Outcast: Chapter One
By: Obsidian
Genre: Alt/Romance
Rating: PG
Email: obcydn@yahoo.com
* * * * *
I just want to thank those who have taken the time to write a review.
It puts me in a good mood to write more!
You guys wanted a longer chapter, so here it is. Let me just warn you
though, this is going to start out a little slow, but bear with me. I
have to do the background details first! Oh, I forgot to mention this,
but the prologue is set in a distant past. Very, very distant.
Alright, on with the story.
DISCLAIMER: No matter how many pennies I threw into the wishing well,
Sailor Moon is never going to be mine!
* * * * *
Chapter One
Present day
The mansion was filled with voices and laughter of servants as they
hurried to prepare for the annual banquet in two weeks. No one paid
much attention to a slim black cat as she padded upstairs. Her eyes
possessed knowledge beyond her years, which were now focused on a
single bedroom door.
Behind the door, the feminine room was cluttered with dozens of roses
and the scent was overwhelmingly sweet. The balcony door was cracked
open with a stream of moonlight shinning through. A young girl was
standing by the doorway, her long blond hair flowing loosely in the
breeze. She was starring out into space when the cat startled her with
a soft "meow."
"Oh Luna, what am I going to do?" She bent down, picked the cat up and
held her close. There was a moment of silence before a strained
chuckle broke out. "I can't believe this is happening to me! This has
got to be the worst day of my life," Serena said, thinking back to the
conversation she had with her grandfather that afternoon.
***FLASHBACK***
In a grand office, Jonathan Tsukino, the owner of world's greatest
jewelry company, sat comfortably in a leather black chair. The window
behind him showed the setting sun. His facial features appeared
relaxed, but to those close to him, they knew better. He had a natural
gift for making people at ease before he threw the big dynamite. His
victim at the moment happened to be his only granddaughter. He stared
at Serena across the room, his eyes calculating. He picked up his
glass of champagne, took a sip before saying anything. "You know I
love you, don't you, Serena?"
"Of course, Grandpa. Just like you know I love you." Serena replied,
uncertain where this conversation was going. Although Serena loved her
grandpa and respected him, she also felt intimated by him. He was this
big authoritative figure whom Serena has been trying to please since
she was a little girl.
Jonathan nodded and continued, "I only want the best for my sweetie."
"I know, Grandpa."
"I'm getting older each day. Heck, even you're getting older each day.
More beautiful, too, just like your Mama." He said as an
afterthought.
"Thanks," Serena blushed at the mention of her beautiful mother. Her
parents died in a tragic car accident when she was six. Ever since
then, Serena and her brother, Sammy have been in the care of her
grandfather. "What does this have to do with anything, Grandpa?"
Jonathan took a deep sip from his glass before he replied. "Alright,
enough stalling. Serena, you're getting married."
Serena's mouth dropped open, but no words came out.
"All those years in boarding school, and they taught you nothing.
Close your mouth Serena, it's unladylike." He went on when she
complied. "His name is Brad Brians, graduated from University of
Alabama with a MBA in finance. He is 26 years old, only two years your
senior. His family had been around for decades." Jonathan continued
when she said nothing. "This marriage will go a long way to strengthen
our alliance. Think of the company, Serena. Besides that, I also
wanted to see you taken care of."
"B-b-but..." she trailed off, still shocked that he would even suggest
such a thing.
"Unless of course, you already have someone else in mind." Jonathan
eyed her from over the rim of the glass. "The announcement will be
made at the annual banquet. Either you're making it, or I will. Be
prepared." With that, Serena knew she was dismissed.
***END FLASHBACK***
Back in her room, Serena stroked the cat, considered her options.
After much deliberation, she realized there weren't many choices. It
is either get married, or...get married. Jonathan was not one to be
defied, and running away was out of the question. It would only cause
a scandal her grandpa's heart would not be able to handle.
"Anyway, heiress of the Tsukino Empire does not run away. She stays
and fights. Can you just imagine me introducing myself as 'Serena
Brians' though?" She wondered out loud. "Just wait until Raye hears
about this. It'll be worst than the meatball-head names."
Raye was Serena's best friend ever since kindergarten. She constantly
teased Serena about the two buns of hair on her head, calling them
meatballs. They've been through a lot together, from fighting for the
same seats on the bus to break ups with boyfriends. Whatever happened,
they've always been there for one another. They were as close as real
sisters could ever be. Just thinking about that reminded Serena she
had a date with Raye at the clubhouse tonight. Serena quickly went
through her closet for an outfit she could wear. After she got ready,
she checked one last time in the mirror, considered herself fit, she
walked out the door.
Clubhouse
At the exclusive members-only clubhouse, a girl with raven black hair
sat at the table, fending off immature teenage boys. Her scarlet nails
tapped to the rhythm of the music. She looked at her watch for the
fifth time before murmuring. "That girl! If she's ever on time for
anything, I'll personally get down on my knees and kiss the floor!"
From her purse, she got out a cigar and lit it, giving it two puffs.
She took a casual glance around the room and caught the eyes of a
gorgeously built male. She whistled and was about to get up and
introduce herself when a bundle of blond hair interrupted her plan.
"I'm so terribly sorry, Raye!" Serena exclaimed, a little out of
breath. "I just found out I'm getting married!"
"Yeah, and I'm Queen of Spain!" Raye tossed back sarcastically and
took another drag from the cigar.
"No. This time I'm not joking!" Serena made a disgusted face as she
waved at the smoke in her face. On second thought, Serena grabbed the
cigar from Raye's fingers and crushed it out.
Raye stared at Serena. "That was a $200 cigar imported from Paris you
just ruined!"
"No, that was a piece of junk I saved your lungs from."
"What's up with you tonight?" Raye asked.
"Weren't you listening? I told you I'm getting married!" At this
point, Serena was practically yelling, taking the frustration out on
her friend. She was pacing back and forth in front of the table, both
hands on her hips.
"Spill it." Raye said when she realized Serena was serious.
Serena gave a summarized story on her meeting with her grandpa and what
was expected of her. Throughout that time, Raye sat with her eyes
narrowed, listening intently.
"Well?" Serena asked when she was done. "What do you suggest I do, oh
Queen of Spain?" The small attempt at humor lightened the mood a bit,
relaxing both girls.
"I suggest you go back and marry the guy." Raye declared. "It's not
like you're going to be stuck with him forever. You can get a divorce
after your grandpa dies. He's not going to live much longer, the man
is practically over 100!"
Serena looked around the room, as if it could offer her any other
options. "That's mean, Raye. Besides, I don't know the guy, despite
the fact we move in the same social circle. I mean, whatever happened
to marry for love?"
"Well, what do YOU want to do?" Raye asked impatiently.
"If I know, I won't be asking you!"
"How about just pick a random guy off the street and propose to him!"
Raye joked.
Right at that moment, Serena made an eye contact with a man across the
room. He was leaning casually against the bar, both elbows on the
counter, legs spread apart. His hair, from what Serena could tell, was
black, parted from the middle. The strains of hair that fell did
nothing to hide the intense gaze of his eyes. Serena felt that stare
from all the way across the room and shivered. Her stomach did a slow
roll as she returned his look. There was something about the man that
drew her to him. He was magnificent, like one of those Roman gods
she'd seen pictures of. It surprised her that he was alone.
"Well, well, well," Serena drew out slowly. "Look what we have here?
I think I might do just what you suggested, Raye."
"What? Marry the guy and become the next Mrs. Brians?" Raye asked.
"No." She got up, smoothed down her hair, straightened her skirt,
turned to Raye and asked, "How do I look?"
"Like a cat that found a barrel of cream. Whatever you're up to, I can
tell you it's not smart."
She looked back in the man's direction and said to Raye, "Don't worry
about me. I know how to take care of myself."
"Riiight. Like that time when Aaron got drunk and hit on you? Oh,
what about that other time when you snuck into the guys' locker room,
huh?"
Serena did not reply but gave her a mischievous smile. She then left
her table and headed in his direction, putting on an extra sway for his
benefit. "Two can play this game," she whispered under her breath.
Raye watched her best friend walked toward the mysterious man, and had
a bad feeling in her guts.
* * * * *
Well, that's it. What do you guys think? Please R&R!!! It'll let me
know if I'm wasting your time and mine. I really hope you enjoyed it
though.
By: Obsidian
Genre: Alt/Romance
Rating: PG
Email: obcydn@yahoo.com
* * * * *
I just want to thank those who have taken the time to write a review.
It puts me in a good mood to write more!
You guys wanted a longer chapter, so here it is. Let me just warn you
though, this is going to start out a little slow, but bear with me. I
have to do the background details first! Oh, I forgot to mention this,
but the prologue is set in a distant past. Very, very distant.
Alright, on with the story.
DISCLAIMER: No matter how many pennies I threw into the wishing well,
Sailor Moon is never going to be mine!
* * * * *
Chapter One
Present day
The mansion was filled with voices and laughter of servants as they
hurried to prepare for the annual banquet in two weeks. No one paid
much attention to a slim black cat as she padded upstairs. Her eyes
possessed knowledge beyond her years, which were now focused on a
single bedroom door.
Behind the door, the feminine room was cluttered with dozens of roses
and the scent was overwhelmingly sweet. The balcony door was cracked
open with a stream of moonlight shinning through. A young girl was
standing by the doorway, her long blond hair flowing loosely in the
breeze. She was starring out into space when the cat startled her with
a soft "meow."
"Oh Luna, what am I going to do?" She bent down, picked the cat up and
held her close. There was a moment of silence before a strained
chuckle broke out. "I can't believe this is happening to me! This has
got to be the worst day of my life," Serena said, thinking back to the
conversation she had with her grandfather that afternoon.
***FLASHBACK***
In a grand office, Jonathan Tsukino, the owner of world's greatest
jewelry company, sat comfortably in a leather black chair. The window
behind him showed the setting sun. His facial features appeared
relaxed, but to those close to him, they knew better. He had a natural
gift for making people at ease before he threw the big dynamite. His
victim at the moment happened to be his only granddaughter. He stared
at Serena across the room, his eyes calculating. He picked up his
glass of champagne, took a sip before saying anything. "You know I
love you, don't you, Serena?"
"Of course, Grandpa. Just like you know I love you." Serena replied,
uncertain where this conversation was going. Although Serena loved her
grandpa and respected him, she also felt intimated by him. He was this
big authoritative figure whom Serena has been trying to please since
she was a little girl.
Jonathan nodded and continued, "I only want the best for my sweetie."
"I know, Grandpa."
"I'm getting older each day. Heck, even you're getting older each day.
More beautiful, too, just like your Mama." He said as an
afterthought.
"Thanks," Serena blushed at the mention of her beautiful mother. Her
parents died in a tragic car accident when she was six. Ever since
then, Serena and her brother, Sammy have been in the care of her
grandfather. "What does this have to do with anything, Grandpa?"
Jonathan took a deep sip from his glass before he replied. "Alright,
enough stalling. Serena, you're getting married."
Serena's mouth dropped open, but no words came out.
"All those years in boarding school, and they taught you nothing.
Close your mouth Serena, it's unladylike." He went on when she
complied. "His name is Brad Brians, graduated from University of
Alabama with a MBA in finance. He is 26 years old, only two years your
senior. His family had been around for decades." Jonathan continued
when she said nothing. "This marriage will go a long way to strengthen
our alliance. Think of the company, Serena. Besides that, I also
wanted to see you taken care of."
"B-b-but..." she trailed off, still shocked that he would even suggest
such a thing.
"Unless of course, you already have someone else in mind." Jonathan
eyed her from over the rim of the glass. "The announcement will be
made at the annual banquet. Either you're making it, or I will. Be
prepared." With that, Serena knew she was dismissed.
***END FLASHBACK***
Back in her room, Serena stroked the cat, considered her options.
After much deliberation, she realized there weren't many choices. It
is either get married, or...get married. Jonathan was not one to be
defied, and running away was out of the question. It would only cause
a scandal her grandpa's heart would not be able to handle.
"Anyway, heiress of the Tsukino Empire does not run away. She stays
and fights. Can you just imagine me introducing myself as 'Serena
Brians' though?" She wondered out loud. "Just wait until Raye hears
about this. It'll be worst than the meatball-head names."
Raye was Serena's best friend ever since kindergarten. She constantly
teased Serena about the two buns of hair on her head, calling them
meatballs. They've been through a lot together, from fighting for the
same seats on the bus to break ups with boyfriends. Whatever happened,
they've always been there for one another. They were as close as real
sisters could ever be. Just thinking about that reminded Serena she
had a date with Raye at the clubhouse tonight. Serena quickly went
through her closet for an outfit she could wear. After she got ready,
she checked one last time in the mirror, considered herself fit, she
walked out the door.
Clubhouse
At the exclusive members-only clubhouse, a girl with raven black hair
sat at the table, fending off immature teenage boys. Her scarlet nails
tapped to the rhythm of the music. She looked at her watch for the
fifth time before murmuring. "That girl! If she's ever on time for
anything, I'll personally get down on my knees and kiss the floor!"
From her purse, she got out a cigar and lit it, giving it two puffs.
She took a casual glance around the room and caught the eyes of a
gorgeously built male. She whistled and was about to get up and
introduce herself when a bundle of blond hair interrupted her plan.
"I'm so terribly sorry, Raye!" Serena exclaimed, a little out of
breath. "I just found out I'm getting married!"
"Yeah, and I'm Queen of Spain!" Raye tossed back sarcastically and
took another drag from the cigar.
"No. This time I'm not joking!" Serena made a disgusted face as she
waved at the smoke in her face. On second thought, Serena grabbed the
cigar from Raye's fingers and crushed it out.
Raye stared at Serena. "That was a $200 cigar imported from Paris you
just ruined!"
"No, that was a piece of junk I saved your lungs from."
"What's up with you tonight?" Raye asked.
"Weren't you listening? I told you I'm getting married!" At this
point, Serena was practically yelling, taking the frustration out on
her friend. She was pacing back and forth in front of the table, both
hands on her hips.
"Spill it." Raye said when she realized Serena was serious.
Serena gave a summarized story on her meeting with her grandpa and what
was expected of her. Throughout that time, Raye sat with her eyes
narrowed, listening intently.
"Well?" Serena asked when she was done. "What do you suggest I do, oh
Queen of Spain?" The small attempt at humor lightened the mood a bit,
relaxing both girls.
"I suggest you go back and marry the guy." Raye declared. "It's not
like you're going to be stuck with him forever. You can get a divorce
after your grandpa dies. He's not going to live much longer, the man
is practically over 100!"
Serena looked around the room, as if it could offer her any other
options. "That's mean, Raye. Besides, I don't know the guy, despite
the fact we move in the same social circle. I mean, whatever happened
to marry for love?"
"Well, what do YOU want to do?" Raye asked impatiently.
"If I know, I won't be asking you!"
"How about just pick a random guy off the street and propose to him!"
Raye joked.
Right at that moment, Serena made an eye contact with a man across the
room. He was leaning casually against the bar, both elbows on the
counter, legs spread apart. His hair, from what Serena could tell, was
black, parted from the middle. The strains of hair that fell did
nothing to hide the intense gaze of his eyes. Serena felt that stare
from all the way across the room and shivered. Her stomach did a slow
roll as she returned his look. There was something about the man that
drew her to him. He was magnificent, like one of those Roman gods
she'd seen pictures of. It surprised her that he was alone.
"Well, well, well," Serena drew out slowly. "Look what we have here?
I think I might do just what you suggested, Raye."
"What? Marry the guy and become the next Mrs. Brians?" Raye asked.
"No." She got up, smoothed down her hair, straightened her skirt,
turned to Raye and asked, "How do I look?"
"Like a cat that found a barrel of cream. Whatever you're up to, I can
tell you it's not smart."
She looked back in the man's direction and said to Raye, "Don't worry
about me. I know how to take care of myself."
"Riiight. Like that time when Aaron got drunk and hit on you? Oh,
what about that other time when you snuck into the guys' locker room,
huh?"
Serena did not reply but gave her a mischievous smile. She then left
her table and headed in his direction, putting on an extra sway for his
benefit. "Two can play this game," she whispered under her breath.
Raye watched her best friend walked toward the mysterious man, and had
a bad feeling in her guts.
* * * * *
Well, that's it. What do you guys think? Please R&R!!! It'll let me
know if I'm wasting your time and mine. I really hope you enjoyed it
though.