Chapter 2: Meeting Mr. Shade
Serena was seated in the middle of the lecture hall for her French course, waiting for Madame Pascal. She was reading through the text book while listening to French music.
A slightly rough hand tapped her bare shoulder as she wore a black and white floral sleeveless tunic with a skirt on top of leggings.
Serena had her hair cut to below her scapula for a more mature look. She pulled her earbuds out to hear what the stranger had to say.
"Pardon the intrusion, miss, but may I sit next to you," it was Prince Alexander in civilian garb. He had apparently been in cryosleep which delayed his aging.
"It is a somewhat free world," Serena answered.
"I feel like I should know you," commented the extremely handsome man.
Serena tilted her head to one side, wanting his input on her as a princess. "I think I would remember someone like you."
"You remind me of my beloved who has been deceased for many years. Her light always quelled my darkness, but didn't overpower it," whispered the saddened man. "I'm Alexander Matthew Shade."
"Serena Moon, at your service," retorted the young lady whose hair was braided to one side on the back of her head. Serena put her hand in his for a handshake, but he kissed the back of her hand instead.
"Bonjour, me petites," greeted Madame Pascal. Grace Pascal had a French accent and black hair which was in a half ponytail.
"Bonjour, madame," answered her students.
"Today, we'll read a world renown poem that you read in high school, but in French. There will be a quiz when we finish that will need answers written in French."
The poem was Nevermore by Edgar A. Poe. Serena had no problem reading it.
Serena took the quiz with little problems. She even corrected what she thought was wrong with the questions.
Madame Pascal turned a quizzical eye to the stunning lady. "Why are you taking my class if you already knew French? Few of my students get the errors in questions as part of the quiz."
"Madame Pascal, the university doesn't believe I'm talented since I proved I can speak Latin, Spanish, Japananse along with French, English, and Italian."
Madame Pascal clicked her tongue on the top of her mouth in disapproval. "I'll have your other language professors test you for competency and if you pass with flying colors, we'll go ahead and let you graduate. It is a waste of time and money for you to take these courses, no."
Serena nodded.
Madame Pascal leaned forward, "I noticed that you caught Mr. Shade's eye. He is very handsome, no?"
"That he is," however, Serena held up her hand with her engagement ring.
Madame Pascal snorted in contempt of the miniscule and childish ring. "That ring doesn't deserve to be won by a woman of your sophistication, ma petite. That ring looks like it came out of a toy machine."
Serena took several competency tests in front of the professors and head of the language department. She passed with flying colors.
Serena got her Bachelors in Language, two years ahead of schedule. She only told the Outers for some instinctual reason.
Serena was able to get a rare date with Darien, two days after graduating. She wore black Sketcher flats with a black camisole and black striped skirt that was above her knees. Black leggings protected her legs from the biting wind.
They were walking around the lake, but Serena never caught Dairen sneaking glances at her like a man in love would.
"Why are you no longer in your Italian or French classes? Did you fail them? Damn it, Serena! You should have out-grown that by now. You need to take university seriously!" Darien berated the one person who always rescued him.
Serena stepped back as if Darien had just slapped her. She backed up into a lean hard body. A rough hand gripped her shoulder to steady her.
"My understanding is that her aptitude at both has been tested, proving that she can graduate with a Bachelors in language." A male voice full of authority sent chills down Darien's spine. "Where is Serenity, Endymoin? I see that you are even more tainted than before." The last sentence was in a language similar to Latin.
Darien stiffened his back and sent a glare at the opposing prince. "I don't know a woman by that name. You should mind your own business. My name is Darien Shields."
Serena looked up at her defender with gratitude; it was Alexander Shade, who smiled down at her.
"Darien is your middle name, Earthling." Again, the other language was used.
Darien grabbed Serena's wrist, "Come along, Serena. We are leaving." He started to pull her behind him until his middle finger was pulled in a direction it was not meant to go.
"That is not how you treat a lady," sneered Alexander. "I hope you are not cheating on Serenity, again."
Serena tilted her head to the side, "Again?"
Alexander nodded, "This tramp usually has a second woman on the side. Last time, it was Lady Janessa Clayborne."
Serena peeked at Darien to catch his reaction for the truth.
Darien was pale since his secret was let out.
Serena jerked her hand from Darien's grip. "That certainly explains our sporadic dates. Do you take her to the fancy art galleries or classical concerts?"
"Why does it matter? We are meant to be," Darien tried to use destiny to turn the tables. "Don't forget Rini."
It was Serena's turn to snort in contempt. "I'll not be your trophy wife." She pulled the insignificant ring from her finger. "The future is not set in stone," Serena reminded Darien of Trista's words. She used her index finger and thumb to place the ring in his palm.
Serena backed away before Darien could grab her arm. "I am no man's play toy. I can put up with a lot, but I draw the line at cheating. Good day to you, sir." Serena spun on her heel and sauntered away.
"Miss!" Alex called out. "I feel it is my gentlemen's duty to escort you to your destination with that tramp on the loose."
"If you must, Prince Alexander," Serena responded to throw him off-balance. She even said it in Lunarian.
"Princess Serenity, that's why you felt familiar, why my darkness was calm." Alexander Shade was astonished. "You look different, but in a good way with your hair shorter."
"Too many recognize the royal hairstyle."
"It is good to know that you're still Omni-lingual. I was hoping to continue our courtship."
"That may be an issue since I've no memory of you or our courtship," Serena stated as she walked beside the dark-haired male.
"How is it that you know my name and royal standing, then?" Alex was puzzled.
"Your ship triggered the sensors connected to the Moon Tablet. I looked up your information in the Moon Archives," Serena told him.
"I would still like to court you, your highness. Maybe spending time with me will revive your memories of me." Alex was dressed stylishly.
"I never went by protocol back on the Moon. I sure don't do so now. We call it dating these days," Serena informed the prince.
Alex chuckled at her remarks. "You are definitely the Crown Princess. Dating is for slackers, a rush job really. Courting suits me more. You will always deserve a proper courtship."
Serena tilted her head as she listened. "I've a good feeling that we'll suit just fine."
Alex pulled Serena closer as they came to a busy area. "Tell me, how is my little sister?"
"Hannah is studying to be a nurse. We freed her of Mistress 9, three years ago. She is a fully accepted member of my Sailor Scouts. Hannah is only second in power to me. She has her 17th birthday coming up as I'm sure you know. She'd love a surprise visit from her big brother." Serena felt the muscle flexing under her hand on his forearm.
"What makes you so sure she'll remember me when you don't?" Alex questioned. He let Serena lead him to their destination.
"Call it intuition," she smiled at him. She stopped when her communicator beeped, the scouts were calling. Serena held a finger to her lips before answering. "Yes, Mars?" She had been anticipating this call.
"You are needed at the temple for an impromptu meeting," Raye nearly commanded from her superior.
Serena gave her time of arrival at twenty minutes then turned the communicator off.
Alex looked to be brooding over Raye's insubordinate attitude. "I see that Rachel still tries to undermine your authority. She doesn't get that she is too hot-headed to lead."
Serena turned right instead of heading straight. She added that Raye was too ignorant to her faults to take advice. She had Alex stay hidden as she entered.
"What is the reason behind this meeting?"
"Darien called to say YOU broke up with him. You know how important he is to the future so apologize. He'll probably take you back," Raye stood with her arms crossed and a cocky smirk on her rouged lips.
Mina stepped forward, "Your love has with stood many obstacles. It is timeless."
Even Amy spoke up, "He is the king to your queen. I'm sure there is a logical reason."
"He has been your saving grace too many times to count," Lita gave her input.
"I find it interesting that none of you asked why I broke up with him," Serena glanced at the Inner Scouts. "You all jump to his side of the story when you are my court and without hearing my side."
"There must be a simple explanation," interrupted Amy.
"I guess cheating on a significant other could be called simple, but by no way acceptable," Alex walked in with smooth moves.
"I'm sorry, sir. This is a private conversation," Lita stood her full height as an intimation tactic. Her green button down blouse showed hints of a blush-colored tank top underneath.
"I'm the one who caught Sheilds cheating in this and last lifetime. So I'm sure I'm part of this conversation." Alex looked closely at the paling Scout of Mars. He also noticed how Sailor Venus in civilian garb looked appalled at the cheating accusation.
"Is there something you'd like to confess, Mars?" Serena was going on a hunch.
"Maybe if you gave him the relief he seeks, he wouldn't go looking for a mature classy woman," Raye mouthed off. She wore a black skirt with red roses embroidered on the trim and a red camisole.
Serena shook her head in disappointment. "You mean a wanna-be boyfriend thief of a common street-walking whore variety." Serena purposefully antagonized the temple maiden for a response.
"Why you?!" Raye lunged at Serena, but fell out on the porch when Serena side-stepped away from the doorway at the last second.
Serena tsked the downed fire scout.
Mina was wide eyed as she connected the dots, "He's only using you, Raye for pleasure. He doesn't love you."
"No, he loves me!" Raye shouted in denial.
"He is a skilled deceiver and manipulator," Alex tried to turn Raye's misconception around.
"Get out! You don't know what you are talking about!" Raye's face was red as her blood pressure rose.
Amy and Lita stayed with Raye to calm her down while Mina left with Serena and Alex.