind as to lower your hood, sir?"
The man turned around again. "Yes, yes, of course, Lord Endymion. I apologize if I startled you, for you see I did not know how best to have this conversation. It was best if it wasn't in the open, and it was also best if it wasn't in the morning and afternoon hours. I do not wish anyone to witness what I have to tell you." He seemed to be out of his mind. I watched him cautiously, still not sure what to make of this man. He had not told me his name, and he had not lowered his hood. Who was he exactly? And what was so important about this conversation that it had to be held in private?
"But you have asked for my name and you have asked me to lower my hood so you can look upon my face. I shall, of course, oblige these demands," he bowed and lowered his hood. I felt my eyes widen and my mouth drop open in surprise, for standing before me was, well, me. The man was my exact height and had the same color hair as I did, but his almost looked blue. The eyes were a slightly lighter shade of blue than mine, but the face structure was identical.
"Your name?" I asked again after awhile.
"My name is Sapphire and I know that what I'm about to tell you will sound a bit odd, even a tad bit mad, but you must know that this is the truth. These places actually exist."
"What places?"
"All in good time, Endymion," he said sitting down in a chair by the fireplace. "For let me start from the beginning. As I have said I am Sapphire, and what I have to tell you tonight, deals with your destiny. It is time for you to take your rightful place. Now, I believe you know that when you die, you either go to Heaven or you go to Hell. You do believe in these places?"
"I am a Christian, so of course I do," I replied curious as to why he was asking me this question.
"Very good, this might be easier for you to accept than I had previously thought," he nodded his head. "Well, since you believe that Heaven and Hell exist, then I can tell you that they do. How do I know this you might ask? Well, it is because I am the Lord of the Underworld, or the Devil, if you will."
I stared at him, not really believing what he was saying. He was the Devil? But how could that possibly be? The Devil didn't actually exist. It was just some story, like Santa Claus, to tell to children when they were misbehaving. He couldn't possibly think that I would take him seriously.
"Okay, Sapphire, let's say hypothetically that I believe that you really are the Devil, why then are you here? You say it has something to do with my destiny?"
"Yes, it does. You see, Endymion, I have been the Devil for over a millennia now. I have been waiting for my successor to be born and to take my place when the time was right."
"So what does that have to do with me?"
"You, Endymion, are my successor," he replied. "And I have come to tell you that your time has come to replace me. You are ready."
I was up and out of my chair in minutes. My sword was pressed to his throat. I had listened to enough of his tall tales, and I was feeling sorry for the poor chap as he spun his web of lies. But this had just taken things too far. This was almost blasphemous. How could I be the next Devil? It just didn't make any logical sense.
"You're mad."
He sighed, "I should have known that you would take it this way. I did too when I was first told that I was to become the Devil. It is quite a shock to your system, but I have to tell you that I am not mad. I speak the truth, Lord Endymion. What do you need me to do to prove it to you?"
"The only thing I need you to do, is to remove yourself from my sight, before I call my guards to take you away. I do not need to hear these poisoned delusions. Now, be gone, sir." I removed my sword and stepped aside so he could get up from his chair and leave my quarters. He got up from his chair and stood inches from me.
"I had hoped that it wouldn't have to come to this," he whispered. "But you best start believing your path, my dear boy, or else you could lose that which you hold most dear."
"What are you talking about?" I asked feeling anger coarse through my veins.
"Not, what, but who," he replied. "I believe her name is Serena, is it not?"
I snapped, "Guards!" I exclaimed, but I should have kept my mouth shut for just like in the market place he was gone in a blink of an eye. What he had said though about losing what I held most dear, began to worry me. Was he threatening Serena's life? But I shook it off. This man was obviously delusional. Everything he said should be taken with a grain of salt.
Weeks later on the day of my wedding, I had forgotten meeting the mysterious man and his cryptic warnings. I was in too much of a celebratory mood. In a mere hour, I would be marrying the most beautiful maiden in the city, hell even in the world. I couldn't help but smile as I tied my tie. Nothing could ruin this day, absolutely nothing.
But of course I was wrong.
With fifteen minutes to go before the wedding was officially to begin, I heard a feminine shriek of horror. Feeling instant worry coursing through me, I rushed to the door of my room and opened it, only to find Serena's maid standing there her eyes wide in horror.
"Lord Endymion!" She exclaimed and propelled herself at my feet, sobbing.
"Gabriella? What is it?"
"It's horrible, my lord, absolutely horrible. Lady Serena…" she erupted into a fit of uncontrolled sobs. I felt fear rush through me, and Sapphire's words from weeks ago began to play themselves in my head. But you best start believing your path, my dear boy, or else you could lose that which you hold most dear. I believe her name is Serena, is it not? No, it couldn't be true.
"Gabriella, what is it? What about Lady Serena? Is she hurt?" I asked feverently, but the maid would speak no more. Her whole being had been overcome by sobs, but she did point me towards Serena's rooms. Not wasting any time, I ran towards them, feeling a sinking feeling in my stomach as to what I was about to find. The door to her rooms was thrown wide open, no doubt by Gertrude in her haste to find me. But I still was cautious as I stepped forward into the room, drawing my sword as I went. Nothing seemed out of place as I made my way through the sitting room, but instant dread filled me right before I walked into her bedroom.
I walked in, and felt my whole world collapse. Slumped on the ground was Serena's body. She was in a heap on the floor, surrounded by the train of her white wedding gown. But on her gown were spatters of the deepest red. Her blood. Feeling the sword drop from my fingers I ran across the room and kneeled to take her body in my arms. She moved as if she was a puppet and I was her master pulling the strings. Her life had ended. Someone had murdered her. Tears of fury and despair began to brim in my eyes. Who could have possibly done this?
"I warned you," a familiar voice said from the doorway. "I warned you what would become of her if you didn't believe your destiny, Lord Endymion. See what happens when you deny who you truly are?" I raised my gaze to the man who had murdered my beloved. I didn't feel anything but blind rage towards him. A mad man had killed her, because he believed his own tales of the Devil and Hell? Well, fine, if that were the case then I would send him to where he truly belonged; the Hell of which he spoke.
I laid her body on the ground and stood. My sword was on the other side of the room. Carefully I approached the man who called himself the Devil. He watched aware of my movements, not knowing what I was going to do. He would probably try to stop me, but he didn't know how aggressive I could be once I set my mind to something.
"You killed her?" I asked, my voice rough.
He nodded, "Yes. To make you see reason, dear boy." He showed me a bloodied dagger. My anger increased and I lunged for my sword on the ground. He didn't do anything to stop me like I thought he would. When I stood again, facing him with the sword in my hands, poised to strike, he just watched with a cool expression. Not wanting to analyze why he didn't fear my kill, I lunged forward again and stabbed him in the abdomen, making sure the sword went deep within his gut. Sapphire looked up at me, not in alarm, but in humor. A smile played on his lips and a look of pride was in his eyes.
"Well done," he whispered before I was engulfed in flame. It felt like every part of my body was being licked by fire, but the strange thing was that it didn't burn. It seemed to soothe my fragile nerves, and almost calmed me. I didn't know where I was, and was starting to believe that this was a really bad nightmare, when I opened my eyes to the most peculiar sight. Hundreds of pairs of eyes were gazing up at me in wonder, and I heard a voice say.
"Show respect to the new Lord of the Underworld, Lord Endymion!" Before I could blink they were all bowing to me, and I finally was able to see where I had ended up. I was sitting on a high throne that was made of bones.
I was in Hell.
*End of Flashback*
It wasn't until a good hundred years after that that Kunzite joined me and became my second master of hell. Zoicite, Nephrite, and Jadeite weren't far behind him, and then the mistresses began to arrive until finally, she had shown up. I had thought that I was seeing things as I gazed at the scroll of deaths for the day, what seemed to be hours ago. There was no way that it could possibly be her, but when I arrived in the sentencing room and saw her, I knew that there might be a chance that she had returned to me after all these years.
"Endymion?" Kunzite pulled me out of my mental reverie. I looked around shocked to see that I was still standing outside of my room. He was standing on my left, so he must have been on his way to his room when he saw me lost in thought.
"Kunzite," I nodded. "On your way to visit with Mina and see how she is adjusting to her new 'life'?"
"I saw her earlier at dinner, and she seemed to be doing alright with the change. How about you? I heard that you have already gotten into a fight with Serenity. You should know better, Endymion."
I rolled my eyes at the comment, "You know I'm still not used to how women's roles have changed in the last five hundred years. It's going to take some adjusting, and I told her. She seems to understand that, and has forgiven me for my…mistake." I frowned not sure what else to call what had happened earlier.
"I also heard what she did to you after your 'mistake.' Something I believe that you deserved, my friend. She sure is going to be a hand full for you…." He trailed off and looked unsure of whether he should ask his next question or not. I knew what he was about to ask, but I didn't know how I was going to answer him. I still hadn't figured out the answer to it myself yet. "Why did you choose to save her, Endymion? Is it because of her resemblance to Serena?"
"I think that was what made the decision for me," I replied looking back at the door to my room that I was now sharing with Serenity.
"Then do you think that she could possibly be her reincarnated?"
"Of that I am not sure, Kunzite. She has that fire that Serena had way back when. It was that fire that attracted me to her, and I won't deny that the resemblance is almost uncanny, but whether or not it is my love reborn, I cannot tell you without further investigation. But while we're on the matter, do you think Mina is Minako?"
"Yes, there's no doubt that she is," he smiled wide, but the smile seemed to falter as he thought something over. "Endymion, I think there is something that you need to know about Serenity."
"What is it?" I asked curious.
"While we were at dinner and discussing topics, she told us that if we wished we could call her by her nickname since she believed the name Serenity was too formal and a mouthful."
"And what is her nickname?" I asked not really seeing where this was going.
"Her nickname is Serena," he replied watching me intently to see what my reaction was going to be. But it wouldn't be too hard to guess, since it could be summed up into three words:
Oh.
Well.
Shit.