Beautiful Beast
by: Kris Black
Prologue
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters you see in this story, or any places that you recognize. I do not own Sailor Moon it is property of Naoko Takeushi and the companys that helped create it. This standard disclaimer applies for this story on whole, including all characters, places and chapters.
AN: I love this story. It's one of my favourites yet, if not THE favourite. I have already completed writing this, I only have to complete typing it and posting it. It really is a lovely story and it is loosly based on "Beauty and the Beast" in case you haven't already discovered that. For those of you who are reading my other story "Remember Princess?" don't worry, I haven't given up on it and am still writing it. The next chapter won't be out around next month though. But this story is worth reading and a lot more detailed than any other from me. I really haven't written anything like it before. So please, RR!
Serenity lie on her back on the moist grass, her honey-golden hair sprawled around her from two flowing tresses from strange buns on her head. The familiar smell of the moist sea-filled air filled her nostrils, her cornflower blue eyes moved back and forth with glee as she watched pillows of clouds dance by. She caught sight of a peculiar cloud, one that looked sort of like a rabbit dancing with some sort of beast when a familiar voice called her name and broke her from her reveries.
"Serenity dear," her mother's voice called out of the back door of Rosehall, "don't you think that you're a bit too old to be daydreaming and staring at clouds? You're seven and ten now."
"You're never too old to appreciate true and natural beauty," Serenity smiled as her well-bred mother now stood over her smiling at her beautiful daughter.
"Don't you think that it is time for you to get your head out of the clouds and begin considering…"
The lady of the house didn't manage to finish her thought because of the loud galloping of horses and a carriage coming up the drive. Interested in who had come visiting she made her way back into the house. Serenity stood up quickly and brushed herself off to look presentable before following her mother. Once inside Serenity walked over to the parlour window to see whom their guest was. She saw her father outside talking to someone who remained in the carriage. The person's face wasn't visible because the curtain in the coach's window had not been drawn back. However, she could clearly see the face of her father, which had visibly ashened within seconds. When her father returned to the house after the stagecoach left he looked as though he were on his deathbed. He dropped into the nearest chair and placed his head into his hands.
"Dearest, what's the matter?" Serenity's mother asked troubled.
"He struck ill and died. I can't believe it. Edward has passed," he replied monotonously.
"Edward? Is he an acquaintance?" Serenity enquired.
"And I suppose his son has called in his debts?" Serenity's mother croaked out, both of her parents ignoring Serenity for the moment.
"Indeed, the poor boy sounded very sorry and reluctant," he father answered.
"What is going on?" Serenity demanded, now frustrated.
"Edward lent us a great deal of money long ago," Serenity's father said, unable to look at her, "Now that he is gone it is up to his son Endymion to collect them."
"So what's the problem father? Pay him the money and be done with him," Serenity said as if it were the obvious answer.
"We haven't the money dear," Serenity's mother cried, "Rosehall isn't worth half of what we owe him!"
"He wants to know by the morrow if we can pay. I fear that it's debtors prison for me," her father said desolately.
"What a cruel, insensitive man! Hasn't he any feelings for others? Hasn't he enough money!" Serenity cried out.
"Child, do not talk of him so. You know not of him, nor do you share an acquaintance. Therefore how can you make assumptions?" her mother reprimanded.
"Endymion is doing only what is required of him in this situation. So saying that he is cruel and insensitive is not fair to him. Tomorrow morning I shall tell him that I cannot possibly repay him. Now let's continue this day as normally as possible."
The day continued on as usual, except on a much gloomier note. However, by the time the few servants they had snuffed the candles and everyone retired to their chambers Serenity had devised a plan and was ready to put it in motion. She had previously written her parent a note explaining what she was about to do. She now lay it gently on her bedside table. Knowing that she didn't have enough time to re-dress before a maid came to check up on her, she hastily threw her cloak on over her nightdress and quickly left her room, then her beloved Rose hall- possibly forever.
Serenity walked speedily the whole mile to town where she was sure that Sir Endymion was staying. She decided to inquire at a local bar as to where he ad taken up residence. She walked in with her head held high and ignored all of the grotesque and dirty men staring at her.
"Pardon me," Serenity said as calmly and proudly as she could manage, "but a gentleman by the name of Sir Endymion has entered town recently. I have business of the utmost urgency with him. Can you direct me to his whereabouts?"
"Indeed little lady," the barkeep smiled toothlessly, "some of his men are here, 'said he was stayin' at Wethersfield Inn."
"Thank you Sir," Serenity said graciously and gave him a few coins for him help. She then left the bar as quickly as she could while still looking composed.
She then walked down the road rather hastily towards the inn. When suddenly her rapid paced walking was unexpectedly stopped almost instantly as someone grabbed her harshly by the arm and sung her around.
"Hey sweetie, what are you doing out at this time of night?" the grunting voice of an obviously drunk man whispered abrasively, "looking' fer a good time?"
"Sir please release me," Serenity begged haughtily, "I need to speak with Sir Endymion and cannot be bothered by you."
The man didn't release his grip on her arm, if anything he tightened it severely. Serenity was stupid, she new exactly what this man wanted and what he would probably do. Hence, she began to struggle with his grip; she wasn't going to give up without a fight.
"Sir Endymion?" the man asked confused, "Ah! My boss. I'll take you to him once I'm done. I think that I deserve a test ride."
The horrible, putrid brute ripped Serenity's cloak off mercilessly, leaving her quite breathless from the force. She then realized that she was now only in her nightdress, which was almost see through. The revolting man then proceeded to press Serenity up against a cold, brick wall that was conveniently behind them.
"Let me go!" Serenity half-demanded, half-pleaded loudly with the hopes that some passing stranger would hear and help her.
"Unhand her, now!" Came a deep commanding masculine voice.
The retched man became stiff upon hearing the voice, released Serenity immediately and turned around. He went at attention, saluted and responded,
"Yes Sir!"
The man that had saved Serenity walked calmly over to the two, his dark cloak swishing back and forth, bellowing out behind his broad shoulders. He helped a terrified Serenity away from the wall and carefully draped his cloak around her small body. His heavy cape dragged about an inch on the ground from Serenity's body.
"Are you alright?" he asked her, looking into her eyes deeply with his dark cerulean ones.
"I'm fine," Serenity managed to voice out, not clueing into anything in a state of shock. She wished she could make out something about her saviour, anything but his eyes. Unfortunately everything was a dull haze in front of her eyes.
"Good," he replied soothingly to her, then turned to the soldier, "I'll deal with you later," that time it was strict and menacing.
Serenity's saviour then wrapped an arm around Serenity's shoulders and urged her to walk with him. She followed obediently, not aware of anything but being moved.Serenity didn't clue into where she was until quite some time later, while she was drinking tea at the Wethersfield Inn.
"I need to speak with Sir Endymion!" She spoke up suddenly, startling the maid.
"My Ladyship, he is busy right now. He'll see you in the morning," the maid assured her.
"No!" Serenity cried out, "I must see him now! Where is he?"
"He's… He's in the parlour," the terrified maid answered and Serenity took off through the halls of Wethersfield Inn.
"Sir Endymion, I must speak with you!" Serenity huffed out quickly as she ran into the parlour, "it's concerning my family. I'm Miss Serenity DelaLuna."
"Calm down," the voice of her rescuer came, "come sit."
"I need to speak with…" she tried to say again as he sat her down.
"With Sir Endymion? So I've heard," her rescuer chuckled, "Very driven Lady, aren't you? You remind me of my younger sister. But, here I am, Sir Endymion. What news have you of your family so late at night?"
"I come of no will of my family, but to beg mercy on us," Serenity pleaded, "please Sir, we haven't the money to repay you."
"I am terribly sorry," Endymion responded regretfully, "but I must do what the will of my father has instructed."
"Have you no heart?" Serenity begged.
"That, I suppose is for you to decide. However, your coming here doesn't change the fact that I need to claim the debt."
"We haven't anything of value or near enough money to repay you!" Serenity cried out desolately, "Unless… unless you take me for the repayment. Please, take me as a governess, or perhaps a maid or servant. I'll do almost anything so my family isn't shame by this."
"You would place yourself in the den of a lion for your family?" Endymion asked.
"I would gladly walk through the seven hells with ball and chain attached to my neck for my family," Serenity replied earnestly.
"Fine then. I accept your proposition. We'll leave for my home tomorrow afternoon."
"No!" Serenity apposed, "we must leave as soon as possible. My father comes in the morning, perhaps sooner. We must be departed by then."
"Then be ready in one hour," Endymion replied, "I must send my generals to gather my men. Until then, wait in the room I have rented for you."
After Endymion exited quickly Serenity walked back to her room in a trance like state. She was certain that she had just sold herself to the devil. When she shut the heavy door to her chamber she place her back against it and slid down ever so slowly and broke down into tears. What was she going to do now?
AN: Well, that's it for the prologue guys, what did you think? I really want some feedback on this story so please review and tell me what you think!
Love you lots,
Kris Black