Oceanus Procellarum: A Silver Millennium Adventure
By Lady Moon Goddess
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon. Yup, it’s owned by Naoko Takeuchi.
A/N: This chapter is much longer than the last. Do not worry. Many questions will be answered and new ones will form. I am a sly devil. What can I say? : ]
~*~
Chapter Seven: Rebellion
The Princess of the Moon sat at her window, reading a letter. She finished reading and walked to her bedside table. The top drawer was overflowing with letters—all of them from Kasei. She neatly folded it and placed it with the rest. She returned to her window, placed her hands on the windowsill, and gazed at the Earth, her mind pondering over the whereabouts of Endymion, but a knock at the door removed her from her trance, and she welcomed the stranger into her room. But this was no stranger, Kasei opened the door and smiled at the princess. Serenity was shocked by his presence, but she was happy.
“Kasei,” she exclaimed and walked to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, “what are you doing here?” She stepped back from the embrace and flicked her hair back.
“I just thought that we do not spend enough time together, that is all.” He kissed her hand then walked towards the vase filled with Lunarian roses.
She took a moment to examine herself in the full-length mirror. She noticed that her hair was disheveled and decided to let it down.
Kasei turned to face the princess and was in awe of her beauty: her long locks, falling almost to the floor, her porcelain skin, shining in the starlight, and her captivating eyes, as blue as the sea. He approached the princess and placed a hand against her soft cheek. She sighed at his gentle touch then, she reciprocated by caressing his cheek in kind.
“It would be better if we did not spend so much time together,” she rubbed her thumb against his smooth face then walked towards her window, “Eighteen years are creeping up on me ever so quickly,” she stared at Earth, possibly her future home. She looked back at Kasei, who softly smiled, “I do not need anymore temptations to forget my duties and run away with you.”
Kasei grinned at her honesty and walked towards her.
“I admire your devotion,” he took her hands in his and softly squeezed them, “but too long have you denied what your heart truly desires.” He stepped back and Serenity followed him. It did not take very many steps before Kasei collided with her bed. Kasei sat, still holding Serenity’s hands. She tried moving away, but he continued holding her hands.
“Kasei, we cannot do this,” She stopped abruptly as had he, all the while staring pleadingly into his eyes.
“Why not? It is wrong to deny the desires of one’s heart. That night at the Gaean Palace torments me to this day. Our desires were almost silenced that night and ever since then my heart has been calling out to yours,” his pent-up emotions surged forth through his hands as he tightly squeezed those of Serenity.
Serenity watched as Kasei expressed his love in that moment. She had seen his heart. All she had to do was look into her own. She loved Kasei, but Endymion was the one who was supposed to acquire her heart. Loving Kasei was not the right thing to do, and neither was surrendering to him.
“I love you.” She jumped into his arms and passionately kissed him. She capitulated to her secret lasciviousness. Her emotions exploded as they rolled to the middle of the bed. The silk sheets wrinkled with each movement, but that was the last thing on their minds. Serenity kissed Kasei with every ounce of lust within her being. Kasei’s hands wandered over her untouched body, and it was not hard to find the clasps on her dress. It was as if the garment removed itself, for it was gone instantly. Serenity stopped for a moment, as her chest rose and fell rapidly. She placed her hands on Kasei’s belt buckle, the cold metal shooting chills up her spine. He quickly removed it as she waited then the passion resumed. Clothing fell to the floor, and the love spell was almost complete.
Kasei stared into Serenity’s eyes, noticing the burning desire emitting from her blue orbs. She softly kissed his neck and made a path to his lips. “I’m ready,” she whispered and their love lasted until morning.
~*~
She woke with her head upon his chest. She rose and stretched her arms, her lover also awakening. Her red locks tossed behind her as she leaned over and placed a kiss on Nephrite’s cheek, “My body still yearns for you, my queen,” Nephrite kissed her fiercely, and she found herself pushed back on her pillow.
“As it should,” she smirked and they continued the previous night’s engagements.
~*~
Kasei walked down the spiral staircase and entered the culinary room. He acquired a glass of water and sat at the table. He watched Serenity enter the room and yawn as she passed by him. She grabbed a customary breakfast fruit and sat next to Kasei. He finished his glass and walked to the washing tub. Serenity took the last bite and disposed of the fruit’s skin. Kasei took Serenity’s arm and pulled her in for a kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he lifted her off her feet. Kasei set her down and Serenity slid her hands down his chest.
The day passed quickly as all good days do. Serenity and Kasei walked through the gardens, never bringing up the duty Serenity took continuous pains to ignore. The sun rested and the stars awoke. The secret lovers stayed in the garden until a servant called their names. Serenity stood up and quickly smoothed her hair.
“Could you do up my dress, please?”
Kasei’s belt was halfway on and his shirt unbuttoned. He finished clasping her dress. She turned around to kiss him once more. She helped him button his shirt then they found the court servant and followed them into the palace.
~*~
“Serenity, darling,” Serenity stood before her mother with Kasei at her side, “we have made contact with King Aarde.” Serenity’s countenance changed moving from one extreme to its exact opposite. Only moments ago she was happier than ever before; now a sudden cloak of dread covered her face. She looked at her mother and then at Kasei. They were careful to conceal their joined hands behind their backs, encouraging one another not to say anything with each reassuring squeeze.
Serenity’s head dropped as tears escaped. Kasei wished to hold her close and comfort her, but no one knew of their secret passions.
“Why are you crying, darling?” Selenity placed her hands upon her daughter’s shoulders.
The princess wiped her tears away and summoned all her willpower to produce a smile, “These are tears of joy, mother.”
Selenity grinned at her response and kissed her daughter on the forehead. “I shall keep contact until King Aarde and I reach a decision on Prince Endymion and your marriage.” She wished Serenity and Kasei goodbye then left for her bedchamber.
Serenity covered her mouth with shock and felt tears trickling over her hands. Kasei turned her around and pulled her into his arms and rubbed her back soothingly. She quietly sobbed as she treasured each small kiss Kasei placed upon her head.
~*~
Serenity stood on her balcony, gazing at the Earth. She folded her arms and imagined life on the blue planet with Endymion: constant fights, disagreements, and miscommunication. How would they ever have children? It was necessary to bear children. Serenity shook her head at the thought of having children with Endymion. She wanted to bear Kasei’s child. She buried her face into her hands and softly cried to herself.
Selenity watched as her daughter struggled with her pain, but this was the right thing to do.
“My darling,” she tried to comfort her, “I know you do not wish to do this,” the queen massaged her daughter’s shoulders, “but this marriage must take place.” Selenity walked to the railing, placing her hands on it, “I have told you many times about how your father and I were brought together under an arranged marriage.” She looked back to Serenity and observed that her tears had stopped.
“I know, mother,” she wiped away some remaining tears and moved closer to her mother, “but I do not love Endymion. My heart belongs to—”
“Kasei. I know, my dear.” Selenity looked at the vast garden, searching for the gazebo. “I am well aware of what has gone on between you two,” she started, “and I do not approve of them.” Serenity lowered her head in shame and slowly turned red.
“Mother, if you knew, then why did you not say anything?” she asked, her head still lowered.
Selenity raised her chin, “Because I did the same thing before I was sent to your father.”
Serenity’s eyes widened at this piece of information, for she had not known of this, “Mother…” Serenity wanted to know everything, especially the identity of this man.
“Hush, child, you must go now,” Selenity embraced her daughter and placed a kiss upon her head, “You shall only be there for a short period of time and then both yourself and Endymion shall return to be wed.”
Serenity held her mother close then stepped back, “I wish to say goodbye to Kasei,” she looked up at her mother and found sympathy gleaming through the tears of empathy on her mother’s face.
“He deserves a farewell. Go, my darling.” Selenity stepped aside and watched her daughter run out of the room.
~*~
Kasei sat on the bench inside the gazebo. He leaned forward on his knees, praying to the gods to see her once more. Serenity stood in the doorway, waiting for him to notice her presence. “Kasei…” she spoke softly, trying to hide her emotions.
He looked up and saw her standing there. He quickly rose to his feet then brushed his bangs aside, “Serenity…” he closed the space between them, their chests touching. “I was praying to the gods asking to see your beautiful face one last time.” He brought his hand to her cheek and tenderly caressed it.
“I guess the gods granted us one final moment of happiness before our lifetime of sorrow.” As he spoke, she placed her forehead beneath his jaw as he held her close. He lifted her chin, and she rose on her tiptoes to meet his lips. They shared a moment of prurience that almost led to their previous night’s adventures, but Serenity stopped. She lowered herself, staring at the Martian emblem on Kasei’s chest. She stroked it, outlining the red flame. She looked up into his eyes as tears gradually formed in their glistening orbs. “Kasei…” she stared at the floor then back up at Kasei, struggling to give him a smile.
“Serenity,” he took her hands and walked to the bench, “please,” Kasei raised his hand to her cheek and gently stroked it. She sighed at his soft touch and closed her eyes to plant this feeling into her mind, “do not forget the time we shared together. Do not forget the passion we shared. I love you more than life itself and it kills me to watch you go to him.” Serenity opened her eyes and found tears tracing Kasei’s face.
“Kasei,” she leaned forward placing her head upon his chest, appreciating each moment shared with him, “I love you. You own my heart. Endymion will have no place in it.”
Kasei easily lifted her up in his arms and gazed into her eyes once more. “I love you, my princess.”
“I love you, my prince.”
~*~
Serenity silently sat in the carriage, surrounded by guards. She was thankful for the loss of a galactic horse as it added four hours to the trip. She fiddled with her thumbs as the carriage ride continued. Her heart almost stopped when she noticed the carriage too had come to an abrupt stop. A guard assisted her out of the carriage, and she surveyed the situation.
Earth had changed completely since Beryl overran the planet. The trees no longer hid in the clouds, but small bushes hugged the ground. The water no longer sparkled in the sunlight, but was lost as it combined with the mud. Only black marble was used in the architecture so it seemed like night, wherever one went.
Serenity pulled her black cloak over her head to hide her Lunarian hairstyle -- only her eyes visible. The guards were dressed with the Dark Mark emblazoned upon their uniforms the symbol blending itself ominously with the military forces.
Serenity walked through the marketplace, searching for the blacksmith. She listened for the pounding of iron, but the townspeople were too loud. She continued walking, hoping to find her way. She soon saw a thin column of steam in the near distance and quickened her pace. She approached the stand, then watched the blacksmith pound the hot metal into a sword. She examined a few swords hanging above her and accidentally cut her finger.
“You must be more careful, miss. Lythan’s swords have a reputation for being extremely sharp,” the stranger said as she ripped a piece of cloth from her cloak, “You must be new in town, for I do not recognize those eyes.” The stranger guided her away from the stand and near a fountain that only looked like the muddy mess she found when she arrived.
“You have not seen these eyes in quite a long time, stranger.” He smiled at her and grabbed her hand, leading her out of the marketplace.
It was not long until they arrived at the cave. Serenity removed her cloak, revealing her Lunarian symbol upon her forehead and customary Lunarian gown. The stranger continued to take her deep within the cave, and they passed an underground waterfall. They soon found themselves where the stranger liked to call “home.”
“I hope the carriage ride was not too long for you, my dear,” King Aarde said as he kissed the princess’s hand.
She curtsied before the king and examined her surroundings, “I fear that the trip was too short,” she said as she noticed the cave change into a palace. The king responded with an odd expression, and he guided her into the Main Room. It was set up exactly how the Gaean Palace once appeared. It was as if the palace was sent here instead of being destroyed.
Serenity stood amazed at the site before her. She could not believe that she was in a cave and not in the real thing. King Aarde took Serenity’s hands and squeezed them, “My dear, I cannot thank you enough for joining us. Your proper age is approaching and you have barely spent anytime with Endymion since…” the king trailed off, trying to erase the devastating memories.
“The attack,” Endymion finished for his father, his words immediately drawing Serenity’s attention towards his voice. Endymion had removed his unpleasant disguise and was now wearing his Gaean crest. He sauntered towards the princess and ran his fingers through his hair before grasping Serenity’s hand and placing a delicate kiss upon it, “Welcome, Serenity. It has been too long.” His devilish smirk accented to his haughty demeanor.
Serenity rolled her eyes, “Not long enough in my opinion,” she whispered under her breath. She smiled brightly and curtsied once more.
Endymion placed his hand below her chin and lifted her jaw, “These few months have been gracious to you,” the poor lighting only accentuated her features for the light illumined only her, “your exquisite beauty grows with each passing of the sun.” Endymion withdrew his hand then turned on his heel, walking towards the hallway.
Serenity struggled to stay close behind with his long strides so she stopped, lifted her dress above her knees and ran to his side. “You sure aren’t that little girl I use to tease all those years ago,” he turned his head and smiled quickly before opening the door to the room assigned to Serenity.
“I am glad that you are no longer that little boy,” she nodded with thanks before passing through the doorway and into her temporary bedchambers.
She slowly entered the room and inspected it closely. The fact that she was still in a cave slipped her mind as she greatly admired the carvings on the ceiling. She soon reached her bed and slid her hand across the satin sheets. She noticed the vanity and sat down on the stool. She took a moment to fix her hair then joined Endymion in the hallway once more.
“Do you like your quarters?” Endymion closed the door and continued walking down the hallway.
“It will have to do.” She played with her hair as they entered another room.
Endymion removed a torch from the wall and lit the nearest candle and with a chain reaction of golden flame, the entire room aglow. Serenity blinked as her eyes to the sudden exposure to light. Endymion placed the torch back on the wall and held out his hand to Serenity. She walked by, ignoring the gesture, as she examined the interior.
“This is our library. We do not have many books, but I am receiving more and more over time.” Endymion followed behind the princess, ignoring the refusal.
“Receiving?” The princess asked while picking up a book.
“Yes, some of the people know of our existence and wish to help us restore the kingdom. I ask for books, and they give me them.”
Serenity arched an eyebrow then placed the book back on the shelf. “Why would you waste your time getting books? You should take action against Queen Beryl,” Serenity faced Endymion, expressing her frustration with her clutched fists, “She killed your mother!” Endymion winced at the subject of her mother, “She deserves to be avenged.” Serenity lowered her voice, slowly releasing her anger.
“I do not recall you avenging your father,” Endymion added. And with that comment, Serenity stormed out of the room—slapping him first of course.
~*~
Four days passed and there was no communication between the future couple. Serenity sat at her vanity, applying pink blush to her pale cheeks. She threw the brush down, causing the perfume to spill. She quickly stood up as it fell onto her dress. She walked to her closet, removing the dress and finding a new one. She looked through her dresses, searching for something different. White dress after white dress she pushed aside, one accidentally falling off the hanger. She bent down to pick it up when she found a black cloak hidden beneath her dresses. She picked it up and held it to herself in the mirror. She smiled to herself when an idea struck.
She opened her door just enough to peek through. She opened it more and looked down the hallway. When she found no one, she stepped out of her room and shut the door quietly behind her. She slowly walked down the hallway, stopping at every doorframe. She peeked into each room, striving to remain unseen. The palace soon turned into a cave, and she knew she was almost out in the open. Light soon pierced her eyes and she covered her eyes with her hand as the sun beat down on her. Serenity sighed happily, as she made it outside undetected.
She soon approached the marketplace, pulling the collar of her cloak up, hiding everything but her eyes. She intermixed with the mass of people and tried to find a fabric stand. She was pushed and shoved but did not falter. She saw fabrics in the distance and headed straight for these. The crowd thinned and she stood alone at the fabric stand. The salesman sat on a stool, eating a fruit that was unknown to her. Serenity looked over each fabric and its price, trying to find the perfect ones for her needs. She reached for a golden fabric when the man grabbed her arm, surprising her.
“Do not touch the fabrics.” He yanked her arm and threw his fruit into the main path. Serenity’s eyes squinted with anger, but she remained calm. The man noticed her breathtaking blue eyes and smoothed down his hair. “Forgive me, miss,” He picked up the fabric and handed it to Serenity, “You may touch anything you wish.” He smirked with a hidden lust then waited for her to speak.
“I would like to buy these fabrics,” She placed them before the man and began to take out her money pouch.
“No, no, no, miss. You do not have to pay,” he folded each fabric neatly and jerked his head, gesturing for her to come and get the fabrics.
She walked behind the stand and held out her hands to receive the fabric. The salesman dropped the fabrics and pulled her close, forcing his lips upon hers. She tried to hit him, but he held her arms tightly with one hand. The other hand found its way up her skirts. The man pushed her down; crushing her small frame under his then ripped her cloak, revealing her chest. Serenity kneed him in the stomach, causing him to roll over in pain.
She stood up to find guards waiting there. Serenity began to run, but they held her back, her chest still exposed. The salesman rubbed his stomach, trying to soothe the pain. He then climbed to his feet. “She wanted fabric, but she did not have any money,” Serenity fought against the guards as she listened to his lies, “She offered to pay another way,” the filthy man lifted his eyebrow as the guards snickered, “I allowed it then she took my money and was going to run.” The guards bearing the Dark Kingdom crest eyed the girl then threw her to the ground, dust covering her face.
“Remove your cloaks so you cannot hide the money,” Serenity did the opposite. She covered her chest and began to crawl the other way. The head guard took her by her hair and pulled her to her feet. He continued holding her by the hair, pinning her arms behind her back. His second in command ripped her cloak off, the money pouch falling to the ground. He threw it to the man who counted his newly acquired money.
Serenity was thrown to the ground once more. She tried to cover herself, but it was no use. The guards picked her up and dragged her to the palace.
~*~
Midnight Warrior sat in one of the trees surrounding the throne room, waiting for someone who needed help. He leaned against the thick trunk, both legs dangling. He heard the familiar sounds of the throne room doors opening as he watched a poor girl thrown before Beryl, completely exposed.
He stood up, holding a nearby branch for balance. He jumped to another tree, slowly approaching the throne room. He moved stealthily close enough to hear the conversation.
“Return her clothes,” the queen commanded as she rose from her throne. Serenity stood and quickly wrapped the cloak around her trembling body, the ripped garment barely covering her exposed chest. Queen Beryl crossed the threshold, passing by Serenity, ignoring her, “What has this girl done?” She asked the guard.
“She used her body as payment for fabrics and stole the salesman’s money pouch.”
Beryl placed her hand upon the guard’s shoulder, “Good work,” she slid her hand down his armor then walked towards Serenity, “What is your name child?” She stood directly in front of Serenity, examining her dirty face.
“It is of no importance,” she stated.
Queen Beryl was surprised at her boldness then walked to the edge of the room. “My dear, I do not tolerate stealing,” she began, “I despise those who steal,” she placed her hand on the pillar next to her, “I do not think selling oneself is a bad thing. If you had sold yourself for the fabrics and not have stolen the man’s money,” she turned around and looked at her, “You would not be standing before me now.” Queen Beryl summoned her staff and it floated to her. She stood before Serenity once more with her staff pointed at her throat, “My guards have not seen their wives for many nights,” Serenity’s eyes widened as she realized what Beryl was going to suggest, “So stay with them for however long they wish,” Beryl pushed her staff against her throat, close to piercing it, “and I shall not kill you.” Queen Beryl pushed Serenity to the floor and held her staff at Serenity’s throat, “I am sure I know what you shall choose,” she removed her staff from Serenity’s throat then snapped her fingers.
The group of guards ran to Serenity, trying to remove her cloak once more. Serenity fought against the dozens of men, who were trying to violate her and screamed.
The guards stopped, small pieces of her cloak in their hands. Serenity scooted from underneath them, crawling away from them. They all fell to the floor, golden roses pierced into their foreheads. Queen Beryl searched for him, but she did not find him. Her eyes traveled to each pillar, hoping to find him standing atop one of these.
Serenity snatched a piece of material from a guard’s hand and wiped her sweaty face. She looked at the cloth and found it mostly covered in dirt. She continued to clean her face, using the cleaner patches until she could find no others upon the cloth. The mysterious man with the golden roses suddenly appeared before her. Serenity stood frozen to the spot, mesmerized by the dark eyes behind his mask. He pinched a nerve in Serenity’s neck, and she fell limp in his arms, holding her as if she were his bride. He grabbed the tattered remnants of the cloak’s hood and placed it over her face.
Queen Beryl stood defiant, her arms folded across her chest. The anger building within her matched her fiery hair. She snapped her fingers, signaling for each of the generals to attack.
Nephrite hurled himself towards the masked enemy, unsheathing his faithful sword. Midnight hastily jumped, avoiding Nephrite. As quick as lightning, Kunzite appeared, his laser sword slashing at Midnight, piercing his shoulder. He gasped for air, for this surprised him.
The cloaked woman fell to the ground, her hood falling away, exposing her face. Midnight clutched his shoulder, groaning from the immense pain. Kunzite stepped passed the fallen warrior, reaching for the cloaked thief. Midnight grabbed the general’s ankle, resulting in Kunzite crashing to the marble floor. Midnight quickly seized the laser sword and forced it into Kunzite’s back. The silver-haired general cringed and slammed his fist against the floor, trying his best to hide the pain. Beryl watched her best soldier lose to an amateur hero. She shook her head in disapproval as she commanded more soldiers to attack.
Midnight once more placed the hood over the unconscious girl’s head as he picked her up and rushed from the throne room. He continued adroitly dodging several attacks coming from all directions at him as he leaped out into the abyss of trees. Queen Beryl snarled and watched her enemy escape. She slammed her fist into the nearest pillar, making the marble crack.
~*~
Midnight climbed down the trunk of the huge old redwood, landing with poise while still holding the princess. He knelt down, placing her onto the soft grass. Serenity’s eyes fluttered opened as she tried to gain focus. A blurred figure sat above her, and she raised her hand to hit whoever took her— Midnight held her arm, “No, no, no,” he set her arm back down, then helped Serenity sit up, “I am here to help you.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and slowly assisted her upright.
The hood fell to her shoulders, revealing the crescent moon kissed upon her forehead. Midnight placed his thumb on the symbol, moving his hand down her face, “You must be careful, princess,” He helped her to her feet. “if she knew you were here,” he paused, quickly imagining the horror of Beryl receiving this news, “it would bring only more death to this planet and the moon.” Serenity stared into the man’s masked face, searching for eyes. He turned away, and then took her hand. “We must go. They will be looking for us both.” They ran in the direction of the oncoming sunset soon reaching the Celestial Hills.
The moon rose over these, giving a cascade of soft white light to the escapee couple. Serenity slowly came to a stop as she bent over and held her side. The continuous running was taking its toll on the princess. Midnight Warrior walked to her side and lifted her torso, “It helps to stand upright and raise your arms above your head,” he suggested and Serenity followed his directions. She set her hands upon her head and breathed rapidly.
“I do not think they will find us here,” she took a deep breath then placed her hands on her hips.
Midnight looked back at the kingdom that now lay far off in the distance, noticing the night fires burning bright sporadically throughout the city. “You are right,” he recalled occasions where the hills were used for a specific purpose, “These hills were used to connect with each planet.” He stared at the ground, searching for something. He took a few steps then knelt down, “Each hill represents a different planet,” he began to rip grass from the ground, throwing it behind him.
Serenity looked at the hills, noticing there were ten of these, “What is the tenth one for?” She looked down at Midnight, still ripping grass from the ground.
“That was for contact with all the planets at once,” he stood up, brushing the strands of grass from his knees, “It was mostly used for transportation during war.” Midnight took the princess’s arm, guiding her to stand in a specific spot. He pointed to the ground and Serenity saw the insignia for Jupiter.
“Each hill has a planet’s crest, correct?” Serenity bent down, outlining the emblem.
“Yes,” he helped the princess to her feet then began walking down the hill, “but these hills have not been used since before the war,” Serenity followed close behind him, watching each step she took. Midnight stopped and held out his hand. Serenity took it and held his arm tightly. They reached the bottom of the slope and started walking towards the caves.
Stars kissed the night sky while shooting stars soared by. Serenity’s pace began to decrease and her head dropped from tiredness. They had been walking for a long time and even Midnight grew sleepy. He picked her up and Serenity nuzzled into his chest. The caves were not far, as he saw them in the distance. Midnight approached the caves and continued walking into their secure depths. He carried the princess all the way to the entrance of the hidden palace where King Aarde was waiting.
“I am so glad you found her,” the king sighed with relief and followed Midnight, “Beryl does not know of her presence, correct?”
Midnight nodded, “The gods were on our side,” Midnight stood beside the door as King Aarde opened it, “They could have easily seen her crescent moon symbol,” Midnight walked to the bed, placing her gently on it. Serenity immediately turned on her side, facing King Aarde. He moved her bangs to the side, gazing at the Lunarian mark.
“Endymion, you have proven that you can protect her,” King Aarde walked to the door; clutching the doorknob, “Now, prove to her that you can love her.” He shut the door behind him, leaving the future couple alone.
Endymion removed his mask. He sighed; staring at his bride-to-be then ran his fingers through his hair and sighed again. He placed his hands on the bed, leaning over and kissing Serenity on the cheek.
“Good-night, Serenity.”
~*~
Nephrite paced back and forth, his palm tucked beneath his chin in the attitude of deep thought. “Did you not find something peculiar about that woman today?”
Zoicite soaked a piece of cloth in an earthenware bowl of herbal medicine, placing small strips upon Kunzite’s wound. The wounded General winced, the medicine stinging horribly. “I did notice something odd.”
Jadeite leaned against the wall, tossing the dark crystal in the air. “The guards said that they had never seen the woman before,” he caught the crystal and looked up at Nephrite, “and they know everyone in the kingdom.”
Nephrite stopped and stood firmly in place, folding his arms across his chest. “We must find out who that woman was.”
Zoicite took another piece of cloth from the bowl and placed it on a section of the wound, “How hard is it going to be to find a young woman with tremendously long yellow hair.”
Kunzite groaned, trying to hide the immense pain, “You’re right, Zoicite,” Zoicite smiled to himself at the recognition by Kunzite, “The majority of our people have dark hair,” he stood up and grabbed his jacket, “Gaeans are the only ones who could have yellow hair that long.”
“Then we shall gather all the yellow haired Gaeans,” Nephrite walked over to Jadeite, taking his crystal in mid-air, “and we will find that woman.” He held the crystal aloft, summoning its power. The crystal lit up, and then a cloud appeared. The cloud had an image of the cloaked woman.
“And we will find her secret.” Zoicite held up his hand, flowers emitting from it and breaking the image.
~*~
