My New Bodyguard
Author's Note: I must give credit to Miss Rinko Ueda as well. Her wonderful manga called Tail of the Moon inspired me to write this story. Although this story is nothing like her manga at all in terms of settings and characters, I just thought – wouldn't it be cool to do a ninja story? Anyway, I suggest that you take a look at her series – it's a very lovely manga, plus the main character's name is also Usagi! It's a "romantic ninja" story if you want the genre, check it out if you haven't already. Here's some of the usual bureaucratic stuff: of course I do not own Sailor Moon, but a few of the original characters are mine. As for my story, well it's told from Darien's perspective – I hope that you like it (his thoughts are in italics). Here we go:
Chapter One: I'm Looking for a New Bodyguard
"Ladies and gentleman, may I present to you, our beloved king of Crystal Tokyo, Darien Shields."
Once I heard my name called, I got up from my comfortable chair, ready to address my people. I try to keep them updated on the affairs of the kingdom as much as I can. I really love my people, and I guess they seem to love me. Every once in a while at these press conferences, I will see a few young women holding up signs that read 'I love you Darien' – complete with a few large pink hearts. It's pretty flattering – but it doesn't exactly scream 'wife material' much to their dismay. Well, it's show time.
I walked outside of the elaborate white and gold double doors and onto the tall balcony, which was positioned towards the front of my palace – over my gate, and about 15 feet above my loyal subjects. Two large screens – one on either side of me were displaying my image as I waved and smiled at my subjects.
"Hello citizens of Crystal Tokyo." I called out to my people, who cheered and applauded. "As you all might have heard by now – the reason that I called you out here is that unfortunately one of my body guards was killed in a car accident this past weekend. I'm looking for a new bodyguard. If you think that you can fill that post, please feel free to sign up with the attendants outside if you are interested in the position. Of course you know that in order to be eligible for the position – you must be a fully qualified ninja. Your credentials and proper qualification will be tested if we decided that you are suitable for the job. There is also a ball to be given in my fallen bodyguard's honor this Saturday at the palace, so be sure to come in your fanciest attire. He would have wanted us to celebrate his life instead of morn his death, and that is the best way that I thought we could do it."
Cheers erupted from the crowd. I waved to my people once more, said my goodbyes, and went to my chambers. The loss of my bodyguard was too much for me to handle. When I'm in front of a crowd, I can act like I'm fine – but it's all an act. His name as Henry, and he had been one of my best friends. Despite the fact that I'm a popular king, whom my subjects seem to love and adore – I'm a very lonely man. My parents died when I was six years old from a severe illness, and that same year I rose to take the throne. Growing up, I envied my subjects – I would stare longingly at the children, wishing that I could run around and play; I even wished that I had parents who would nag at me and I would often smile when a mother would scold her son for doing something that she deemed to be inappropriate. From the day that my parents died on, I had to take responsibility for the whole kingdom. I never really got to play much – or really have a childhood for that matter. My servants seemed to be just that around me – there to serve, not to entertain me or even attempt to become friends, most of them were there for either my protection, or to teach me skills that I would need in the future. Most of my servants would not even bother to speak to me if I was not using their services; the only people who would even bother were my bodyguards. Over the years I've made great friends with my bodyguards – since they have always been a constant presence in my life – ever since I was six. My bodyguards – unlike any of my other servants, always seemed to care about my life. When I was younger, they would use their ninja skills to entertain me – they would do acrobatics, or demonstrate their powers by throwing ninja stars, and leaping from wall to wall with such ease and skill. I admired them as much as I considered them to be my friends back then – and I still do to this day.
I just wish sometimes that I had someone else to talk to because I'm 27 years old, and I've never been in love. I've always thrown royal balls towards the end of the year – partially to let my subjects have a little fun and relax after a stress free year. Secretly though, I always hope that I might find someone special among the women who come to the ball – but I never have any luck. The women of the court don't really strike my fancy. Some only like to talk about themselves – how rich their fathers are, how expensive the dress that they bought for the day are, and how beautiful they look today. They are so artificial, there's no substance there. I realize that they're beautiful; but I want someone who doesn't have to put on a mask every morning – and that's all there is to her. I want to see the woman behind the mask, someone who is intelligent, caring, and sweet. So far though it seems as if my search for the perfect woman has been impossible for the most part.
"Sire." One of my bodyguards appeared in front of me, bowing and holding a piece of paper out towards me.
"Thank you Malachite." I said to him with a smile, taking the slip of paper from him, "you may stand up now – there's no need to be so formal with me anyway. You do remember that we are friends right?"
"Most of the applicants were under qualified – I took the liberty of eliminating the ones that were less than par."
I glanced at the piece of paper and one name towards the middle of the list really stood out to me. I stared at it, and my eyes widened. "Sergio…" I whispered mostly to myself.
"Excuse me sire?"
"Somehow we were able to get Sergio to apply for the job."
"I'm sorry, but I am unfamiliar with that name sire." Malachite said to me, staring at me with his steely blue eyes.
"I'm not too surprised. Maybe Sergio is only famous in the courts. He has ninja powers that most average people have never seen before. He is not only agile, but also intelligent – and can move quickly through grass without disturbing a single blade. Sergio is of course from the Tuskino clan – I'm sure that you're well aware of their legacy Malachite."
"Yes sire, they are legends – especially within the ninja schools. But I never knew that they had a son named Sergio."
"Well Sergio is very skilled – I would like to interview him personally if you would not mind Malachite."
"As you wish my lord. When shall I require for him to come in?"
"Tomorrow morning would be the best."
With that Malachite bowed and left, leaving me to ponder the fact that Sergio Tsukino would be coming into my employment very soon. I already knew that I was going to hire him – but I still wanted to meet him, since I do always end up developing a close relationship with my bodyguards. I always start the getting to know each other process early. It would really be an honor to get to know this Sergio Tsukino – learn all about his family life, what it would be like living in the Tsukino household. I've always heard that the Tsukinos are a loving family who treat all of their children so kindly – they are one of the most envied families in all of Crystal Tokyo. Caring and loving parents, and the entire family is composed of well-trained and quick to learn ninjas. This should be the start of a beautiful relationship.
Author's endnote: Hmmm, will Darien really end up having a nice relationship with Sergio Tsukino – or will he be a little shocked by his disposition? Please read and review – I know that it's not the greatest start, but I promise it's going to be better than this initial chapter. See you later.