Title:Love of Seven Seas Author:Tapestry E-Mail:Shaddow_Cat@hotmail.com Rating:PG Standard Disclaimer Apply *denotes thought "Tonight,we're going to snare us the best treasure of all,mates...the Prince of France himself..."sneered a man. Others gave hearty and menacing chuckles as they drank beer and shoved each other playfully,eating the delicious spread that lay on the table. That night... Darien,Prince of France was sailing with his cousin,Andrew.They were sailing home to France after a disasterous meeting with the Princesses of Spain and Portugal. "You know Darien??I think you'll end up a sad sorry old man..What was wrong with the Princess of Spain???You're 21 years old...-"asked his cousin, Andrew who was flabbergasted. "Andrew...give it up okay??You've been hanging around with your sister too much."replied Darien curtly. "Lita just hangs with Lady Mina of England and your sisters.They make the Four Hurricanes...I swear I've never seen 4 ladies get into as much trouble as the royal ones we know."proclaimed Andrew. Darien gave a laugh..."Well...I-" "Your highness!!!Pirates!!!"shouted the man high in the look-out nest. Darien and Andrew gasped. They ran towards the captain."Can we outrun them??"asked Andrew frantic. "We're trying Lord Andrew..your highness,I'm afraid you might have to prepare for a battle.."warned the captain. "Just do your best Rodney."urged Darien. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Hahahaha!!!There she is men!!The loot and the Prince on board is ours!!" shouted the lead pirate. A battle broke out against both ships..cannons and guns being fired as the pirates hooked onto the Rose Tudor.Bodies fell overboard and the sound of men screaming as they fell into the ocean were heard. The pirates managed to seize the vessel... "Alright...which one 'o' ya is the Prince??!"slurred the lead pirate. Darien and Andrew stared at each other.. The pirate was beginning to lose patience.. "Arrr...mateys...take the loot back to the Moonlight,..Melvin!!!"shouted the pirate. A short stocky pirate with glasses,who seemed to be more of the pirate's comic relief than a pirate,stepped forward out of the band of pirates. "Search the cabin for any others."said the pirate. "Aye aye Captain Moonsilver."said Melvin. "Alright...I am Captain Kenji Moonsilver...and I want the prince...if he doesn't step forth I'll sink this ship..."he snarled. Darien held his breath...he wanted to save the people that were on board. This meant he had no choice. Darien got up to step up.Andrew pulled at his arm."Are you crazy??" whispered his cousin in a hush tone. "No..but do you honestly think I'll let these people here die???"asked Darien angrily. Andrew sighed in defeat..Darien was right... "I am the Prince."said Darien boldly. "Ah...good..lucky for you mates...they get to return to France...with a message."growled Kenji. "Chad!!"shouted Moonsilver. "Take his 'royal highness' to the Moonlight and lock him in one of the cabins!!"he ordered out. "Aye aye....Move 'yer highness'..."mocked CHad as he pointed a gun to his back. Darien heard Moonsilver's last few words to his fellow shipmates.. "Alright...you landlubbers bear the honor of bestowing..." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Darien was pushed into a small smelly cabin. "Get in there..."snarled Chad as he shoved him in. Darien entered and scanned the room as the door shut behind him with a bang.The distict sound of a key being turned in it's lock was heard. Moments later... Darien stared out the tiny window...he saw the Rose Tudor begin to move away...this meant the pirate ship had already raided and plundered the ship from stem to stern. He sighed...hopefully his cousin would make it back in one piece...he hoped... But the question that bothered him now was...where were the pirates taking him??An island??Or merely travelling until they recieved whatever ransom they'd asked for??? But knowing his father...he'd sent a navy to retrieve him...his father being hotheaded...his mother would probably faint or begin wailing. Either way...it would be a dangerous situation... His stomach growled slightly.He frowned then gave a sigh...only after a crisis did he notice he was hungry... He wished the pirates would give him something to eat... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As if God had answered his prayer,the door was unlocked and a young girl stepped into the room carrying a tray of...bread,soup and water. *Well...at least it's better than nothing.*thought Darien to himself. What caught his attention was that a girl would be on board a pirate ship. She was beautiful...if it hadn't been for the dress she wore,he could almost think she was a noble lady. She had bright blue eyes and long golden blonde hair.She wore a friendly smile.She was petite and looked friendly... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Serena stared at the dark haired man who her father had said was the Prince of France. Smiling,she set the tray down.Staring at him,he had dark glossy hair and startling deep blue ocean eyes.He had a strong build and a handsome face. "I thought you might be hungry,m'lord."she told him. Darien smiled."Thank you..please...call me Darien."he told her."And you are...?"he asked letting his voice trail off... "I'm Serena.."answered Serena shyly."Father told me to bring this food to you.."she explained. Darien frowned."Your father??" Serena nodded."Captain Moonsilver." Darien stared at her."Oh....and I was wondering how come a girl was on board a pirate ship...Your mother on board too?"he asked politely. Serena became solemn..shaking her head slightly."I have no mother...she died...Or at least that's what my father told me." Darien was about to ask her something else when his stomach protested noisily. Blushing,Darien tried to cover his embarresment by saying a joke. Serena gave a giggle at him."Here...why don't you eat???I think your stomach's hungry."said Serena laughing. She held out the tray to Darien.He reached for it when suddenly he heard a noise. Darien looked at Serena.Serena looked at him and blushed slightly. Darien gave a boyish grin."Seems your stomach is hungry too...or it's just noisy.Why don't you take some too?"asked Darien. Serena smiled gratefully."Thank you..."she whispered,picking up a slice of bread. They both laughed and ate in the cabin..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ France...days later.. King Damian angrily shouted as he read the ransom letter,Andrew had brought back. "I-I'm sorry your highnesses."stuttered Andrew. Queen Terra moaned."Oh my baby..."she moaned.Princess Raye and Princess Amy tried to comfort their mother. "Andrew!!Into my study...Malachite!!Jadeite!!Zoycite!!Nephrite!!!"ordered King Damian. King Damian looked over to his wife and his daughters that were trying to calm their mother down. "Don't worry father...we'll take care of mother."acknowledged Raye.Amy nodded. With that,King Damian got up heading towards his study with the Prince's guard and his nephew behind him. In the Study... "I want those blasted pirates hunted down...how there they kidnap my son and hold him for ransom..."growled King Damian. Malachite frowned."This is our fault you highness...we should have been there.."said Malachite. Andrew turned to Malachite."Nonsense..it's not your fault!!Darien didn't want the four of you along.It's my fault...I was with him."sighed Andrew. King Damian frowned.Putting a hand on Andrew's shoulder. "It's not your fault or anybody elses..it's the pirates fault.."said King Damian angrily. "I know,Uncle...but I should have tried harder..."admitted Andrew. "No,Lord Andrew..we shall take the responsibility...we are after all, Prince Darien's Royal Guard.."said Zoycite. King Damian slammed his fist on the heavy oak table."Send my navy!!I want that pirate ship destroyed!!"he shouted. "It would be better if we went your majesty,and paid the ransom money..." said Jadeite. "Pay the ransom???But then they'll try to get more..and more..the pirates are lying conniving thieves."spat King Damian. "We have 1 month to pay them."read Nephrite."Why not we pretend to pay the ransom??"he asked. "Then rescue Prince Darien??That's a good idea.."said Jadeite. "Then I'm counting on you four..if not...there's going to be hell for those pirates..."grounded out King Damian. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Two weeks after Darien's capture "Serena....My mates tell me you've been spending time with the boy!!" shouted Kenji."Is that true??" "Yes it is."said Serena "I don't want you near the Prince...he'll poison your mind the first chance he gets!!" "No!!He's not like that!!He's m-my....friend."said Serena hesitantly. "I don't care...I don't want you near him.And I suggest you not get too attached to him..."snarled Kenji. "You don't even know him!!H-He's kind,fun and caring....and-" "Enough!!I don't care what he's like....he's going to damn well dead after the ransom."bit out Kenji. "Y-You're not going to let him go??"asked Serena who was now close to tears. "No.."was the only word that registered in Serena's mind.Tears were starting to fall...she ran... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Slamming the door to her cabin,Serena ran to her bunk and cried. *S-Stay away from Darien??I couldn't do that...b-but...Father want's t-to kill him????Granted if he went back to France,I'd never see him again... b-but at least I'd know he was safe....* Serena wept for herself... somewhere along the lines,she'd fallen for the one man she'd never be able to be with....the Prince of France. ~FLASHBACK~ "Good evening,I brought you your supper.I hope you're hungry."said Serena smiling as she entered the cabin. Darien looked away from the window...he smiled when he saw Serena. "Good evening...thank you.I am hungry...What's for dinner??"he asked politely. Serena looked down at what she was carrying..."Uh,well...bread,cheese and a jar of water." Darien merely shrugged."I've been here for 4 days and I've had bread everyday...So I'm not surprised.With all the gold the pirates rob,you'd think they buy something other than bread.."laughed Darien. Serena blushed. "Oh,I didn't mean to insult you or anything."apologized Darien. "Think nothing of it."said Serena as she turned to leave. "Serena...would you like to join me for supper??"asked Darien suddenly. "I-I..uh..." "Please??"asked Darien,turning a mournful puppy-eyed look.Serena was a sucker for animals. "Oh....if you insist,m'lord."joked Serena. "Oh...I do,and the pleasure is all mine,m'lady."laughed Darien in a courteous tone. After the meal... "Stay and chat with me please...I am...very lonesome."said Darien. Serena sighed and crossed to the nearest chair. Suddenly Darien caught her wrist."Serena...you're so beautiful.."he whispered. Serena blushed crimson."Darien...I think you're a bit tired." Darien shook his head.Standing up to face her,"You know..I thought I'd be miserable here...but..YOU've actually made it...bearable and...pleasant." admitted Darien. Serena stared up at his serious face.His eyes were a beautiful deep navy colour.Mesmerized by them..."Darien...you've got such...beautiful eyes." whispered Serena as she reached up to brush away a lock of hair that had fallen over his eyes. Before she knew it,she was crushed against his mouth in a deep passionate embrace.Serena hazily felt herself being lifted off the floor as her legs turned to jelly.She wound her hands around his neck as her fingers tangled in his hair... It must have been a good two or three minutes when the lack of air finally broke them apart... Darien stared at Serena and shook his head slightly..."Sigh...I've only been here for 4 days and I feel as if I've known you forever...feel as if.. I'm falling in love..."he whispered. "Darien..."whispered Serena as her fingers still stroked his silky dark hair. ~END FLASHBACK~ Serena sat up sniffling slightly...Oh yes...she'd fallen for the prince and hard....Now..her father wanted to kill him after getting the ransom. She hit the hard bunk bed angrily.Well she was hell going to let her father stop her from seeing Darien... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sometime early in the morning....(2 am) Serena snuck out of her cabin to see Darien.Serena approached the cabin. Her father had had one of his pirates guard the door....Melvin. *Ugh..Father could have at least chose one who didn't sleep on the job.* thought Serena to herself...wrinkling her nose slightly to the drool that was coming out of him mouth,his glasses which were hanging crooked. Opening the door slightly,Serena snuck in. Darien was staring out the window as always....a sad look on his face. "Darien..."whispered Serena. Darien turned to see Serena standing.."Sere..." Serena ran to Darien as he embraced her in a hug.Serena cried softly as her body shook. Darien looked down at her with concern."Beloved,what is wrong??"asked Darien still holding her. "F-Father wants to kill you after h-he's recieved ransom."sobbed Serena. "He wants me to stay away from you...I could do that if meant you'd be safe.."cried Serena. "Shhh...Serena,I'd rather die than you not come and see me."said Darien. "Darien...I-I don't want you to die...promise me...if you have a chance.. escape..."she whispered. Darien stared at her."B-But what of you??"asked Darien. Serena stared sadly at the floor... "Oh Sere...."he whispered hugging her tighter.He kissed her,afraid that he'd never be able to do so again.Serena kissed him back,startling Darien by opening her mouth to him.Darien did the same,returning her kiss with his own passion. When they finally parted,both were gasping for air. "I must go...lest my father discovers I'm gone..."said Serena sadly.Darien carresed her hand slightly. "I...understand..."he whispered letting go of her tiny fingers.Serena kissed Darien lightly before scuttling away. Leaving Darien to his own thoughts.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Somewhere else...but nearby "General Malachite...we have spotted the pirate vessel,Moonlight."informed the ship captain. "Alright...tell the sister ship to prepare."said Malachite his voice grim. "So....we go through with the plan??"asked Nephrite. Malachite nodded."But we have to be quick...we have no idea what the pirates will do..." "Malachite...Do you think the pirates will consider killing Darien after they recieve the ransom??"asked Jadeite "I don't know...Zoycite...any luck where to fight the pirates so they can't run??"asked Malachite. Zoycite nodded."This tiny uninhabited island here should do the trick.If we can beach them onto the island before,if they have any plans to do away with Darien...Just maybe...JUST maybe...Darien might be able to escape and hide somewhere on the island. Malachite nodded."It's the best hope we've got...we meet the pirates at dawn...Nephrite,release the messenger pigeon to the King,and then send one to the pirates...Tell them we've got their ransom.."grounded Malachite. Nephrite nodded and scurried below to send the messages. "At dawn...get ready..it might be the battle for France's heir.."whispered Malachite. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pirate ship... "Serena!!!You disobeyed me didn't you??You went to see that..that boy!!" shouted Kenji."I told you...I don't want you near him!!Spreading his venom in your mind he is.."snarled Kenji. "He does NOT spread venom Father!!"shouted Serena. "Who say he doesn't...why,the boy even has you against your father and shouting at him now eh....he's a bad influence..." "No he's not....I'm 18 years old!!I'm not a child any-" "Don't you talk back to me,Serena...I am your father and I forbid it!!!" "You aren't acting like one!!You said mother died...What did mother look like???!!"shouted Serena tears in her eyes. Kenji was silent. "And what's in that tiny chest you keep locked??Why won't you tell me what is in it???You never treated me as a daughter!!" "Enough!!Listen young lady,I fed you,clothe you...you ungrateful brat.." bit Kenji. "That's right,I'm an ungrateful brat and your the kind-hearted Father!! You don't know anything...you're just a pi-" Serena was stunned when Kenji slapped her....he too was also stunned... his mouth was open in shock. Serena felt tears come to her eyes...but blinked them back. "Serena...I forbid you to see that prin-" "Captain!!!A message from ambassadors from France!!They have the ransom money and want to meet at dawn..."said a pirate who Serena recognized as Ken. "Excellent!!"he said forgetting about Serena who had already snuck away. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Serena passed Melvin who was still snoring....Serena felt an overwhelming urge to laugh and gag at the same time at Melvin's sleeping... Quickly pushing the door open,Serena saw Darien who was asleep on the bunk bed. Serena sat by the bed and stared as Darien slept.*He's so handsome..* thought Serena to herself. She lightly traced his firm chistled facial features...he looked so adorable...his bangs were covering his eyes. *Oh Darien...tomorrow you will either die or be rescued by your fellow mates..and I'll never see you again...But I hope you live and remember your promise...if they want to kill you...escape and never look back...* She brushed his bangs away and ruffled his glossy hair slightly.She loved the feel of his hair which seemed like raw silk.... Darien opened his eyes staring up...he saw Serena.He didn't blink or look surprised... "Beloved.."he whispered. "Darien,I have news for you...your countrymen have sent a message to my father....they've come to pay the ransom.They will be meeting at dawn." "Serena..."began Darien. "Darien...please...remember our promise..be careful tomorrow...if there is a chance...you must escape...and...NEVER..look back..."whispered Serena as tears fell from her eyes. Darien felt his heart lurch.She was asking him to leave her...how could he leave this intricate woman he had come to love?? Darien tried to brush her tears away...but recieved an exclamation of ow. His eyes widened.Lighting the bedside candle,Darien noticed Serena's right cheek was red!! "Serena!How did you get that??!!"he asked shocked. "It's nothing..."said Serena trying to hide her face. "Did your father or somebody hit you???" "N-No...I slipped and fell on the wet decks.."lied Serena shakily. Darien felt his heart break and constrict at the same time.She'd lied.He knew her father must have slapped her.Gathering her in his arms,he gave her a comforting hug. Serena didn't protest.She was too scared and sad to do so.She wished he could hold her forever..in all her life,she'd never felt so safe or...loved. "There,there..beloved,I won't ask you..okay?"he asked. Serena smiled slightly. "Darien??" "Hmmm??" "Just....hold me.."she pleaded slightly. Darien smiled down at her face.Serena buried her face into his chest. Darien ruffled her golden blond hair as a single tear trickled down his cheek... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That morning...(misty) "You must be Captain Moonsilver."said Malachite with seriously. "Aye..you have the ransom??"asked Kenji. "Where is Prince Darien??"demanded Malachite. "Bring'em up."slurred Kenji irritatedly. Darien was pushed onto the deck.When he saw his friends,he began to call to them... "Malachite!!"shouted Darien. "Prince Darien!"replied Malachite. "Alright...enough with yer squawking.."growled Chad. "Pay the ransom first."demanded Kenji. "Prince Darien first."argued Malachite. "Ransom!!Or we make the royal boobhead walk the plank.."snarled Kenji.. "Fine!!Ransom first..."conceded Malachite. The gold was loaded onto their vessel.Unknown to Malachite or any others, one of the pirates had begun to move the ship away reeling in the anchor. "Moonsilver!!We want the Prince!!"shouted Jadeite who noticed the ship begin to drift away. Kenji let out a maniacal laugh."Don't count on it,pretty boys.Princey here has a date with the sharks!!" Malachite frowned.He knew this would happen...He nodded to Zoycite. Without further due,Zoycite brought a horn to his lips and let out a long blast.. The pirates were baffled at the ship's actions. Moments later...another ship appeared out of the mist...The pirates scrambled for an attack,as they sailed. Darien felt his arm grabbed by one of the pirates.The pirate shoved him down below to the cabin decks. Picking himself up,Darien heard muffled cries come from one cabin.When he reached closer,he recognized the voice..*Serena!* Unlocking the door,Serena fell out of the room...it was obvious she'd been pounding on the door. "Darien??"she asked breathless. "Serena.Your father has taken the ransom and now,my fellow men are trying to get me back.It looks like there's going to be a battle and I doubt your father's going to win."said Darien. Serena was about to say something when the first cannon rocked the ship. Serena cried out and clasped on to Darien's arm. The two could hear shouts,gunfire and cannons.The ship rocked as the cannons created waves,pushing them to the north... Serena peered out a northwindow. "Darien!!It's an island!!"exclaimed Serena. "They must be trying to push the ship back until it beaches the shore." mused Darien. "Who??" "My Royal Guard....come on...it won't be long before this ship hits shore! We've got to find a way to escape!"said Darien grabbing her wrist. "No!!I told you...You're escaping,not me..."said Serena. "Serena...I'm not leaving you!"exclaimed Darien over the noise of the battle that was raging above on deck."I love you!" Serena stared at Darien's determined face.It was pointles arguing and Serena knew it.. "Wait...for me then.."she told Darien. Entering her father's cabin,Serena headed towards the writing desk.On the desk sat a tiny chest which Serena snatched up. Darien stared at her with a frown."What's that??" "I don't know..that's why I took it."smiled Serena. A loud CRUNCH and a force that slammed them into the wall,gave away that they had just run ashore. "I think we better hurry."said Darien gripping Serena's hand. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "The pirates have run aground,Malachite."said Jadeite. "Good...lets go.."said Malachite grimly."Captain!!You're in charge here. Make sure the pirates don't escape!!"ordered Malachite. "Yes sir,General Malachite." With that,Malachite,Jadeite,Nephrite and Zoycite got into one of the tiny boats along with a few dozen other rowboats,filled with soldiers and rowed to the shore. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kenji cursed and ordered everyone off the Moonlight and run to the island to hide from the soldiers chasing them. Kenji stormed down the steps to the lower deck.When he saw the room door of the cabin which he'd locked Serena into,open,Kenji became furious. "SERENA!!!"he shouted. "PRINCE!!COME OUT!!"he shouted. Entering his quarters,he noticed the tiny chest missing...with that,he ran to the upper deck.Running to the side,he saw Serena and Darien making their way into the jungle. "STOP THEM!!!"shouted Kenji. Every pirate scrambled down quickly,trying to catch the Prince and Serena. Darien held onto Serena's hand as they ran through the jungle. "D-Darien...I-I'm afraid!!" "Be strong love!!We cannot let your father's men catch us!!" Both ran,the sharp thorns and other plants scraping their skin.Serena was trying her best to keep up,as Darien was much taller than her and could run faster. Darien saw a cave ahead."Serena!!!Head for the cave!!"shouted Darien breathless. Serena could only nod.Her lungs were burning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Malachite and the rest reached the shore.They began fighting with the pirates. But Kenji Moonsilver and a few other pirates were no where to be seen. "Where is Prince Darien??"snarled Malachite at Melvin who cowered. "I don't know...Captain Moonsilver went after him and his daughter." blurted Melvin. The four men stared at each other. "Come on!!We have to find them before Moonsilver and his men do!!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Serena!!!!"shouted Kenji. Serena and Darien cringed.They were hiding in the small cave.Both heard Kenji calling them. "Come out,daughter!!You can't hide all day!!" "Come out!!!"he shouted,getting angrier and angrier. Just then,Keji spied the cave hole...he smirked.Sticking a gun into it, he heard shuffling and taunted in a eerie voice. "If you're in there,you have until 5 to come out of there,or I start shooting bullets into the cave,meaning it'll fill you 2 in there with holes."he laughed maniacally. "Darien..."she whispered. "He's bluffing..he can't mean to shoot!!"he exclaimed in a hushed tone. "1....2....3....4...." "BANG!" Serena gave a sharp cry... "That was one shot...a warning one for you prince.."growled Kenji. Darien couldn't believe it...Kenji was actually willing to KILL his own daughter?? He'd shot Serena's arm.Darien apologized to his beloved.He had to come out if Serena was to be safe.... He was about to come out when Serena pushed him back..."No...he'll surely kill you right away...let me go first..."whispered Serena. "But..if he was willing to sacrifice you...what difference will it make, you going out first??"argued Darien. "Please..my love...listen to me..for once..let me..."she whispered,tears running down her face. Darien felt his heart break...he couldn't bear to see Serena cry.He nodded slightly. Serena wriggled out... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Ah....hello....DAUGHTER.."said Kenji sarcastically. Serena bit her lip.Kenji snorted...seems like YOU got the bullet eh... now that YOU'RE out..I'll just fire as many bullets into the cave.."laughed Kenji. Serena screamed."NO!!!"she tried to lunge,but she was held firmly by Ken and Chad. "Say goodbye,to your sweetheart,darling.."spat Kenji. Suddenly,another gunshot sounded...Serena screamed... But Kenji was holding his hand which was bloody,....They all turned to see who had fire the shot...Malachite was holding a gun aimed at Kenji and behind him were Jadeite,Nephrite and Zoycite who were also holding guns. A grim look on their face.Serena stared at the four men who were grim and fierce.Wearing uniforms...*They must be the Guard,Darien spoke of..* Malachite stared at the sight in front of them... Captain Moonsilver holding a bloody hand,he'd just shot and two henchmen holding a young girl back... "Step away from the gun.."grounded Malachite. Captain Moonsilver glared at them fiercely...if looks could kill,Malachite would have been dead... They moved back...Malachite and the others edged towards where the pirates had once stood... Jadeite bent down and shouted..."Darien!!!Are you in there??" Darien had heard Serena scream...now he heard..Jadeite?? "Jadeite???"he replied. Scrambling out,Darien saw his Guard...looking around,he saw the pirate captain and ...SERENA!!! "SERENA!!!"he shouted. "Darien!!!" Kenji growled and turned to Serena..."Ungrateful brat...you betrayed me," he spat. "Well...you can say goodbye,because you're not seeing your prince,again.. ever..Serena.You follow us,and she dies..." The pirates made a dash,into the jungle.Serena screamed... Darien tried to push past his Guard..."SERENA!!!" His friends were surprised...but held their prince back..."No..Darien!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Darien fell onto the ground...his eyes wide in shock...He stared at the ground... Nephrite bent down..."Darien...are you alright??" Malachite wa grim...he still had to catch Moonsilver... Darien didn't answer.He felt as if somebody had torn away part of him. Zoycite frowned and slapped the prince hard. "Get a hold of yourself!!We'll get her back..." Darien got up...for the first time...his Guard were shocked...for the very FIRST time,in all the years they'd known him...Darien wept... Serena screamed and tried to get free from the pirates,Ken and Chad. "Let go!!"she shouted. Moonsilver stopped.Halting his men,he slapped Serena again...hard. Serena tasted the metallic taste of blood on her lips.."I hate you."she bit out venomously. "You betrayed me...for that-that...boy!!!He's turned you against me!! Royalty lie to people...he's filled your mind with poison and false hopes." "You don't even know him....I love him..."spat Serena. "I should just kill you and let that 'PRINCE' find your lifeless corpse." "Then do it!!!My life's not worth anything without him anyway!!It's not worth anything to you either!!!"shouted Serena. "Hahaha...if only I'd be THAT simple...Oh,...your life is worth something alright...something VERY much.."laughed Kenji. Serena cringed inwardly...she'd never heard her father use a tone like that before..he had sounded insane... Kenji and the rest crept onto the beach.Kenji saw all the soldiers that marched around.Detaining his crew. "Watch her...we don't want her screaming."bit out Kenji to Chad. Chad nodded. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Darien was now filled with hatred for the old pirate...disgust...They were making their way back to the beach where the soldiers awaited for the Generals. Kenji snuck on board the Moonlight that was beached on the shore.... Serena's eyes were wide.Chad had his hand covering her mouth.Serena had to put up with the hairy old hand. Suddenly,the 4 generals came trotting out of the jungle with an angry looking prince. Serena's eyes widened even further.Serena managed to pry the hand away after a struggle with Chad. Pushing him to the ground,she was about to shout... "DA-" Ken the other pirate,hit her on the head with the butt of the gun. Serena blacked out,but Darien had heard Serena's cry...or at least part of it... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Darien turned to the direction of the sound.*Serena??* He saw Ken bop her on the head with the butt of the gun.He shouted. "SERENA!!" Malachite and the rest turned to the direction,Darien was staring at. They saw the 2 pirates,carrying off an unconscious Serena. Jadeite gritted his teeth and scanned the beach.He saw Moonsilver in a small row boat and carrying some things.It was a chest!!The treasure chest!! Ken and Chad ran to the boat,depositing Serena in it. At that moment,Kenji laughed and fired at both pirates,wounding them. "Sorry!!We're over weight!!"laughed Kenji as he pushed away. "Moonsilver!!!"shouted Darien angrily. "Hahaha...goodbye prince!!" "You won't get away!!"shouted Malachite. "You get your big battle ships to fire,and darling Serena here dies too!!" shouted Kenji in return. "Damn you Moonsilver!!"shouted Darien,shaking his fist. "What do we do??"asked Nephrite. "We go after them."grounded Darien. "But Darien.." Darien was already in a rowboat.The 4 General's sighed and chased after their Prince. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Captain of the main ship sighted the Generals and the Prince,chasing after the first rowboat. "Ready guns!!"shouted the captain to the men who were still on board. Darien saw the men on the ship getting ready to fire their pistols at Moonsilver and Serena. "NO!!!" Unfortunately...they were too far away.. The first few shots rang out. All of time stood still in Darien's point of view....Everything was happening at slow motion...*God...don't do this...!!* One shot,punctured a hole in the boat...instantly,the rowboat that Kenji Moonsilver and Serena were in,began to sink... Kenji gave an angry scream."MY MONEY!!MY TREASURE!!!"he screamed quickly scrambling to hug the treasure chest.... The boat was sinking fast,due to the heavy weight of the treasure chest... Kenji had refused to release hold of the chest. Darien gasped as he saw Serena,who was still unconscious,sinking.... Without thought,he quickly plunged into the icy waters of the raging sea. Not giving thought to his own life.... He swam against the fierce current that threathened to sweep him further from his beloved....Gritting his teeth,with fierce determination,Darien swam and managed to reach her before her head was submerged by the murky depths.... Darien held on to her tight....keeping her head above the water level... Kenji had followed his...'beloved' treasure to the bottom of the ocean... Nephrite rowed the boat close to where Darien and Serena floated... It was clear,Darien was tiring quickly...especially since he had used a great amount of strength to swim against the tide. Hoisting them into the boat,they called out to the mother ship... When all the pirates were rounded up and locked below the decks,the 2 ships finally headed back to France.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 weeks later.... Serena sat in bed,smiling at the man by her side.She ruffled his bangs slightly,giggling. Darien smiled at the giggling young blonde in the bed.She was still pretty weak from all the exertions and the shock. Darien got up and lightly kissed Serena's nose,causing a ticklish Serena, to giggle again. "I'm glad you're safe..."he whispered. "I am too..." "We'll be reaching France soon.There,my father will sentence punishment on the pirates...but...I don't know what will happen to you..."whispered Darien sadly. Serena's eyes locked with Darien's sadly. "Do you think...you could find somebody to open this tiny chest of... father's??"asked Serena taking the tiny chest,she'd hidden in a pocket of her dress... Darien nodded..."Sure...when I get back..."he choked,taking the chest. Zoycite entered the cabin and hurried Darien out,saying Serena needed to rest. Darien went on deck....where he found Malachite. "France...I thought I'd never see...home...again.." "Well....you're home now..."said Malachite smiling. "Malachite...when we reach,France,can you find sopmebody to open this chest for me??Serena took it from her father..."said Darien,handing the item to Malachite. "Of course,Darien."said Malachite,pocketing the chest. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ France Palace... "Father..Mother.."greeted Darien,hugging his parents. "Oh Darien!!I'm so glad you're safe!!"wept his mother. When they broke away,his sisters,ran up to hug him."Darien!!!"shouted Raye. Lita and Andrew watched as their cousin hugged his sisters... Darien turned to his 2 cousins."Lita...Andrew!!" "We're glad,you're safe."said Andrew smiling. The 4 Generals smiled.Glad their Prince was back,safe and sound.Queen Terra decided,a masked ball was to be held 2 weeks from now to celebrate the safe return of Prince Darien. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 week later... "Malachite!!Jadeite!!Nephrite!!Zoycite!!"shouted Darien as he stormed into his father's study. King Damian,Queen Terra and the 4 Generals stared at Darien. "What has happened to Serena???"he asked them. King Damian frowned."Serena has been taken by the English to England. On account,her father did a terrible thing to the royal family of England." said King Damian. "What DID her father do???Whatever it was...it couldn't have been anything to do with her!!" "I'm sorry,Prince Darien.However the King and Queen of England demanded they hand over Serena and the pirates to them.Or there would be war.We have to keep our relations with the English..."explained Jadeite. "I'm sorry my darling..."began Queen Terra. Darien didn't stay to listen,slamming the great mahagony doors. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Another week passed...(Masquerade day!) Darien stared through his domino mask coldly as many women batted their eye lashes at him,through their masks. His sisters were dancing happily with 2 of his Generals.They seemed to be having a wonderful time. His cousin,Lita was dancing with one of the Generals too. He saw Andrew talking to Lady Rita.Malachite was politely conversing with Lady Mina.How he wished Serena was here....he missed her. A million thoughts went through his head.Where was his beloved now??Was she dead??Would she never return??Were they never to meet again??Had fate played a cruel trick on both of them...having them to fall in love with one another and not being able to be together... He had to get some fresh air.... He pushed past many people.He heard many young ladies giggle and stare at him,longingly. He didn't care for all those wishy-washy women.All only saw him as a title ,looks and money.Nobody saw the man,who was Prince Darien..all except... Serena...but now she was not here with him... He stared out at the cool night's air.The moon shone it's white moonlight. "Good Evening m'lord." Darien turned to see a young lady with long golden hair,that shined like muted gold in the moonlight.She wore a white gown with a white mask, decorated with swan feathers and rhinestones. "Good evening,"he replied politely,but coldly. "Why do wear such a sad face??"she asked curiously. "I lost someone I loved..."he replied simply. "I'm sorry..."she said sincerely. Music drifted to Darien's ears... "Lady,would you care to dance??"asked Darien.*She looks so much like Serena...but it's ridiculous to think that Serena was here...* The young woman smiled."I'd be honoured m'lord." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Darien danced with the young lady.Her eyes hidden by the mask.She smiled, but had a sad look on her face. "May I ask,why you are sad,lady??" "I loved a man...but I left suddenly."said the woman."May,I ask...who was the person you lost??" "An angel..."whispered Darien in a trance like state. The young lady was silent. "Her name is Serena..but I don't know...what has happened to her.."he sighed sadly. "I'm sorry to hear that.."choked out the lady. The clock,struck midnight.... King Damian and Queen Terra stood at their thrones. "Ladies and Gentlemen...we thank you for attending our masked ball...Now, we'd like to introduce to you,somebody from England...." "Prince Darien,please come stand here.."said King Damian. Prince Darien left his dancing partner and went to stand by his father's side. "Lady Mina,first cousin of the lost Princess of England...has brought the young princess to the ball.."announced Queen Terra. "Lady Mina,please escort your fair cousin please...?"said King Damian. Darien watched as Lady Mina and...the young lady he had been dancing with, step up to the platform. The young lady avoided Prince Darien's stare. "Ladies and Gentlemen,We introduce to you,the long missing Princess of England,Princess Serena."finished King Damian. Darien's jaw droped open at the name...*Serena??It couldn't be...* The young lady turned to look at Darien and giggled slightly. All of the sudden..Darien was amused and angry at the same time...It WAS Serena....he knew that giggle anywhere...but he was ticked that she'd giggled at HIM!!! Marching towards her,Darien stared down at the young princess....She giggled again,causing Mina to giggle too. Reaching up,with a shaky hand,Darien took off the mask,SHE was wearing... coming face to face,with the girl he had met on that fateful day of his kidnap...Serena...the pirate's daughter... "Hello Darien.."she whispered. "Serena..??"choked Darien,tears coming to his eyes. King Damian and Queen Terra smiled.His 4 Generals smiling.Darien fumed slightly...*Why...they knew all along...* "Sorry to decieve you,m'love...I didn't even know until my mother,Queen Serenity came to France."explained Serena. "It seems the chest had contained,Moonsilver's pocket diary...Malachite told King Damian...and King Damian,contacted my mother..." Darien smiled down at the young woman he loved.Hugging her suddenly.Darien felt a tear slide down his cheek. Lita,Raye and Amy smiled as Darien embraced the young Princess of England. They smirked to themselves as they heard the moans of other women who were fuming and crying slightly... Darien released Serena and kissed her lightly,then picking her up and swinging her around. Putting her down,Darien bent his head down,that their foreheads were touching... "M'lady,Princess Serena of England...marry me..."he whispered. Serena looked up...her face moist with tears..."I will Darien...I will.." she said hugging him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Epilogue.... Serena lay on her bed thinking back to the events that had happened.... ~FLASHBACKS~ Prince Darien and Princess Serena were about to unite the 2 countries by matrimony and their love... "Do you,Prince Darien,take Princess Serena to be your lawful wedded wife?" asked the Minister. "I do.." "Do you,Princess Serena,take Prince Darien,to be your lawful wedded husband??" "I do." "Then,by the powers invested in me,I now pronounce you,man and wife...you may kiss the bride..." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So...what did,Moonsilver's diary contain anyway??"asked Darien as he sat by the fireplace in their room. "Notes.."said Serena simply as she lay on the bed with a yawn. "Do you still have it??" Serena nodded lazily. Tossing the book to her husband,Darien caught it with perfect ease. Reading it aloud... "13/4/1610, Of all my years of being a pirate...I have finally made my greatest deed. Kidnapping the baby princess of England from her parents that are on the ship,Selene. I should ask for ransom on the baby...but somehow...the child has grown on me..and I rather keep the child than ask for ransom.After all...you never know when the brat will come in handy.... Let the royals of England try and find me in the seven seas...I can go many places.. The Princess Serena,will be none wiser about her true identity,other than she is my daughter..."finished Darien. Serena nodded..."That was written 17-years ago.When I was but a tiny baby. Moonsilver stole me and pretended to be my father..." ~END FLASHBACK~ "Darling??What are you doing awake??"asked a voice. "Oh Darien..I couldn't sleep...I was thinking of all the things that happened before.."sighed Serena. Darien smiled lazily. "I love you..."he whispered huskily. "I love you too..."said Serena as she kissed her husband... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ The End.. Okay...the ending sucks right?Oh well...I couldn't think of anyway to end the story...so don't flame me too hard,kay?? Ciao!!