Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Lord of Darkness ❯ Ah, Family Love ( Chapter 8 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Lord of Darkness

Chapter Eight

Ah, Family Love

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Eighth part of Lord of Darkness.

Thanks to all my reader’s who were so kind to review.

To Mistress of Ice: I'm really sorry, but I didn't know that there are any rabid Mercury fans out there since there had been no requests for more on her. I
didn't intend to have too much on her, since she's not a general, only a healer. Not to bash her or anything, but Ami-chan is pretty meek; she seemed to me more like a person who would like to 'create' life rather than destroy it. But I promise, there will be an entire chapter of Ami and how she came to the palace in the near future. So do not despair, remedy is on the way ;)

Arrival of new character: Serenity!

For the usual copyright notes, look at Chapter 4.

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Lord of Darkness

Chapter Eight

Ah, Family Love

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Minako quickly glanced up from the map she was studying to see a very agitated Kunzite storming into the room, his hair disheveled, and his normal calm composure in tatters.

"What's wrong?"

He threw a letter at her, snarling

"This is what's wrong."

Minako was taken back by the voice; he'd never talked to her like this. He ran a tired hand through his hair as she gingerly reached for the letter.

"Sorry, Minako, I didn't mean to snap at you like that."

Her eyes quickly scanning the letter, she murmured

"Call me Topaz when I'm in my uniform."

He waited a few moments in silence as she finished reading it. Minako turned to face him, an eyebrow raised in question.

"Why are you so angry? Queen Gaia and King Sunaru are coming back, from what I've read. What's so terrible about that?"

Kunzite shook his head lightly.

"I forgot to tell you. You've only been here for two weeks, Topaz, so you probably wouldn't know. Endymion is already 21, and his parents have been urging him to marry someone. Every time they come here, they always bring many eligible women, and it's ... chaos."

"Why aren't they harping after you getting married? After all, you're 23, and from what I know, Queen Gaia and King Sunaru supposedly love the generals like their own children."

"Because I don't need to produce an heir. As for marriage, I've already found the right girl, but she doesn't seem to be receiving my affections, even though millions of women would kill to be in her position."

Minako blushed a deep red. She had an excellent, and accurate, idea whom he meant. A corner of her mouth rose in a wicked grin.

"What happens if he already has an 'intended'? Do they still bring others with them, then?"

"I hope you're not thinking of setting yourself up as Endymion's 'intended'?"

"Why not?"

Kunzite leaned over the desk, his hands braced besides the map, his face inches away from Minako's, while the steel-gray eyes were darkening.

"Because you belong to me, Minako. I won't share you. You're mine, only mine."

And with that, he pressed his lips against hers. Minako gasped, unprepared, and Kunzite took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside her mouth, running lightly over her teeth before plundering her honeyed recesses. Minako moaned softly, her hands creeping up his neck and weaving through his silky hair. A large, masculine hand came up to gently cup her cheek. Minako's mind was reeling from the sensations, and it took all her willpower to pull back before it went too far.

"Whoa."

She breathed softly, her mind unable to think of anything more complex at the moment, still in her hazy state.

Kunzite laughed hoarsely, a shocked expression on his face.

"What were we talking about?"

Minako murmured, her mind a white sheet of blankness. Kunzite pulled himself back to his normal stern stature.

"How to stop Endymion from being harassed by a hideous crowd of females."

"Oh, yes. I think I've the perfect idea. A land called Stalia borders the Dark King's domain, only two days away by horse. Stalia is ruled by King Helios and Queen Selene. They have a daughter by the name of Serenity, who happens to be a cousin of mine, on my father's side. My aunt, Selene, married King Helios, thus making Serenity a princess and heir to Stalia, and a perfect match for the Dark King. You see, I'm only a princess by title, not by bloodline. Anyway, I haven't seen Serenity for a couple of years, and I'm sure she's grown up into the loveliest of young ladies. Why don't I sent her an invitation and set her up as Endymion's intended?"

"There's no way in hell Endymion will agree to spend a week with a girl."

"Oh, he doesn't have to. As long as she's here, his parents will leave him alone, and I get to entertain my cousin."

"How do you know his parents will agree with Serenity?"

"I don't know how anyone cannot love Serenity. She's sweet, she's beautiful, and she's titled. Half the royal families of the galaxy wishes to have her as their daughter-in-law."

"But if Endymion sends her packing after his parents are gone, she'll be badly hurt. I don't want to be responsible."

Minako waved her hand dismissively.

"Don't worry about that. Serenity won't get any romantic notions; she'll just be happy to help out and get a chance to see me."

"You sure?"

"Of course I'm sure, Kunzite. I would never do anything to hurt my dearest cousin."

Kunzite rubbed his chin, a pensive look on his face. He stood resolutely.

"You're right, Minako. I'll go talk to Endymion right now."

She inclined her head as he bowed himself from the room.

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*Three days later*

Minako stood by the palace doors, dressed in a amber-colored dress with diamonds sparkling at her throat and ears as she waited excitedly for the arrival of the royal carriage from Stalia. Endymion had agreed to her suggestion, albeit reluctantly, and had sent his fastest horse with a letter to his parents, telling them about Serenity. Queen Gaia and King Sunaru were scheduled to arrive the next day. Rei stood besides her in a figure-hugging red dress
decorated with amethysts, complementing her eyes beautifully. The rest of the generals, besides Makoto, were tense, and Endymion's stature reminded one of a rigid poker. Ami was busy in the infirmary and could not be present. A messenger hurried in.

"My King, a carriage from Stalia is at the gates, insisting that General Topaz invited them with your Majesty's permission."

"Let them in."

Rei looked taken back by Endymion's voice. It was harsh, tight, and anxious.

Minutes later, a carriage drawn by two horses came into view. Minako ran forward, shaking off Kunzite's arm.

"Twister, Thunder."

She cried, and the two horses neighed, tossing their magnificent mane, their clear eyes fixed on the golden-haired princess. Another cry of happiness was heard, and the carriage stopped so abruptly that the soldier driving them was almost thrown from his seat, and Minako realized that Serenity, who always had a special connection to Twister and Thunder, had commanded them to stop with her mind. The carriage door opened, and what looked like a furry of white silks flew out, launching itself into Minako's arms.

"Serenity, you're finally here."

"Minako, I'm so glad to see you. You don't know how worried I was when I heard that you were kidnapped."

The two girls disentangled themselves, and Serenity turned to face the others standing there. She greeted Rei with a warm hug, and it was obvious that they knew each other.

"Hello there, Sere."

Rei gently bopped one of Serenity odangos.

"Show some respect to the heir of Stalia, Rei-chan."

"But not to my friend."

"Still determined to go to war with authority, huh?"

They both laughed, and Minako turned to the others.

"Serenity, met General Kunzite, First commander of the royal army, excelling in sword fighting. General Nephrite, Second commander of the royal army, archery master of the kingdom. General Jadeite, joint third commander, a master of illusions and spells. General Zoicite, joint third commander and the brain amidst the Generals. General Emerald, joint fourth commander, a master of speed, more ruthless than King Endymion himself. Lastly, King Endymion, your 'intended' for a couple of weeks."

Serenity curtsied to each in turn, laughing softly as Minako mentioned her 'intended'.

Sere stood straight, narrowing her eyes at the silver-haired General, her voice playful.

"You better treat her well, General, or you'll have me to answer to."

She shot a shrewd look at Minako.

"You do seem to look thinner, Mina-chan."

Minako just smiled, while Kunzite bowed, answering with a soft smile.

"She's treated the best to our ability, milady."

Serenity cocked her head slightly.

"You lot don't seem as bad as the rest of the world make you out to be."

Rei quickly clapped her hands over Serenity's lips, but not before she had finished speaking. Endymion, however, instead of looking enraged, laughed.

"You've a nastier mouth than Rei, Your Majesty."

"Why, I'll take that as a compliment. And please call me Serenity. All this formality makes me choke."

Jadeite threw a wicked glance at Rei.

"What out, darling, or she'll beat you."

The amethysts eyes shot sparks at him.

"Shut up, you fool. And I'm not your 'darling'.

Jadeite clutched with heart in dramatic distress.

"Ouch, a barbed arrow from my beloved, straight into my wounded heart. No pain could be greater than that, oh flame of my soul."

"Shut up, or I'll fry you!"

Serenity smiled.

"She means it, General. I'll watch out if I were you."

Jadeite made an extravagant bow.

"Thank you, fair lady, to be this concerned about my health. But rest assured, I receive threats of ending up as the next dinner as least five times a day, and so far, I'm still alive and well."

"Fine, Jadeite, have it your way. If you're that disappointed, I'll be more than happy to help you."

A small flame sprung to life in Rei's palm.

Jadeite yelped, and in an amazing show of agility, hurriedly threw Zoicite in front of him, using the green-eyed General as a shield.

"Let go , *Jeddy*, I've no intention of getting fried."

"But you have water magic."

Jadeite mumbled.

"Yeah, but they are not here to save your sorry ass."

Zoicite kicked out, and twisted out of acting as Jadeite's shield.

Rei threw here fire out toward the General, stopping it an centimeter from the General's face.

"Well, now that we've seen Jadeite's true colors, why don't we go to dinner, and then you can rest, Sere? I'm sure you're tired after that ride. Oh, and Rei-chan, make sure you don't lose your grip and set Jadeite's face on fire."

With that, Minako led Serenity out of the room, and the rest of the people following in bemusement, and Jadeite trying to keep a considerable distance from Rei.

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Endymion stared at Serenity in amazement. She was beautiful, slender, and charming, but had also just devoured half of the dishes just for an appetizer.

"Your cook is excellent."

Makoto smiled, pleased that a royal lady would give her such a high praise.

"Thank you, Serenity."

The silver-haired girl laughed.

"Please, call me Sere. And you've to give me your receipt some time."

Before Emerald could proudly agree to it, Rei cut in.

"Oh, no, Emerald, don't give her anything even related to cooking."

The red-head raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Because the last time she helped the cook bake a birthday cake for Mina-chan, she ended up not only blowing up the entire kitchen, but mixed up salt and sugar and used steak sauce instead of chocolate!"

"Rei! That was uncalled for."

"It was not. I just got even with you for eating every last crumb and drop of my favourite dish."

A slender finger pointed toward a bowl that had five minutes ago been filled to the brink with blowfish rice.

"And you've left my least favourite dish untouched."

This time, the plate of canned asparagus was being pointed at.

Serenity smiled a little sheepish.

"I was hungry after the long ride."

Rei rolled her eyes.

"Sere, you're *always* hungry."

She shot a glance at the blue-haired healer girl.

"Ami-chan, is there anyway to stop a person's eternal craving for food?"

She gave the question some serious thought.

"There was a potion in one of the witch stew books. From what I've read, it is a colorless and odorless potion consisting of raw chicken hearts and bladder, eel eyes, leek roots, potato sprouts, falcon feathers, snake skins, snail shells, and earthworms all, stewed for about a fortnight. After it's finished, one has to add fresh blood from a male duck, a sheep, and an eagle. It has to be cooled for another moonlight cycle, and then it's ready." (A.N. I guess I've a pretty gross imagination... imagine to have actually eat that [thank God torture of this kind was outlawed])

Rei gave a great sigh of disappointment while Serenity spoke at the same time.

"Pity we can't wait that long."

"That's is absolutely disgusting!"

Emerald was turning green.

"Stop, Ami-chan. You're killing my appetite."

Serenity brightened.

"Please continue, Ami-chan. The less people want to eat, the more I can have."

Rei raised an eyebrow, smirking in a grim way.

"My, aren't you greedy?"

"Don't you mean selfish?"

"Fine, you're definitely both."

Endymion raised a hand.

"Let her eat. I hope she's too full for breakfast then."

Minako groaned.

"That's been my wish for about 9 years, and it's still unfulfilled."

"But Mina-chan, it's good to have wishes still there. Otherwise, what do you have to live for?"

"Not if it means I'll die from hunger and poverty."

"Well, if you're that desperate..."

Serenity put down her fork, and stared with mournful eyes at the place before her. Minako laughed.

"You can soften a rock with that look of yours, Sere."

The silver-blond girl brightened, and continued to shovel down food at an alarmingly fast rate.

Endymion turned to Emerald with a sigh.

"Any chance of cooking some more for the rest of us?"

Emerald grinned slyly.

"Of course, but maybe I should wait until our royal guest has finished her food, first."

She turned to Serenity.

"Princess, I urge you to make sure you aren't full enough to sample the dessert."

Rei snorted as Serenity lightened up.

"Sere has an insatiable appetite when it comes to sweets."

"Rei!"

Emerald just smiled, and moved toward the kitchen to bring Serenity a mini cake.

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Well, a bit longer than I intended, but I finally managed to add Serenity. I think I focused too much on her appetite in this chapter, and oh well, her other attributes surface in the next few chapters. Review, please!!!!!!!