She wasn't too abnormal. I mean, she didn't really stand out at all. Sure she was very shy to put it lightly, but nothing stood out about her on a first glance. So how is it that she becomes the target of multiple attacks, befriends a monster, and falls in love? Well, I guess that's Ikebukuro for you. [SHIZUOxOC]

~Chapter 1: Shadows~

The air hung heavy in Ikebukuro, the polluting scents surrounding the area that was one of the handful that made up the part of Tokyo known as Toshima. She set out for her usual stroll, hanging on the outside of the sidewalk. Cars rushing past in the less busied street whipped her shoulder length hair behind her. She flinched as each one ran by, but the fear created by the automobiles was less terrifying than the shadows that swallowed everything in the alleys to her right. Nervous blue eyes glanced around at her surroundings, and delicate light toned fingers repeatedly tucked and untucked strands of dark brown. Her name, Serenity, gave an off impression of the Japanese-looking woman. Despite her English name and ability to speak English to perfection, her origins seemed rather clear.

This twenty-two year old was not made for cities like this, that much was obvious by her clumsy gait and jumpy reactions to everything around her. She was shy, raised in a small town that barely had enough people to even be called such. Without much interaction with others, she became easily startled and withdrawn in a room with more than two or three people in it-which sort of made it hard to do her job. She was a translator, following in her mother's footsteps, before she met her father of course.

The fact she also held a degree for teaching led to the reason she was even in this trashed, overpopulated, hell hole. She would admit (if only to herself), she felt more comfortable speaking Japanese, her mother's native tongue, than in English, even if it was her first real language. So of course, when given the option of teaching a language to a bunch of elementary students in Japan, or to teach high schoolers who would easily intimidate her in America, she opted for the former, her line of thought being that at least she wouldn't be harassed as much with young children.

However, now that she was here...

Well she couldn't help but wish she chose differently.

Buildings looming overhead intimidated her more than a high schooler could possibly ever, and the air choked her-though that could just be an effect from the sudden crowds as well. Yes, Serenity Almuse was not built for the city life, but it was too late to head back home. With the school year approaching fast, only a week left before she gave all her attention to the many, many offspring this city produced, she already spent most of her money that was meant to hold her over on her apartment, groceries for the upcoming days, and brand new furniture. Clothes as well-she never knew they could be so expensive! While she could have probably found another place with cheaper clothes, like a thrift store, she was too worried about getting lost (again) in her search.

Speaking of which, said woman pulls a wrinkled map out of her pocket. Unfolding it, she carefully scanned the paper and glanced around again. She stopped under a street light as it flickered to life. Simple blue jeans drooped over purple and white sneakers, which showed the dirt she managed to pick up the past few days in this city. She refolded the map and stuffed her hands in the pockets of her black sweater, its silver design shining in the light.

Maybe it was just that soft shimmer that labeled her the victim that night. Maybe it was the way she bit her bottom lip with uncertainty. Either way, intimidating shadows decorated with flashes of yellow slid out of the alleyway behind her, eyes locked on their prey.

What do you guys think? I LOVE reviews and feedback, so any I can get is just awsome. Next chapter will be from Serenity's point of view~

Is she a Mary Sue? I don't think she is too much...